From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

Reykjavik turns into a close-up whale hunt. I really like that this is a new 12-seat luxury RIB with suspension seats, so you feel the speed without feeling wrecked. I also like the warm waterproof overalls and goggles setup, because Iceland weather does not ask permission. One caution: whales are wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed, and rougher seas can make the ride bumpy.

The tour starts in Reykjavik’s old harbor and quickly shifts from city landmarks to open water. You pass the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture before heading for Faxaflói Bay, where the chances of seeing whales and other marine life are the whole point.

Over two hours, you’re out looking for up to 23 whale species, plus dolphins, seals, and lots of seabirds. You’ll also cruise close to islands where puffins nest and lay one egg, which turns the “whale watch” into a broader, more fun wildlife outing.

Key things I’d bank on

• A modern RIB with suspension seats for comfort during a fast, close-to-the-water ride
• Faxaflói Bay focus where whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds are often spotted
• Puffins near nesting islands with a chance to see them flying and swimming close to the boat
• Warm waterproof gear included so you can stay focused on the water instead of getting cold
• A guided hunt with city context as you leave Reykjavik and learn what you’re actually seeing

From the old harbor to open water, Harpa and Sun Voyager first

I like that this trip doesn’t waste your time. You meet up near the city center, then you’re moving right away, with sights that feel very Reykjavik even before you’re hunting wildlife. As the boat leaves, you get views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. It’s a nice transition moment, from a tidy street scene into the messy, real North Atlantic.

That early stretch matters because it gets you oriented. You’re not just boarding and hoping. You start watching the sea conditions, noticing where seabirds are feeding, and getting a feel for what your guide is likely to check first once you reach the whale area.

Meeting at Ægisgarður 5G, and why your shoes matter

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center. It’s easy to build into a day of sightseeing without needing a long transfer, and it helps that the tour is only 2 hours total.

Before you head out, you’ll get the Iceland essentials in practical form:

• A warm waterproof overall
• A life jacket rental
• Gloves and goggles
• And yes, you also bring your own scarf (they provide that overall part of the warmth game)

The shoe rules are simple but strict: no sandals or flip-flops, and no open-toed shoes. That’s not nitpicking. A small splash plus wind plus speed means you want closed, grippy footwear to keep your footing stable on a moving boat deck.

The actual whale-spotting zone: Faxaflói Bay and how you’ll scan

Once you reach Faxaflói Bay, the focus shifts hard to wildlife. This is where you look for up to 23 species of whales, along with dolphins and seals, plus seabirds of various species.

Here’s the realistic part that’s worth knowing going in: whales are harder to spot in open water than in an aquarium. You’re not staring at a tank with steady lighting. You’re watching a moving sea surface and trying to catch a blow (the spout) or a body angle before it disappears again.

So what do you do with that? You listen and you watch what your guide points out, because that’s where the value is. The guide’s job is to help you track where to look next, not just to name species you might never see. If you want the trip to feel like more than a random drive, ask questions as you cruise. The information is part of the experience.

Also, keep your eyes on the “secondary clues.” In this kind of wildlife area, seabird activity and occasional surface movement often give you hints about where animals are feeding and moving. You’ll be out long enough to circle back if conditions and sightings change.

Puffins on the islands: the part I love when the whale timing slips

Even if whale sightings are slow, the tour doesn’t feel like it’s waiting in place. One of the best parts of this outing is how it handles the puffins.

You cruise up close to islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg on the islands in Faxaflói Bay. That detail matters because it explains the behavior you might see. Puffins are not just cute birds in the distance. They’re tied to specific nesting sites, and being near those islands is what turns your “maybe I’ll see a bird” hope into a better chance of seeing active birds around the boat.

On good days, puffins can put on a show in two ways: flying above the water and moving through it. If the boat gets you close, you’ll likely see them working the air and the surface instead of just sitting somewhere distant.

What the RIB ride feels like at speed, and when to pick your day

Let’s talk about the ride, because this is a RIB and it behaves like one. It’s a fast rigid inflatable boat with 12 suspension seats, built to improve comfort and safety on choppy water.

