Whales feel close on this speedboat run. I really like the 12-seater RIB size for keeping things intimate, and I love that you’re outfitted with warm overalls so the cold doesn’t end the fun early. One drawback: the ride can be bumpy in wind, so if you’re sensitive to choppy water, plan for a rougher-than-expected moment or two.

This tour starts at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor area and gets you out past small islands in Faxaflói Bay, with Engey and Lundey (Puffin Island) on the route as you search for whales. I’ve seen guides named like Claudia, Julien/Julian, and Bianca in different departures, and that matters because they help you spot what’s happening on the water fast.

Key things I’d watch for before you go

• A small RIB boat (12 passengers): easier animal-hunting and less crowding than big-deck cruises
• Warm kit included: overalls, gloves, goggles, plus safety gear
• Target area includes Faxaflói Bay islands: you pass Engey and Lundey as you look for wildlife
• Free return ticket if no sightings: you get another chance instead of a shrug
• English live guide: clear explanations while you’re scanning the sea
• Weather decides the plan: the captain adjusts for safety and comfort

Reykjavik RIB whale watching: what makes it feel worth the money

I love the straightforward idea here: you want whales, and you want to get to the water where they might be—without spending half the tour sitting far away. A RIB speedboat helps because it’s quick and maneuverable, and that translates into more time actually watching marine life instead of just cruising around.

The best part is the balance between excitement and practicality. Yes, it’s fast. But you’re also given the gear that makes Reykjavik’s sea wind less of a deal-breaker. That’s key, because the biggest reason whale watching disappoints people is usually discomfort, not luck.

Now about cost: $200 for two hours isn’t cheap, and you should treat it like a splurge for a reason. You’re paying for a smaller boat, a live guide, included thermal gear, and the ability to reposition quickly when whales surface. In other words, you’re paying for the chance to see something good, sooner.

Getting to the Old Harbour House and boarding without stress

You meet at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík, and you should check in 30 minutes early. That early arrival matters on a cold day because you’ll want a calm moment to sort your layers, get fitted into the thermal overalls, and figure out where to store anything you brought with you.

Check-in is designed to be simple: scan the bar/QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside the Old Harbour House. There’s also parking guidance on the activity page for drivers, with a nearby free option listed.

One more practical point: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. So you’ll either walk, take a taxi, or drive into the harbor area. For me, that’s a plus. It keeps the schedule cleaner and makes it easier to plan the rest of your day in Reykjavík.

The 2-hour plan: what you’ll do out on the water

This is a true on-the-water experience: you head out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, then cruise along the Reykjavík coast and through Faxaflói Bay, watching for marine wildlife. The tour lasts about two hours, which is short enough to keep energy high, but long enough to do real scanning.

During the run, you pass specific spots that are part of the local scenery and wildlife puzzle—Engey (the second-largest island in the Kollafjörður / Faxa Bay area) and Lundey, known as Puffin Island. Even if you don’t see puffins every time, the route gives you island scenery plus more chances to find feeding and movement patterns in the bay.

You’ll also get panoramic views of Reykjavík from the water, including landmarks like the Harpa concert hall. That’s not a throwaway detail. Getting the city’s shapes from offshore turns the trip into more than animal spotting—it becomes a moving viewpoint of Reykjavík itself.

If you don’t see wildlife on your trip, you’re not just stuck with the luck-of-the-day feeling. You get a complimentary ticket to try again another day, which is a big psychological safety net when you’re spending this kind of money.

Wildlife sightings: what you can realistically hope to see

No whale tour can promise the animals will show up on demand. The key thing here is that the boat and crew are set up to search efficiently, so when you do hit the right area, you often get repeated chances at the water-right-now moments.

From reported experiences, the wildlife mix can include:

• humpback whales
• minke whales
• dolphins (including white-beaked dolphins in some sightings)
• harbour porpoises
• puffins and other seabirds, especially near island areas

Sometimes you’ll get one animal for a quick sighting. Other times you can get multiple species in the same outing. Either way, what you’re really buying is access. With a small RIB, the crew can move the boat toward activity instead of being stuck in a slow, crowded loop.

Also, summer months (April to September) are generally the best window for whale watching in Iceland. Outside that range, you can still get lucky, but your odds drop and the water-and-wind comfort matters even more.

Engey and Lundey: why the route includes these islands

On a speedboat, every minute has a job. Passing Engey and Lundey isn’t just scenic sightseeing—it supports the search pattern.

Engey is a major island in the bay area, which means it can be a useful landmark when the crew is plotting movement and scanning for signs of whales and dolphins. Lundey, literally Puffin Island, adds a strong chance for seabirds, and puffins are often easier to spot than whales because they’re active on and near breeding areas.

What I like about this kind of route is that it gives the day multiple ways to pay off. If you’re unlucky on whales, you might still see seabirds and dolphins. If whales are active, the island passing becomes a bonus chapter, not the entire story.

Gear and comfort: how not to let the wind ruin your day

This tour includes warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. That’s a big deal because Reykjavik’s weather can change fast, and the water adds wind chill. The gear is there so you can stay focused on scanning the sea instead of spending the ride fighting the cold.

Even with gear, expect wind. A few common-sense tips come up again and again:

• Wear warm layers underneath the overalls.
• Bring a camera and hold it securely, because the boat motion can be brisk.
• If you’re sensitive to wind spray, consider using a face cover. One rider specifically suggested it for comfort.

The biggest comfort issue isn’t just cold—it’s the ride style. This is a RIB, so it’s bumpy by nature, and you may feel the slap of waves. One traveler described a helpful stance—half-sitting and half-standing on your legs—to reduce the impact. Follow whatever posture guidance the crew gives during the briefing, because it’s designed for the boat’s movement.

If you have back problems, skip this tour. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack extra patience. Some departures mention mild seasickness even with the gear.

The ride: small boat thrills and what bumpy really means

A RIB changes your experience compared with a larger tour boat. You feel speed and movement more directly. That’s part of why people love it—when a whale surfaces, the boat can reposition quickly, and you’re closer to the action than you would be on a big deck far from shore.

That closeness can also be emotional. When you see whales, it’s not a distant dot in the water. It’s a real animal presence—blow, movement, tail slap, and sudden changes in direction. Some riders describe very close encounters when the captain adjusted quickly based on sightings.

Just be honest with yourself about comfort. The ride can get wet in harsher weather, but on calmer days, some people report staying relatively dry. Either way, dress for cold wind. This isn’t a warm-weather cruise.

Safety first: how captains and guides keep it fun

The tour depends on suitable weather, and the captain makes a real call based on safety and passenger comfort. That matters, because RIB whale watching is only great when the crew chooses conditions they can handle responsibly.

On the guidance side, this tour is led by an English-speaking guide, and the best departures sound like a mix of excitement and clear instruction. People mention guides like Claudia, Julien/Julian, and Bianca sharing details and helping everyone know what to look for in the water. When the animals surface, you’ll get faster at spotting them because the guide is training your eyes in real time.

If you’re near the front or back of the small boat, you may not hear everything as clearly in wind. That’s not a fault of the tour so much as a physics problem. Bring a headset or ear coverage only if it’s safe and recommended for cold conditions, but otherwise set your expectation that some communication will be visual, not just spoken.

Value check for $200: what you’re actually paying for

Let’s talk value without pretending it’s a bargain. $200 is a lot in Iceland, and whale watching is expensive across the board. So you should ask: what’s the practical return on that money?

Here’s what this tour does for your budget:

• Small boat access: 12 passengers means more focused spotting and less waiting around.
• Included thermal gear: you don’t have to buy a full winter kit just to do one activity.
• Efficient searching: speedboat mobility helps you chase sightings instead of hoping they drift close.
• City views from water: you get Harpa-area and coastline perspectives while you’re out there.
• Free retry if no wildlife: this reduces the risk of paying for nothing on that day.

If you hate crowds, you’ll probably feel this tour is more “your day” than “a schedule item.” If you’re comfortable in cold and you want a closer, more active wildlife hunt, it can feel like one of the best uses of your time in Reykjavík.

Who should book this RIB tour, and who should skip it

This is a good match if you:

• Want a fast, hands-on style of whale watching
• Prefer a smaller group over a big cruise boat
• Can handle cold wind and a bumpy ride
• Want a chance at multiple species like humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• anyone under 145 cm (4 ft 8 in)

If any of those apply, choose a different kind of tour. You’ll enjoy it more, and you’ll avoid turning your whale day into pain-management.

Also, plan your day around the schedule. Since there’s no hotel pickup, you need to be ready to be at the Old Harbour House in time and check in 30 minutes early.

Tips to get better whale views and better photos

You’ll have the best experience if you treat this like a real spotting mission.

A few practical moves:

• Dress in layers under the provided overalls so you can adjust as your body warms up.
• Keep your camera ready before you think you’ll need it. Whales don’t do long explanations.
• Listen for the guide’s cues, but also watch the water surface for blow behavior and sudden direction changes.
• Stay patient even when it takes time to reach the main wildlife area. Some trips take a bit of time to get out to where whales are active, and then the fun suddenly turns on.

If wind is intense, protect yourself from uncomfortable blowing cold. One rider suggested using a face cover, and that’s the kind of small fix that can change the whole ride from miserable to manageable.

Should you book Reykjavík whale watching by RIB speedboat?

I’d book it if you want a close, high-energy wildlife hunt and you’re okay with the ride being bouncy and windy. The combination of a small 12-seater boat, included thermal gear, and a crew that can move quickly when animals appear is exactly what makes whale watching in Iceland feel dramatic instead of passive.

I’d think twice if you’re prone to motion sickness, have back issues, or you’re expecting a gentle, comfortable ride. This isn’t designed to be calm.

My final advice: if you’re visiting during the best whale watching window (April to September), go. If you’re outside that season, go only if you’re prepared for colder conditions and the reality that sightings can’t be guaranteed—though the free retry helps you feel less stuck.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

You check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included with the ticket?

You get the boat tour in a 12-seater RIB, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Is wildlife guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?

If you don’t see wildlife on your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again another day.

When is the best time to go whale watching?

The best time is generally during summer months, from April until September.

Does weather affect the tour?

Yes. The tour depends on suitable weather conditions, and the captain decides whether to sail based on safety and comfort.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is in English.

Is the RIB tour suitable for kids or everyone with mobility issues?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with back problems, or people under 145 cm.

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