Whales are a moving target. This premium RIB speedboat tour from Reykjavík takes you out into Faxafloi Bay with the chance to see humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. You get a thrilling, open-air ride on a purpose-built vessel, plus live English guidance from a professional captain.

I love how close the experience feels once you’re out on the water. Warm overalls, safety gear, and the newer suspension seats help a lot when wind and spray pick up, and you still move fast enough to search a wide area in the two hours. That combination makes it feel like real time out there, not a slow boat sightseeing cruise.

One thing to weigh: whale watching is still nature. If the weather or sea state doesn’t cooperate, the tour may be canceled, and even on a good day you might not see whales or dolphins.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Small-group vibe on a RIB speedboat means you’re not stuck watching from far away.
• Two-hour search time is long enough to look for wildlife without turning your day into a half-day project.
• Humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins are the main stars you’re hoping to spot in Faxafloi Bay.
• Puffin watching May–August happens right outside the harbor during breeding season.
• Warm overalls + safety kit are included, so you can focus on layers and comfort instead of guessing gear.
• Flexible ticket + a free retry (if you don’t see whales/dolphins) helps protect your time and expectations.

From Old Harbour to Faxafloi Bay in a RIB Speedboat

This tour starts in Reykjavík Old Harbour at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5 (101 Reykjavík). You’ll want to arrive 30 minutes early so you have time to check in, get sorted with the included gear, and get seated before departure.

Then comes the main event: boarding a specially designed open-air RIB. These boats are small and powerful, built for speed and quick maneuvering. That matters because whale activity isn’t in one fixed place. The captain can cover more water within the two hours you have, rather than spending the whole cruise creeping along one spot.

You’ll feel the pace right away. A RIB ride is not the same as a calm ferry. If you’re prone to back discomfort, you’ll want to take the “not recommended” warning seriously. Same goes for pregnant travelers and anyone with heart problems. This isn’t about being dramatic; it’s about the fact that the ride can be bumpy, even with suspension seating.

What the 2-Hour Wildlife Cruise Is Really Like

Once you’re out on the water, the goal is simple: find whales and other marine life around Faxafloi Bay. You get live guidance in English, which helps you understand what you’re seeing in the moment instead of playing guessing games.

The tour focuses on a short list of likely sightings:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Dolphins

When a whale surfaces nearby, the experience can feel surprisingly personal because you’re close, on a small craft, not watching from a distance. And when it’s quiet, the captain’s job is to keep searching without wasting your time. That’s why the RIB format is a big part of the value here.

One more reality check: whale and dolphin sightings can be hit-or-miss even when you do everything right. That’s not a failure of the tour. It’s just Iceland and the open sea—animals move, winds change, and visibility can shift.

A practical advantage, though: if you don’t see whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour, which uses larger boats in Reykjavík or Akureyri. That extra attempt is a smart safety net if you’re paying premium prices and want a better shot at wildlife.

Humpbacks, Minke Whales, and Dolphins: Spotting Tips That Help

The tour doesn’t promise specific animals on every departure, so your best strategy is to watch like you mean it. When the captain and guide are scanning the water, keep your eyes moving. Whales and dolphins don’t always announce themselves for long.

A few things you can do to improve your odds of actually seeing something:

• Wear the warm overalls they provide and add layers underneath if the day is cool.
• Use sports shoes (as recommended) so your stance is secure when the boat changes speed.
• Stay attentive during guidance—when the guide calls out behavior or locations, it usually means something is about to happen.

From the overall experience, you’re aiming to catch surface moments: blows, movement breaks, and quick dips. Dolphins can be easier to notice because they travel and interact with the water more actively, while whales can be more sudden and brief. The two-hour window is built to search widely enough that you’re not stuck waiting forever.

Also, think about how you’ll feel if you only see dolphins or porpoises instead of whales. The tour is set up for multiple species, and it’s not just about one magic moment.

Puffin Watching Outside the Harbor (May to August)

If you go during the May–August window, you get an extra treat: puffin watching included as part of the tour. The birds nest just outside the city’s harbor, so you don’t have to wait for open-ocean conditions to get a wildlife win.

This is a nice bonus for two reasons. First, puffins are visually unmistakable, so even on a day when whales are elusive, you still get something special close to Reykjavík. Second, it adds variety—your tour isn’t only about scanning for whales across distant water.

