Reykjavik’s harbor turns into a whale radar. This RIB speedboat tour from the Old Harbor gets you out fast, then keeps you in the action as you search Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. You also get classic Reykjavík sights from the water, including views toward Harpa and the nearby islands.

I love the intimacy of the boat. With a 12-seater setup, you are not lost on a distant deck, and the crew can move quickly when wildlife shows up. I also like the practical “try again” safety net, because wildlife sightings are never guaranteed in the North Atlantic.

One consideration: it’s a speedboat. Expect wind, spray potential, and a ride that can feel bumpy, so if you are sensitive to motion or cold, plan smart.

Key things to know before you go

• 12-seater RIB keeps you close when animals surface
• Faxaflói Bay route includes passes by Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island)
• Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles are provided to handle the cold
• Wildlife is not guaranteed, but you get a complimentary ticket to try again if you see nothing
• Captain chooses the plan based on weather for safety and comfort
• Old Harbour House check-in is required, with a QR scan at the kiosk

The RIB Ride: Why this feels different from big boats

This is a 2-hour whale watching outing run on a 12-seater RIB speedboat, which is the key to why it feels more personal. Big tour boats tend to spread people out on decks. Here, the smaller vessel setup helps everyone keep eyes on the water, and it makes it easier for the captain to reach promising sightings quickly.

The ride itself is part of the experience. You may notice a “half-sit, half-stand” style of positioning that helps reduce the slap of the waves, and that is the kind of comfort detail you feel immediately once you are underway. And because the boat is fast, you can spend more of your time looking for wildlife and less time simply traveling.

Route highlights from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

The tour starts at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour House at Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. After check-in, you cruise out in and around Reykjavík, then into Faxaflói Bay where the action is closer to land than you might expect.

As you go, you’ll get sweeping city views from the water. A standout is the chance to spot Harpa from a new angle, with Reykjavík’s waterfront unfolding as you move along the coast.

You also pass by two named islands that help you picture the route:

• Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) area
• Lundey, literally called Puffin Island, off Reykjavík’s western coast

Even if wildlife is quiet, this stretch can still be visually rewarding because you’re moving through a real seascape. You’re not stuck inside a harbor loop with the same view the whole time.

Wildlife odds: whales, dolphins, porpoises, and likely seabirds

The main reason to book is the wildlife: the tour is set up to search for whales, dolphins, and porpoises off Reykjavík’s coast. The important thing to know is that you do not control what shows up on the day, and that is why the tour is weather and decision dependent.

From the strongest pattern in sightings, you should expect at least a shot at multiple species. Minke whales and humpback whales show up often enough to be realistic targets, and dolphins commonly appear during the same sessions. In some cases, people also report seeing harbour porpoises and puffins along the way.

What makes this RIB format valuable is the “find it, then go” style of hunting. When the captain spots blow marks or other signs, the boat can adjust quickly to put you in the right viewing position. That helps you spend time watching animals instead of waiting in a generic search zone.

And yes, it can still be just a day at sea with no whales. If that happens, you are not left empty-handed: you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

Weather reality: the captain decides, and safety comes first

This tour is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The captain makes the call based on years of experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind.

So when you think about planning, treat it like this:

• You should go in expecting it might change with wind and waves.
• You should dress as if the weather will be brisk, even if the day looks decent from shore.
• If the minimum participant count is not reached, the tour may be rescheduled.

The good news is that the operation is built for changing conditions. The vibe is not chaotic, it’s controlled, and that matters when you’re out on open water in cold coastal winds.

Gear and comfort: what’s included and what you should bring

A big reason this tour scores well is that they hand you the tools to stay warm. Included with your booking are warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment.

That gear choice is smart. It’s not just “nice to have.” It affects how long you can stay outside on deck area (and keep your hands and face comfortable) while you watch for blow, spouts, and quick surface activity.

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Camera

If you have spent any time around cold North Atlantic wind, you already know the face and ears are usually the first problem. One practical tip from people who have done this ride is to consider a face cover if the wind cuts right through, and protect your ears if cold wind makes you sensitive. You’ll still be able to enjoy the speed and excitement, just with less distraction.

How the 2 hours usually play out

The timing is tight, so the structure matters. You’ll first get from the harbor into the Faxaflói Bay and coastal search area. Then you’ll spend the middle chunk of the tour scanning and repositioning as wildlife appears.

When sightings happen, expect the captain and guide to focus hard on the viewing moment. That can mean quick adjustments around where animals surface. And when you return, the last part may shift to additional sightings like seabirds if the route lines up with what’s active that day.

One small heads up: with speedboats, it can be hard to hear every spoken detail when wind is strong. Even if you don’t catch every word, you’ll usually still be able to follow what matters most, because the crew’s attention is on the water and the viewing cues are visual.

Price and value: is $200 per person fair here?

At around $200 per person for a 2-hour tour, this is not the cheapest way to do whale watching in Iceland. But value is not only about length, it’s about match quality: boat size, access, and the chance to actually see what you came for.

Here’s why the price can make sense:

• You are on a small 12-seater vessel, so you’re not fighting for a view.
• The speedboat format helps the captain reach sightings faster than slower options.
• You get warm, weather-ready gear included, which reduces the hassle of figuring out what to wear and how to stay comfortable.
• There is a complimentary ticket if wildlife sightings don’t happen on your departure.

If your priority is getting close, having an active “hunt and watch” style, and staying warm without turning it into a clothing logistics problem, this tends to land as good value. If your priority is a calm, gentle ride with zero weather intensity, you may find the RIB experience more stimulating than you want.

Who should book (and who should skip this RIB whale safari)

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want a small-group experience rather than a mass-deck situation
• You like fast, high-energy touring
• You are okay with cold wind and a ride that feels more like an adventure than a sightseeing cruise

This tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 145 cm in height

Motion sensitivity matters too. Some people do report feeling the cold wind, and a few mention seasickness. If you know you react badly on boats, think carefully and consider asking medical advice before you go.

Planning tips for a smooth departure

Check in early: you need to check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House, address Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You’ll scan the QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

If you are arriving by car, there is free parking nearby referenced through the meeting-point parking link provided by the operator. Give yourself extra time to park and get your gear sorted, since you’ll want to arrive calm rather than sprinting in cold wind.

Also, pack smart for the photo hunt. Have your camera ready before you reach open water, because whale and dolphin moments can be fast, and the best angles often appear when the captain is already moving the boat into position.

Should you book Sea trips Reykjavík RIB whale watching?

If you want the best chance of seeing whales and dolphins in a way that feels close and active, I think this is a solid choice. The combination of a 12-seater RIB, the captain’s ability to reposition quickly, and the included warm gear makes the day run efficiently even when the weather changes.

I would not book if you are dealing with the listed restrictions (back issues, pregnancy, very young kids, or under the height limit). And if you hate bumpy boats or you get seasick easily, you should weigh that carefully because this is a speedboat, not a slow cruise.

If seeing whales is a top priority in Reykjavík, and you are traveling in April through September when conditions are best for sightings, this tour gives you a strong shot, plus the real comfort of that try-again ticket if the ocean stays quiet.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the Reykjavik RIB whale watching tour?

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

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

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

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you do not see any wildlife on your tour, you will receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

When is the best time to go whale watching in Iceland?

The best time is during the summer months, from April until September.

What happens if the weather is rough?

The captain decides whether to sail based on weather conditions, with safety and comfort in mind. The tour may be rescheduled if conditions are not suitable or if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Is this tour free to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.