Reykjavik’s speedboat turns whale-watching into sport.

This 2-hour cruise uses a new RIB with suspension seats, so you’re not just watching nature from far away—you’re getting a real, up-close feel for Faxaflói Bay. You also start with a Reykjavik glide past Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager before heading out to look for whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds.

I really like the combo of close encounters and strong field searching. The boat runs out into Faxaflói Bay, where the tour aims for whales (up to 23 species are mentioned), plus dolphins and seals, and then pushes in near islands where puffins nest. I also like that you get full guidance about whales and wildlife as you go, not just a quick spotting and cruise-by.

One consideration: you’re in open water, so the ride can get bumpy in wind and waves, and whales are never guaranteed. Iceland weather is unpredictable, and even trained spotting can be tough in the sea.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay spotting focus for whales plus dolphins and seals
• Puffin islands close-up where they come ashore to lay a single egg
• Reykjavik sights on the way out past Harpa and the Sun Voyager
• Warm waterproof gear included with gloves and goggles for cold, wet conditions
• Fast, sporty RIB ride with suspension seats (still can feel rough in wind)
• Small-cap comfort with 12 suspension seats on board

Why a RIB whale watch makes sense in Iceland

Whale watching in Iceland isn’t like a tidy oceanarium. You’re looking for animals that breathe at the surface, then move away. That’s why I like tours that physically let you get into position quickly. On this trip, you run on a rigid inflatable boat with suspension seats, which matters because it helps you stay braced and comfortable when the sea gets choppy.

The other smart part is the timing and route. You don’t just head straight to a generic “go look.” You depart the old harbor, pass the landmarks people photograph in Reykjavik, then continue out to Faxaflói Bay, where wildlife activity is the goal. That means you’re already seeing something good even before the search starts.

Meeting at Ægisgarður 5G: the small logistics that keep it smooth

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center. That’s helpful because you can arrive without stress, grab your gear, and be ready to board without a long pre-dinner wandering loop.

Plan to arrive a bit early, not because the tour needs it, but because cold gear moments are real. Once you get the warm waterproof overall and life jacket sorted, you’ll be thinking about comfort and visibility rather than where your hands go when it starts to mist.

And yes—follow the footwear rule. No sandals or flip-flops, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed. On a wet, fast boat, closed footwear is not fashion. It’s safety and a lot less misery if there’s spray.

Gear check: you’re provided warm layers, but your scarf matters

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket rental. You should also bring your own whale-watching scarf (it’s specifically called out in the tour details). This matters more than it sounds. A scarf can help block wind on the neck and keep you from feeling cold in minutes.

Here’s what I’d do if you’re packing for Iceland in general: dress in warm layers under the waterproof overall, then treat the scarf as your last line of defense. The gloves and goggles help with both comfort and spotting. Spray and salt water can blur vision fast, and when you’re scanning the horizon, clear sight is everything.

The city-to-sea transition: Harpa and Sun Voyager before Faxaflói Bay

Right after departure, the route passes two Reykjavik icons: Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. This isn’t just sightseeing trivia. It gives you a sense of where you are before the coastline opens up and the search becomes about spotting tiny blows and surface breaks.

If you like your tours with both “wow” and “useful,” this is a nice way to do it. You get a quick dose of the city’s dramatic waterfront design while you’re still dry(ish) and warm(ish), then you transition into the wild.

After that, you continue to Faxaflói Bay, where the wildlife focus starts in earnest.

Faxaflói Bay spotting: how the hunt actually feels on the water

The plan in Faxaflói Bay is to look for whales—up to 23 species are mentioned as possible—along with dolphins and seals. You’ll also see sea birds, and the crew will keep an eye out for signs of where animals are feeding or surfacing.

The key thing I’d tell you to watch is not just the water. Watch the boat’s scanning rhythm. When the crew spots activity, the whole experience changes from cruising to hunting. That shift is why people come back for this style of tour even if they’re not whale-obsessed.

From the experience details and sighting notes tied to the tour, you might encounter humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins close to the boat. One review experience also described a pod that followed for a while, with dolphins circling and diving under and around the boat. Another mentioned a humpback whale feeding, with regular blow-ups, plus puffins later on.

That leads to my practical advice: keep your attention up and wide. When whales surface, it can be brief. It’s often more about spotting the moment and following the crew’s direction than about catching a full cinematic breach.

Puffins at the islands: the part you can count on more

Whales can be hard to spot. Puffins are easier to understand because they have a clear behavior that matches the tour focus. The cruise heads toward the islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay their one egg. You’re not just hearing about them. You’re cruising up close to the nesting areas.

What this means in real life: you’re scanning cliffs, beaches, and shoreline waters for puffins flying in, landing, and moving around near breeding spots. Even when the day is not whale-heavy, puffins often add a steady stream of small moments—fast wings, sudden dips, and little bursts of activity.

One review described a full puffin show: puffins flying and swimming around the area, with lots of birds on cliffs and at a beach zone too. Another noted puffins sighted during the overall run, then focused on the nesting-area stop. These details matter because puffins tend to deliver visible action even on variable weather days.

Safety and comfort on board: suspension seats help, wind still wins

You’ll ride in a 12-seat RIB with suspension seats designed for comfort and safety. That’s a big deal on a 2-hour trip. Even with the best weather, you’re bouncing. With the wrong weather, you’ll feel it in your stomach and arms.

The good news is that the gear and seating setup are built for the conditions. The waterproof overall helps a lot, and gloves and goggles cut down on wind and spray annoyance.

The not-so-fun news is that the ride can get rough if it’s windy. One review called the ride flying over waves and noted it was bumpy on a windy day. Another made the point that it’s not for people who feel fearful—because it’s fast and exhilarating, with waves you really feel.

If you get motion sick easily, consider that input seriously. Bring warm clothes, secure your scarf, and don’t assume you’ll be able to read a book mid-cruise. This is an active boat.

Wildlife viewing that feels respectful, not chaotic

A strong whale tour should do two things at once: find animals and keep behavior appropriate. The experiences tied to this tour highlight that the crew works to find whales, dolphins, and puffins while staying respectful of wildlife.

You’ll also get full guidance with information about the whales, wildlife, and the city. That live context is useful because it helps you understand what you’re seeing. Instead of just pointing, the crew talks about why certain animals surface or what to look for in blow patterns and movements.

And if you’re the type who asks questions, you’ll be able to. The tour details specifically say you can ask questions during the cruise, and the crew shares interesting facts about the whales and other wildlife.

Price and value: what $192 buys in the real world

At $192 per person for a 2-hour cruise, you’re paying for a few concrete things:

• A modern RIB with suspension seating (not an old, rattly boat feel)
• Warm waterproof overall plus gloves and goggles
• Life jacket rental
• Live guidance focused on whales and wildlife
• A route that includes Reykjavik’s major waterfront sights plus Faxaflói Bay

Is it cheap? No. But it’s not a generic “maybe you see something” sightseeing cruise. You’re paying for the ability to move quickly to wildlife-rich areas and for the gear that lets you actually enjoy the conditions without freezing.

You’re also getting value from the structure. Even if whales take a while, the puffin stop is built into the plan, and the city-to-sea route gives you views right from the harbor.

Who should book this whale watching speedboat

I think this tour fits best if you want a mix of nature + motion + good guidance.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• you want a close-to-the-action wildlife search rather than a distant viewpoint
• you like fast water rides and don’t mind wind
• you’re traveling with adults or older kids (it’s not suitable for children under 10)
• you care about seeing puffins on the islands, not just reading about them later

It might feel like the wrong pick if:

• you’re easily motion sick or strongly dislike bumpy rides
• you expect whales to be guaranteed (they’re not)

The tour itself openly flags that whale sightings can’t be guaranteed and are harder to spot than in an oceanarium. That honesty is a good sign. Iceland makes reality checks—this tour doesn’t pretend otherwise.

My booking advice: should you go

If you’re in Reykjavik and want a whale watch that feels like a proper expedition—fast boat, warm gear, real scanning time, and puffins as a major payoff—I’d book it. The best part is the blend: you get Reykjavik landmarks at the start, then you shift into Faxaflói Bay for wildlife, and you finish with the puffin nesting-area focus.

Just choose your day with weather in mind. If you see a forecast for strong winds, that’s when the ride can get really bouncy. And if whale sightings are your one must-see, remember: wildlife timing is never fully in your control.

For me, the decision comes down to this: you’re buying comfort gear and a search that actually reaches the right waters, not a promise of whales.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G, a 5-minute walk from the city center.

What does the tour include?

It includes a 2-hour cruise aboard a 12-seat luxury RIB, full guidance with information about whales and wildlife and the city, a warm waterproof overall, gloves and goggles, a life jacket rental, and your own scarf.

Do I need to bring a scarf?

Yes. The tour details mention you should have your own whale watching scarf.

What footwear is not allowed?

Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Are children allowed?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, and whales can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

What animals might I see besides whales?

You might see dolphins and seals, plus sea birds. The puffins stop is also a planned highlight in Faxaflói Bay.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Icelandic.

What is the price for the tour?

The price is $192 per person for the 2-hour cruise.

Is there a cancellation option?

There is free cancellation: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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