This RIB ride puts whales within reach. I like the brand-new RIB setup with 12 suspension seats that helps on choppy water, and I like that the route is built around Faxaflói Bay where you can also spot puffins and other wildlife. One catch: whale sightings are never guaranteed, and wind can make the ride feel rougher than a calm ferry.

What makes this tour feel practical in real life is the gear and the guidance. You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket rental, plus a live guide (English and Icelandic) who helps you know what to watch for and where to look. If the weather turns sideways, this is still a hands-on wildlife outing, not a sit-and-hope cruise.

Key points before you go

• New 12-seat RIB with suspension seats: more comfort than the typical hard ride.
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife focus: look for whales (up to 23 species), plus dolphins and seals.
• Puffins up close near nesting islands: the tour cruises near where puffins lay their one egg.
• Reykjavik icons early in the trip: Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager on the way out.
• Warm waterproof clothing included: gloves, goggles, and overall help you stay functional in the cold.
• Respectful, guided searching: ask questions and let the guide direct your spotting effort.

From Ægisgarður 5G to Faxaflói Bay: how the 2-hour plan feels

This is a tight, efficient outing. You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center, then you head straight to the old harbor area where the RIBs launch. From there, the tour is paced so you get views of Reykjavik first and then shift fully into wildlife mode.

You’ll start by passing major waterfront landmarks on the water: Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. That matters because it gives you a quick, low-effort win even if the sea is busy. Then you move out toward Faxaflói Bay, where the main wildlife searching happens.

The timeline is short by design. In two hours, you’re not meant to do a long sightseeing loop. Instead, the goal is focused time on the bay where whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds are more likely, with a separate chance to reach puffin nesting areas.

The RIB setup: suspension seats, waterproof overalls, and smart footwear

This boat is the heart of the experience. It’s a rigid inflatable boat with 12 suspension seats, which is a big deal in Iceland. When waves hit at an angle, suspension seating helps you stay steadier than you would on a basic hard-rib ride.

Cold and spray are also part of the equation here, so the tour gives you the core kit:

• Warm waterproof overall
• Gloves and goggles
• Life jacket rental
• A scarf as part of the outfit package

That gear is there for a reason: if you’re warm enough to keep your eyes up and your hands working, your spotting odds improve. If you’re under-dressed, you’ll spend the whole time holding yourself together instead of watching.

Footwear rules are clear: sandals or flip-flops and any open-toed shoes aren’t allowed. Wear closed, grippy shoes you’re comfortable getting wet. This is one of those small rules that makes the whole outing safer and less stressful.

Whales in Faxaflói Bay: what you’re really signing up for

You are going out into the open North Atlantic. So you should plan for both hope and reality. The tour makes it clear that seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and that whales are harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

Still, the targeting is specific. The route heads to Faxaflói Bay, where up to 23 whale species can be found at times, along with dolphins and seals. That doesn’t promise you a full parade of whales. It does explain why the guide’s job matters so much: you’re not just cruising. You’re searching.

So what does spotting usually look like in real life?

• Sometimes you notice whales as a quick surfacing event, not a long performance.
• You may see backs more than full action, especially with species like humpbacks.
• Dolphins, when present, can be much more noticeable because they often move around the boat.

If you want the best chance, here’s the practical approach: pay attention when the guide says to look, and be ready to shift your focus from the horizon to the water surface where the guide points. Seeing wildlife is partly timing and partly patience.

Puffins near the islands: why this stop is more than a bonus

The puffin part is one of the main reasons this tour stands out as a value. The cruise doesn’t just mention puffins in passing. It actively heads toward nesting areas in Faxaflói Bay, where puffins come to lay their one egg on the islands.

What you’re looking for is a mix of air and water activity. When conditions cooperate, puffins can fly close and swim around nearby, and you may also spot them on cliffs or beaches near the nesting sites. The energy here is different from the whale hunt: puffins can feel busier and more visible because they’re moving around an area instead of staying at a distance.

