Small boat, big sea drama. This Reykjavik RIB whale watching trip is built for close encounters, fast coverage, and lots of wildlife spotting, not long boring stretches at the dock.

I really liked the small group size (max 12) and the way it feels personal out at sea, especially when a marine biologist like Maria explains what you are seeing. The other big win for me is the close-to-the-water approach, with fast, stable RIBs that help you get nearer to whales, dolphins, and seabirds without the chaos of a mega-boat.

One thing to plan for: the North Atlantic can get choppy. Even with suspension seats and warm coveralls, this is still a speedboat ride, and it is not recommended for knee problems or for young children.

Quick hit checklist before you go

• Small-group RIB ride (up to 12): more time watching, less time waiting for everyone to see the same fin
• Puffins in season: a short stop at Akurey, Engey, or Lundey (early May to end of August)
• Sea-level whale searching: you are looking from a lower height, which makes sightings feel closer
• Marine biologist guide: explanations that help you identify what you are actually seeing
• Warm safety gear included: coveralls plus safety equipment, so you are not hunting for the right layers at the last minute
• Chance is not a guarantee: in rough weather, trips can change, and if there are no sightings you get a ticket for an alternative tour

Reykjavik’s RIB whale safari, what makes it worth your time

Reykjavik is famous for whale watching, but this tour feels different the moment you step into the experience. You are not just chasing wildlife. You are doing it from a small, fast RIB, built to move across a wide search area and put you in the right place quicker.

The trip is also smart about your expectations. You get a professional marine biologist guide, so the stops feel purposeful. And because the boat is smaller, you can often read the sea a bit better and react faster when something pops up.

Price is not low at $208.09 per person, but you are paying for the kind of access that costs money: small-group handling, specialized boats, and a guide who can translate wildlife behavior into something you can actually spot on the water.

Where you start and how the day flows on the water

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back there. That matters, because it keeps your plans simple. You can build this into a normal Reykjavik day without worrying about transfers or a long return to another neighborhood.

Total time is about 2 hours, with the longest stretch out at sea during the whale-search portion. The rhythm is:

• a quick start segment at the harbor,
• a short puffin stop in season,
• about 1 hour 30 minutes focused on whale and dolphin searching in Faxaflói Bay,
• then a scenic cruise back past the shoreline sights before heading home.

It is not the kind of tour where you want to multitask. Even if the wildlife takes a moment to show up, the boat movement, guide talk, and constant scanning make the time feel active.

Stop 1 at Ægisgarður 5d, the harbor-to-open-water switch

You begin at Ægisgarður 5d at the Old Harbour area, and the early minutes matter more than you might think. The crew uses this time to get you sorted and ready, and it is your first chance to feel how the RIB handles wakes coming out of the harbor.

During the puffin season (early May through the end of August), the day includes puffins on islands just outside Reykjavik. Then you head out to start the wider search for whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

What I like here is the pace. You are not stuck on the outer harbor edge for ages. Because these boats can cover a large search area, the day is designed to increase your odds.

Puffin time at Akurey, Engey, or Lundey (when it is season)

If your visit is between early May and late August, this is one of the most fun add-ons. The tour makes a short stop at the islands of Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, just outside Reykjavik, and spends about 5 to 10 minutes with the puffins in their natural habitat.

That short window can feel quick, but it is actually well matched to how puffin viewing works at sea cliffs. Once you are lined up and the birds are active, you get a burst of great viewing and then the boat moves on to the whales.

What makes this stop special is the variety around the cliffs. Puffins are often part of a bigger seabird scene, and you might see other seabirds flying and diving in the same area. It is not only about checking a box. It is about understanding how island wildlife behaves right where it lives.

The main event: Faxaflói Bay whale searching for 90 minutes

The heart of the trip is the whale safari portion, and it is where the format earns its money. You spend about 1 hour 30 minutes searching in Faxaflói Bay, looking for whales and dolphins from a RIB that sits low in the water.

This matters for two reasons:

1) Sea-level viewing feels closer than you get from higher decks.

2) A small RIB can change position faster, helping you intercept animals near the boat.

The boat also has high performance suspension seats. That is not just marketing. Suspension seats tend to make rougher moments less punishing, and several comments point out comfort when the sea gets bumpy.

From what you might see, the most common highlights include humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Reviews also mention close-up moments, like whales surfacing near the boat, and sightings with repeated blow patterns that keep the action going instead of one quick moment and done.

When it feels rough, how to handle it

Even with the suspension seats, this is still a North Atlantic speedboat. One of the most practical pieces of advice is to treat seasickness as a real possibility, especially on the return leg. If you know you get sea sick, bring your usual remedy and plan to use it.

On the positive side, there are also plenty of notes that the ride can feel fine for many people, and guides handle sick or nervous passengers with care. Still, your comfort depends on conditions, not just the boat.

Also remember: this tour is not recommended for knee problems, and that is about more than inconvenience. Keep this in mind if you have joint issues, because the ride involves movement and quick shifts.

The scenic return: Sun Voyager and Harpa from the sea

After the whale safari, you cruise back into Reykjavik and get a short shoreline ride that is partly photo time and partly just fun. You pass by the Sun Voyager sculpture along the seafront, then go by the harbor side of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.

These parts are brief, but they work as a decompression moment. Whale watching can be intense in a good way, and the return gives you space to process what you saw while enjoying Reykjavik’s iconic harbor architecture from a different angle.

It is also useful for people who want a little structure. You are not only going out for wildlife. You get a quick Reykjavik “from the water” bonus before you wrap up.

Gear and comfort: coveralls, warmth, and what to wear anyway

The tour includes coveralls and safety equipment, and that is a big deal in Iceland wind and spray. The coveralls help you stay warm without needing to layer every item you own in the rain.

From reviews, the gear is commonly described as warm and comfortable, and sometimes even dry. That means you can focus on watching rather than fussing with your jacket zipper while the sea is doing its thing.

You still need to dress for outdoors weather, because coveralls are not magic:

• wool or fleece layer(s),
• a hat,
• gloves,
• sturdy footwear.

Also, bring the right mindset. This is a short trip, so people often forget that Iceland weather changes fast. If you dress like you expect rain, wind, and cold for the whole outing, you will feel much more relaxed.

Value check: what $208.09 buys you in Reykjavik

Let’s talk value instead of just price.

You are paying about $208.09 per person for:

• a small-group RIB experience,
• a marine biologist guide,
• close, sea-level wildlife searching,
• included coveralls and safety equipment,
• about two hours on the water.

Compared to larger whale boats, the small size is the main value driver. Many people remember the difference. When you have fewer people sharing sightlines and fewer passengers fighting for one angle, you tend to get more time actually watching.

You are also not locked into one “try and hope” approach. The experience includes a safety net: if there are no sightings, you get a ticket for an alternative tour. That does not mean every trip will deliver whales, but it means you are less likely to feel completely empty-handed.

What is not included: food and drinks, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. In practice, that means you should grab a snack before you go and keep cash or card ready for any onboard needs, if the operator offers them. The trip itself is mainly about the sea time.

Who this RIB whale watch is perfect for

This is a strong fit if you want:

• close-up wildlife watching from a small speedboat,
• a guide who can explain what is happening, not just point at spouts,
• an Iceland activity that feels lively and active without being all-day.

It is also a good choice if you are short on time in Reykjavik but want a real nature hit. About two hours gives you a big experience without consuming your whole day.

Families should be careful. Kids must be over 10 and over 145 cm tall, and the tour is not recommended for young children. If someone has knee problems, rethink it. The ride and movement can be an issue even with comfortable seating.

If you are an older traveler, note that conditions can vary. Some people find the ride totally manageable, while others call out choppy stretches. Plan for the possibility, and if you have serious mobility constraints, this may not be the best match.

Should you book this Whale Safari RIB tour?

Book it if you want the best odds of close wildlife viewing from Reykjavik and you like the idea of a max 12 person RIB experience guided by a marine biologist. The puffin stop in season is a fun bonus, and the whale searching in Faxaflói Bay is the main draw for many people.

Skip it or choose another option if you are sensitive to sea movement, have knee problems, or you are traveling with very young kids. Also, if you are going during a period when you expect heavy wind and storms, have a backup plan for scheduling because weather can change departures.

FAQ

How long is the RIB whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

The tour is approximately 2 hours. Whale searching in Faxaflói Bay lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, with shorter time segments at the harbor and at island puffin areas (in season).

What is included in the ticket price?

It includes a professional marine biologist guide, use of coveralls, and all necessary safety equipment. Food and drinks are not included.

When can I see puffins on the islands near Reykjavik?

Puffins are included during the puffin season, from early May to the end of August. The tour visits islands such as Akurey, Engey, or Lundey and spends about 5 to 10 minutes there.

What happens if there are no whale sightings?

If there are no sightings, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour.

What is the cancellation and weather policy like?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children and people with knee problems?

Children must be over age 10 and over 145 centimeters tall. The tour is not recommended for travelers with knee problems, and it is also not recommended for young children.

If you tell me your travel month and who is going with you (ages, any motion sickness history), I can help you decide whether the timing and conditions are a good match.