Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Iceland trip? This Reykjavik whale watching tour in a nimble RIB speedboat offers a dynamic way to see marine life up close. With a rating of 4.6 from hundreds of reviews, it’s a popular choice for travelers eager to experience Iceland’s sea creatures and stunning coastal views in an energetic setting.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get the thrill of zooming around the Faxaflói Bay in a small, 12-seater boat—which means more maneuverability and a more intimate experience. Plus, there’s the chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins, which are some of Iceland’s most iconic marine animals. On the flip side, this adventure is weather-dependent, so if the skies turn grey or the sea gets rough, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled.

This tour is especially suited for those who love speedboat rides and want a more personal, less crowded wildlife encounter. If you’re okay with being out on the water for a couple of hours and don’t mind the chilly breeze, this could be a highlight of your Iceland journey.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group size means better chances to see wildlife and get personalized attention.
• Wildlife Focus: Sightings are not guaranteed, but if you’re lucky, you’ll see whales, dolphins, and puffins.
• Weather Watch: The trip depends on good weather conditions, with safety always a priority.
• Extra Chance: No sightings? You can return free of charge, which makes the price quite fair.
• Comfort & Safety: Provided warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear keep you comfortable despite the cold.
• Duration & Flexibility: The 2-hour tours have multiple start times, so you can fit this into your day easily.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the RIB Whale Watching Tour

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to approach whales and dolphins in a high-speed boat, this Reykjavik tour delivers. We love that the small 12-seater boat allows for nimbleness—crucial in wildlife spotting—and offers a more personal touch than larger vessels. The reviews repeatedly praise the knowledgeable guides and crew, who often provide insights about Iceland’s marine biodiversity that elevate the experience from just sightseeing to learning.

The itinerary is straightforward but packed with scenic sights. Starting from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, the tour heads out into Faxaflói Bay, passing by small islands like Engey and Lundey. Lundey, known as Puffin Island, is particularly worthwhile since it’s a designated puffin colony. During the ride, you get panoramic views of Reykjavik’s landmarks like the Harpa concert hall, which adds a cityscape backdrop to your marine adventure.

While the main draw is the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises, the actual sightings depend a lot on luck and the weather. The fact that passengers can go again free if they don’t see any wildlife is a considerate touch, giving you a little peace of mind that you’re not just paying for a chance but for a memorable experience.

Many reviews highlight how dynamic and fun the ride is. The boat’s speed and maneuverability mean you’ll often be bouncing over waves, which some travelers love for the adrenaline and others might find a bit bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness or have back problems, it’s worth noting that this type of boat and activity might not be ideal. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues, emphasizing safety above all.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour covers all the essentials: you’re provided with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment, which are necessary since the water can be chilly even during summer months. The 2-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see a good amount of wildlife and enjoy the scenery, but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

You’ll meet at the Old Harbour House, about 30 minutes before departure, which is convenient if you’re staying centrally. Parking options are available nearby, and simply checking in via the QR code makes it quick and fuss-free. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you’ll need to organize your own transport to the meeting point.

Pricing at $140 per person is reasonable considering the small group setting and the wildlife encounters. When you compare this to larger boat tours, you might find that the more personal experience and the thrill of speed make it worth the cost. Plus, the chance to return if you don’t see anything initially adds extra value.

The Experience Itself: What You’ll Likely See and Feel

Many travelers share that the trip exceeds expectations. From seeing hundreds of puffins nesting on the islands to spotting multiple whale species and playful dolphins, the tour offers plenty of wildlife opportunities. One review even mentions following a Humpback whale for over an hour, witnessing tail slaps and breaches—an unforgettable moment.

The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge stand out. They often share interesting facts about the animals and environment, adding a layer of education to the fun. The speedboat’s movement can be exhilarating, and many reviews describe the ride as “a lot of fun,” with some noting that the boat can be quite bumpy. Simply put, it’s not a calm cruise; it’s an energetic, wave-jumping adventure.

The scenic route also includes close-up views of Reykjavik’s skyline from the water, including the Harpa Concert Hall, which adds a city-meets-nature vibe. As you cruise among islands like Lundey, you might get lucky with puffin sightings, which are especially popular since they’re a symbol of Icelandic wildlife.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits adventure-seekers who aren’t afraid of a little boat motion and want a more intimate wildlife experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something faster-paced and more personal than larger boat tours. The small size also makes it ideal for those who enjoy being able to move around and get closer to the action.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with health concerns related to motion sickness or back problems. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer conditions, you might prefer a larger, more stable whale watching vessel. Still, if you’re up for a bumpy, fun ride and the chance to see marine animals in their natural habitat, this tour is a fantastic choice.

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Practical Tips

• Dress warmly: Even in summer, Iceland’s wind and spray can be chilly.
• Bring a camera: Wildlife sightings can be fleeting and spectacular.
• Arrive early: Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
• Be prepared for the weather: The tour depends on good weather; it may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
• Consider motion sickness remedies: If you’re sensitive, take precautions since the boat moves a lot.
• Book in advance: Tours can fill up, especially during peak months from April to September.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik whale watching RIB tour offers an energetic, personal way to see Iceland’s marine wildlife. Its small boat size, knowledgeable guides, and the thrill of high-speed cruising make it stand out among wildlife excursions. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who crave adventure, enjoy the water, and want a chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins up close.

While weather and luck play a role in wildlife sightings, the option to return free if you’re unsuccessful adds reassurance. The experience is well-reviewed for its friendly staff, stunning scenery, and the sheer excitement of a speedy boat ride. It’s a great pick if you’re after something more intimate and lively than larger tours.

If you’re comfortable with the boat’s movement and eager to combine scenic views with wildlife, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Reykjavik visit. Just remember, it’s weather-dependent, so keep a flexible schedule and enjoy the ride when conditions allow.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, transportation to the meeting point at Old Harbour House is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 2 hours, with multiple start times available, making it easy to fit into your day.

What should I wear?
You should dress in warm clothing, and it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes. The tour provides overalls, gloves, and goggles to keep you warm and dry.

Can I go if I don’t want to get wet?
While waterproof gear is supplied, the boat’s speed and splash might still get you a little damp—so dress accordingly.

Is the wildlife guaranteed?
Sightings depend on weather and animal activity, which is why the tour offers a free return if you don’t see wildlife on your initial trip.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 10, mainly due to the boat’s movement and safety considerations.

What if I get seasick?
Since the boat is quite lively and moves a lot, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to take medication beforehand.

Can I book this tour last minute?
It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot, as the tours can fill up quickly.

This RIB speedboat whale watching adventure offers a lively, intimate look at Iceland’s marine life—perfect for those wanting a bit of thrill with their wildlife sightings. Just keep an eye on the weather, prepare for the cold, and you’re in for a memorable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: