From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

Whales are only half the adventure. This two-hour trip pairs a fast, compact RIB ride with wildlife watching in Faxaflói Bay, giving you a close look at Reykjavik’s harbor, puffin islands, dolphins, seals, and possibly several whale species. I like the 12-seat boat because it feels personal rather than crowded, and I like the provided waterproof suit, gloves, goggles, life jacket, and scarf because Icelandic weather can change quickly.

The main catch is simple: whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. You may see dolphins, puffins, or seals instead, and rough water can make the speedboat ride tiring for some people. The $192 price is high for two hours, but it includes a small boat, full guiding, safety equipment, and a more active experience than a standard whale watching cruise.

Key points before you book

• The RIB ride is part of the attraction: The boat can move quickly over the waves, with sharp turns near the end of the trip.
• Faxaflói Bay offers varied wildlife: Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, harbor porpoises, pilot whales, and many seabirds.
• Puffin islands are viewed up close: The boat approaches the islands where puffins nest and raise their young.
• The equipment is included: You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a life jacket, and your own scarf.
• The meeting point is central: Ægisgarður 5G is about a five-minute walk from Reykjavik city center.
• This is for children aged 10 and older: Sandals and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Why this small RIB feels different

A regular whale watching ship gives you more room to walk around. This RIB gives you a closer, faster, more active ride. The boat has 12 suspension seats, designed to soften the jolts as it moves across the water. That does not make the sea perfectly smooth, but it adds useful support when the waves rise.

The small capacity also helps the outing feel less like a major harbor operation. You sit near the guide, hear the wildlife explanations, and have a better chance of seeing in the direction the crew points. You will not be separated from the action by several rows of passengers.

The tradeoff is comfort. The same boat that makes the trip exciting also makes it bumpier. One particularly windy outing was described as rough, even with the waterproof coveralls. If you prefer a calm, slow cruise, a larger vessel may suit you better. If you enjoy speed and do not mind a hard ride, the RIB is a major part of the value.

Starting at Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavik’s old harbor

The tour begins at Ægisgarður 5G, roughly a five-minute walk from the city center. That makes it easy to fit around other central Reykjavik plans, though you should allow time to find the meeting point and put on your gear before departure.

The crew provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket. You also receive your own scarf, a small practical souvenir that helps keep wind off your neck. Wear warm clothing beneath the suit, since the air can feel cold even when the harbor seems mild.

Closed shoes are required. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted, and open-toed shoes are specifically ruled out. A sturdy pair of warm shoes is the sensible choice.

The staff places real attention on safety. The equipment is supplied as part of the trip, and the boat uses suspension seating to improve comfort and security. That matters on a small craft, where wind and waves are felt much more directly than on a large ship.

The harbor departure: Harpa and Sun Voyager

The first part of the trip provides a quick look at Reykjavik from the water. The RIB passes the Harpa Concert Hall, with its geometric glass facade, and the Sun Voyager, the steel sculpture shaped like a Viking ship beside the waterfront.

These views give the ride a useful sense of place. You are not simply being transported out to sea. The departure connects Reykjavik’s modern waterfront with the open bay beyond it, and the guide provides information about the city as well as the wildlife.

The city sights do not take up the full two hours, so do not book this as a dedicated architecture tour. Their value is that they make the opening and return portions more interesting. If you have already walked along the waterfront, seeing the same landmarks from the boat still gives you a different angle.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

The main wildlife search takes place in Faxaflói Bay. Up to 23 whale species can be found in the wider area, along with dolphins, seals, and many kinds of seabirds. That number describes what may occur in the bay, not what you will see on one outing.

Sightings depend on weather, season, sea conditions, and animal behavior. You might see only a distant blow or the curved back of a whale. A humpback may surface more clearly, but even then you may get just a few breaths before it disappears again.

The crew works actively to find animals. On one outing, the guide and boat navigator followed a feeding humpback that surfaced to breathe. Another trip produced white-beaked dolphins that came very close to the RIB, while a different outing included minke whales and a large pod of pilot whales.

Dolphins can sometimes provide the most reliable entertainment. They may circle under the boat, appear beside it, and move with the RIB for a while. Whales are less predictable, but that uncertainty is part of the real appeal. You are watching animals in their own environment rather than waiting for a trained display.

The guide also explains what you are seeing and answers questions about whales, birds, wildlife, and Reykjavik. That guidance matters because a whale’s back can vanish in seconds. Knowing where to look and what behavior to expect makes brief sightings easier to appreciate.

Puffin islands and close coastal views

The boat continues toward islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay a single egg. The RIB can approach these areas closely, giving you a chance to see puffins on the cliffs, beaches, water, and in the air.

