Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Small boat, big wildlife moments off Reykjavík. You’ll zoom out from the Old Harbor on a 12-seater RIB speedboat, cruising past islands like Engey and Lundey as a live English guide keeps you moving toward whale and dolphin sightings. It’s a fast, close-up way to watch Iceland’s marine life without feeling packed in.

I love how the operators balance excitement with real practical safety, and you’re dressed for the cold with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles. The only real drawback is the ride itself, it can get choppy and windy, so cold spray and motion are something to plan for.

Key points to know before you go

• 12 seats on a RIB means a smaller, more responsive boat when sightings happen
• Faxaflói Bay islands like Engey and Lundey help shape the route and the views
• Warm overalls and gloves are included, so you’re not improvising cold-weather gear
• Wildlife is not guaranteed, but if you miss out you can get a complimentary ticket to try again
• Weather matters and the captain decides based on conditions for safety and comfort

RIB speedboat energy on Reykjavík’s water

This is not a slow cruise where you sit back and hope. It’s a RIB speedboat experience built for motion, quick turns, and getting to the right patch of water. From the start, you’re on the water looking back at Reykjavík, and that alone is a nice change from viewing the city from roads and sidewalks.

You’re also in a 12-seater boat, which affects everything. Smaller groups usually mean less noise, less waiting, and easier movement when the crew spots activity. In practice, that creates a better rhythm: scan, spot, reposition, then watch. When marine life shows up, you feel like you’re part of the action instead of watching it from far away.

What makes this tour feel especially “Iceland” is the environment right next to the city. You’re not driving for hours to a remote coastline. You’re working the nearby bays and islands where animals feed and travel, including areas around Engey (the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður, also known as Faxa Bay). It’s a good reminder that Iceland’s nature doesn’t require long distances to start.

Where you’ll go in those 2 hours, from Old Harbor to the island loop

Your tour begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor area, with check-in required 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House (Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík). After you scan the ticket code at the self-service kiosk, you’re ready to be outfitted and briefed, then you head out.

The core of the route is cruising off Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay, along the city’s coastline, and among the nearby islands. The boat also passes specific island landmarks that are famous for wildlife watching, especially:

• Engey, the second-largest island in the bay, which adds classic coastal scenery while you keep your eyes on the water
• Lundey, also called Puffin Island, an uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast

You’ll also get panoramic views of Reykjavík from the water, including landmarks like Harpa concert hall. That water-level perspective is a big part of the “value” of the tour even on days when animals don’t show up right away.

Time-wise, think of it as a focused circuit rather than a long drift. The operator searches for marine life, adjusts the route based on where the activity is, and then returns to harbor. Since the tour is 2 hours total, you’ll want to arrive relaxed and ready to go, not still figuring out your layers when departure time hits.

What animals to watch for, and why the free retry matters

The stated targets are whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with the tour designed to find them off Reykjavík’s coast. On the water, sightings can include brief surface moments, spouts, and then longer behavior if the animals stick around. That’s why the RIB format is useful, it can reposition quickly when the crew spots blow patterns or movement.

You should also know one key point up front: wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. Iceland is wild, and animals decide their own schedule. What helps is the built-in safety net. If you don’t see any wildlife on your tour, you’re given a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

That free retry changes the math for you. At $200 per person, you’re paying for a higher-probability search with the right boat and the right timing, not a guaranteed wildlife show. If you’re the type who really wants at least one real close-up encounter, that complimentary ticket is one of the most reassuring parts of the offer.

Also, if the day’s conditions allow it, you’re not just chasing whales. The route and islands around Lundey can offer the chance to spot puffins along with other seabirds, since the island is specifically nicknamed Puffin Island.

Why the small RIB boat often feels more real than big cruises

The 12-seater boat is the tour’s secret weapon. Larger boats can be great, but with a small RIB you typically get more flexibility in how the crew moves around sightings. When something surfaces, the captain can adjust quickly rather than waiting for a slower turning radius or a traffic-like bottleneck.

In the best moments, this means you’re close enough to feel the scale of a whale in real life. You get clear views of surface behavior, and you’re more likely to see multiple animals in the same general area as the captain maneuvers. The whole vibe becomes active, not passive.

