Fast boats, real whales, and icy sea air. This Reykjavík trip runs on a RIB speedboat, so you cruise close to the islands in Faxaflói Bay while Reykjavík’s waterfront landmarks sit above you. I like how you get panoramic views of Harpa and the coast from water level, instead of just craning over railings.

I also love the small 12-seater setup. It feels less like a floating bus and more like a focused safari, with the crew able to reposition fast when wildlife appears. One drawback to plan for: wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the ride can be bumpy enough that some people get seasick or should rethink it if they have back issues.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• RIB speedboat thrills with quick repositioning off Reykjavík’s coast
• Old Harbour House check-in with self-service QR/bar ticket scan
• Faxaflói Bay islands on the route, including Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island)
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles included for cold wind and spray
• Free try-again ticket if you don’t see wildlife on your departure
• English live guide and close-to-the-action sight lines from a 12-seater boat

Old Harbour House Check-In: Fast Start, Real-World Logistics

You meet at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, about a 30-minute buffer before departure. You’ll check in by scanning the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk, which keeps things moving instead of turning the lobby into a waiting game.

No hotel pickup is part of the package, so you’ll want to build in time to get to the harbor area yourself. If you’re driving, there’s nearby free parking listed for the meeting point, which helps in Reykjavík where parking can be tight when you arrive late.

What I find smart here is the gear approach. Instead of telling you to guess what to wear, the tour provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. You still should bring warm clothing under the suit—think layers you can move in and a camera you can hold without freezing your fingers.

The 2-Hour RIB Route Around Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavík

This is a straightforward format: a two-hour boat tour built around finding marine life near Reykjavík. You start at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, then head out along the coast and through Faxaflói Bay where small islands dot the route.

As you cruise, you’ll pass by standout landmarks from the water. The Harpa concert hall is a big one for skyline views, and you also get a sense of how the city sits right against open sea rather than being set back inland.

The route includes sailing past Engey, described as the second-largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord in western Iceland. You’ll also pass Lundey, literally Puffin Island, a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast.

Your captain makes real-time decisions based on weather and sea conditions. That matters because the tour is dependent on suitable conditions, and the goal is passenger safety and comfort first—not forcing a route when the sea doesn’t cooperate.

Wildlife Chances That Actually Feel Like Hunting, Not Waiting

Let’s talk about the core reason you’re here: whales and other sea animals off Reykjavík’s shoreline. This trip aims to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the wild, while also giving you chances to see seabirds like puffins around the islands.

The key detail is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. But this tour reduces the usual heartbreak. If you don’t see wildlife on your departure, you get a complimentary ticket to try again another day. That’s a big deal when your schedule is tight or when you’re coming in shoulder season.

From the kinds of encounters described, you may see humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins (including white-beaked dolphins), plus harbour porpoises. Some departures go heavy on multiple species, while others are more hit-or-miss. That’s the ocean being the ocean.

Where the RIB matters is speed and positioning. A smaller boat can move quickly when the crew spots blow or surfacing behavior, so you’re more likely to arrive while the animals are still active nearby. You’re not just hoping the next distant “maybe” turns into a real sighting.

Engey and Lundey: Islands That Change the Mood of the Trip

Two island passes help make this more than just a straight out-and-back whale chase.

Engey adds scale. Seeing a larger island close up from a fast boat helps you understand the geography of Faxaflói Bay—how the sea life mixes with sheltered areas, bird hotspots, and routes that are close to Reykjavík.

Then you get Lundey, Puffin Island. Even if whales are the main headline, Lundey is the kind of stop that shifts the whole feeling of the outing. It’s a small, uninhabited island, and your time passing it can bring seabirds into view when conditions line up.

If you’re traveling for the mix—marine mammals plus birds—this route gives you both lanes. And since the boat is small, you’re typically not stuck watching from far away while the day goes on.

How the 12-Seat Boat Changes Your Odds (and Your Comfort)

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience: the intimate 12-seater format. On a small boat, you get better sight lines and less crowding, which makes the wildlife sightings feel more personal and less chaotic.

You’re also riding a true RIB speedboat, not a quiet cruise. Expect a fun ride that can be bumpy at times. Some guests say they stay pretty dry in decent weather, while others highlight how wind and spray can reach you even with gear on.

