Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Whales, speed, and Reykjavik views in one trip. This RIB boat outing hunts for whales in Faxaflói Bay, with a fast cruising speed of 32 knots and a strong focus on safe, close wildlife viewing.

I really like the ride setup. The boat uses shock-absorbing seating, plus warm flotation suits, gloves, and goggles, so you can stay comfortable even when the sea turns choppy. I also like that it pairs the time on the water with a ticket to the Whales of Iceland Museum in Reykjavik, which helps you connect your sightings to real whale biology and conservation.

The main catch is weather. The captain chooses whether to sail, and this is a quick, bouncy ride, so it is not a great fit if you hate speed or have mobility or back issues.

Key points to plan around

• Shock-suspension RIB seats plus full cold-weather gear make the ride more bearable than you might expect
• Faxaflói Bay feeding grounds are the target area, not just random cruising offshore
• Expect a safety-first approach that keeps you close to wildlife while protecting the animals
• Puffin Island stops happen in summer, with Akurey commonly used for puffins and nesting views
• You get museum time too, so your trip does not end the moment you return to harbor
• Not everyone is a match for the fast, on-the-water experience (height and health limits apply)

Why Faxaflói Bay on a RIB boat beats the big-ship feeling

Reykjavik whale watching can feel like either a careful nature lesson or a long wait in open water. This version leans hard into the second part, in a good way. On a RIB, the captain can react quickly when wildlife activity shows up, so you are not stuck watching other boats while you hope the whales move.

The other big reason this works is proximity, done responsibly. A rigid inflatable boat can get into the action zone while still maintaining safe distances, and that matters for what you come away with. You may see surface behavior that is easy to miss from farther off, like feeding patterns, blows, and quick changes in direction.

And because you are in Reykjavik proper, the overall trip stays efficient. Two hours on the water plus a museum stop gives you something to do even if the whales are slow to appear.

Meeting point at Aegisgardur 5E, and how to make check-in easy

You meet at the local operator’s ticket office at Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik. This is helpful because you can build the tour around your day without a complicated shuttle plan. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you will want to plan a simple walk, taxi, or ride-share to the harbor area.

I like tours that keep the meet-up point clear. It reduces stress, especially in Iceland where the wind and cold can make timing feel tighter. If you are pairing this with other stops in Reykjavik, map out the museum visit for afterwards, so you are not bouncing across town twice.

One more practical note: the day can move fast once you reach the ticket office, because the schedule depends on sea conditions. Going a little earlier than you think you need to helps your whole morning or afternoon go smoother.

What 2 hours at 32 knots really feels like

The itinerary is short by design. Two hours is enough time to reach the Faxaflói Bay area, search for feeding activity, and spend meaningful time out there once whales are found.

The ride is also part of the experience. You are going at a cruising speed up to 32 knots, so plan for speed, spray, and motion. Many first-timers are surprised by how fun it can be once you lean into it, especially with the shock-suspension seats that reduce some of the jarring.

Warm flotation suits and safety gear are included, which is big value in itself. You will get warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles. Still, bring the right mindset: even with gear, you should expect to feel the sea. If you are the type who gets tense on moving boats, arriving early for proper fitting and listening to the guide’s instructions helps a lot.

Also, this is not described as a gentle sightseeing cruise. It is a wildlife search mission. That is why RIB tours often feel more alive and less passive than larger vessels.

Chasing whales in Faxaflói Bay: what you are looking for

Faxaflói Bay is the heart of the game. The tour is aimed at whale feeding grounds, so you are not just roaming for a chance encounter. When whales are active, they tend to show surface behavior more often, and that gives you better odds of memorable moments.

The guide’s role matters here. You will learn about whales and other marine species from the person leading the trip, and that changes the viewing experience. Instead of just spotting a spout, you can start linking what you see to feeding behavior, migration patterns, and local ecology.

Depending on the day, you might spot different whale species. Reviews and general Iceland whale season patterns suggest minke and humpback are among the likely candidates, with dolphins often appearing too. But the key point for your expectations is simple: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, even on the best day. The tour’s value is in the high-success search style plus the expertise guiding you to where whale activity is most probable.

If you want the best odds of seeing something beyond distant blows, keep your attention forward. Scan for surfacing, watch for changes in the boat’s heading, and rely on your guide when they point out behavior you might otherwise miss.

Summer puffins on Akurey, and how the timing changes your day

In the summer months, the tour includes a stop to look for puffins around Akurey. That means you get more than just whales. Puffins are easier to connect with visually because they are often busy with nesting behavior and movement around the colony area.