It’s also easier to keep track of what you’re looking at. Because you’re on a smaller vessel, the guide can point things out and you can actually see where they’re indicating. Some people are sensitive to the noise and wind on a fast boat, but overall this style of tour tends to help you stay focused on the water instead of the crowd.

One practical note: this isn’t a calm, flat ride. The RIB can feel bouncy because it’s designed to cut through water quickly. If you’re prone to seasickness, plan ahead. Bring your warm layers, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and consider taking it slow with motion.

Gear included, what to bring, and how to dress for Reykjavík wind

Good whale watching on a RIB is all about staying warm enough to enjoy what you’re seeing. The good news is the essentials are handled. You’re provided with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment. That matters because the water near Reykjavík can be cold, and wind chill hits hard when you’re moving fast.

Still, you should show up dressed for wind and spray. The tour asks for:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• A camera

Your camera plan should be realistic. In cool, windy conditions, it’s easier to get decent photos if your hands are warm and your lens isn’t fogging from breath. Also, keep in mind that when animals surface, timing is quick. You’ll want a camera setup you can manage without fumbling.

If you’re the kind of person who hates wind in your face, a simple face covering can help reduce the sting. And if you’re worried about ears feeling cold with fast air rushing past, treat ear protection as a comfort upgrade, not just a weather accessory.

Weather rules and how the captain keeps it both safe and fun

This tour depends on suitable weather conditions. That means the captain makes the call based on experience, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort. In other words, the day’s “weather forecast” isn’t the only factor. You’re going to be sailing, turning, and speeding across water, so wind, waves, and visibility matter.

If conditions are too rough, the tour may be rescheduled, and it may also be rescheduled if a minimum number of participants isn’t reached. This is normal in Iceland tours, and it’s one more reason you’ll want flexible plans if possible.

When it does sail, expect the experience to feel like a real outing, not a gentle sightseeing stroll. People often come for the RIB speed and the search style, so you’re trading some comfort for that thrill.

Who should skip it? Based on the stated guidance, it is not suitable for:

• Children under 10 years
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

If you’re unsure, think about how you handle motion and wind. This isn’t just about comfort at the dock, it’s comfort on the water while the boat is moving.

Price and value: is $200 reasonable for 2 hours off Reykjavík?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour tour, this isn’t a budget activity. But whale watching in Iceland usually isn’t cheap, and the details here help explain the cost.

You’re paying for several things at once:

• A small RIB (12-seater) instead of a large cruise setup
• Guided searching with an English-speaking live guide
• Included cold-weather gear (warm overalls, gloves, goggles)
• Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, including views toward places like Harpa
• A structured search experience, not just a generic “we’ll see what happens” plan

The strongest value point is the free retry option if you don’t see wildlife. That reduces your risk compared to tours where you pay and hope. Another positive is the consistently high transport rating for the boat experience, with many people scoring it a perfect score.

Are there reasons the cost might feel steep? Yes. Wildlife sightings still aren’t guaranteed, and if your day’s conditions reduce the search time or animals don’t show, you might feel like you paid for weather. But the complimentary ticket helps balance that outcome.

Should you book the Reykjavík whale watching RIB?

Book it if you want a high-energy, small-boat way to search for whales and dolphins off Reykjavík, and you’re ready for wind, cold, and a ride that can feel bumpy. This tour fits well with people who hate crowded feeling and want the crew to chase sightings fast, especially around the islands in Faxaflói Bay.

I’d skip it if motion makes you miserable, you have back issues, or you’re traveling with kids under 10, since the tour is not suitable for those groups. Also, if you need a guaranteed wildlife outcome, adjust expectations. This is nature, and the tour focuses on getting you in the right places rather than promising the animals will perform.

If you’re flexible and you’re coming for the chance to see whales from very close range, this is one of the most sensible ways to do it from the city.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík whale watching tour by RIB speedboat?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You can find it here on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/asnpwdwabgmcn5vt7

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What wildlife will I look for?

The tour is designed for sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises off Reykjavík’s coast.

What happens if I do not see any wildlife?

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. If you are not able to see anything on your tour, you will receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

What gear is provided, and what should I bring?

The tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour is dependent on suitable weather conditions. The captain decides whether to sail based on experience, keeping passenger safety and comfort in mind. The tour may also be rescheduled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.