Reykjavik looks better from a RIB. This premium evening whale-and-puffin cruise uses fast, stable RIB speedboats so you can cover more water during the bright summer “midnight sun” hours. You’re based right at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and taken out beyond the bay for close wildlife viewing.

I especially like two parts. First, it’s a genuinely small-group tour, with a max of 12 people per boat, which keeps things calmer when everyone is scanning the sea. Second, the experience is built around smart searching for whales and dolphins, plus a puffin loop near the wind-swept islands, so your evening feels like real-time wildlife watching rather than a long, slow cruise.

One thing to consider: this is an on-the-water ride, so it gets cold and windy fast. Bring warm layers, and if you have a back or knee issue (or you’re pregnant), this one may be a rough fit.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Evening Cruise

• Small group on a fast RIB: With up to 12 per boat, you get closer and move more efficiently through the bay.
• Midnight-sun timing: Evening departures mean you still have long light for spotting animals.
• Warm overalls are included: You’re not just borrowing hope against the Iceland wind.
• Puffins follow the season: Puffin season runs roughly May 15 to August 20.
• Whale odds are high in summer: In summer, whales are reported on over 95% of tours.
• If whales don’t show, you’re not left hanging: If you miss them, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride on larger boats.

The RIB Speedboat Makes This Feel Like a Real Safari

This tour is priced at $200 per person, and you should know what you’re paying for: speed, range, and access. A RIB doesn’t just get you out on the water. It helps the crew reach more of Faxaflói bay and reposition quickly when wildlife appears. That matters because whales and dolphins aren’t lined up on a schedule—they show up where conditions and food are.

The boats are described as extremely stable with high performance, and that combination is the whole point. You still get the ocean’s motion, of course, but the design helps keep viewing possible. Add the provided safety gear and warm overalls, and you’re set up to focus on scanning the water instead of worrying about the elements.

Also, the tour runs for about 2 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to get out, search, and return with a city shoreline view. Short enough that you’re not giving up your whole evening just to chase a chance at wildlife.

From Old Harbour: Your Departure and What It Means for Your Chances

Your meeting point is at the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik. You’ll want to arrive 30 minutes early. That time matters because you’ll need to get gear sorted, get on board, and settle before the boat heads out.

Departing from the Old Harbour is useful for two reasons. First, it keeps the start simple—you’re already in the part of town where you can grab coffee or a quick snack beforehand. Second, it puts you in position to loop the nearby islands and then push farther out for open-water scouting, without wasting time on long transfers.

Because this cruise is timed for bright summer evenings, you’re also working with more daylight than most whale tours. In Iceland, good light is not a luxury. It’s the difference between spotting a spout early and missing it until it’s gone.

The Loop Near Wind-Beaten Islands: Where Puffins Come Into Play

Right after leaving the harbor, the route includes a loop around the islands just off Reykjavík. This is where puffins are part of the plan.

Puffins are seasonal here, roughly May 15 to August 20. If you’re traveling outside that window, you might still see seabirds, but puffins won’t be the guaranteed focus. If you’re booking in peak season, you’re setting yourself up for a fun add-on: puffins are small, quick, and often easier to miss unless you’re actually looking for them.

What makes this island loop valuable is that it breaks up your evening. You’re not just waiting for whales in the distance. You get a chance to spot smaller wildlife closer to where you can actually make eye-level observations. Even when whale sightings are the headline, puffins help the whole evening feel lively.

Open Water Scanning: Whales and Dolphins, Plus the Feeling of Space

After the island loop, the crew heads out onto open water to scout for whales and dolphins. The key idea is that whales never fully sleep, so summer sightings are expected even on an evening schedule. The tour also notes that in summer, whales are seen in over 95% of departures—so the search isn’t just wishful thinking.

This is where the RIB’s performance matters most. A faster boat can cover more area and position better when the crew spots signs—so you spend less time idling and more time actively watching.

You should also expect the boat to move quickly between best-guess areas. That sounds intense, but it usually improves your odds. One review mentioned humpback whales and dolphins seen at very close range, which is exactly the type of payoff this style of boat is built for.

And the small-group setup can change how it feels out there. When the boat capacity is limited and the crew isn’t trying to herd a crowd, the sea can feel like your own viewing space. That practical calm helps you focus, rather than constantly getting bumped or squeezed.

The Warm Overalls: A Small Detail That Changes the Entire Mood

Cold water and wind are the main reasons people dislike boat tours in Iceland. This one solves part of that with warm overalls included. That’s a real value add. Instead of layering like you’re going to a winter hike, you can dress sensibly and still stay comfortable.

I’d still bring your own warm hat and gloves, plus closed-toe shoes, because the tour advises them. Also plan on layers under the overalls. The boat moves fast; you’ll feel air temperature and wind chill, even in summer.