The included time is specifically described as visiting puffin nesting grounds in summer, with nests along the coast. In practice, that gives you a chance to see puffins close enough to feel the reality of the colony, not just tiny specks far away.

If you are visiting Iceland in peak season and you care about bird life, this stop is a strong bonus. Many whale days can be quiet if the whales are spread out, but puffin activity is often steadier during the breeding season.

One tip for the puffin portion: dress for time outside. Even with warm gear on the boat, you may spend a bit more time in observation mode, and wind off the water can be sharp.

The Whales of Iceland Museum in Grandi harbor, why it matters

A museum ticket is usually a small add-on, but here it supports the whole trip. The Whales of Iceland Museum is located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik, and your tour includes admission.

Why I think this is a smart pairing: on-water whale watching can be thrilling, but it can also leave you with questions. The museum helps you fill in the blanks about species in the Atlantic, whale biology, migration, and conservation. You can go in knowing you saw something, then leave with better context for what those behaviors mean.

It also helps with the emotional side of wildlife watching. If you happen to see a close encounter, the museum turns that memory into understanding, not just excitement.

Since meals and drinks are not included, this museum stop can also work as a calm buffer. You can reset, stay warm indoors, and keep the day feeling complete.

Price and value: is $194 a smart use of your time?

At $194 per person for a 2-hour tour, this is not a budget whale watch. But you are not just paying for a boat ride. Your ticket includes guided wildlife time, full cold-weather safety gear, a summer puffin island visit, and museum admission.

Value gets clearer when you break down what is included:

• Boat experience and specialist guidance: the RIB format is built for responsive wildlife searching
• Gear included: warm overalls, gloves, life vests, and goggles reduce your need to buy or rent cold-weather items
• Museum included: admission to the Whales of Iceland Museum gives you learning time after the water
• Seasonal puffins in summer: the Akurey stop can turn a whale-watching day into a broader wildlife day

If you are in Iceland for a short time, the two-hour duration is also part of the value. You get a major wildlife experience without sacrificing your whole day.

Where the price can feel harder to justify is if you strongly dislike fast boats or you are traveling with someone who cannot meet the health and height limits. In that case, the ride style may reduce enjoyment, even if the wildlife viewing is excellent.

Who this RIB whale watching tour suits best

This tour is best for people who want action and closeness without giving up safety structure. You should feel most at home if you are comfortable with speed, cold conditions, and active searching for wildlife.

It is also a good fit for bird lovers during summer. The Akurey puffin visit adds a second wildlife target besides whales.

On the other hand, it is not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people under 140 cm tall

If you are the type who plans your day with careful comfort in mind, consider that the ride can feel bouncy, especially early on. The shock-suspension seating helps, but the tour is still a fast RIB on open water.

Tips to stay comfortable, even when the sea is doing its thing

You will receive warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves, and goggles, but your comfort depends on how you put it on and what you wear under it. Plan for layers that you can fit comfortably under the overalls. If you have a wet weather habit back home, keep it in mind here, because you might get spray.

During choppy conditions, keep your stance steady. Sit how the crew instructs, and hold onto what you need. Several people describe the ride as rollercoaster-like, which is part of the fun for many, but it can also make you feel off-balance if you sit rigidly.

Also, trust the captain’s call on sailing. This tour is dependent on weather, and the captain decides based on safety and comfort, not just schedule.

Finally, if you are worried about seasickness, take it seriously ahead of time. The RIB is not described as a slow boat, even if the suspension helps.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching by RIB boat?

Book it if you want a close-to-the-action Reykjavik whale watching experience, and you like the idea of combining your time on the water with a real learning stop at the Whales of Iceland Museum. The gear package, plus the museum admission, makes the price feel less like a single activity and more like a two-part wildlife day.

Skip it if you cannot handle fast, bouncy motion or if you fall under the tour’s limits for age, pregnancy, back problems, or height. In that case, you might be happier with a calmer boat option.

If you are choosing only one wildlife outing in Reykjavik, this is a strong pick. It is built around finding feeding activity in Faxaflói Bay, and in summer it adds puffins from Akurey, so you are not putting all your hopes on whales alone.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by RIB boat?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the local tour operator’s ticket office at Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik.

What safety and cold-weather gear is included?

You get warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles as part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Do we visit puffin nesting grounds?

Yes, a stop to visit puffin nesting grounds is included during the summer months.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour is dependent on weather conditions. The captains decide whether to sail based on years of experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind.

Is free cancellation available?

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

Is the Whales of Iceland Museum visit included?

Yes. Your ticket includes a visit to the Whales of Iceland Museum in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik.