Reykjavik whale watching can be thrilling. This RIB boat tour turns a classic wildlife hunt into a close-up, high-energy ride with a marine guide, warm gear, and photo handoffs. It’s built around getting you close enough to see sea life clearly, while still covering enough water to make sightings more likely.

I especially like two things: first, the marine biologist-style commentary (people have had guides like Max, Emily, Kylie, Matt, Mike, and Marie), which helps you understand what you’re actually seeing; and second, the way the crew uses maneuverability to search wider areas, then move in for that “right there” view. One thing to consider: this is a cold, windy speed-boat experience, and it’s not a fit for everyone—plus there’s no guarantee you’ll spot whales every time.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (up to 12): easier to hear your guide and easier to spot wildlife as they call things out.
• Old Harbour departure: you start right where Reykjavik’s waterfront energy is.
• A RIB that can work the water: stable seating plus the ability to cover bigger areas than you’d get on slower boats.
• Puffins first, whales later (seasonal): you’ll aim for puffins on nearby islands, then push farther out for whales and dolphins.
• Warm all-weather gear included: overalls, gloves, and goggles mean you’re not gambling on being prepared.
• Photos from the crew: pictures are taken during the trip and shared back after.

RIB whale and puffin watching from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

This tour is simple in concept: go out fast enough to find animals, but controlled enough to treat wildlife respectfully. You meet at the ticket office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, then head out in a specially engineered RIB built for maneuvering. The big advantage here is how the boat handles: it’s designed to move closer than larger vessels while still allowing the captain and crew to scan a broader area.

This is not a “look for whales from a calm dock” kind of outing. It’s an active search, with real-time guidance from your onboard guide. The guide part matters because you’ll pick up practical details—what certain birds and surf patterns can signal, what different whale behaviors look like from a boat. On several tours, guides have included people with marine science backgrounds (for example, Max is specifically mentioned as a marine biologist), and it shows in the way questions get answered and sightings get explained.

Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager: the city views you get while you wait for wildlife

Before the wildlife hunt really kicks in, you get a Reykjavik-water perspective. You’ll sail past Harpa Concert Hall—the glassy, geometric landmark people love from shore—and the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture. From the water, these are more than photo stops. They give you a sense of geography: where you are, which coastline you’re leaving, and how soon you’ll be trading city views for open sea.

This “city-to-wild” transition is also a nice reality check. Even if the first wildlife call takes a bit, you’re already moving through a part of Reykjavik that feels alive. And since the tour is only 2 hours, those first minutes count.

Puffins on nearby islands: what to expect in late April to August

Puffins are seasonal, and this tour plans around that timing. You can expect puffin watching between 20 April and mid-August (the information provided lists puffin season as Apr 20–Aug 15, and another note cites Apr 20–Aug 20). Either way, think of this as a late-spring through summer activity rather than a year-round one.

The route typically follows a pattern: you ride out toward islands to look for puffins in their natural setting, then go farther out to search for whales and dolphins. Puffins are easier to spot than whales—lots of seabirds, island perches, and constant movement—so even if whale sightings are slow, you usually won’t feel like you wasted the trip.

Also, guides generally give context that makes puffins more than just a pretty bird. The goal is to understand nesting and behavior rather than just spotting black-and-white dots at a distance. One review highlights how puffin details were explained on the island, which is exactly the kind of context that turns a sighting into a memory you can actually explain later.

Chasing whales and dolphins farther out: how the crew increases your odds

Whale watching in Iceland is always a “work with the ocean” situation. You’re searching for animals in their own territory, not triggering a performance. The tour helps by using the maneuverability of the RIB to get you closer, while the boat’s size and speed allow wider scanning than you’d get on a slower craft.

What you’re looking for depends on what’s around that day, but the range of possibilities is real. Reviews mention humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and also porpoises. One reviewer even notes a whale surfed close enough that they could hear breathing—an example of how close a smaller, agile boat can sometimes get when conditions and animal location line up.

Two things to keep your expectations grounded:

• You might spot whales right away, or you might get more dolphins and birds first. Ocean life moves.
• You can be very unlucky. Even in a great tour, there’s no guarantee of a specific whale species.

That said, the tour’s structure is designed to improve odds: puffins on islands for early success, then a longer search out for whales and dolphins. If you’re choosing this tour specifically for whales, it helps to go in with a flexible mind and celebrate the full mix of marine wildlife.

The ride itself: warmth, comfort, and the reality of wind

This is the part people feel instantly. RIBs are fast, and even on a short ride, wind can cut through layers. The good news: the tour provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus all necessary safety equipment. In practice, that means you don’t just show up in a single jacket and hope for the best.

