If you’re dreaming of seeing whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural habitat while enjoying a fast-paced, adventurous ride, then this Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat might just be your ticket. We’ve looked into what makes this tour special—and what might make you think twice. It’s a popular choice for travelers craving a combination of wildlife spotting and scenic shoreline views, all delivered with a splash of thrill.

What we really like about this experience is its small-group vibe—only 12 people maximum—which means more personal attention from guides and fewer crowds. Plus, the speedboat ride itself is described as an adventure, not just a sightseeing tour. On top of that, the chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins makes it feel like hitting the wildlife jackpot. But a quick heads-up: this tour relies heavily on good weather and marine conditions, which can sometimes mean last-minute cancellations or no sightings. That’s just part of wildlife adventures, and the company does offer a free re-ride if you don’t spot anything.

This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable with a fast, open-water boat ride and want an active, engaging experience. It’s not ideal if you’re prone to seasickness, pregnant, or traveling with very young children (over 10 and over 145 cm tall). If you’re after a relaxed day with minimal movement, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you love a bit of adrenaline and are keen on seeing marine life up close, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

Intimate group size means more personalized guiding and fewer crowds.
High-speed rigid inflatable boats provide a lively, exciting ride that covers more ground quickly.
Wildlife sightings like whales, dolphins, and puffins are the main highlight, with some luck.
Scenic shoreline stops include iconic Reykjavik sights like the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.
Comfort features such as brand new shock seats and warm overalls help make the ride more enjoyable.
Weather dependency means sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the company offers free re-ride tickets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

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Meeting and Preparation

Your adventure begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour—a lively, picturesque spot filled with boats and local charm. You can choose from several start times, which offers flexibility if you’re trying to fit this into a busy itinerary. On arrival, you’ll meet your captain and guide, and after a brief safety talk, you’ll be provided with warm overalls to keep out the chill. These are pretty essential, especially since the North Atlantic waters can be brisk even mid-summer.

The small group limit of 12 means you’ll likely get a cozy, friendly vibe where your guide is ready to answer questions and tailor the experience a little. Once suited up, you’ll hop aboard your rigid inflatable boat (RIB)—a vessel known for its stability and speed, perfect for zipping around the waters near Reykjavik.

The Speedboat Ride: Adventure and Comfort

This isn’t your typical calm cruise. The boat is designed for excitement, with brand new shock seats that cushion the bumps and help you enjoy the ride without feeling every ripple. Expect to feel the rush as your captain pushes the boat to high speeds, covering a large search area quickly. This is key because marine life can be unpredictable, and the faster you cover ground, the better your chances.

The thrill of zooming through the water is a highlight in itself—it’s essentially an adrenaline shot in a scenic setting. As you speed away from the harbor, keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some whales or dolphins that often follow the boat or leap out of the water nearby. Several reviewers, like Amber, shared how the ride felt like an adventure on its own, especially in calm seas.

Wildlife Watching: Whales, Dolphins, and Puffins

The core attraction is wildlife spotting. The waters near Reykjavik are home to various species, and your guide will be actively searching for signs of marine life. People have reported seeing Minke whales and even a humpback—which is pretty special given the limited window of whale activity.

From early May to August, there’s also the chance to see Puffins—adorable little birds that breed on the islands nearby. The tour makes a quick stop at their breeding grounds, which adds a charming touch to the experience. As one reviewer noted, seeing puffins was a highlight, even if it wasn’t the main reason for the trip.

Dolphins are also frequently spotted, with several guests describing playful dolphins leaping and following the boat. The experience of watching these intelligent animals jumping through the air is genuinely delightful.

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Shoreline Highlights and City Views

After your wildlife adventure, the boat slows down for a short stop along Reykjavik’s shoreline. Here, you’ll see notable landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall from the water, offering a different perspective from what you’d get on land. It’s a great way to combine urban scenery with nature, and many find this part of the trip unexpectedly charming.

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Returning and Post-Experience

After about 2 hours on the water, you’ll head back to the harbor. The return journey is generally smooth, and some reviews mention how the staff keeps the mood friendly and relaxed. If, unfortunately, no whales or dolphins show up, don’t worry—the company offers a complimentary ticket for a second ride, which many travelers appreciate. It’s a fair policy that recognizes wildlife unpredictability.

What the Price Gets You: Is it Worth $191?

At $191 per person, this tour sits at a moderate price point for Icelandic wildlife excursions. When you consider that it includes a guided tour, use of warm overalls, and safety equipment, it’s fairly competitive. Plus, the small group size ensures more personalized attention, which can be hard to find on larger boat trips.

Feedback from travelers suggests that the experience is highly engaging and worth the price—especially if you’re after the thrill of a speedboat ride combined with wildlife viewing. Several reviews mention how much fun they had, and even those who didn’t spot whales still enjoyed the ride itself.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Experience

Arrive early: Aim to be at the harbor 30 minutes before departure to get suited up comfortably.
Dress warmly: Even in summer, the water is cold, so the provided overalls are essential.
Go for front seats: As Amber suggests, sitting in the front row maximizes the fun and the views.
Hold on tight: Expect a fast, bumpy ride—embrace the thrill!
Be patient: Wildlife sightings depend on luck and conditions, so don’t expect to see animals every trip.
Book in advance: Tours can fill up, especially during peak months.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers and those looking to combine wildlife with a lively boat ride. It’s especially suited for teenagers and adults who enjoy fast-paced outdoor activities. If you’re prone to seasickness or have back issues, you might want to weigh that carefully—though the boat does have good suspension seats.

It’s a great choice for those with a flexible schedule who understand wildlife sightings are never guaranteed but that the journey itself will be exhilarating.

FAQs

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort. Dressing in layers is recommended, and the provided overalls will keep you warm. Avoid large bags or luggage, as space is limited on the boat.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 10 and over 145 centimeters tall are generally allowed. It’s not recommended for younger kids or those with back problems, pregnant women, or individuals under 4 ft 8 in.

What if I don’t see any whales or puffins?
If no marine life is spotted, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket for another ride, giving you a second shot at wildlife.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours, including the boat ride, wildlife viewing, and shoreline stop.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, several start times are available—check the schedule when booking to find one that fits your plans.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you need a snack or water.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, marine conditions and weather play a significant role. Calm seas are preferable for good sightings, and tours may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Ready to Book?

Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

4.6

(71)

“We were suppost to go on a tour the day before but that was cancelled due to the weather. Which at first we didnt understand because the weather wa…”

— Amber, June 24, 2019

Final Thoughts

This Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat offers a vibrant blend of adventure, wildlife, and scenic city views. It’s a great pick if you’re keen on a fast, lively ride and hope to witness some of Iceland’s incredible marine life. The small-group setting, friendly guides, and exciting vessel make it stand out, but do keep in mind that sightings depend on nature’s whims.

If you’re prepared for a bumpy, fun ride and are flexible around wildlife sightings, this tour can be a highlight of your Iceland trip. It’s particularly suited to those looking for something more active than a traditional boat cruise, and who want to feel a bit of the wild side of Reykjavik’s waters.