Also, puffins are a perfect match for a 2-hour tour. You get a chance even if whales are elusive. And even when whales aren’t close, puffins can still deliver that Iceland feeling of wild, coastal life.

Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager: Reykjavik views that pay off early

You get city sightseeing without adding extra time. As you leave Reykjavik, you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. That’s more than a photo stop. It helps you understand the setting of the tour: you’re starting right in the harbor district, then heading out toward Iceland’s coastal wildlife zones.

If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t thrilled by the idea of a long open-water outing, those first minutes can help them relax. They’re already getting Reykjavik’s best-known waterfront highlights before the ride fully commits to the bay.

When the wind turns: what rough water changes and how to handle it

Iceland weather can be unpredictable, and the tour operates in real sea conditions. That means some days feel smooth. Other days feel rough.

Past experience with this style of RIB outing points to a clear pattern: if it’s windy, expect more bouncing, more spray, and faster, more roller-coaster moments. This isn’t a gentle cruise. It’s an engine-and-waves kind of ride, and it can be exhilarating for thrill-seekers.

My practical advice:

• If you get motion-sick, treat this as a risk and choose a day you expect calmer conditions.
• Dress for cold first, not for comfort. Warmth helps you cope with movement.
• Keep your attention on the guide’s directions. When the boat changes course, wildlife sightings and safety positioning are happening at the same time.

The upside is that the boat is built for exactly this kind of Iceland sea. The ride can be bumpy, but you’re not in a fragile-looking setup.

Value for $192: does it pencil out for your time in Reykjavik?

At $192 per person for a 2-hour guided RIB cruise, this isn’t a budget activity. But it also isn’t just a seat on a boat. You’re paying for:

• A small-seat luxury RIB experience (12 suspension seats)
• Included cold-weather gear (overalls, gloves, goggles, life jacket rental)
• A live guide focused on wildlife searching in the right area
• A route that bundles Reykjavik landmarks with wildlife time
• Extra wildlife odds: whales plus dolphins and seals, and a puffin-focused stop

Also, the nature of whale watching matters. You’re not buying a guaranteed animal encounter. You’re buying better access—close water, active searching, and local knowledge—during a short window.

The other value angle is simple: the boat ride itself can be a highlight. When you come for the combination of speed, gear, and real-world wildlife searching, the outing still feels like an event even if whale sightings are limited.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want close-to-the-water wildlife time rather than a distant viewing platform
• Like fast, active travel where the guide helps you find what you came for
• Are ready for cold weather and comfortable getting wet (within reason)
• Care about puffins as much as whales

It may be a poor fit if you:

• Are nervous about rougher rides in wind
• Have major motion-sickness issues
• Need a kid-friendly option. This one isn’t suitable for children under 10.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale watching speedboat tour?

I’d book it if your priorities are straightforward: Faxaflói Bay wildlife time, puffins near nesting islands, and a guided RIB ride that feels like more than just transportation. The included waterproof gear and the focused route make this easier to enjoy than many “sail out and hope” options.

I’d hesitate if you’re expecting a guaranteed whale encounter or if open-water bouncing will ruin the day for you. In Iceland, the weather can shift fast, and whale sightings are never promised.

If you do book, plan around warm layers under the provided overall, wear closed grippy shoes, and treat the experience like a guided hunt for wildlife, not a theater show. That mindset is what turns this into a memory instead of a disappointment.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by speedboat?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

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

What boat are you riding?

You go on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with 12 suspension seats.

What wildlife will the tour look for?

The tour focuses on whales in Faxaflói Bay, and you may also see dolphins, seals, and sea birds. It also heads to puffin nesting areas where puffins lay their one egg.

Can I guarantee that I’ll see whales?

No. Seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and whales are harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

What gear is included for the trip?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket rental. A scarf is included as part of the outfit.

What should I wear on my feet?

Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed. You should wear closed, appropriate shoes.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 10.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour guide provides information in English and Icelandic.

What’s the price and what do I get for it?

The price is $192 per person. You get the 2-hour guided RIB cruise, wildlife/city guidance, and the warm waterproof clothing and safety gear listed above.

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