Comfort details that show up in reviews:

• Seats are described as comfortable for a RIB, including some kind of spring-absorbing setup to handle wave bumps.
• Some people worry about sea sickness and report feeling fine; your personal tolerance will vary, but the boat’s design seems to help some guests stay comfortable.
• The ride can feel thrilling—one captain-style description compares the added “oomph” to a fun amusement ride. That’s not slow sightseeing. It’s an adventure.

What you should bring (so you’re not stuck improvising):

• Hiking shoes (not flip-flops on a boat deck).
• Weather-appropriate clothing for wind and spray.
• A signed waiver.

And one “don’t” that matters: high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed. I’d also avoid anything that slips, because the boat motion can make you feel less secure.

Tip on eyewear: even with goggles provided, bring your own sunglasses if you like. The combination of wind and speed makes eye protection feel necessary, not optional.

Group size and guide style: why it feels more personal

This is a small group tour—limited to 12 participants—and that changes the experience. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, so the guide can point and track sightings more clearly. It also helps on the search phase because the crew can keep an eye on who is watching and where you’re positioned.

Guide quality is a major theme. Several named guides appear in feedback—Matt, Kylie, Emily, Max (marine biologist), Mike, and Marie—plus the consistent point that guides explain behavior, not just species names. That matters because Iceland wildlife can be subtle: a blow, a fin, a sudden burst of birds responding to feeding. When you understand what you’re seeing, you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying.

Also, the crew takes photos during the tour and shares them afterward. You’re in motion, and you’ll likely focus on spotting animals. Having backup images is a real win, especially if you miss a quick surface.

Price and value: is $191 worth it?

At $191 per person for a 2-hour RIB tour, you’re paying for three things you don’t get on cheaper wildlife trips: the boat type, the small-group format, and the guide/gear package.

Here’s how the value adds up:

• RIB format: you’re choosing closeness and agility, which is central to this tour’s pitch—moving closer than bigger boats can while scanning wider areas.
• Included cold-weather gear: warm overalls, gloves, and goggles reduce the extra costs of buying or renting proper boat gear.
• Marine guide and safety captain: you get live guidance, plus a fully certified RIB captain.
• Photo sharing: not every tour adds a photo handoff after.

The only “value risk” is the same risk as all whale watching: nature doesn’t follow schedules. If you’re unlucky and only one whale shows up (or whales are less active that day), you still get puffins and plenty of sea life, but it may not feel like a perfect match for a whale-only expectation.

So I’d treat it as a wildlife-and-adventure outing first, and a whale guarantee second.

Who should book this Reykjavik RIB tour (and who shouldn’t)

This tour makes the most sense if you want:

• Close-up wildlife viewing and you’re okay with speed and wind
• An active guide who helps you read what’s happening on the water
• Puffins plus a shot at whales and dolphins during peak season

It’s also a good pick as a top “Reykjavik must-do” if you’re staying in town, because you depart from Old Harbour and return there.

Not suitable if:

• You’re pregnant
• You have mobility impairments (listed as not suitable)
• Your child is under 10, or under 145 cm
• You’re over 75 years
• You’re over 140 kg

In other words: it’s designed for people who can comfortably handle getting in and out, dressing for wet cold, and tolerating a fast ride.

Should you book this whale and puffin watching RIB tour?

If you’re coming to Iceland and you want the most action-focused version of whale watching, I think this is a strong choice. The mix of puffins on islands, a wider search strategy, and marine-focused onboard guidance makes it feel more intentional than a generic “go out and hope” boat trip. Add the included warm gear and the crew photo handoff, and you’ve got real day-of convenience.

I’d only hesitate if you’re:

• very sensitive to wind and cold, or
• expecting a guaranteed humpback-or-nothing whale moment.

If you’re flexible and you’ll enjoy dolphins, porpoises, seabirds, and puffins as much as whales, this is the kind of tour that turns a couple of hours into a clear highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale and puffin watching RIB tour?

It runs for 2 hours total.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at the ticket office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour seasonal for puffins?

Yes. Puffins are listed as being in season between 20 April and 15 August, and another note lists the season as 20 April to 20 August.

What animals can you see on the tour?

The tour is designed for whales and puffins, and it also searches for dolphins. Other marine life and seabirds may be spotted depending on the day.

What’s included to keep you warm?

Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles are included, along with safety equipment and a specially trained whale-watching guide.

Is there food or a toilet on board?

Toilets are not available on the boat, and food is not included.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and remember to sign the waiver.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

No. The minimum age is 10 years old, and the minimum height is 145 cm.

What’s not allowed on the boat?

High-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Do they offer free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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