Cold Atlantic water, hot wildlife action. This small-group RIB tour is built for close viewing from sea level, with a fast boat that covers more ground in Faxaflói Bay. If you’re visiting during puffin season (early May through late August), you can also catch a quick look at puffins on nearby islands outside Reykjavik.

I especially like the human touch: you get a professional marine biologist guide, and the crew’s focus stays on spotting animals (not just getting you out for a ride). I also love the comfort upgrade—coveralls and safety gear, plus shock-absorbing seats that make the bumpy North Atlantic feel more manageable. One drawback to plan for: this is a speedboat, so on rough days the trip can feel choppy, and it’s not a great match for people with knee problems.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group (max 12): more time for questions and easier animal spotting without the chaos of big boats
• Sea-level viewing from a RIB: you’re closer to whales, dolphins, and seabirds than you’d expect
• Puffins in season: quick island stop near Akurey, Engey, or Lundey just outside Reykjavik
• Marine biologist guide: you get real science, not only spotting tips
• Warm gear and safety kit: coveralls plus essentials to keep you comfortable and secure
• If no whales are spotted: you’re issued a ticket for an alternative tour

Why this RIB whale safari feels different than big-boat tours

Reykjavik whale watching is popular for a reason. Whales and dolphins move with the currents, and sightings can change fast. That’s exactly why this tour uses a small RIB speedboat. Smaller boat. Less crowd pressure. Faster movement. That combo matters when you’re trying to find animals and keep your eyes locked on them.

The best part is the viewing height. You’re out at the waterline, not perched above it. From there, you can often catch the details you miss on bigger vessels—water spouts, quick surface breaks, and dolphins that pop up right beside the hull. In feedback, people talk about moments like humpbacks breaching repeatedly, and whales surfacing very close to the boat. You’re not guaranteed that kind of show, but the tour is designed to put you in position for it.

Getting kitted up at Ægisgarður 5d (and why the coveralls matter)

Your tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area, and you end back at the same meeting point. The meeting is simple and direct, and it’s close enough to public transport that you don’t need a car.

Once you’re on site, you’ll be outfitted with coveralls and the necessary safety equipment. People consistently mention that the suits are genuinely warm and help a lot once you’re out in open water. Reviews also highlight gloves, hats, and goggles being provided as part of staying comfortable and keeping the wind off your face. In plain terms: you’ll feel less like you’re “enduring Iceland” and more like you can actually watch.

This tour also runs on the expectation that the North Atlantic can be rough. It’s not a casual pond cruise. The crew uses high-performance suspension seats, which are shock-absorbing and designed to reduce discomfort and the risk of injuries. That doesn’t erase bad weather, but it does make the ride more bearable for more people.

Stop 1 around Ægisgarður 5d: puffin season setup, then off for whales

Early in the trip you’ll get a quick start from the Old Harbour area. During the puffin season (early May to the end of August), the itinerary includes puffin time, but the day’s main mission is still the whale hunt.

From there, you head out looking for whales, dolphins, and seabirds across a larger search area than slower vessels can cover. The tour’s own logic is smart: the faster boat lets the crew adjust quickly when they spot signs of life, so you spend less time “waiting for luck” and more time with your eyes on the water.

You’ll also hear plenty of explanation from the guide. This is where a marine biologist guide makes a difference. It’s not only about where you’re going—it’s about what you’re seeing and why it’s happening. Expect talk that helps you track behavior: surfacing patterns, seabird signals, and how dolphins often show up where food is moving.

Stop 2 at Akurey, Engey, or Lundey: the puffins quick fix

If you travel during puffin season, this stop is a big part of the appeal. The islands near Reykjavik can include Akurey, Engey, or Lundey just outside the harbour area. The ride is short, and you spend around 5–10 minutes with puffins in their natural habitat.

This isn’t a long hike or a long island visit. It’s a focused window: enough time to spot them, see their surroundings up close, and enjoy the seabird chaos without turning it into a time-suck. And because these islands are close to Reykjavik, you get something special—wild puffins without needing a full-day excursion.

If you’re wondering what else you might notice besides puffins, the tour area is known for a mix of seabirds like auks and gannets. That means even if puffins are camera-shy at that exact moment, the cliffs and skies can still feel alive.

Stop 3 in Faxaflói Bay: the real whale safari

After puffin time (or straight into the hunt in non-puffin months), you head to Faxaflói Bay. This is where the tour typically spends the longest chunk—about 1.5 hours—searching for whales and dolphins.

