2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Fast boats mean faster chances.

This RIB tour is built for getting out to whale territory quickly, and you’re guided in English by a team that knows how to find and follow humpbacks and other sea life. I especially like that you might recognize names like captain Yoda and guide Blanca in the way the crew explains what you’re seeing and why.

What I like even more is that the experience is set up for cold weather from the start. You’ll get warm overalls plus life jacket, gloves, and goggles, and the boat uses new suspension-style seats to make the ride less punishing.

One thing to consider before you go: wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the ride can be bouncy in rougher seas. If you have back problems (or are pregnant), this may not be the best match, even with the shock-absorbing seating.

Key highlights worth planning around

• 12 travelers max makes it feel personal instead of crowded
• 12m custom-built RIB gets you between spots fast in Faxaflói Bay
• Warm overalls + gloves + goggles mean you’re not improvising in the wind
• Stop at Akurey for puffins in summer nesting season
• Sea life search includes humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
• No-sighting backup ticket if you get skunked on wildlife

Why this RIB format works so well for whales

Reykjavik’s whale season can be amazing, but the ocean decides the schedule. A 2-hour tour needs an efficient game plan, and RIBs are built for that. The faster you can reach feeding grounds, the better your odds when animals decide to show up.

This is a brand-new, custom-built 12m RIB express boat, not a slow sightseeing cruiser. It’s designed to cut through water quickly, which matters when whales and dolphins move. If you want the closest-possible look without spending a full day at sea, this format is a strong fit.

Another smart piece: the tour is guided in English, so you’re not just reacting. You’ll get real explanations about what you’re seeing and how sightings are tracked, which makes the time feel less random and more like a hunt with a purpose.

The Old Harbour check-in routine (and why it’s worth arriving early)

Your tour starts at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which keeps things simple on a short schedule.

If you select hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. If you skip pickup, you meet there directly and check in on site. Either way, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early—not to be polite, but because the fitting and safety talk take real time.

Once you check in, you’ll put on the warm waterproof overalls and the full safety kit: life vest, gloves, and goggles. Then your guide covers key safety points before boarding. This part isn’t glamorous, but it’s the difference between feeling prepared and feeling stressed once you’re out on open water.

What you’re doing during the 2 hours at sea

The tour moves fast—by design. You’ll head out from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay, looking for whale feeding activity. Along the way, you’ll pass famous scenery like Esja mountain, so even before the wildlife shows up, you still get real views.

Once you reach the search area, the boat runs in a way that helps the guide react quickly to sightings. This is where the RIB matters: you can reposition rapidly when a pod surfaces or when a whale shows a blow.

The target animals listed for this route include:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbour porpoises

In practice, sightings can be a mix of brief surface time and longer stretches where you can track movement. Either way, the goal is time on the water that feels productive, not just time sitting and hoping.

Akurey puffins: the best seasonal bonus

During the summer months, the tour includes a stop at Akurey, one of the most popular puffin nesting islands. This is a big deal if you’re visiting between late spring and summer, because puffins give you a different kind of wildlife moment than whales do.

Instead of giant breathing blowholes, you’re looking for frantic little island life. It also breaks up the sea time with a clear, land-based wildlife moment before you head back toward Reykjavík.

If you’re traveling in the off-season when puffins aren’t nesting, don’t assume this stop happens. The information here is explicitly tied to summer months, so your exact day can vary by season.

The ride experience: fast, bouncy, and not for everyone

Let’s be honest about the physical side. This is a RIB, and RIBs move. The boat uses shock-absorbing seats and suspension-style comfort to make things more stable, but it won’t feel like a smooth ferry.

Some people love the adrenaline factor. Others notice the bounce more, especially when conditions are rough or winds are strong. The boat can run close to 30 knots, so you feel the speed as part of the experience.

Here’s the practical takeaway: if you have heart issues, a bad back, or you’re pregnant, you should think hard before booking. Even with the gear and seating improvements, the ride can get jarring. If you’re unsure, it’s worth asking the operator directly whether your situation is a safe fit.

Safety and comfort: you show up dressed for the ocean

A major value point here is that you’re not left to guess what to wear. You get:

• warm waterproof overalls
• life vest
• gloves and goggles

That gear is built for Iceland wind and spray, and it also keeps you from wasting vacation time in line trying to buy last-minute jackets. Bring good shoes, and dress in layers under the gear if you run cold.

The rest is about respecting the process. Put on the kit correctly, listen to the safety briefing, and keep your balance when the boat turns. It’s fast, but it’s also controlled.

The tour caps at 12 travelers, which helps for gear fitting and makes the whole safety and boarding flow smoother.

Price and value: is $189.87 worth it?

At $189.87 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing to do in Reykjavík. The question is whether the experience gives you something harder to buy with money: time efficiency and a better shot at real sightings.

A RIB tour like this can improve your odds because it reduces downtime. You’re not stuck waiting for long cruises between potential whale zones. Instead, the boat gets you into the right area quickly, then the guide helps keep you there when animals appear.

You also get added value in two ways:

1. Included cold-weather gear means fewer extra purchases
2. If you see no wildlife, you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on their Classic or Express whale tours

That “try again” safety net is important in whale watching. It acknowledges a key truth: even with great planning, whales can simply not show. A free return day changes the math. You’re not just buying hope—you’re buying a second chance.

Who should book this tour

This tour is best for you if:

• You want a 2-hour whale watching window, not a half-day or full-day commitment
• You’re comfortable with a bouncy speed-boat ride
• You value expert guidance in English over DIY scanning
• You like small groups (max 12) and a more direct experience

It may not be your best choice if:

• You need a very smooth ride
• You’re traveling with limited mobility (boarding can be tricky on smaller boats)
• You’re bringing children under 10 or under 145 cm

If you’re visiting in summer, the Akurey puffin stop is another reason to book, since it adds a second wildlife highlight to the same trip.

Quick decision guide: book or skip?

Book it if your priority is maximum time on the hunt with included waterproof gear and a small-group setup. The RIB format is the core advantage, and the complimentary return option is a smart hedge for a sighting-dependent activity.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to rough water or you know your back or health limits make bumpy rides difficult. In that case, you’ll likely have a better day choosing a calmer option.

If you’re on the fence, I’d choose this tour for the overall value: speed, gear included, and the chance at real animal moments—plus a meaningful second try if the sea doesn’t cooperate.

FAQ

Where does the tour start in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What animals are the tour hoping you’ll see?

The tour searches for humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. In summer months, you may also visit Akurey, an important puffin nesting island.

Is a whale or dolphin sighting guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you don’t see wildlife on your tour, you get a complimentary ticket to try again on the Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours.

What safety and cold-weather gear is included?

You’ll be provided warm overalls, lifevests, gloves, and goggles. The boat also uses suspension seats for extra comfort, and the tour includes the necessary safety equipment.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

It is not recommended for children under age 10, or under 145 cm.

What happens if the weather is bad and the tour can’t run?

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.