Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Whales just off Reykjavík can feel unreal. This RIB speedboat tour is interesting because you get city landmarks from the water and a high-energy search for marine wildlife, often in a 12-seater boat that keeps the experience personal. I like that the route mixes Reykjavík views with nearby islands like Engey and Lundey, so you’re not just staring at open water waiting for something to happen.

A main consideration is that this is a fast, bumpy ride in Icelandic conditions, and weather plays a big role in how comfortable you’ll be and whether you’ll go at all. Some people also report feeling seasick even when conditions seem okay, so plan for motion and wind chill.

Key points if you want the highlights fast

• Small-group RIB (12 seats) means more focused time around sightings and less crowding
• Old Harbor House check-in is quick and structured: scan your QR/bar code at the self-service kiosk
• Faxaflói Bay route includes passes by Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island) for added wildlife variety
• Warm gear is included: overalls, gloves, goggles, plus safety equipment
• No-wildlife backup: if you don’t see animals that day, you get a complimentary ticket to try again
• Captain decides for comfort and safety based on local conditions and experience

Reykjavík Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: the ride that sets the tone

This is one of those tours where the “how” matters as much as the “what.” You start at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, check in at the Old Harbour House, and then head out fast on a small RIB. That short, punchy format changes the feel of whale watching. Bigger boats can mean distance, slow repositioning, and long stretches with nothing but spray and hope. Here, the point is to move efficiently when the captain spots signs of whales and dolphins.

You’ll also get Reykjavík in a way you can’t fake from land. As you cruise along the coast and through the bay, you’re looking back at the city and landmarks from the water. The route is designed so the views keep coming while the guide searches for wildlife. You’ll be passing near parts of Faxaflói Bay and nearby islands, so even when the animals are quiet, the scenery isn’t.

And the boat itself is part of the show. Multiple guides and crews are described as quick to react when there’s activity, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to see whales in their own habitat.

12-seater RIB comfort: gear that actually matters in Iceland

The biggest practical win is that the tour includes warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. In Iceland, this isn’t a nice-to-have. Cold wind on a speedboat can make 15 minutes feel like an hour if you show up dressed for a stroll. With the provided gear, you can keep your hands and face comfortable enough to focus on what’s in the water.

Also, the 12-seater setup changes how you experience the boat. It’s intimate, so you’re not lost among lots of bodies on an open deck. You can also feel the difference in how the crew navigates. The RIB format lets them get around more nimbly, which is why you’ll often hear about closer encounters and quicker repositioning.

Now the honest trade-off: this is still a RIB. Reviews and tour feedback repeatedly point to the ride being fun, but also bumpy. If you’re sensitive to motion or you get seasick easily, don’t ignore it. Some people report seasickness even when wind isn’t extreme. Bring the same caution you’d bring to any fast boat in cold water—motion can surprise you.

Engey and Lundey add wildlife texture beyond whales

The wildlife angle here isn’t just whales. The itinerary is built around a bay full of life, with a route that passes key islands and coastal stretches while the crew scans for animals.

You’ll cruise among small islands in Faxaflói Bay and along Reykjavík’s coastline. During the tour, you pass Engey, the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) area in western Iceland. That matters because islands often concentrate birds and marine activity, and the crew can use these geographic spots to search smartly.

You also go by Lundey, which literally means Puffin Island. Even when whale action is slower, that stop usually gives you a shot at other wildlife—puffins and sea birds show up in multiple accounts. So you’re not spending the whole 2 hours thinking, please let it be whales today. You get variety in what you can spot.

And if you’re someone who likes context, your English-speaking guide can help connect what you’re seeing to behavior—why you might notice blows, surfacing timing, or the difference between whale types and dolphin groups. Names mentioned include guides like Claudia, Klaudia, Julian/Julien, and Bianca, and the common thread is clear explanations paired with active searching.

Wildlife odds, quick repositioning, and the free re-try ticket

Here’s the reality of whale watching: sightings can’t be guaranteed. The tour depends on suitable weather, and the captain makes the call based on safety and passenger comfort. Even in prime season, whales don’t schedule themselves around your vacation.

So it helps that this operator offers a strong safety net: if you don’t see wildlife on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day. That turns the experience from a pay-and-hope gamble into a fairer odds game—especially if you have flexibility in your Reykjavík plans.

The other factor is how quickly the crew can shift from one spot to another. RIB speed makes a difference when you’re trying to catch whales in the window between surfacing. Multiple accounts describe close encounters with minke and humpback whales, plus dolphin groups like white-beaked/white-nosed dolphins and harbour porpoises. You can also sometimes catch whale behavior like breaching or strong surface activity, which is exactly what you hope for in a short 2-hour outing.

Just remember the “fast” part can be a blessing or a challenge depending on the sea state. When conditions are decent, people report not getting too wet and enjoying the ride. When it’s rougher, you’ll feel it. That’s not a flaw—it’s Icelandic sea reality.

Weather and comfort: who the ride is best for

This tour is exciting, but it isn’t for everyone. You should skip it if you fall into the listed categories: children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 145 cm (4 ft 8 in).

Why these limits? The ride can be bumpy and physically active. Even with warm gear, you’ll be dealing with wind chill and boat motion. The RIB experience is half sitting and half bracing through the ride, and that can be uncomfortable if you have mobility limits or pain sensitivity.

If you’re an adult who’s generally sturdy on uneven, moving surfaces, you’ll likely be fine—especially with the gear. Many people describe the tour as well organized and safe, and they praise the captain’s experience. Still, if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Even when weather isn’t terrible, some people reported seasickness.

One more practical point: bring the right mindset. This isn’t “sit still and enjoy a cruise.” It’s “go out, scan, react, spot, and then go again.” If you want a calm, slow boat with minimal motion, you may prefer a larger vessel. If you want the best shot at active wildlife encounters from the water, the RIB format makes sense.

Price and value: why $200 can be fair (or not)

At around $200 per person for a 2-hour tour, you’re paying for three things: speed, access, and the operator’s attempt to maximize your odds.

First, speed has value in whale watching. When animals surface briefly, the ability to reposition matters. A smaller, faster RIB boat can get you closer and shift faster than big-deck alternatives. In accounts from this experience, people often mention close encounters and multiple species in one trip, which is the kind of outcome that makes the price feel justified.

Second, access is part of the value too. You’re not just looking for whales far away from land. You’re traveling through the same coastal waters where animals feed and travel, with a guide scanning actively.

Third, there’s the free re-try policy. That’s not a gimmick. It’s a real financial hedge against the biggest risk in wildlife tours: empty stretches.

When it feels like less value is when you have poor conditions and sightings are limited. If the sea is too rough, the captain may change plans or reschedule for the safety minimums. And if you end up with no wildlife sighting, you’ll still need that second-day flexibility to actually use the complimentary ticket. If your schedule is tight, that hedge matters less.

My practical advice: if whale watching is a top priority in Reykjavík and you can keep one extra half-day flexible, this price starts to look reasonable.

Meeting point reality: how to avoid wasting your start time

Logistics are simple, but timing matters because the tour runs on the sea, not a clock in your hotel lobby.

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Then scan the bar/QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. It’s fast, so don’t arrive at the last second while you’re still figuring out where the kiosk is.

If you’re driving, use the nearest free parking located near the meeting point. Plan for a short walk from parking to the harbor area—especially if it’s windy. Comfortable shoes matter because you’ll be moving in cold, possibly slick conditions around the dock.

Also, camera time. You’ll want it ready, but don’t forget you’ll be wearing goggles and gloves. If you use a phone, practice taking it out and back in with gloves on, so you’re not fumbling when something surfaces.

What you’ll likely see in practice (and what to watch for)

Your best-case day includes a mix of whales and dolphins, sometimes with porpoises and puffins. Commonly mentioned species include humpback whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises, and dolphins like white-beaked/white-nosed dolphins. Puffins show up frequently too, especially connected to the island segments.

What you can actually watch for:

• Blows: whales surface to breathe, and that spout or mist can be spotted before the whale is fully visible
• Surfacing patterns: dolphins often move in groups with quick changes, while whales can stay in a small area longer
• Bird activity: sea birds and puffin zones can hint at productive water, even if whales aren’t visible yet

The crew’s job is to connect those signals quickly and steer the boat toward active areas. When the captain and guide are on their game, you spend more time watching and less time traveling without a payoff.

And yes, sometimes whales put on a show. People describe breaches and strong surface activity, which can look unreal against the stark Iceland seascape.

Should you book this RIB whale watching tour from Reykjavík?

Book it if you want a high-action, close-to-the-water experience and you can handle cold wind and a bouncy ride. This is a strong choice if whales are your main goal and you like the idea of a smaller 12-seater RIB where the crew can reposition quickly.

Consider a different style of tour if you hate motion, have back issues, or can’t deal with wind chill. Also, if your schedule can’t bend at all, weigh how much you can benefit from the free re-try ticket.

If you’re open-minded, dressed for Iceland weather, and your priority is seeing marine wildlife in their real environment (with the best shot the RIB format gives), this tour makes a lot of sense for Reykjavík.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Reykjavík whale watching RIB tour?

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. Check in 30 minutes before departure and scan the bar/QR code at the self-service kiosk.

What’s included on the tour?

It includes the 2-hour boat tour on a 12-seater RIB, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and provided warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Do you pick me up from my hotel?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

If I don’t see whales or other wildlife, do I get anything back?

Yes. If you do not see wildlife during your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

Is this tour suitable for children or everyone physically?

No. It is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people under 145 cm (4 ft 8 in).