Puffins are often easier to spot than whales because they gather near nesting areas. You might see them swimming, flying low over the water, or resting on the shore. One especially strong outing included large numbers of puffins on the cliff and beach, with many birds moving around the boat.

The islands add variety to the trip. You are not spending two hours staring at one stretch of open water. The scenery changes from Reykjavik’s waterfront to open bay, then to low islands and seabird habitat.

Keep your expectations realistic. The birds may be active and close, but nature does not guarantee a perfect photo or a long look. Wind and boat movement can make photography difficult. The goggles help with spray, while the provided scarf and overall help you stay focused on the birds instead of the cold.

What the speed and waves feel like

The RIB can be exhilarating. Several outings included fast runs over the waves and sharp turns near the end. For some people, that makes the boat ride a highlight even if whale sightings are limited.

The ride can also feel rough. Conditions change with wind direction and wave size, and the boat responds to both. Suspension seats help, but they do not remove the movement. If you are prone to motion sickness or simply dislike bumpy water, think carefully before choosing this format.

The provided goggles are useful during faster sections and in spray. The waterproof overall keeps you dry, but it is still wise to wear warm layers underneath. Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, and an overcast sky or light drizzle may occur even when the bay appears manageable from shore.

This is not the right trip for someone seeking a quiet, gentle cruise. It is better for an active outing where the ride, wildlife search, and coastal views all share the spotlight.

How much value do you get for $192?

At $192 per person, this is not a budget activity. The duration is two hours, so the price reflects the small 12-seat RIB, the specialized equipment, the guide, and the speedboat format rather than a long sailing time.

I think the price makes more sense if you value the boat itself. The RIB is not merely a way to reach the wildlife. Its speed, compact size, suspension seats, and close approach to the puffin islands create an experience that a larger ship cannot fully match.

The price is harder to justify if your only goal is to see a whale. Sightings cannot be promised, and you may see one whale, several dolphins, or seabirds instead. A good wildlife trip needs a little patience and flexibility.

The experience has a strong track record, with a 4.7 rating from 119 reviews. Praise centers on the friendly crew, clear explanations, new equipment, safety care, and the excitement of the ride. The small father-and-son operation has also been noted for personal service, which suits people who prefer a local-feeling outing to a large commercial cruise.

Who should choose this tour?

I would recommend it to adults, couples, families with children aged 10 or older, and anyone who wants wildlife watching with a physical kick. It works especially well if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want to combine city views, seabirds, dolphins, and possible whales in one short trip.

It also suits repeat visitors who have already seen Reykjavik’s waterfront and want a different view of it. The departure past Harpa and Sun Voyager adds a compact sightseeing element before the boat reaches the open bay.

I would hesitate to recommend it to very young children, anyone uncomfortable with speed, or anyone needing a calm and spacious boat. Children under 10 cannot take part, and the crew specifically requires closed shoes.

If you have a flexible schedule, use the cancellation option sensibly. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. That is useful in Iceland, where weather can change your plans.

Practical ways to improve your outing

• Dress warmer than you think you need: The waterproof suit protects against spray, but warm clothes beneath it still matter.
• Wear closed-toed shoes: Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted.
• Expect motion: Choose this trip for an active ride, not a smooth cruise.
• Watch the guide’s pointing hand: Wildlife may appear only briefly, and the crew helps you find it quickly.
• Keep your schedule flexible: Whales cannot be guaranteed, and rough weather may affect how enjoyable the ride feels.
• Ask questions: The guide covers whales, other wildlife, and Reykjavik, so the trip offers more than a simple search for fins.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching speedboat tour meet?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavik’s old harbor, about a five-minute walk from the city center.

How long is the tour?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What kind of boat is used?

The tour uses a 12-seat luxury RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, with suspension seats.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. Whales are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. They can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

What other wildlife might I see?

Possible wildlife includes dolphins, seals, puffins, seabirds, harbor porpoises, pilot whales, minke whales, and humpback whales.

Will the boat visit puffin nesting areas?

Yes. The boat cruises close to islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay their eggs.

What equipment is included?

A warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a life jacket, and your own scarf are included.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and closed shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under 10 are not suitable for this activity. The stated minimum age is 10.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is provided in English and Icelandic.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

Should you book this Reykjavik RIB tour?

Book it if you want a fast, small-boat wildlife trip and can accept that nature may not follow a schedule. The combination of dolphins, puffin islands, harbor views, safety gear, and the RIB ride gives you several worthwhile parts even when whales stay out of sight.

Skip it if you want a slow cruise, dislike rough water, or are choosing purely for a guaranteed whale encounter. For the right person, the speedboat is not just transportation to the wildlife. It is the experience.