Reykjavik’s harbor turns wild fast. I love the action of a brand new 12-seat RIB with suspension seats, plus the fact that you get practical warm waterproof overalls before you even step into the wind. It feels like whale watching plus a real boat ride, not just standing around hoping.

The only real catch is that whale sightings are not guaranteed, and rougher weather can make spotting harder and the ride more intense. Still, even when the whales are elusive, the trip has plenty going on in the bay.

Quick take: what makes this speedboat tour work

• 12-seat luxury RIB with suspension seats for comfort while you bounce across open water
• Faxaflói Bay search for whales, plus dolphins, seals, and sea birds
• Puffin time up close near islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg
• Harpa and Sun Voyager pass-by views right as you leave Reykjavik harbor
• Warm waterproof gear including gloves and goggles, plus life jacket rental

A close-up RIB ride that starts with Reykjavik’s best shoreline views

This tour runs out of Reykjavik’s old harbor area, meeting at Ægisgarður 5G, a short walk from the center. You don’t spend the day on a long bus to some distant pier, which matters when you only have a 2-hour window on the water.

Before you head out, you’ll get layered up with what you need to stay warm. Expect warm waterproof coveralls, gloves and goggles, plus a life jacket rental. It’s one of the smartest parts of the whole experience, because Iceland’s weather can change fast, and you cannot dress for comfort after you’re already underway.

Gear check: gloves, goggles, and why shoes matter

A speedboat tour is only fun when you feel steady. That’s why the shoe rules are not there for decoration: no sandals or flip-flops, and no open-toed shoes are allowed.

What you do get is gear that handles spray and cold. You’ll have warm waterproof overall coverage, and the goggles and gloves help when the boat kicks up mist. If you’re the type who freezes in a windbreaker, this is the part you’ll appreciate most, because you’re not trying to tough it out in wet clothes.

One more detail that helps: you’ll be told what to bring in terms of personal whale-watching items. The tour notes a scarf is part of what you use, so dress like you’re going to be outside the whole time, not like you’re just taking photos for a few minutes.

Leaving Reykjavik: Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager, then out to Faxaflói Bay

The cruise starts with a scenic warm-up as you pass the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. This is more than a pretty intro. It’s also a quick reminder that you’re not in a sealed nature exhibit. You’re leaving the city and heading into the real conditions that whales and seabirds deal with every day.

Once you’re out, the goal is Faxaflói Bay. This is the working area for your whale search, and it’s where you’re likely to see more than just whales. The tour information points to up to 23 species of whales in the wider area, plus dolphins and seals.

That variety matters. In whale watching, the difference between a memorable trip and a forgettable one often comes down to timing and luck. A tour that actively searches a rich zone gives you a better shot at multiple sightings, not just one distant spout.

Whale spotting in real sea conditions: what to watch for

Let’s be honest: spotting whales from a boat is harder than watching them from shore. You’re scanning open water, dealing with light angle, spray, and the fact that whales do not perform on cue like they do in videos.

The upside is that this tour is built for close-range movement. The RIB is designed to get you where the action is, and the crew focuses on finding whales and then following when sightings happen. Past trips highlight humpback encounters where you could see more than a surface blow, including the kind of behavior that lets you recognize a feeding or breathing rhythm rather than just spotting a back and losing it.

The best strategy for you is simple: give your guide a fair shot, then keep your eyes moving too. When the crew calls something out, you’ll usually have a short window to see the animal clearly, so don’t be stuck staring at your phone camera screen.

If you’re lucky, you might also connect with other whale types. Reviews include minke whales, and even rare moments like pilot whales showing up in a large pod. On top of that, dolphins often share the ride, sometimes swimming close enough that you notice their patterns relative to the boat.

Puffins near nesting islands: the part that feels wonderfully chaotic

The puffin segment is one of the big reasons to choose this specific style of tour. You’re not just hearing puffin facts. You’re cruising toward the islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins come to nest and lay their one egg, then getting close enough to notice how busy they are.

Puffins are small, and that makes them fun in a different way than whales. Whales are about scale and silence. Puffins are movement: flying in bursts, dipping at the waterline, popping up where you thought there was just rock and wind.

When visibility and weather cooperate, you can get sightings both around the islands and near the cliff or beach areas. Reviews mention puffins flying and swimming around the boat, plus additional puffins on the cliffs and beaches. That’s exactly what you want from a close-range cruise, not a distant speck you can barely confirm.

What your guide adds: city facts plus wildlife sense-making

You’re not left on your own with binoculars. This is a live tour with full guidance, and the tour info lists English and Icelandic.

What I like about this format is that it links Reykjavik to what you’re actually seeing on the water. The crew gives you facts about whales and wildlife, but they also connect the trip to the city landmarks you passed earlier. That turns the cruise into a story, not just a series of sightings.

The best guide moments usually come when the crew explains what you’re looking for next. Whale watching isn’t just luck. It’s a mix of searching, reading wind and water conditions, and knowing where certain animals tend to show up.

And yes, the ride has a fun energy. Reviews describe guides who work as a coordinated team on spotting and tracking, and they also mention a sense of humor that keeps the mood light when the ocean gets rough.

Timing: why 2 hours can feel perfect on the water

Two hours is a smart length for Reykjavik whale watching. It’s long enough to reach the bay and still spend real time on the hunt, but short enough that you’re not exhausted before you even get your best sightings.

As the cruise continues, you’ll shift between searching zones and the moments when something is found. The tour is designed around that: depart from the harbor, head to Faxaflói Bay, look for whales and other wildlife, then focus on the puffin nesting areas near the islands.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider your own limits. This is a fast RIB experience, and even when the ocean is not stormy, you can feel the boat’s speed and turns. Reviews mention that some days feel rougher, especially with wind and wave direction, so it helps to choose a calm-weather day if you can.

Comfort and safety: suspension seats and a small 12-seat boat

A RIB with suspension seats changes the whole feel of the ride. It does not make the ocean disappear, but it helps you stay comfortable enough to keep your eyes on the water instead of hunching in pain.

The boat seats also matter because the group is relatively small, 12 seats on the RIB. That gives you a better chance of everyone getting a view when the crew points out a sighting. In big tours, some people end up stuck behind others. Here, the layout makes it easier to track what the boat is doing.

Safety gear is part of the deal. You’ll get life jacket rental, plus gloves and goggles to handle cold spray. The tour info also frames the safety gear as included, not optional, which is exactly how it should be.

When the wind picks up: expect a thrill and plan your day

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and the ocean responds quickly. Reviews call out that the ride can be rough on windy days, and one review specifically notes the ride was rough and recommends picking a calmer day if possible.

That means you should treat this as an active outing. If you’re sensitive to choppy water or you expect a smooth, glassy cruise, you might feel uncomfortable when the sea state rises. On the other hand, if you like speed and motion, the RIB style can feel exhilarating, with high speed phases and lively turns that make the trip feel like an event, not just transit.

My practical advice: if your schedule allows, choose a day with calmer conditions. And dress warm even if the sun is out. On water, you’ll feel the wind, and you’ll get wet spray no matter what.

Price and value: is $192 per person worth it?

At $192 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do whale watching from Reykjavik. The value comes from what you’re getting, not from any fantasy about guaranteed whales.

You’re paying for:

• A 2-hour close-range cruise on a small, modern RIB
• Warm waterproof gear plus goggles and gloves
• A guide who provides real wildlife info and city context
• Movement and searching designed for sightings in Faxaflói Bay

Also, the experience is not just about whales. The tour includes puffin nesting-area time and the chance to see dolphins, seals, and sea birds. If you end up with humpback sightings plus dolphins, that stacks the value quickly.

But you do need to accept the core reality: whales cannot be guaranteed. If a guaranteed animal encounter is your top priority, this tour is not that kind of product. If you want a genuine time-on-the-water adventure and you’re okay with nature being nature, then the price can make sense.

Who this Reykjavik speedboat tour suits best

This tour makes the most sense if you want:

• Close-range wildlife viewing from an active boat
• A mix of city landmarks and real marine areas
• Provided cold-weather gear so you can travel light

It’s also not for everyone. The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years, which tells you the ride can be active and the safety setup is geared toward older participants who can follow instructions and handle the motion.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the small 12-seat setup can be a real plus for everyone’s visibility. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s a nice way to get out on the water quickly without feeling lost, because the guide does the heavy lifting for wildlife spotting and interpreting behavior.

Should you book? My decision rule

I’d book this tour if you can say yes to three things: you’re okay with no guarantee on whales, you’re willing to dress for Icelandic wind and spray, and you want a fast RIB experience that feels like an outing, not a slow boat day.

I’d hesitate if you’re highly motion-sensitive or you expect smooth, comfortable cruising no matter what. Reviews make it clear that some days get bumpy, and wind can turn the ride from exciting to uncomfortable.

If you do book, treat the experience as a nature search with a strong chance of multiple sightings. Even when whales are not the main event, the combination of dolphins, puffins near nesting islands, and the close cruising in Faxaflói Bay can still make the 2-hour trip feel completely worthwhile.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by speedboat?

It lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center.

What boat do you ride on?

You ride a luxury RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with 12 suspension seats.

What wildlife will we look for?

The tour focuses on whales in Faxaflói Bay, and it can also include dolphins, seals, sea birds, and puffins.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Seeing whales cannot be guaranteed.

What gear is provided?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles. Life jackets are available for rent.

What should I wear or bring for footwear?

Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are not allowed. Wear warm clothing and plan for closed shoes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years.

What languages are the guides?

The live tour guide offers English and Icelandic.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour also offers reserve now and pay later.