Loose clothing isn’t allowed, and luggage or large bags aren’t allowed either. So think light and fitted: no dragging scarves, no big backpacks that turn into a hassle once you’re underway.

Meet the Guides: You’re in English, With Crew Focused on Wildlife

The tour uses an English live guide and professional captain. You’ll notice that the experience isn’t just about driving the boat—it’s about spotting and explaining what you’re seeing.

Some guide names that show up in recent departures include Maria and Miquel. Their approach, as described in feedback, is about knowing what to watch for and making the hunt feel organized rather than chaotic. That matters because whale watching can feel frustrating if everyone’s guessing. With the right guidance, you learn how to scan for spouts, movement, and surfacing patterns.

What Happens If You Don’t Spot Whales

Here’s a key safety net: if you’re unlucky and don’t spot any whales, your captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave Reykjavík.

This matters for two reasons. First, it protects your money if the ocean just doesn’t cooperate. Second, it gives you another option without forcing you to rebook immediately under time pressure.

I’d still go in with realistic expectations—wildlife sightings depend on conditions—but it’s reassuring to see that they don’t just shrug and move on.

The Return Ride: Reykjavík From the Water, With Harpa and Sun Voyager

After the wildlife portion, the tour returns to Reykjavík with a ride along the city shoreline. You get views of the Sun Voyager sculpture and Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall, plus the feel of the harbor area with fishing huts and busy restaurant life along the waterfront.

This is more than a cute add-on. It helps you end the evening on a high note even if wildlife sightings are limited or you run out of daylight for photos. The shoreline view gives you that Reykjavík “I was there” memory that isn’t tied only to spotting an animal.

Also, it keeps the timing smooth. You’re not left wandering back to your hotel in the dark with cold hands and no plan.

Price and Value: What $200 Is Really Buying

At $200 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it doesn’t try to pretend it’s cheap. The value is in the combination:

• RIB performance that can search more effectively across a wider area
• Small group size (12 max per boat), which helps viewing conditions
• Professional captain plus wildlife guide
• Warm overalls and safety equipment included
• Evening timing in summer when light helps spotting
• A re-ride safety net if you don’t see whales

If your priority is close-up wildlife viewing rather than just being out on the water, this is the style that usually pays off. If your priority is a low-cost sightseeing cruise with minimal movement, there are other options—but this one is clearly aiming for higher contact and stronger odds during the season.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This cruise is best for people who want an active whale watching experience in Iceland’s summer light. If you enjoy moving fast, scanning for wildlife, and dressing for outdoor conditions, you’ll likely love it.

It’s suitable for children over 10 and at least 145 centimeters tall. But it’s not recommended for those with a history of back or knee problems. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are also listed as not suitable.

So if you’re dealing with pain, instability, or mobility limits, you’ll want to choose a gentler option. Boat motion and quick movement can make an otherwise fun evening feel uncomfortable.

Practical Tips So You Enjoy the Hunt, Not the Cold

Do these and your evening will go smoother:

• Wear warm layers and plan for wind chill, even in summer
• Bring a hat and gloves (the tour specifically asks for them)
• Wear closed-toe shoes you can stand in comfortably
• Avoid loose clothing, and leave bulky bags behind
• Arrive 30 minutes early so you can get settled without rushing

And one more mindset tip: puffins and whales might show up in different areas and at different times. If you focus on the process—watching, learning, scanning—you still get a satisfying experience even if the first sighting isn’t what you hoped for.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Evening Whale and Puffin Tour?

Book it if you want a fast, small-group RIB cruise designed for summer evening wildlife spotting from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The combination of warm gear, English guiding, and the way the boat covers more water makes it a strong choice for first-time whale watchers who want real odds and good viewing.

Skip it if you know you’ll struggle with cold wind, rapid boat movement, or you fall into the not-suitable categories (pregnancy, back/knee history, mobility impairments). Also consider a different option if you prefer long, slow sightseeing.

If you’re traveling during roughly May 15 to August 20, this becomes even more tempting because puffins are part of the plan and whales are expected on most departures in summer. For many people, the timing is the secret weapon: midnight sun light plus a RIB search style is exactly the recipe for an evening that feels like Iceland at full volume.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale and puffin evening tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the ticket office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

Is food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

Are puffins guaranteed on this tour?

Puffins are seasonal, with puffin season roughly May 15 to August 20. During that time, the tour is designed to look for them.

What age is the tour suitable for?

It’s suitable for children over age 10 and at least 145 centimeters tall.

Is this tour okay if I have back or knee problems?

It’s not recommended for people with a history of back or knee problems.

What happens if whales are not spotted?

If you do not spot any whales, your captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave.

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