RIB speedboats and whales, all from Reykjavík. I like the fact that you get out beyond the city quickly on a RIB speedboat, and you’re not stuck watching from far away. I also appreciate the suspension seats and warm overalls, because Iceland weather and choppy water can turn a long day into an uncomfortable one fast.

Here’s the trade-off: whale and dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and the trip depends on weather and sea conditions. Still, the tour has a smart backup plan, plus a flexible ticket that makes it easier to roll with Iceland.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay, outside the city: You cruise where whales and dolphins are more likely to be spotted, not just off the harbor wall.
• Open-air RIB thrill with better comfort: Powerful small boats, warm overalls, and seats designed to reduce the harsh bounce.
• Live English guidance on the water: A professional captain guides you in real time as wildlife appears.
• Whales, dolphins, and sometimes puffins: Common targets include humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins, with puffin watching during May to August.
• A flexible ticket for changing plans: You can reschedule your departure time up to one hour prior, subject to availability.
• A free retry if you do not see whales or dolphins on this RIB tour: You can try again on the Classic Whale Watching tour on larger boats.

From Reykjavík Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay in a RIB

This tour starts at the Whale Safari ticket office in Reykjavík Old Harbour, Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík. You’ll board from the harbor area, then head out onto Faxaflói Bay, the stretch of water that sits right by the city. That location matters, because it means your “travel time” is mostly water time spent looking for wildlife.

You’ll be on a small-group whale watching trip using a specially designed RIB speedboat. The whole idea is speed plus access. These boats can cover a larger search area during the 2-hour tour, so you are not just drifting in one spot and hoping.

Also, after the whale safari portion, you return to Reykjavík with a shoreline ride. That sea-level view of the city is a nice bonus, especially because Reykjavík’s “famous landmarks” come into view from the water in a way you just do not get from land.

Practical tip: arrive early. You’re asked to be there 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, which is not just bureaucracy. It helps you get fitted quickly with warm gear so you are ready when you blast off.

Comfort and safety on an open-air speedboat

This is an open-air experience, but it is not a bare-knuckle ride. You’ll get warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment. That is a big deal in Reykjavík, where the air can be colder than you expect, even when the sky looks bright.

The comfort element is the suspension seats. The tour notes brand new high-quality suspension seats designed to increase safety and comfort. Translation: they are meant to reduce the jolting you feel when you hit waves, which helps with both enjoyment and fatigue. If you are the kind of person who gets worn out quickly by motion, you’ll appreciate that design.

You should still dress for the reality of an open boat. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and wear sports shoes. You’ll be on the deck, and you want footwear that handles wet surfaces without slipping.

One consideration: if you have a history of back problems, the tour is not recommended. The speed and the motion can be tough on certain bodies, even with suspension seats.

What you can spot: humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins

The targets are clear, and that helps set your expectations:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Dolphins

You’ll look for these in their natural habitat while the captain uses live guidance throughout the cruise. That guidance matters because wildlife sightings can happen fast, and the key moment is usually the few seconds when you spot movement, then the captain adjusts the approach.

The tour also includes puffin watching during the birds breeding season, specifically May to August. This is one of those Iceland add-ons that feels extra satisfying because you get wildlife variety beyond whales and dolphins. You’re not only scanning for spouts on the horizon, you also have birds in view near the harbor area during those months.

One extra nuance from real-world timing: some sightings have happened even outside the stated summer window. That does not mean you should count on it, but it does explain why puffins can sometimes appear when conditions are right.

Bottom line: if you want a whale trip plus a chance for birds, this is one of the better-timed options in Reykjavík.

The 2-hour cruise: how the search and viewing time usually feels

You’re on the water for 2 hours. It sounds short, but it is a solid amount of time for whale and dolphin watching because it gives the boat time to run a search pattern and reposition when wildlife is sighted.

The “premium” part is not just speed. It’s also proximity and viewing style. These boats are small yet powerful, which helps you get closer to where animals surface, instead of staying far back.

What makes the timing feel good is the pacing:

• You get pushed out beyond the city early enough that you are not stuck in the same familiar water every minute.
• Once wildlife is located, the captain and guide focus you on what matters so you can actually spot the action.
• After the main safari portion, you get the return ride along the shoreline, giving you a second chance to enjoy Reykjavík from the sea.

This is also a good moment to manage expectations. If conditions are choppy, the ride can feel intense, and you might need to focus a bit harder to spot whales. If that happens, just remember: you are out there to look, not to sit still. Bring a mindset of active spotting.