Still, speed plus Iceland wind means conditions matter. Some days are smooth and exhilarating. Other days can feel rough, with a more jostly ride over waves. If you’re the type who worries with motion, you should think about timing. A calmer day can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy the hunt itself.

The upside? When the sea is cooperating, the RIB adds energy to the entire experience. You’re not trapped in a slow sightseeing boat. You’re in something that can run efficiently, adjust routes, and get you to sighting areas fast.

Wildlife sightings to expect, and what “close encounter” realistically means

This trip is designed for close encounters, but it’s still nature. You might see:

• Humpback whales (including surface behavior like blowing)
• Minke whales
• Dolphins, including white-beaked types (and sometimes in active, circling behavior)
• Seals
• Puffins around the nesting islands

You could also be lucky with larger pods. In the region, it’s possible to spot more than one whale species in the same outing, and bigger whale groups show up when conditions and positioning line up.

One more thing I appreciate: the boat and the guide approach it as respectful watching. You’re there to see animals in their real environment, not to treat wildlife like a performance. If something comes into view, you’re there for it, and when it moves on, the hunt keeps going.

How the guide changes the trip: facts, scanning, and teamwork

This tour is led by a live guide in English and Icelandic. You’re not left alone with binoculars and luck. The guide provides context on whales and wildlife, and also gives city information while you’re still close to Reykjavik.

I like this mix because it gives you two kinds of payoff:

1) You learn what you’re seeing, so it’s not just spotting shapes on water.

2) You understand what to watch for next, so you don’t feel like you’re doing the job without the tools.

During the hunt, guides also help with timing and positioning. When a whale surfaces and then disappears, the guide’s guidance helps you stay mentally in the scan mode instead of wondering what you missed.

Price and value: why $192 may still feel fair

At $192 per person for a 2-hour cruise, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it also isn’t just a seat on a boat. You’re paying for a few things that add up quickly in Iceland:

• A modern 12-seat luxury RIB with suspension seats
• Safety gear and protection: life jacket rental, warm waterproof overall, gloves and goggles
• Real guided effort: a guide actively searching and explaining what you’re looking at
• A route that includes city landmarks (Harpa and Sun Voyager) plus the wildlife-focused run into Faxaflói Bay

If you compare this style of whale watching to the longer, more general tours, the two-hour format helps. You get a full wildlife outing without losing half a day to transfers and waiting. And the gear inclusion is a big value point. Staying warm in open water is not optional.

Who should book this RIB whale watch (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if:

• You want a fast, fun ride that still keeps comfort in mind
• You’re excited to see puffins up close, not just whales
• You enjoy wildlife with interpretation, not just a raw chance at spotting something

It may be a tougher match if:

• You’re anxious about bumpy rides when wind and waves pick up
• You’re traveling with kids under 10, since the tour is not suitable for children under 10

For most adults, this is one of those activities that works well as a main-plan Reykjavik experience. It’s short, scenic, and wildlife-focused, with gear that makes it doable even when Iceland turns cold and wet.

Quick practical tips before you go

These are small but they help:

• Wear warm layers under the provided overall. Iceland wind can cut fast.
• Bring your own scarf for that added warmth touch the tour requests.
• Plan for conditions to change quickly. Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable.
• If you’re picky about motion comfort, consider aiming for a day that looks calmer when you book.

Should you book this whale-watching speedboat?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a high-action wildlife outing that starts with Reykjavik landmarks and ends with chances for whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins. The included gear makes it practical, and the format is short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your day without feeling trapped on a schedule.

I’d book with the understanding that seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and open-water spotting is genuinely harder than in an aquarium. If you can accept that nature may run on its own timetable, you’ll still get value from the ride, the guided searching, and the puffins near the nesting islands.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour by speedboat?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G, which is about a 5-minute walk from the city center.

What animals are you likely to see besides whales?

You’ll look for whales, and the tour also targets dolphins, seals, and seabirds. You’ll also cruise close to islands where puffins nest.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and whales can be harder to spot in open sea than in an ocean setting.

What safety and warm-weather gear is provided?

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, life jacket rental, gloves, and goggles. You should bring your own whale watching scarf as requested.

What should I wear on the boat?

Wear warm clothes. Avoid sandals or flip-flops and open-toed shoes.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides provide a live tour in English and Icelandic.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.