Faxaflói Bay rewards you for getting out fast. This premium whale watching trip runs from Reykjavík Old Harbour on a small-group RIB speedboat, so you spend your time on the water looking for real wildlife rather than sitting in a big viewing lounge. It’s a thrilling, open-air ride paired with live English guidance and the chance to spot humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins.

Two things I really like about this experience: the warm overalls plus safety gear (comfort matters when you’re moving fast in Icelandic wind), and the fact that you get suspension seats designed to help with safety and ride comfort. The boat is built to be capable on the water, not just pretty in a brochure.

One consideration before you book: whale sightings are never guaranteed. Weather and sea conditions can limit what’s possible, and if you do miss out, there’s a free re-try option on a different whale watching trip.

Key things to know before you go

• RIB speedboat power: Open-air, fast, and designed to reach whale areas quickly during the 2-hour outing
• Warm gear included: Overalls and safety equipment so you can focus on spotting wildlife
• Comfort-focused seating: Suspension seats to make the ride safer and less jarring
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife odds: Look for humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins
• Puffins in season: May to August includes puffin watching near the harbor
• If wildlife luck is poor: You can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour if you don’t see whales or dolphins

Where Faxaflói Bay Fits Into Your Reykjavík Days

Reykjavík is great for short excursions, and this one makes sense because it focuses on wildlife outside the city rather than long road trips. You start at the Old Harbour area and head out into Faxaflói Bay on a smaller boat built for searching. That’s the big idea: you’re not just looking from far away—you’re out there where whales and dolphins actually spend time.

The tour is timed for a classic Iceland pattern: short, weather-dependent adventures that still feel like a full experience. You get a solid 2 hours on the water, plus the return ride that gives you views of Reykjavík from the sea. Even if the day doesn’t deliver whales, the outing still has motion, sea air, and a good chance of seeing something moving and alive.

Meeting at Aegisgardur 5 and Getting Ready to Ride

You meet at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík. Show up early—plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure—so you can check in calmly and get suited up without stress.

What matters here is what you bring. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and have sports shoes ready. Oversize luggage isn’t allowed, so keep your day bag small and practical. On a moving boat, extra bulk becomes a problem fast, so travel light for your own comfort.

Once you’re checked in, you’ll get warm overalls and the necessary safety equipment. That’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s one of the reasons this tour feels premium. You’re bundled for wind and spray, and you can focus on the experience instead of worrying whether you’re dressed right.

The RIB Speedboat Ride: Open-Air Thrills With Real Comfort

This is a RIB speedboat—open air, built for speed, and meant for close-up wildlife searching. You should expect a physical ride: you’ll feel the engine power and the spray, and the boat will cover ground during the search. It’s a different feel from calmer harbor cruises, and that’s part of the appeal.

Comfort is handled better than you might expect. The boats come with brand new high-quality suspension seats designed to improve safety and ride comfort. That matters because you’re riding in Icelandic conditions, not on a lake on a summer day. If you’ve ever done a rough boat trip and regretted not packing better gear, this setup helps.

The crew is also key. You’re guided by a professional captain with live English guidance. In practice, that means you’re not left guessing what you’re looking at. The crew’s job is to keep you oriented during the hunt—where the action might be, what to look for, and how to position for the best viewing.

2 Hours on the Water: How You Search Faxaflói Bay

Your main event is the 2-hour wildlife cruise in Faxaflói Bay. The boat is small but powerful, so it can move through a wider search area during the outing. That design choice improves your odds of finding whales and dolphins during the time you’ve booked.

What you’re looking for:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Dolphins

The tour is built around the idea that small boats can get you closer and help you get more convincing sightings. You’re not just sightseeing at the horizon. When wildlife surfaces, the goal is to put you in the right position for viewing.

Here’s the honest part: wildlife spotting depends on luck, and weather affects where the crew can safely operate. If the sea is choppy or visibility is poor, the hunt can shift. That’s why the tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled when sea conditions don’t cooperate.

Summer Bonus: Puffin Watching Near the Harbor (May to August)

From May to August, puffin watching is part of the experience. The idea is simple: puffins nest just outside the city’s harbor area, so the birds can be seen without having to wait for a separate day-trip.

This is a smart add-on because it changes the tour from only a whale gamble into a mixed wildlife outing. Even when whale sightings don’t happen on a given departure, puffins give you a recognizable payoff. They also help you read the environment: you’ll feel like you’re watching Iceland’s coastal ecosystem, not just chasing one animal.

If you’re visiting in shoulder season, keep your expectations flexible. The puffin component is seasonal, so in other months the tour is focused on whales and dolphins.