When whales do not show up: flexible plans and a free retry

If there’s one thing Iceland whale watching teaches you, it’s humility. Sometimes you get humpbacks and dolphins in view. Sometimes you get mostly waves and wind.

This is where this particular tour earns trust. If you do not see whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour using larger boats, either in Reykjavík or Akureyri. That matters because it reduces the “you paid a lot for luck” stress.

Then there’s the flexible ticket. Subject to availability, you can change your departure time up to one hour prior by contacting the local supplier. Iceland weather can shift quickly, and plans can shift quickly too. Being able to move your time window can mean the difference between a cancelled experience and a real one.

One more practical note: the tour may be canceled due to weather and sea conditions. If that happens, you are not stuck waiting forever. The flexible ticket concept and the ability to try again (when you do not spot whales on the RIB itself) makes this easier to manage than most strictly timed tours.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at about $202 per person

At around $202 per person for a 2-hour premium RIB whale watching trip, you should look at what you get for the cost, not just the number.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Better ride comfort than you might expect: warm overalls, safety gear, and suspension seats are included.
• Smaller, more agile boat type: RIBs can search a wider area in the time you have.
• Live English guidance: you get on-the-water interpretation, which improves your odds of spotting what the captain is tracking.
• Wildlife variety: whales, dolphins, and (seasonally) puffins.
• A backup plan: free retry on the Classic tour if whales or dolphins do not show on this RIB trip.
• Flexible timing: rescheduling up to one hour prior helps you work around real Iceland conditions.

What you do not get is what most people do not expect to be included anyway: meals and drinks, plus hotel pick-up and drop-off. That means you are paying primarily for the boat time, gear, crew, and wildlife searching.

So is it worth it? For many people, yes, because the combination of premium comfort, active search, and a free retry turns a risky activity into something you can feel good about planning. If you are on a tight budget and can handle the uncertainty, you might compare lower-cost options. But if you want a comfortable, high-energy experience that gives you multiple ways to land a sighting, this price starts to make more sense.

Who this tour fits best, and who should rethink it

This tour is for people who want an active day on the water and do not mind a fast, open-air ride.

It is suitable for:

• Adults and older teens who can stand and move on a boat comfortably
• People who are comfortable with cold weather and windy conditions (because you’ll be outside)
• Anyone who wants a chance at humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins, plus seasonal puffins

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 10 years
• Anyone under 145 cm in height
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems

If you are unsure because of a health condition, treat the “not recommended” note seriously. Suspension seats help, but they do not change the fact that it’s a speedboat and you’ll feel the motion.

Practical tips to make the most of your RIB whale watch

Want to feel like you had a great time instead of just survived the ride? Do these things.

Wear and pack:

• Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sports shoes.
• If you tend to get chilled, layer more than you think you need. Overalls help, but wind is still wind.

Arrive and stay ready:

• Get there 30 minutes early so you can fit gear without rushing.
• Keep your hands free for spotting. Phones are great, but only if you can steady your grip safely.

Manage your spotting strategy:

• Pay attention when the captain and guide point out behavior or direction. The moment an animal surfaces, the boat’s approach and timing matter.
• If you do not see whales right away, do not assume it’s over. This tour is designed to move and search, not to sit.

Use the flexibility:

• If the schedule depends on weather, use the flexible ticket option. Changing your departure time up to one hour prior, subject to availability, can be a practical lifesaver.

Should you book this premium whale watching RIB tour?

I think you should book it if you want:

• A premium RIB experience with warm gear and comfort-focused seating
• Live English guidance while looking for humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins
• A seasonal bonus chance for puffins
• Real insurance against bad luck, thanks to a free retry if whales or dolphins are not spotted on the RIB portion
• The ability to adjust timing with a flexible ticket

I would skip or at least seriously reconsider if:

• You do not do well with motion or you have back or heart concerns
• You are traveling with a child under the stated age or height limits
• You need a completely calm, no-surprises water activity

If your priority is whale watching that feels more than just a boat ride, this fits the bill. You get the thrill of a RIB speedboat, the comfort upgrades that make the cold easier, and a smart safety net if wildlife does not show up when you want it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

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

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The duration is 2 hours.

What wildlife does the tour aim to see?

The tour highlights humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Is puffin watching included?

Yes, puffin watching is included during the birds breeding season, May to August.

Can I change my departure time if my plans shift?

Yes. The flexible ticket lets you change your departure time up to one hour prior to your reserved departure, subject to availability, by contacting the local supplier.

What happens if we do not see whales or dolphins?

If you do not 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, either in Reykjavík or Akureyri.

Who should avoid this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 or anyone under 145 cm tall. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems.