RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Whales at sea level are hard to forget. This two-hour RIB trip from Reykjavik combines a fast, small boat with a wide search area, giving you a more personal view than a standard whale-watching cruise. I especially like the chance to visit puffin islands in season and the supplied warm coveralls. The main catch is the rough ride, which can be uncomfortable for anyone with knee or back problems.

You pay $208.09 per person, so this is not the budget choice. Still, the maximum group of 12 means you get room to see wildlife without a crowd blocking your view. I also like that a marine biologist guide leads the trip, while the boat’s suspension seats soften the North Atlantic chop. Sightings are never guaranteed, but if poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Key points to know before you book

• Puffin islands are seasonal: Visits to Akurey, Engey, or Lundey take place from early May through the end of August.
• The small RIB gets close to the action: You sit low on the water, which can make a surfacing whale feel remarkably near.
• You may see several species: Humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, gannets, and other seabirds have all been spotted.
• The ride is part of the attraction: The boat is quick and exciting, but rough conditions are possible on the way out or back.
• Warm gear is supplied: Coveralls and safety equipment are included, though you should still wear wool or fleece, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
• The rules matter: Children must be over 10 and taller than 145 centimeters, and the trip is not suited to people with knee problems or young children.

Leaving Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

The tour begins at Ægisgarður 5d, a convenient starting point in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The activity ends at the same place, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That number matters. On a small RIB, a full boat still feels far more manageable than a large sightseeing vessel, and you have a better chance of seeing the water on both sides. The crew can also keep the group together more easily when wildlife appears.

Before departure, you receive coveralls and the necessary safety equipment. The supplied suits are a major help in Iceland, where a bright morning can turn cold and wet once you are offshore. Bring your own warm layers too. A wool or fleece sweater, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear are specifically recommended.

The crew also uses high-performance suspension seats. These shock-absorbing seats improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury, but they do not turn the RIB into a smooth ferry. The ride can still bounce hard in choppy water.

Akurey and the puffin islands from early May to late August

During puffin season, the boat makes a short run to one of the islands just outside Reykjavik. The possible stops are Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. You spend roughly 5 to 10 minutes near the birds, which is enough for a close look but not a long birding session.

Puffins share these islands with auks, gannets, and many other seabirds. The small boat can approach quickly and get near the rocky habitat without spending much of your two-hour outing in transit. That is a smart use of the RIB’s speed.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a whale trip with a seasonal puffin stop, not a dedicated bird-watching tour. The visit is brief, and the islands are not part of the schedule from September through April. Still, seeing puffins in their natural setting adds a welcome Icelandic touch, especially if you have not yet visited the countryside.

The timing also explains why this tour can appeal to families with older children. Puffins provide an early wildlife moment before the boat heads farther into Faxaflói Bay. Just remember that children must be over 10 and at least 145 centimeters tall.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

Most of the trip takes place in Faxaflói Bay, where the crew searches for whales, dolphins, and more seabirds. This section lasts about an hour and a half, though the exact rhythm depends on where the animals are and how sea conditions develop.

The RIB’s speed lets the crew cover a large area. That does not guarantee sightings, since these are wild animals, but it gives the boat more freedom to search. A small craft also brings you close to the waterline, so a whale surfacing nearby feels more immediate than it might from a high deck.

The species seen on successful trips have included humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and even a basking shark. Humpbacks provide the biggest show when they breach or lift their tails. Minke whales can be more discreet, while dolphins may appear beside the boat and vanish just as quickly.

Some outings have produced a single whale. Others have included several humpbacks, multiple minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. One particularly strong outing included about 15 whales, while another produced several breaches, including two humpbacks surfacing together. Those moments cannot be scheduled, but the wide search area and skilled spotting give you a fair chance at a memorable encounter.

The guide’s role is important here. A marine biologist leads the trip, explaining the animals and helping you understand what to watch for. Guides such as Maria, Sam, Ann, and Lefterius have been singled out for their patience, enthusiasm, and ability to keep the group engaged while the boat searches.

That waiting time is part of the deal. You may spend stretches scanning gray water with no obvious sign of life. The guides help by explaining animal behavior and pointing out distant blows, fins, or movement that an untrained eye could miss.

Why the RIB feels different from a large whale boat

The strongest reason to choose this tour is the scale. With only 12 people aboard, you are not competing with a large crowd for a railing position or trying to photograph a whale through a forest of heads. The boat’s low profile also places you close to the water.

The tradeoff is motion. A RIB is fast, nimble, and fun, but it is not the best option for anyone who needs a gentle ride. Several strong outings included a rough return journey, and the trip information specifically warns people with knee problems to avoid it. Anyone with back or mobility concerns should think carefully before booking.

The suspension seats help. They absorb some of the jolts and offer more support than a basic bench, particularly when the sea gets choppy. The coveralls also keep you warmer and drier than ordinary street clothes.

Still, use the safety guidance seriously. This is best for people with moderate physical fitness who can handle getting into a small boat and sitting through a lively ride. The boat may feel thrilling to one person and exhausting to another. If you already know that rough water is a problem for you, a larger vessel may be a better match.

Seasickness is also personal. One outing was comfortable for someone who normally gets sick at sea, while other trips were described as very choppy. Conditions change, so you should not assume one smooth ride means every departure will be smooth.

The return route past Reykjavik’s waterfront

After the wildlife search, the RIB heads back toward Reykjavik along the shoreline. This gives you a different view of the city and creates a good final chance for photographs.

The boat passes the Sun Voyager sculpture, one of the city’s best-known waterfront sights. It also goes by Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass facade catches the changing light. These short harbor views are not the main reason to book the tour, but they make the return trip more interesting than a simple run back to the dock.

Harpa looks especially striking from the water because you see the full harbor-side building rather than only the street entrance. The Sun Voyager also makes more sense from offshore, where its location along the seafront becomes clear.

The tour finishes at the original harbor meeting point about two hours after departure. That compact schedule works well if you want to fit whale watching into a busy Reykjavik day. You might pair it with time around the Old Harbour or the city center, but allow extra space around the booking in case weather or boat conditions affect the schedule.

Is $208.09 a fair price?

At $208.09, this is a premium wildlife outing. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, supplied protective clothing, suspension seats, and a marine biologist guide. You are also paying for the chance to cover more water than a slower, larger boat can manage.

The value depends on what matters to you. If you mainly want the cheapest way to get offshore, this is not the obvious choice. If you want a quieter group, a low position on the water, and an energetic ride, the higher price is easier to justify.

The small group is the clearest benefit. You can focus on the animals instead of crowd management, and the guide can respond to questions more easily. Several strong trips also included photos and videos taken by crew members and shared afterward, allowing you to watch the wildlife instead of keeping your phone raised the entire time.

There is no guarantee of whales. If the boat sees nothing, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can select another date or get a full refund. That policy protects you from losing the full fare to bad conditions, though it cannot replace the time you set aside for the trip.

What to wear and what to expect onboard

Dress for cold, wet weather even if Reykjavik feels mild at the dock. Wear a wool or fleece sweater, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear beneath the supplied coveralls. The protective suits have kept passengers warm and dry during rainy trips, but Icelandic wind still finds exposed skin.

The crew supplies all required safety equipment. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after the outing. The trip is only about two hours, but the cold and motion can make a snack useful before boarding.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking through it. Whales can surface on either side of the boat, and the best moment may last only a few seconds. The crew may take photos during the trip, which lets you give your attention to the water.

The weather rule is worth noting. This activity requires good conditions, and strong wind can lead to cancellation or a change to a different boat option. At least one disrupted outing involved a late departure after an engine problem and no whale sightings, so you should leave some flexibility in your Reykjavik schedule.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of weather.

Who should book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

I would choose this trip if you want wildlife, a small group, and a little speed. It suits adults, older children who meet the height and age rules, keen photographers, and anyone who prefers an active outing to a large sightseeing cruise.

It is also a strong choice for a first day in Iceland if you want something lively after an overnight flight. The ride wakes you up, and a good trip can deliver puffins, dolphins, and whales in one compact outing.

I would think twice if you have knee or back problems, dislike rough water, or need a calm and highly predictable schedule. The boat is stable and fitted with suspension seats, but the North Atlantic remains the North Atlantic.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Ægisgarður 5d in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. The whale search in Faxaflói Bay takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with additional time for the harbor departure, puffin stop, and return.

Can I see puffins on this tour?

Yes, but puffin visits are seasonal. From early May through the end of August, the boat visits Akurey, Engey, or Lundey and spends about 5 to 10 minutes near the birds.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, gannets, auks, and other seabirds. A basking shark has also been seen on one outing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional marine biologist guide, coveralls, and all necessary safety equipment. Food, drinks, hotel pickup, and hotel drop-off are not included.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Children must be over 10 years old and taller than 145 centimeters. The activity is not recommended for young children.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If the boat finds no wildlife, you receive a ticket for an alternative tour.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want the closest, most energetic version of Reykjavik whale watching and accept that the ride can be rough. The small group, low waterline, warm coveralls, and skilled guides give it real advantages, especially when a humpback surfaces beside the boat or dolphins run alongside the RIB.

Skip it if comfort matters more than closeness, or if knee and back problems make a bouncing boat a poor fit. For the right person, $208.09 buys more than a boat ride: it buys a focused search, a personal group, and the chance to see Icelandic wildlife at eye level.