Whales can be surprisingly close to town. This 2-hour Speedboat whale watching trip in Reykjavik uses a rigid inflatable boat to cover more water fast, so you get real wildlife time instead of just drifting around. I like how the tour pairs open-water scouting with shoreline views of the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.

You’ll also feel the energy: sharp turns, quick bursts of speed, and a low boat that helps with those up-close moments. The main thing to consider is the ride itself—it’s not for everyone, especially if you have a history of back problems or you’re pregnant, since the boat can move quickly over open water.

Quick Hits on the Speedboat Whale Watch

• Small group size (limited to 12), which helps you stay part of the action instead of feeling lost on a big boat
• High-speed RIB performance that helps cover a larger search area and improves your odds of close sightings
• Warm overalls provided so you can focus on wildlife and not on dressing like you’re climbing a mountain
• Puffins in season (May to August) with a short stop at breeding grounds earlier in the tour
• Quick shoreline stops to see Sun Voyager and Harpa from the sea
• A “no whales” safety net: if you don’t spot whales, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave

Reykjavik’s Whale Watching, But With Real Speed

Reykjavik is famous for big ocean drama, and this tour uses that power. You start from the Old Harbour area, then you’re out on open water in a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) instead of a slow cruiser. That change matters because it turns whale watching from a waiting game into a search-and-find mission.

I like that the boat is designed to be both powerful and comfortable. The seats are newer with suspension and shock features, which helps when the water gets choppy. It’s still a speedboat, so you should expect movement, but it’s not the roughest version of this idea.

You’re also not stuck watching from far away. A low-running RIB profile can make it easier to spot wildlife near the surface, which is where whales, dolphins, and seabirds tend to show themselves.

Getting Set: Old Harbour Meet-Up and a Practical First Briefing

Your meeting point is Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5 (101 Reykjavik). Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early, because you’ll want a moment to get organized before the safety briefing and boarding.

The tour includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, plus safety equipment and warm overalls. That combo is a big deal in Iceland, where the weather can shift fast even when the city looks calm from shore. You supply the basics: closed-toe shoes are required.

The ride is for a specific body type and comfort level. It’s suitable for children over 10 years old and over 145 cm, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with a history of back problems. If any of that applies to you, consider a calmer alternative, because this is built for speed and open-water coverage.

The 2-Hour Rhythm: Out to Wildlife, Then Back for Shoreline Views

This is a tight schedule—about 2 hours total on the water experience. After you meet your captain, you’ll get a quick safety briefing, get your coveralls, then hop aboard. Once you leave the harbour, the tour focuses on finding wildlife first.

The order matters. Early in the trip, you go hunting for whales and dolphins across a large search area, using the boat’s speed to reposition quickly. If you’re there between early May and end of August, you may also get a short stop at puffins’ breeding grounds—a different kind of wildlife moment compared with spotting whales out at sea.

On the way back, you shift gears. The captain cruises along Reykjavik’s shoreline so you can see the coast landmarks from the water, including Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall. This makes the trip feel more like a combined sea safari and scenic cruise, not just a wildlife chase.

Why the RIB Boat Changes Everything for Whale Watching

With whales, time and position are everything. This tour uses a small, nimble RIB to cover more water than you’d typically cover on a larger vessel. In practical terms, that means you spend more of your 2 hours moving toward sightings and less time stuck in one area.

You’ll also likely feel the difference in how close the wildlife seems. Many boats sit higher in the water, but a low, fast RIB can help you catch quick surfacing moments. That’s especially helpful for spotting minke whales and dolphins that may appear, travel a bit, then vanish again.

The suspension “shock seat” detail is easy to miss, but it’s useful. A whale watch isn’t just about the animals—it’s about your ability to actually enjoy the ride without your back or legs feeling wrecked. You don’t want to spend the best wildlife window thinking about discomfort.

Wildlife Chances: Whales, Dolphins, Seabirds, and Puffins in Season

Here’s what you’re realistically hunting for: whales, dolphins, and seabirds, with puffins as an added seasonal bonus. Puffins are best between May and August, and the tour includes a brief stop at their breeding grounds during that period.

Based on reported experiences from guides and captains, the sightings can be memorable and varied. Some departures have included minke whales, and there have been moments with humpback whale breaching and multiple dolphins playing close to the boat. One person even noted a shark sighting, which is a reminder that when wildlife activity is high, the ocean can throw surprises at you.

What to do when you’re on the water: watch the horizon, but also watch the near-water action. Dolphins and seabirds often react before whales are obvious. If your guide is spotting movement, listen and look where they point—this tour is set up for you to track wildlife actively.

Puffins: Why That Short Stop Is Worth Your Time

Puffins aren’t always the main event on every sea tour, and that depends on the day and conditions. But I think the puffin stop is still valuable because it adds a “landlife” feeling without leaving the water.

A short stop at breeding grounds gives you that chance to see puffins in their natural season window. If you’re visiting Iceland in summer months, this is one of the more efficient ways to include puffins without turning your day into a separate excursion.

Shore Stops: Sun Voyager and Harpa From the Sea

One of my favorite parts of this kind of trip is when it stops being about wildlife and starts being about place. After the open-water scouting, the boat makes quick stops along the shoreline so you can appreciate Reykjavik’s sights.

You’ll get to see Sun Voyager from the water—often more interesting than it looks from land because you’re watching it against the coastline and sky. You also pass Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass and angles look especially sharp from sea level.

These stops are short by design, which keeps the wildlife focus intact. If you love photos, bring that expectation: you’ll have moments for quick shots, not a long sightseeing layover.

Comfort, Safety, and Who Should Skip This

This tour is built for motion. Expect speed, turns, and the occasional spray as you ride out into North Atlantic water.

The tour is not recommended for:

• people with a history of back problems
• pregnant women
• children under 10 or under 145 cm

That’s not “fine print”—it’s the core fit question. Even with shock-suspension seats, a fast RIB ride can be tough if your body doesn’t handle vibration well.

Also note what you should bring and what you shouldn’t. You’ll want closed-toe shoes, and luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. So pack light. Bring what you need for the weather and keep your hands free so you can concentrate on spotting wildlife.

Seats, Timing, and a Smart Tip for Better Views

Choose your starting time based on your day, because you’ll only have this 2-hour window. There are several start times, and your schedule flexibility matters if you’re trying to fit this between other Reykjavik plans.

On the boat, seating can change your comfort and your sight lines. In at least one account, the front row was a big win because it’s closer and you can really feel the speed. If you’re comfortable with that, consider grabbing front seats when you can, since it often improves your view during quick surfacing moments.

If you’re sensitive to motion, the best move is to be honest with yourself. This isn’t a glassy-water cruise. You’re riding a fast tool built for finding animals, so plan accordingly.

Price and Value: Is $200 Really Fair?

At about $200 per person, this is not a cheap activity. The value comes from what your money actually purchases: a small group experience, a fast RIB capable of covering a larger search area, and a professional captain plus wildlife guide.

The included gear helps too: you get warm overalls, plus safety equipment, which removes one of Iceland’s usual small costs (and small frustrations). You’re also getting a two-part experience in one: active wildlife scouting and shoreline views of Reykjavik’s signature landmarks.

What’s not included is important for budgeting. Food and drinks aren’t part of the price, and there’s no hotel pick-up or drop-off. So figure that into your day cost, and plan to grab snacks before or after.

If you’re thinking, I want whales and dolphins close, not just in the distance—this price starts to make more sense. If your goal is a slow, gentle outing, you may decide it’s too much money for a fast ride you won’t enjoy.

Weather and Rescheduling: Be Flexible on the Sea Day

Open water activities can be weather dependent. One reported trip was cancelled due to sea conditions even though the land weather looked fine, then rescheduled after a phone call explanation from the team.

That’s worth taking seriously when you book. If your schedule is tight, consider how you’ll handle a potential shift. If you have at least a little flexibility, you’ll feel better about the odds—because the ocean is the ocean.

There’s also a consolation if wildlife doesn’t show up the way you hoped. If you don’t spot whales, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave. That policy can turn a disappointing day into a second chance.

Should You Book This Speedboat Whale Watch?

Book it if you want:

• a small-group wildlife outing with a guide actively scanning for animals
• a fast RIB ride that can cover water quickly
• a chance at puffins (May–August) plus whales and dolphins
• a mix of wildlife and Reykjavik sea views, including Sun Voyager and Harpa

Skip it if:

• you have a back condition or you know you don’t handle vibration well
• you’re pregnant
• you’re traveling with a child under 10 or under 145 cm
• you hate speedboat-style motion and want only a calm cruise

If you match the fit, this is one of those Iceland tours where the logistics are built around the point: find wildlife, get close when you can, and make your 2 hours count.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are a professional captain and wildlife guide, warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes.

Are food and drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included.

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour language English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Who is the tour suitable for?

It’s suitable for children over age 10 and over 145 cm. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with a history of back problems.

What happens if there are no whales spotted?

If you don’t spot whales, your captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.

You Might Also Enjoy

Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private TourReykjavík: Guided Afternoon Hiking Tour to New Volcano SiteGolden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater Tour from ReykjavikFrom Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip