Midnight sun plus whales is a rare combo. This Reykjavík evening whale and puffin tour runs on a custom-made RIB so you can cover more water and still keep it personal with a small crew.

I especially like the close-up feeling you get when you are running fast but staying in control, plus the focus on wildlife you can actually see off Faxaflói Bay. I also like that the boat carries a small group size (up to 12), which makes spotting more enjoyable and less chaotic.

The main consideration is the cold and the ride itself. It is not recommended for people with a history of back or knee problems, and children must be over 10 and at least 145 cm tall.

Key things you should know

• Small group RIBs (up to 12 people) means you spend more time watching and less time squeezed in.
• Evening timing in the midnight sun helps you make a full Reykjavík day, without sacrificing prime viewing hours.
• Warm overalls and safety gear included take the edge off the wind and spray.
• Puffins season runs roughly May 15 to Aug 20, so timing matters.
• If whales do not show, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats.

Why the midnight sun makes an evening whale safari work

Reykjavík in summer can feel endless, in the best way. The light stays up late, so an evening cruise lets you keep exploring the city during the day and still get out onto the water during that glowing golden time.

This matters for wildlife viewing. Whales and dolphins do not turn on a schedule just because you arrive. On a summer evening cruise, you are still looking during active hours, and you can often expect encounters that are similar to daytime tours.

And puffins add another layer of fun. You are not just waiting for whales, you are also cruising for the smaller stars of the bay, especially during the season window.

Getting to Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavík Old Harbour in a RIB

The tour starts at the ticket office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early so you can check in, get your warm layers sorted, and settle before the boat gets going.

From there, you head out in a custom-made RIB speedboat. The RIB style is the point: it is stable for its size, built for performance, and designed to move quickly enough to cover more area than slower boats. That translates into more chances to find wildlife, especially if the animals are spreading out.

Then there is the captain’s loop around the wind-beaten islands near the coast. Expect turns, spray, and a real sense that you are part of the action, not watching from a distant platform.

Puffins first, then whales and dolphins on open water

The flow of the cruise is smart: puffins in the bay, then the wider search for whales and dolphins. Puffins tend to show where conditions and habitat line up, and the islands just off Reykjavík are a classic place to look during the warmer months.

When the guide spots activity, you will shift from the island loop to open water scouting. This is where the chances for whales, dolphins, and sometimes other marine life come in.

The tour also leans into the idea that whales do not fully stop being active at night during summer. That is why the same animals can show up on evening cruises, not just daytime ones. In the summer season, the operation notes that whales are seen in over 95% of tours, which is a strong viewing probability for this region.

Even if you are only chasing one highlight, the mix helps. Puffins can be cute and quick to spot, dolphins can appear suddenly around moving water, and larger whales often reward patience when you are out far enough to get the right angle.

How the small-group RIB style changes your spotting experience

A big part of value here is the fact that you are not on a huge boat. With up to 12 people on a RIB, it is easier to keep your balance while still turning your head fast to follow what the guide points out.

This size also affects the vibe at sea. You stay close enough to feel connected to what is happening, but the setup is built for active watching rather than long stretches of standing in place.

One theme that shows up strongly is the way the operation handles closeness. The goal is not to harass animals or crowd them. The experience is described as not having wildlife pushed around by lots of boats, and that matters because it makes the sightings feel more respectful and more enjoyable.

And because you are on a faster vessel, you can realistically cover the kinds of gaps that a slower boat might miss. If the animals move or surface locations shift, you are more likely to be in the right area quickly.

Gear, comfort, and the reality of cold salt air

This is Iceland, and even in summer the wind off the water can cut. The tour includes warm overalls, plus all the necessary safety equipment, which takes away one big worry: you do not have to guess if you will be miserable out there.

You still need to dress for it. Bring a hat and gloves, wear warm clothing, and wear closed-toe shoes. Loose clothing is not allowed, and luggage or large bags are not allowed, so dress with movement in mind and leave the bulky stuff behind.

The ride itself is another factor. This is a speedboat, so you should expect the kind of motion that not everyone enjoys. The tour is not recommended for anyone with a history of back or knee problems, and it is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Also keep in mind: children must be at least 10 years old and 145 cm tall. If you have younger kids, this is probably not the right fit.

Price and value: why $200 may feel fair for this setup

At about $200 per person for a 2-hour outing, this is not the budget end of Reykjavík activities. But you are paying for a specific combination: RIB speed, a guide, warm gear, and a small-group experience with a high chance of whale sightings in summer.

Here is how I’d think about value. If you want whales and puffins in one night, on water close to Reykjavík, and you want it done efficiently with a boat that can reposition fast, the price starts to make more sense. You are also paying for people who know what to watch and how to run the boat safely.

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, so you are not doing this alone with a random headset of information. The guide experience also matters because wildlife viewing is about reading details, not just scanning randomly.

Finally, there is a built-in risk reducer. The operator says that if you do not spot whales, your captain will provide a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave. That is meaningful because it directly addresses the biggest disappointment risk on any wildlife cruise.

What happens after the wildlife search, and why the shoreline matters

The cruise does not end at the harbor gate. After the time on the water, you return along Reykjavík’s shoreline for views of Sun Voyager and the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.

That city-facing finish is more than a nice photo stop. It gives you a calmer ending after the open-water searching and helps you connect the experience back to Reykjavík itself. If you have time in the evening and want a complete story, this wrap-up makes it feel like more than a quick boat ride.

And if you scored big wildlife sightings, you get a scenic reset before you head back into dinner mode. If you did not, you still get the payoff of Reykjavík’s architecture and waterfront light.

Who should book this RIB whale and puffin tour

This tour suits you best if you want an active wildlife experience from Reykjavík without spending all day on the water. You like fast, focused searching, and you want a small group so you can see what the guide sees quickly.

It is also a good choice if you are traveling in summer and want to catch puffins during their season window, roughly May 15 to Aug 20. The timing is built around that reality.

You might want to skip it if you:

• Have a history of back or knee problems, since it is not recommended
• Are pregnant, since it is not suitable
• Need mobility accessibility that this type of speedboat outing might not provide
• Are traveling with kids under 10, since the minimum is 10 years old and 145 cm tall

If you are a couple, a small friend group, or a solo traveler who hates large crowds, the RIB setup makes sense.

Should you book it

Book it if you want the best mix of whales, dolphins, and puffins with a fast RIB style and a small-group feel. The warm overalls, the included safety gear, and the option for a complimentary follow-up ride if whales do not show help justify the price.

Skip it if motion could be an issue for you, or if your trip timing misses puffin season. If you are okay with cold wind, quick movement, and the idea that wildlife is never guaranteed, this is one of the strongest ways to spend a Reykjavík evening.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

What is included in the ticket price?

You get a professional captain and wildlife guide, warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring for the boat ride?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is suitable for children over age 10 and at least 145 cm tall.

Is this tour recommended for pregnant travelers or people with mobility or back issues?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, and it is not recommended for people with a history of back or knee problems. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if I do not see any whales?

If you do not spot whales, your captain will provide a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave.