RIB Boat, Whales And Puffins

Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★ 4.7 494 reviews

2 hours, free cancellation.

from $190 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This two-hour RIB boat trip from Reykjavik's Old Harbour is built for travellers who want to be close to the water rather than watching from a large deck. A rigid inflatable boat heads out past the harbour islands, where puffins nest during the summer, and then further out to sea in search of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Because the boat is light and nimble, the crew can search wider areas and position nearer to the animals than bigger vessels manage, always keeping a respectful distance.

The trip is guided by specially trained whale-watching staff, and reviewers regularly single out the guides' knowledge and enthusiasm as a highlight of the outing. Sightings vary with the day, but recent travellers report humpback whales, dolphins and dense flocks of puffins. One reviewer described watching a whale breach repeatedly, while several others said the RIB format itself made the experience feel far more immediate than a standard boat tour.

On the way back the boat hugs Reykjavik's shoreline, giving a view of the city skyline and the Harpa Concert Hall from the water. It suits adventurous visitors aged ten and over who meet the height requirement and want expert commentary on the marine life from the crew. Families with younger children and anyone wanting toilets or food on board should look at larger vessels instead.

What's Included

Included

2-hour whale and puffin watching tour (Puffin season 20 April - 15 August)
Specially trained whale-watching guide
Fully certified RIB boat captain
Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles
All necessary safety equipment

Not Included

Toilets on board the boat
Food on board the boat

Itinerary

Meet at the Old HarbourCheck in at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, the operator's harbour pier. There is no hotel pickup with this tour, so travellers make their own way to the dock.
Gear up and boardThe crew hands out warm overalls, gloves and goggles. All necessary safety equipment is provided, and a signed waiver is among the things to bring.
Ride out to the puffin islandsThe RIB heads for the islands near the harbour where puffins gather in season, roughly late April through August, allowing close but undisturbed viewing.
Search for whalesThe boat then travels further out looking for whales, dolphins and porpoises. The captain manoeuvres near sightings while guides give commentary on the wildlife.
Return along the shorelineThe route back runs along Reykjavik's coast, with views of the city skyline and the Harpa Concert Hall from the water before docking at the Old Harbour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers arrive prepared for an open boat ride in the North Atlantic.

What to wear. Bring hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; high-heeled shoes are not allowed on board. The operator provides warm overalls, gloves and goggles, and reviewers confirm the kit keeps you comfortable even on cold runs.
Waiver and paperwork. A signed waiver is listed among the things to bring, so expect to complete this as part of check-in. All necessary safety equipment is provided by the operator.
Age and size limits. The minimum age is 10 years and the minimum height is 145 cm, with a maximum weight limit of 140 kg. These are firm limits stated in the listing, so check them before booking for children.
Group and pace. The ride is exposed to the elements, which reviewers describe as fun in its own right. One reviewer noted the guides stopped at every viewing opportunity and shared detailed information about the whales and puffins. That tour reportedly ran slightly over its two hours to linger at sightings.
Food and toilets. There is no food and no toilet on board, so eat beforehand. The trip lasts two hours.
Photos. The crew takes pictures during the tour and the listing says guests get access to them afterwards. One reviewer mentioned there were even more whales on the way back, so sightings can happen at any point in the trip.

Common issues. Wildlife sightings depend on the day, and a couple of reviewers credited calm, sunny weather for their luck, so a rough or foggy day may yield fewer animals. Some travellers on similar trips have noted that boat positioning or seat rotation could be handled better, so views can depend on where you sit. The pace and spray of an open RIB, plus the age, height and weight limits, also make it unsuitable for some visitors. Puffins are only present in season, roughly late April to August, so bookings outside that window are whale-focused only.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. The tour does not include pickup, and travellers meet at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik's Old Harbour. Check the booking page for the exact meeting instructions and arrival time.

What Is Included In The Price?

The two-hour tour, a specially trained whale-watching guide, a certified RIB captain, warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment. Access to pictures the crew takes is also included. Food and toilets on board are not.

Can Children Join The Tour?

The listing sets a minimum age of 10 years and a minimum height of 145 cm. There is also a maximum weight limit of 140 kg. Check the booking page if you are unsure whether a child in your party meets these limits.

When Is The Best Time To See Puffins?

Puffin season runs from around 20 April into August, with the listing giving an end date between mid and late August. Whales and dolphins are the focus outside that window. The tour itself operates from April to October.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the listing does not state a refund, so check the booking page for the current terms before you go.

What Should I Bring?

Hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a signed waiver. Warm overalls, gloves and goggles are provided. Eat before departure, since there is no food on board.