If you want whales fast, Reykjavik’s sea run delivers. This 2-hour RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour is built for speed, so you cover more water and you can get those close wildlife encounters that slow boats miss.

What I like most is the combo of a powerful ride and serious wildlife focus. You get shock-absorbing suspension seats for a more comfortable zoom across the water, and you also have a wildlife guide on board who helps you spot what is out there.

The main thing to consider is the ride style and body limits. This is not a gentle cruise, and it is not recommended for people with a history of back problems or for pregnant women, plus kids must be at least 10 years old and 145 cm tall.

Key things I’d circle before you go

• Small group size (max 12) means more attention and better chances of spotting activity close by
• Rigid inflatable speedboat lets the crew reach a larger search area than bigger boats
• Warm coveralls + safety gear included so cold wind is less of a problem
• Puffins in summer (May to August) with a short stop at breeding grounds
• Coastal viewpoints that include Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water
• A weather-aware approach, with an option for a complimentary return if no marine life is seen

The RIB Ride: Fast, Small, and Actually Built for Wildlife

This whale watching tour is all about getting you out on open water quickly, in a boat that feels more like performance gear than sightseeing transport. You ride in a rigid inflatable boat, and the design matters: it can move fast enough to cover more search area, which is a big advantage when you are trying to find whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

One detail I really appreciate is the comfort setup. The boats use new, high-quality suspension seats, sometimes called shock seats. Translation for you: you still feel the ocean, but it is easier on your body than you might expect for a high-speed ride.

And because this is a small group capped at 12 people, you do not feel like you are lost in a crowd. It is easier for the guide to point things out, and it is easier for the captain to adjust as conditions change.

What Happens at Sea: 2 Hours of Searching, Spotting, and Closing the Distance

The tour centers on active watching time. After you meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, you get a short safety briefing, you pull on the provided coveralls, and then you head out toward islands near the Old Harbour area. From there, you are on the hunt, scanning for wildlife and tracking movement across the water.

The crew is looking for several kinds of animals, not just one. You might see whales, dolphins, and seabirds, depending on what is feeding and moving through the area that day. The big value of the speedboat approach is not just excitement. It is reach. A smaller, faster vessel can shift positions more effectively, so your odds improve versus slow boats that can only follow a limited route.

You also get the benefit of close-up viewing when the animals are nearby. Several people mention dolphins behaving boldly around the boat, with playful jumps and follow-the-boat energy. That is exactly the kind of moment you want on a fast craft, because the motion keeps things lively while the guide stays focused on what you are seeing.

If you end up farther from shore than you expected at the start, that is normal for wildlife searching. The tour is designed to keep moving where the activity is, rather than staying fixed like a passive cruise.

Puffins in Summer: The Short Breeding Ground Stop (May to August)

Between early May and the end of August, puffins become part of the plan. The tour includes a short stop by their breeding grounds, early in the experience. This is a key seasonal difference, and it is why summer departures often feel special even when the sea is calm.

A practical way to think about it: this is not a long land-based puffin outing. The goal is to create a quick chance to see them in their breeding setting, then continue the main hunt offshore for whales and dolphins.

In other words, puffins are a strong bonus in summer, but the core reason you book is the at-sea wildlife search. If puffins are your top priority, go in summer, and arrive ready to be flexible. Marine wildlife never follows a strict schedule.

Reykjavik From the Water: Sun Voyager and Harpa Views You Can’t Get Elsewhere

After time on the water scouting and searching, the tour shifts to sightseeing from the sea. You cruise along Reykjavik’s shoreline and get quick views of landmarks that are easy to miss from street level.

Two big highlights are included: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall. You also get the sea-level perspective that makes this part of town feel different. You see colorful fishing huts, restaurants, and the harbor activity from a moving vantage point, so it feels more like a coastal journey than a single-point photo stop.

