RIB Speedboat, Whale Focus

Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★ 4.6 871 reviews

2 hours, free cancellation.

from $190 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This is a two-hour whale watching trip run from Reykjavik's Old Harbor aboard a 12-seater RIB speedboat. The small vessel is the point: fewer people on board and, as one traveller put it, the skipper can manoeuvre close to whales and dolphins in a way bigger boats cannot. You suit up in warm overalls, gloves and goggles, all provided, then head out into Faxaflói Bay.

The route cruises among the small islands off the coast, passing Engey and Lundey, the uninhabited spot whose Icelandic name means Puffin Island. Along the way you get Reykjavik sightseeing from the water, including views of the Harpa concert hall and the city shoreline. Guides narrate in English, and reviewers praise the crews' knowledge of the bay and its wildlife.

Humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises and even the occasional seal show up in the review accounts, often close to the boat. Sightings are never promised, but the operator offers a complimentary ticket for another departure if the day comes up empty. Expect to get wet from spray, which one reviewer treated as part of the fun rather than a problem.

What's Included

Included

Boat tour in a 12-seater RIB boat
Reykjavík sightseeing from the water
Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet at Old HarborMake your own way to Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Gear up and boardPut on the provided warm overalls, gloves and goggles, and receive the safety equipment before stepping onto the 12-seater RIB.
Speed out into Faxaflói BayThe RIB heads out from the Old Harbor along Reykjavik's coast, with city views including the Harpa concert hall on the way.
Cruise among the islandsThe boat passes Engey, the second-largest island of the Kollafjörður fjord, and Lundey, the small uninhabited island known as Puffin Island.
Search for wildlifeThe crew looks for whales, dolphins and porpoises, sharing information about the animals and the bay.
Return to the harborThe total tour runs about two hours, ending back at the Old Harbor.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the trip smoother, from what to wear to how the weather call gets made.

Dress warmly. The listing asks for warm clothing and comfortable shoes, with a camera as well. Overalls, gloves and goggles are supplied, and one reviewer noted you stay warm in them even when soaked by spray.
Expect to get wet. Several travellers mention waves and spray, and one said plainly that you get wet but keep laughing. The gear handles most of it, so a change of plans for after the tour is sensible.
Small boat feel. The RIB seats twelve, which one reviewer said makes for an intimate trip and easier manoeuvring near wildlife. The crew runs it with an emphasis on both fun and safety.
Sighting odds. The listing says summer months, April to September, are the best window for whale watching in Iceland. Reviews report humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises and a seal, though no sighting is promised.
Weather calls. Sailing depends on suitable conditions, and the captain makes the call based on experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind. If weather cancels a departure you can take a full refund or reschedule.
No pickup. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach Ægisgarður 2 at the Old Harbor yourself. Allow time to find the dock and get kitted up before departure.

Common issues. The main frustrations in the feedback are logistical rather than about the tour itself: some travellers said communication about schedule or boat changes could be clearer and timelier. Departures depend on weather, and can also be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached, so it helps to keep some flexibility in your plans. There is no hotel transport, and you should expect spray and the occasional soaking rather than a dry, sedate cruise. One reviewer also flagged the price as high, though they still judged it worth the money.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The boat tour in a 12-seater RIB, Reykjavík sightseeing from the water, and warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, in the Old Harbor. You make your own way there, since no hotel pickup or drop-off is provided. Check the booking page for a map and details.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing and a camera. The operator supplies the warm overalls, gloves and goggles, so you mainly need solid layers underneath.

What Happens If We Don't See Any Whales?

If wildlife does not appear on your departure, the operator gives you a complimentary ticket to try again on another day. Sightings are common in the accounts of past travellers but never promised.

Can I Cancel Or Reschedule?

Yes, free cancellation for a full refund is possible up to 24 hours before departure. Inside 24 hours the booking is non-refundable. If the operator cancels for weather or low participant numbers, you can take a full refund or move to another departure.

How Long Is The Tour And When Is Best?

The trip runs about two hours. The listing notes that April through September is the best period for whale watching in Iceland, so summer departures give you the strongest odds.