The Return Ride: Reykjavík Landmarks From Sea Level

After the whale safari portion, you head back to Reykjavík. You’ll enjoy the ride along the city’s shoreline, which gives you sea-level views of Reykjavík’s famous landmarks from the water.

This matters for two reasons. First, it makes the total outing feel complete: you’re not done once the whales surface or don’t surface. Second, it offers a different perspective that’s hard to replicate from the ground, especially in a city built to be explored on foot.

It also keeps the momentum going. A good RIB ride doesn’t feel like a one-note thrill. The return section still has movement, scenery, and a sense of being out on the coast rather than stuck in one spot.

Flexible Ticket Value: How It Can Save a Day in Iceland

The flexible ticket is one of the most practical upgrades you can buy for Reykjavík. It lets you reschedule your departure time up to one hour prior to your reserved departure (subject to availability) by contacting the local supplier. That’s helpful when Iceland weather is unpredictable or when you’re dealing with shifting plans.

This flexibility also gives you a safety net if your day is tight. You’re not forced into a do-or-die timing choice. You can adjust based on how the morning goes, what you’ve seen, and whether conditions look workable when you’re ready to leave.

On top of that, you get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. I still recommend you book soon enough to get your preferred departure, but the flexibility makes the experience feel less risky.

When You Don’t See Whales: A Real Backup Plan

Whale watching has a built-in uncertainty. Some days are active, some days are quiet. This tour includes a backup path that’s worth knowing about: if you don’t see any whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour on the larger boats either in Reykjavík or Akureyri.

This matters because it addresses the most frustrating scenario: paying for a premium outing and getting only the speedboat ride. Instead of leaving you with nothing, it gives you a second shot under a different setup.

That backup doesn’t remove the weather gamble. It just changes the outcome from potentially disappointing to more manageable. For me, that’s a big part of the tour’s value.

Price and Value: What $202 Buys You for Two Hours

At $202 per person for a 2-hour experience, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s not priced like a long, full-day tour either. You’re paying for the premium format: a small-group RIB experience, live English guidance, warm overalls, safety equipment, and suspension seating designed for comfort.

You’re also paying for the specific wildlife focus. This isn’t a general sightseeing boat. It’s built to search for whales and dolphins, and the boat’s design helps it cover area during the hunt. If you’re the kind of traveler who values higher-effort experiences—shorter, active outings with a real chance of a memorable sight—this price can feel fair.

Where it can feel expensive is the one place all whale watching tours struggle: if wildlife doesn’t appear. That’s why the free re-try option matters. It reduces the chance you’ll feel like you paid premium money for only thrills and no wildlife.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for people who want an active, outdoorsy whale watching trip. You’ll appreciate it if you like speedboat-style adventures and you’re comfortable dressing for wind and spray. The small-group format and live English guidance also suit travelers who prefer to get real information while they’re out on the water.

It’s also not for everyone. It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 10
• People under 145 cm tall
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with heart problems
• People with mobility impairments

That list is important. The tour uses a RIB, which means movement and ride dynamics. If you’re dealing with health issues that make boat motion risky, it’s smarter to choose a calmer alternative.

Should You Book This Premium Whale Watching Tour?

I’d book this if you want the best mix of comfort, speed, and serious wildlife searching without eating an entire day. The included warm overalls, safety gear, and suspension seats make the RIB ride feel more like a thought-through experience than a rough stunt. The live English guidance helps you understand what you’re seeing, which turns the outing into more than just chasing misty shapes.

I’d think twice if you’re easily discouraged by uncertainty. Whale watching is still luck-based, and weather can affect operations. That said, the free try-again option on the Classic Whale Watching tour is a strong safety valve.

If your schedule is flexible and you’re visiting in May through August, the chance to add puffin watching near the harbor gives you extra payoff. For many people, that alone can make the tour feel worthwhile—even on a quieter whale day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the whale watching tour?

You meet at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 2 hours.

What should I wear or bring on the tour?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sports shoes. You’ll also be provided warm overalls and safety equipment.

What if I need to change my departure time?

The tour includes a flexible ticket. You can change your departure time up to one hour prior to your reserved departure by contacting the local supplier, subject to availability.

What happens if I don’t see whales or dolphins?

If you don’t see any whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour on larger boats either in Reykjavík or Akureyri.

Are meals or drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 10, people under 145 cm tall, pregnant women, people with a history of back problems, people with heart problems, and people with mobility impairments.

Is the tour affected by weather and sea conditions?

Yes. The tour depends on weather and sea conditions and may be canceled if conditions aren’t suitable.

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