Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

A small RIB can cover more water than a larger whale-watching boat, then turn quickly when a whale surfaces. This two-hour trip combines fast open-water riding with wildlife watching, starting at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and ending with fine views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

I especially like the marine biologist guides, who explain animal behavior rather than simply pointing at fins, and the free access to photos taken by the crew. The drawback is plain: this is a wet, windy, bouncy ride with no toilet aboard, and wildlife sightings can never be promised.

Key points

• Small group of up to 12: You get a better view and more room than on a large whale-watching vessel.
• Two kinds of wildlife: The route visits puffin islands before heading farther out for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Marine biology commentary: Guides such as Maya, Alex, Emily, Max, and Matt have helped make the wildlife easier to understand.
• Warm gear included: Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment help with Iceland’s cold sea air.
• A genuinely active ride: The RIB moves quickly and handles waves well, but the front seats can be especially rough.
• Photos shared afterward: Crew photos are made available, a useful bonus when the boat is too lively for steady camera work.

Why this Reykjavik RIB trip feels different

Many whale-watching outings are mainly about sitting on a large boat and waiting for a distant blow. This one gives you a more active afternoon on the water. The RIB is small, light, and built for quick movement, so the captain can search a broader area during a short two-hour trip.

That matters in Faxaflói Bay, where marine life may be spread over a wide patch of water. A nimble boat can change direction quickly and approach animals without the slow turning circle of a large vessel. It does not guarantee whales, but it gives the crew useful flexibility.

The small group also changes the feel of the trip. With no more than 12 people, you are not trying to look over a crowd. You can hear the guide, ask questions, and shift your attention between the water and Reykjavik’s shoreline.

Still, do not mistake small for gentle. The RIB can move fast, and the ride over waves is part of the attraction. Several outings have been described as exciting and rough, with the front of the boat taking the strongest motion. If you want a calm, quiet cruise, choose a larger vessel instead.

Starting at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You meet at the ticket office in the Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. Build that time into your day. You need to check in, sign the waiver, and get suited up before walking to the boat.

The harbor is a pleasant place to begin. It puts you close to central Reykjavik, and the trip later gives you a fresh view of the city from the bay. This is not a bus ride out to a distant marina. The water and the capital are part of the same experience.

The crew supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and required safety equipment. Use the gear. Even if the air feels mild beside the harbor, it can feel much colder once the boat is moving across open water. Bring warm layers and sturdy hiking shoes, and keep sunglasses or eye protection handy. The goggles help with wind and spray.

You should also know what is not aboard: there is no toilet and no food service. Use facilities before departure and bring anything you need for a two-hour outing, though eating on a fast-moving RIB is not likely to be appealing.

Puffin islands first, when the season is right

The route usually heads toward nearby islands where puffins gather in their natural setting. This is the most reliable way to make the bird portion of the trip feel connected to the place, rather than treating puffins as a quick photo stop.

Puffins are seasonal here. The stated season runs from April 20 into August, with the main included-tour information listing August 15 and the operating notes extending it to August 20. Outside that window, you should not book this trip mainly for puffins.

In season, you might see birds resting on the water, flying near the islands, or gathering around nesting areas. The distance can vary. One outing reached puffins that were fairly far away, while others had large numbers close enough to make the stop memorable. Bring binoculars only if you can manage them safely, since the boat’s movement can make small objects awkward to hold.

The guide adds useful context here. Puffins are not simply colorful Iceland symbols placed on an island for visitors. They are seabirds with a short summer breeding season, and their presence depends on the time of year and sea conditions. The best approach is to watch without expecting a perfect close-up every time.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

After the islands, the RIB heads farther out in search of larger marine life. Common possibilities in the area include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The trip may also produce a wide range of seabirds.

Minke whales may appear only briefly, so the guide’s eyes and experience matter. Humpback whales are larger and can offer a more dramatic sight, especially when one surfaces near the boat, raises its tail, or breaches. Some outings have seen several humpbacks along with minke whales, while others have had only a single whale. Both are normal results on a wildlife trip.

Dolphins can be especially fun from a RIB. They may travel beside the boat or cross in front of it, giving you a quick burst of activity before they disappear. Porpoises are smaller and easier to miss, so keep watching the water rather than staring at one fixed point.

The guide will help you scan. You may hear instructions to look at a certain bearing, then see only a patch of gray water before a back or blow appears. This is why a marine biology guide is valuable. The commentary can explain what you are seeing, how the animals behave, and how to watch without disturbing them.

The crew’s conduct around wildlife is important. The boat is designed to get closer than a large vessel can, but closer does not mean careless. Guides and captains have been praised for keeping a respectful distance and for avoiding an aggressive chase. That balance gives you a better encounter and treats the animals properly.