This is also where the RIB format shines. A small fast boat can move over a wider stretch of water during the same time window. That boosts your chances, because whales are not sitting still on a schedule. The crew is watching constantly, scanning for surface breaks and other clues that animals are close.

What to expect during the hunt: periods of intense looking followed by sudden bursts of action. In feedback, people describe whales breaching, humpbacks surfacing close, and dolphins playing in the wake or alongside the boat. You might see just a few animals, or you might hit a strong streak. Either way, you’ll be at sea level with a view that feels immediate.

The photo-friendly return: Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water

Once the whale safari portion is done, you head back toward Reykjavik. The return route adds a nice bonus: a shoreline ride with a panoramic view from the sea. You pass the Sun Voyager sculpture and the tour also goes by the harbour side of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.

These stops are short, and that’s on purpose—the tour stays focused on wildlife time. But the water view of Reykjavik’s waterfront is a fun contrast after hours on the open sea. It also gives you a chance to reset your camera grip and look back at the city you’ll be stepping into later.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a moderate-activity outing. You should be comfortable getting on and off a boat and handling cold wind and spray. You don’t need to be athletic, but you do need enough mobility for a speedboat day.

It’s also not recommended for everyone:

• Not recommended for knee problems. The ride can be rough, and the tour guidance explicitly flags knees as a concern.
• Not recommended for young children. Kids must be over age 10 and over 145 cm tall.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to take it seriously. Some people say the ride wasn’t too rough for them, while others note choppy conditions on certain days. The crew can be helpful about coping, but weather decides a lot.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves action and wants the best chance at sightings without sitting for hours on a big vessel, this tour fits well. It’s also a good pick for a first-day “wake-up call” in Iceland—short enough to still feel like a vacation day, but exciting enough to make the trip feel real fast.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $208 per person

At about $208.09 per person, this isn’t a bargain activity. But whale watching in Iceland isn’t cheap, and the cost here reflects what matters: small group size, professional interpretation, and the RIB operating style.

Here’s the value math that makes sense:

• Small group (max 12): you’re more likely to see and talk, and animals are easier to track when you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
• Marine biologist guide: you get context that turns random sightings into understanding.
• Warm gear and safety equipment: you’re not buying cold-weather layers just to sit outside.
• More search coverage: the boat can cover a larger area during the whale-hunt window, which helps your chances.
• Plan B if no sightings: if whales aren’t seen, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour.

What’s not included is also clear: food and drinks aren’t part of the price, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. So budget for a snack beforehand or pack something simple if it works with your schedule.

Practical tips so you actually enjoy the ride

Iceland is a wind machine. This tour is out on open water, so comfort is a big deal.

Do these:

• Dress in warm layers—wool or fleece, plus a hat and gloves. Sturdy footwear helps too.
• Expect splash and spray. Even with coveralls, you’ll feel damp wind if you dress too lightly.
• Keep your phone/camera secure. Goggle or lens protection can matter when wind whips salt spray around.

If you’re sensitive to motion:

• Choose a seat where the crew tells you to. The tour’s suspension seats are built for comfort, but placement can still affect how you feel.
• Bring what you normally use for seasickness. The crew has experience helping people cope, but prevention is smarter than panic.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

Book it if you want close, sea-level wildlife viewing and you’re excited by the idea of a fast, focused hunt rather than a slow cruise. It’s also a great match for couples and small groups who value a personal feel—especially because you’re capped at 12 people.

Skip it (or choose carefully) if you have knee issues, if your child doesn’t meet the 10+ age and 145+ cm height rule, or if rough boat rides would ruin the day. If you’re on the fence, remember that weather affects sightings and the tour may shift to another date if conditions aren’t safe—so it’s smart to book when you have flexibility.

In the end, this is one of the more action-packed ways to do Reykjavik wildlife. When the whales show up, you’ll feel like you’re watching them at arm’s length.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

The tour runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

How many people are on this small-group tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are a professional marine biologist guide, coveralls, and all necessary safety equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do they visit islands to see puffins?

During puffin season (early May to end of August), the tour includes a stop at nearby islands such as Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, with about 5–10 minutes with puffins.

What should I wear for this tour?

Dress warmly with wool or fleece layers, plus a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

What are the age and height requirements for children?

Children must be over age 10 and over 145 centimeters tall.

What happens if no whales are spotted?

If there are no sightings, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour. The experience also requires good weather.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.