The quick nature of these shoreline looks is a trade-off. You do not get long walks or extended time to explore the buildings up close. But for most people, the value is that you can pair wildlife action with famous Reykjavik scenery in the same two hours.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is the part I treat like non-negotiable info because the ride is the experience. This tour is suitable for children over age 10 and above 145 cm tall. If your child meets the height requirement, you still want to consider that the boat is fast and it can move sharply with waves.

It is also not recommended for people with a history of back problems. Since the boat is built to go quickly and maintain search mobility, it is not the right choice if you are managing a sensitive back.

And if you are pregnant, this is not recommended. That is especially important because you will be wearing provided coveralls and spending your time on open water, with the physical motion of a speedboat.

If none of those apply to you, it is a fantastic option for active travelers who want real wildlife chances without spending an entire day at sea.

Price and Value: Is $200 Worth It for a 2-Hour RIB Tour?

At about $200 per person for a two-hour outing, you should judge value based on what you get, not just the ticket number.

Here’s what you are paying for:

• A small group experience (max 12), not a big bus-style boat crowd
• A fast RIB that can cover more water for better wildlife searching
• A professional captain and wildlife guide on board
• Warm overalls plus safety equipment
• Optional wildlife disappointment coverage, depending on what happens that day

A few people specifically note that the ride itself is thrilling even when wildlife sightings are limited. That matters, because it means the tour has value even on a slow marine day. And the company builds a backstop into the experience: if no marine life is seen, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.

So, yes, it is not a budget activity. But if you want a high-action, wildlife-focused outing that also shows Reykjavik’s harbor landmarks from sea level, the structure is designed to justify the price.

Getting Ready: What to Wear and How to Make the Most of Your Seats

You do not have to overthink wardrobe, but you do need the basics right. The tour provides warm overalls and you bring closed-toe shoes. Closed-toe matters for comfort and basic safety while getting on and off the boat.

The operators also limit luggage. You should plan for no luggage or large bags. If you are carrying a big daypack, keep it minimal.

Timing helps too. You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure so you can check in, get your gear, and settle before you head out.

One seat-related tip that keeps coming up is this: if you can choose, consider going for the front row. People describe the front as giving you the most full-on ride feel, with better chances to enjoy the speed and motion. If you are motion-sensitive, you can still ask what seating options feel safest or most comfortable for you.

Weather at Sea: Why Reykjavik Land Conditions Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Reykjavik can look calm from shore, and still turn into something different once you are out on the water. One of the most useful things to know is that sea conditions drive outcomes. If the ocean is not suitable, the operator may cancel and explain the conditions clearly, then help you reschedule.

That is not something you can control, but you can prepare yourself emotionally. The best move is to schedule this earlier in your time in Reykjavik when you have flexibility. If the tour has to move, you want time to absorb that change.

Also, treat sightings as a bonus, not a promise. Even though the crew covers search area and tries hard to find wildlife, you are still on the ocean. The complimentary return option helps take the edge off if wildlife is truly slow.

Should You Book This Speedboat Whale Watch in Reykjavik?

I think you should book this if you want a high-speed RIB experience with real wildlife searching, and if you are comfortable with the motion of open water. It is a strong fit for couples, friends, and solo travelers who like fast-paced activities and want to see Reykjavik’s harbor landmarks as part of the same trip.

You should skip it if you cannot meet the height or age requirements, or if you have a history of back problems or are pregnant. And if you are the type who wants a super gentle cruise with minimal movement, this ride style may feel like too much.

If you do book, I’d plan your day so you have some flexibility, wear closed-toe shoes, and show up early. Then you will be ready for the best part, the moment when the guide spots something on the water and the captain makes the turn that brings you close.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour from Reykjavik Old Harbour?

The tour duration is about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $200 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

What should I bring?

You should bring closed-toe shoes.

Are warm clothes provided?

Yes. The tour includes the use of warm overalls, plus all necessary safety equipment.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the tour guide?

The live tour guide is in English.

How small is the group?

Numbers are limited to 12 people on this small-group tour.

When can I see puffins?

Puffins are possible between May and August, including short stops at breeding grounds.

What if the tour does not see whales or other marine life?

If no marine life is seen, the captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.