A RIB boat turns Reykjavik whale watching into a quick, hands-on hunt. You move fast between likely spots, and the expert English guiding helps you read the bay and track sightings. I also liked the included thermal overalls and safety gear—you’re not scrambling for cold-weather basics before you go out. One real consideration: this is a speedy ride on open water, and in choppier seas it can feel bouncy.

This small-group setup (max 12) keeps things more personal than the big-boat crowd, and you spend your time where the action is, not parked on a distant horizon. The trade-off is simple: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, and if the conditions don’t cooperate, the tour may need to be rescheduled or refunded.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth It

• RIB speed in Faxaflói Bay: get between whale areas quickly, instead of waiting around.
• Small group (max 12): more attention from the crew when you’re spotting at sea level.
• New 12m custom-built RIB + shock seats: the ride is still energetic, but it’s built for comfort and stability.
• Included waterproof gear: warm overalls, lifevest, gloves, and goggles are part of the ticket.
• Summer puffin stop at Akurey: a chance to see nesting behavior when puffins are in town.

RIB Boat Basics: Why This Format Works in Iceland

Reykjavik sits at the edge of Faxaflói Bay, where the sea life can show up close to shore—if you’re in the right place at the right time. That’s where the RIB format earns its keep. You’re not stuck in a slow boat that takes forever to reach feeding grounds. Instead, you can run, search, and follow once the crew spots signs of wildlife.

The boat itself is a big part of the experience. This tour uses a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB express with suspension/shock-absorbing seats, designed to make a cold, choppy bay feel more manageable. In practice, that matters because you’ll likely be moving around on the water, holding your gaze steady, and listening for the guide’s cues. If you only take one thing from this section, make it this: the RIB isn’t just for thrill. It helps you keep your attention on the water, because you’re not stuck in “sightseeing drift” mode.

Who this is best for

If you want action and a hands-on wildlife search, you’ll probably love it. If you hate fast rides or you’re dealing with a sensitive back/heart condition, this is the part where you should be honest with yourself. The boat can be bumpy when conditions are rough, and some people feel it more than others—even with the shock seats.

Getting Started: Old Harbour Check-In and Warm Gear

Your tour begins in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. If you selected hotel pickup, a bus brings you to the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. If not, you go straight there. Either way, you check in first, then get suited up.

Then comes the wardrobe moment that makes this tour smoother than many other Iceland experiences: you’ll get warm overalls, a lifevest, gloves, and goggles. This isn’t optional add-on stuff. It’s part of the deal, and it’s one of the best value points for cold-weather travelers. When you’re out on the bay, wind can cut hard fast. Being properly covered means you can focus on spotting, not on shivering.

You also get a safety talk before boarding. It’s not a lecture. It’s the quick set-up you need so everyone can handle the ride properly. Arrive at least 30 minutes early so you have enough time to check in and get your gear sorted without feeling rushed.

A practical note on the change area

The info here says the shop/check-in area is near public transportation, and you’re getting geared up in advance. In real life, that area can feel tight when multiple groups are arriving at once. If you have mobility limits, don’t wait until the last second—show up early and ask staff where to go.

The Boat Ride Out: Esja Views on the Way to Whale Grounds

Once you’re aboard, you’ll feel the difference right away. RIBs are quick to launch and quick to move. That’s exactly what you want in whale watching, because whales don’t show up on a schedule. The crew’s job is to keep searching intelligently and then move at speed when they find the right signs.

On the way out, you get scenery as a warm-up act. Faxaflói Bay opens up behind you, with the Esja mountain in view (on clear stretches). This is also where you’ll start the spotting rhythm: the guide helps you know what to look for at sea level—blow location, movement patterns, and how dolphins behave when they’re feeding or traveling.

The tour is designed to take you out to whale feeding areas. You’re specifically looking for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Even if you don’t catch a whale, dolphins and porpoises can make the ride feel alive.

Why the “fast search” matters

In whale watching, time on the water is everything, but so is time searching. A quick boat helps you cover more water in a short window, which increases your odds. And when you do make a sighting, you’re not stuck far away—you can reposition while still following the animals’ activity.

The Expert Guide Effect: How Following Gets You Closer

A lot of whale watching feels like hoping. This one leans more toward technique. The guide’s role is active: they help you track what’s happening and often guide your attention in a way that makes you see more than you would on your own.

In the feedback I saw, captain and guide performance came up again and again. People specifically praised captains like Yoda for maneuvering and guides like Blanca for making the whole thing feel informed and smooth. Another guide name that showed up was Jonathan, credited with sharing details about animals you might see on the way out, including puffins and other birds.

The key takeaway: you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re buying into a crew that’s built for search-and-follow.

Ice Whale code follow-style

The tour follows wildlife code of conduct principles (you’ll hear this in the safety/guide briefing style). In plain terms: you follow while behaving responsibly. That’s part of how you stay close without turning the animals into a show.

Summer Bonus: Akurey Puffin Island Stop

If you go during the summer months when puffins are nesting, this tour includes a stop at Akurey, one of Iceland’s popular puffin islands. This is the “extra” that makes the tour feel like more than one species hunt.

Even if you came for whales, you’ll likely enjoy the land-and-water contrast. On the island stop, you get a different pace, plus the chance to observe seabirds doing seabird things—on their schedule, not yours. And if conditions allow, you may also see lots of puffins around the nesting areas.

One caveat: puffins can be hard to spot at distance depending on weather and viewing angles. If you’re a binocular person, bring the habit—even if you didn’t bring gear, you can still do better when you’re ready to scan and refocus quickly.

Reykjavík Coastline on the Way Back

Before you head in, you’ll typically get views again of the Reykjavík coastline. It’s not just a ride to the end point. It’s a final chance to enjoy the bay’s mood as you return—wind shifts, light changes, and the coastline can look completely different from what you saw at the start.

If you had a great sighting earlier, the return can feel like the calm after the excitement. If wildlife was slow, this stretch still gives you that Iceland “being out on the water” feeling without wasting your entire time just looking at empty horizon.

Comfort and Safety: The Good, the Bumpy, and Who Should Think Twice

Let’s talk about the part some people love and some people don’t: the ride itself.

Many folks describe it as exhilarating—fast, thrilling, and sometimes roller-coaster-ish. The shock-absorbing seats and suspension help, and the included gear keeps you warm and protected. But the sea can get rough, and there’s no way to “smooth” away a windy bay and an energetic boat.

Here’s the practical line I’d give you:

• If you get carsick easily, be cautious.
• If you have a bad back, heart condition, or mobility limitations, take the safety advice seriously.
• If you’re going with kids, note the tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old or under 145 cm.

Some riders say they felt safe and had a blast. Others mention pain when conditions were rough and wished they hadn’t been pushed into the choppier segment. That difference usually comes down to individual sensitivity and the day’s sea state. So don’t assume every trip feels the same.

How Much It Costs, and What You Get for It

At $189.87 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a budget activity. But value in Reykjavik whale watching isn’t only about the price tag—it’s about what you’re buying: speed, search time, and gear.

You’re paying for:

• A RIB that can reposition quickly for sightings
• An English-speaking guide who helps you track and interpret wildlife behavior
• Waterproof gear that keeps you comfortable in wind and spray
• A small group experience (max 12)
• Extra seasonal value with the Akurey puffin island stop (in summer)

Compared with tours that require you to scramble for cold-weather gear, this included kit is a real benefit. Compared with big boats, the RIB’s ability to move between points can mean more chances to see dolphins or whales rather than just hearing about them.

My advice on deciding

If whales are your main goal and you want the best odds in the time window you have, the RIB format makes sense. If you’re mainly chasing a calm sightseeing cruise, the bouncy element may not be worth it.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watch?

I’d book this if your travel style is active and you want the most likely shot at good sightings in a short Reykjavik window. The combination of RIB speed, small-group attention, and included waterproof gear makes it feel like a serious wildlife outing, not a passive boat trip.

I’d think twice if you:

• have a back or heart condition,
• are sensitive to bumps,
• or have trouble getting in and out of a boat in motion.

Also remember: sightings can’t be guaranteed. That said, the tour does offer a path forward—if you don’t spot wildlife on your tour, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on other whale watching options (classic or express). So if you’re flexible and you can fit a second try into your schedule, that reduces the risk.

If your goal is a memorable Iceland story with dolphins, porpoises, and maybe a humpback or minke whale up close, this is a strong choice—especially when you time it for calmer conditions and arrive ready to bundle up.

FAQ

What is the duration of the 2-Hour RIB Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

Where does the tour meet in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. Transfers are not included by default, but they can be added for an additional fee.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What wildlife species are you searching for?

The tour takes you to whale feeding grounds and you may see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Does the tour stop at Akurey for puffins?

Yes, the tour includes a visit to Akurey, a puffin nesting island, during the summer months.

What gear is included?

You get warm overalls, a lifevest, gloves, and goggles, plus suspension/shock-absorbing seats are part of the boat experience.

What happens if no wildlife is spotted on your tour?

Sightings are not guaranteed. If there are no sightings, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on the Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

Is there an age or height restriction?

The tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old or under 145 cm.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.