The physical posture can help. One tip you’ll hear from people who do this a lot: you’ll often half-sit and half-stand with your legs to reduce the impact. It’s not hard, but it’s a good reminder to wear comfortable shoes and to stay balanced when the boat changes speed.

Guides are part of the value here. You’ll be on an English live tour with a crew that tends to spot action fast and explain what’s happening out on the water. Names mentioned include Claudia, Julien, Klaudia, Bianca, and Julian—each reflecting a style that focuses on safety, spotting, and answering questions as you go.

Weather and Wind: What to Wear (So You Don’t Hate Life)

If you’re expecting perfect Icelandic weather on demand, you’ll be disappointed. The captain runs the tour only when conditions are suitable, and you can face wind, cold spray, and bouncy water even in months with better odds.

This is why the included gear matters. The overalls, gloves, and goggles are meant to keep you warm enough to enjoy the ride. Still, you should plan for cold wind rushing over the boat.

A smart practical approach:

• Bring warm layers under the overalls.
• Use a camera strap you can manage even with gloves.
• Consider a face cover if you hate wind cutting in.
• Protect sensitive ears. Wind is the thing that surprises people the most.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it seriously. Some people report feeling seasick even with the suit and warm gear. The RIB is fast and active, so it’s not the gentlest option on the water.

Also, think about rain. One caution that comes up is that very rainy weather can make the trip less pleasant, even if the boat still runs.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth Two Hours of Spray?

At around $200 per person for a two-hour outing, this isn’t a casual add-on. The value comes from what you get included and what the boat can do.

First, the tour includes the gear: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, so you’re not trying to buy cold-weather basics at the last minute. Second, you’re getting sightseeing from the water—Reykjavík’s waterfront landmarks and the islands in Faxaflói Bay—so the time isn’t only spent scanning for whales.

Third, you get the most important value lever: the free try-again ticket if you don’t see wildlife. That turns a costly gamble into something closer to a service guarantee.

Finally, there’s the boat size. Many people choose this specifically because a smaller RIB can reach sighting areas faster and keep you closer when animals are active. That can mean the difference between seeing nothing and seeing a real show—like whale surfacing near the boat or dolphins moving in the water around you.

If you’re comparing your options in Reykjavík, don’t just compare price. Compare how many people you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with, how close you might be to animals, and whether the operator actually repositions quickly when something is happening.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour has clear limits for a reason.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

If you’re afraid of bumpy rides or you’re very sensitive to motion sickness, it’s worth thinking hard before booking. The boat is designed for speed and quick maneuvering, which is part of the fun but not ideal for everyone’s body.

On the other hand, if you want an active experience, like the idea of getting to wildlife faster, and you’re willing to dress for wind and cold, this kind of outing fits perfectly. It’s a strong choice if Reykjavík is your base and you want one focused “sea day” without losing your whole schedule to travel.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watching Tour?

I’d book it if your priorities are close encounters, a lively small-boat feel, and the chance to see multiple marine species from Reykjavík’s coastline. The free try-again ticket is the kind of safety net that makes the price feel more reasonable, especially if you’re traveling on a once-or-twice in Iceland schedule.

I’d hesitate if you’re dealing with back issues, pregnancy, or you know you get seasick easily. In that case, the cold wind and boat motion could take away from the whole point of the day.

If you can choose timing, aim for the summer months from April through September for the best whale-watching chances. And if your plans are tight, the tour’s flexible booking style (reserve now, pay later) can help you lock in a slot without stressing your schedule.

Bottom line: this is a high-energy, weather-dependent whale safari with warm gear, a 12-seat RIB, and a smart contingency if wildlife doesn’t show. If that matches your trip style, it’s an easy yes.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and when should I check in?

You check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You’ll scan the bar/QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What wildlife might I see off Reykjavík?

The tour is designed for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. There is also a chance to see puffins near Lundey.

Is wildlife viewing guaranteed?

No. Sightings can’t be guaranteed. If you don’t see any wildlife on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the RIB boat tour on a 12-seater boat, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 145 cm (4 ft 8 in).

What language is the guide in?

The live tour guide is in English.