And timing matters. If you’re traveling in the shoulder months, this puffin piece may not be included, so check your dates carefully.

The Comfort and Safety Details That Change the Experience

Iceland weather loves to surprise you. This is why I think the included comfort items are more than “nice extras.”

You’ll receive warm overalls and the necessary safety equipment. That means you’re not stuck dressing for a cold ferry ride with whatever you happen to bring. It also helps you stay focused on the scenery and wildlife rather than shivering and bracing yourself the whole time.

Then there’s the seating: high-quality suspension seats designed to increase safety and comfort. You’re still on an open RIB, so you’ll feel motion. But these seats can make a real difference if you’re worried about the ride. The tour is still not recommended for people with a history of back problems, so don’t assume suspension seating makes it universally comfortable.

What to bring is straightforward:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sports shoes

What not to bring is also important: oversize luggage isn’t allowed. Pack light and be ready to move quickly at the harbor.

Finally, remember that the captain’s call rules the day. Weather and sea conditions can cause cancellations.

Price and Value: Why $202 Can Be Worth It (or Not)

At $202 per person for a two-hour premium experience, this isn’t a bargain activity. The price is paying for three things that matter in whale watching: speed, search range, and comfort on a RIB.

A larger-boat tour can be steadier and sometimes can feel more forgiving. But the RIB’s strength is that it can cover more water and chase sightings faster within your limited time window. If whales are out there, this format gives you a better chance of being near them.

Comfort is also baked in. Warm overalls, safety equipment, and suspension seats aren’t things you’d want to piece together yourself. Plus, you’re paying for professional leadership: a captain and live English guidance while you scan the bay.

The flexible ticket is another value lever. You can change your departure time up to one hour prior to the reserved departure by contacting the local supplier, as long as availability allows. That’s useful in Reykjavík, where weather can shift and you may want to coordinate with other plans.

And then there’s the big emotional value: if you don’t see whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on a Classic Whale Watching tour on a larger boat. That’s a strong “protect your money” feature, because whale watching disappointment is the real risk with tours like this.

Still, if you’re going at a time when you’re not willing to accept the possibility of no sightings, you should know the chance isn’t zero. The tour’s success depends on nature, not just the operator.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a fun, high-energy way to see wildlife near Reykjavík, but it’s not for everyone.

This tour is suitable for children over 10 and over 145 cm tall. It’s not recommended for:

• pregnant women
• people with a history of back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people with heart problems
• people under 145 cm

If you’re generally healthy, comfortable with a speedboat, and you can handle motion, you’ll probably enjoy the ride and the search-by-the-seat-of-your-pants feel.

If you’re someone who hates bumpy rides, you might still love whale watching—but you’d want to consider a steadier alternative. The fact that there’s a free retry on Classic Whale Watching (larger boats) is a hint that boat choice can matter for comfort.

Should You Book This Flexible RIB Whale Watching Tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a premium, fast, small-group whale safari experience that actually tries to find wildlife rather than drifting for hours. The included warm gear, suspension seating, and live English guidance make it easier to enjoy the moment. And the flexible ticket helps you adapt if Reykjavík’s weather throws you off.

I’d think twice if you’re sensitive to motion, have any of the health or mobility concerns listed, or you’re traveling with strict expectations about guaranteed whale sightings. Even with a great captain and good conditions, whales are wild animals and you can still end a trip without the big surface moment.

If you’re the kind of traveler who can be flexible and you value a strong safety net (the free retry if you don’t see whales/dolphins), this is a smart way to spend a couple of hours in Reykjavík’s harbor area and out on Faxafloi Bay.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What’s included to keep me warm and safe?

The tour includes warm overalls, all necessary safety equipment, and comfortable suspension seats. You also get a professional captain and live guidance in English.

Is puffin watching included?

Yes, puffin watching is included during the birds breeding season, which runs May through August.

Is the ticket flexible if my plans change?

Yes. You can change your departure time up to one hour prior to the reserved departure by contacting the local supplier, subject to availability.

What if I don’t see whales or dolphins on the RIB tour?

If you don’t see any whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour on the larger boats in Reykjavík or Akureyri.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 10 or those under 145 cm. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women, people with a history of back problems, people with mobility impairments, and people with heart problems.