The RIB ride: comfortable seats, serious motion

The boat’s seats have earned strong praise for being more comfortable than expected. They use a shock-absorbing design that helps take the sting out of the waves. Sit as instructed and follow the captain’s safety directions. Your position and posture matter.

The front of the boat gives you the most wind, spray, and bouncing. It is the best choice if you want the strongest thrill and do not mind a rough ride. If you prefer a steadier experience, a seat farther back may suit you better, though the tour does not promise a choice of position.

You can get wet even with the supplied suit. Rain, hail, wind, and sea spray are all possible in Iceland, sometimes during the same two-hour trip. Wear layers beneath the outer gear, not cotton alone, and choose warm footwear that will not slip. High heels are not allowed, and they would be a poor match for this boat in any case.

The motion can also affect photography. You may not have time to frame a whale before the boat rises and falls or the animal slips below the surface. The crew’s photos are therefore more than a free extra. They can give you steady images of the wildlife and the outing, shared after the trip.

You should still protect your own phone and camera. The supplied information does not promise dry storage, so keep electronics secure and use a strap if you bring them onto the boat.

The return past Harpa and Sun Voyager

The trip is not only about wildlife. On the way back, the RIB follows Reykjavik’s shore, bringing the city into view from the water.

Harpa Concert Hall is especially striking from the bay. Its geometric glass exterior catches changing Icelandic light, and the view feels different from the usual waterfront approach. You also pass the Sun Voyager sculpture, whose steel form points out toward the sea. Seen from the water, it fits naturally into the setting rather than feeling like a stop you have to force into a walking route.

This final stretch helps round out the outing. If wildlife is quiet, you still get a moving view of the capital and the coast. If the whales have been active, the city ride gives you a calm way to finish a high-energy trip.

The guide makes the difference

A fast boat is easy to sell. A good naturalist is harder to replace. The strongest part of this outing is the combination of a skilled captain and a guide trained to read the water.

Guides including Maya, Alex, Emily, Max, and Matt have been singled out for clear explanations, humor, and care around the animals. The named guides are not a promise of who will lead your departure, but they show the level of expertise available on this experience.

The guide can explain why a whale surfaces in one place, why a pod changes direction, or why the boat waits instead of moving straight toward an animal. You can also ask about the birds, islands, and geography around Reykjavik. That turns a quick sighting into something you can understand.

The small group helps here. A guide can check whether people are comfortable, repeat an instruction, and keep the group focused. That personal attention is harder to provide when dozens of passengers are spread across several decks.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill two hours. You are paying for a small group, a specialized RIB, trained staff, safety gear, and the chance to search a wide area quickly from Reykjavik.

The value depends on what you want. If you mainly want the lowest-cost chance of seeing a whale, compare it with larger boats. If you want a more active ride, closer access, fewer passengers, and a guide who can explain marine life, the higher price is easier to justify.

The free crew photos improve the value, especially because taking your own sharp pictures can be difficult in rough water. You also avoid buying special outerwear for one short excursion, since the company supplies the main protective gear.

Still, no price buys a guaranteed whale. The best outings have included humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins, while quieter trips have produced fewer sightings. Book it for the complete experience, not for a guaranteed checklist.

Who should choose this boat?

I would choose this tour if you like speed, cold sea air, and the idea of wildlife watching with a little physical excitement. It suits couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a small group and direct contact with a guide.

The age minimum is 10, and riders must be at least 145 centimeters tall. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people over 75, or anyone who is uncomfortable with a rough, open-water ride.

You also need to be honest about seasickness and weather. The supplied information does not list a seasickness policy, so ask the provider if that is a concern. The ride is stable for a RIB, but stable does not mean smooth.

For wildlife photographers, the boat offers good access but poor stability at the exact moment you need it most. The crew’s images help solve that problem. For families with younger children, or anyone seeking a quiet morning on the water, a larger boat may be the better fit.

The tour runs from April 1 through October 31, while puffins are seasonal. If your dates fall outside the puffin period, think of this as a whale, dolphin, and coastal sightseeing trip rather than a puffin tour.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

Book it if you want a wildlife trip with real movement, not a gentle cruise. The strongest reasons are the small group, the quick boat, the marine biology guidance, and the chance to see puffins, dolphins, and whales in one outing.

Skip it if you dislike wind, spray, bouncing, or uncertain wildlife results. At $200, the cost is significant, and the lack of a toilet makes planning important.

For most active visitors who can handle the conditions, this is a memorable way to see Reykjavik from both sides: a working harbor and a living bay. Wear more clothing than you think you need, arrive early, keep your camera secure, and let the guide do the searching.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik RIB whale and puffin tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the boat depart?

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season is listed from April 20 through August, with the main tour information specifying August 15 and the operating notes extending the season to August 20.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and other seabirds.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters.

What clothing is provided?

The company provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. You should also bring weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. Toilets are not available aboard the RIB.