Fast boats, close wildlife, and Reykjavik views. This RIB boat outing from the Old Harbour pairs quick, maneuverable searching with onboard guidance from a marine biologist, so you’re not just speeding around the bay. You also get Reykjavik’s big-name sights from the water, including Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

What I like most is how the tour is built for actual wildlife viewing: the boat can get closer than larger vessels and the crew actively searches wider when conditions allow. I also love the practical touch—warm overalls, gloves, and goggles are provided, plus you’ll have access to the pictures the crew takes, which makes the experience feel more complete.

One drawback to keep in mind: it’s open-water, so it can be cold and windy even with the gear, and there are no toilets on board (and no food). If you’re sensitive to speed or rougher conditions, plan your day with that in mind.

Key points I’d plan my trip around

• RIB maneuverability for whale and puffin viewing: closer positions than bigger boats, plus wider searching when you can.
• Marine guide commentary: trained help that helps you spot wildlife and understand what you’re seeing.
• Puffins by islands, whales farther out: a two-stage run that matches where different animals hang out.
• Reykjavik sights from the water: Harpa and Sun Voyager show up during the return along the coastline.
• Warm kit included: overalls, gloves, and goggles mean you’re not guessing how to dress.
• Small group (max 12): more time for questions and better focus on spotting.

From Old Harbour out to wildlife grounds in a RIB

This tour starts at the ticket office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, and from there you’re quickly transferred onto a specially engineered RIB that’s designed for speed without feeling out of control. The whole point of a RIB is handling—when crews are searching for wildlife, they need to reposition fast and move with precision, and that’s exactly what this boat is meant to do.

The route also sets you up for variety. You’re not only chasing animals offshore; you’re also heading back along the city’s shores so you get both wildlife time and skyline time in the same 2-hour session. That matters because Reykjavik weather can change fast, and this tour keeps you busy rather than waiting around.

The 2-hour rhythm: puffins near islands, whales and dolphins farther out

The core flow is simple and smart. First, you ride out to islands to look for puffins in their natural surroundings, typically in the season window that runs from late April into August. Then you head farther out to search for whales and dolphins, using the boat’s ability to reach areas larger craft can’t cover as efficiently.

Here’s how that helps you as a visitor. Puffins are easiest to spot when you’re near their nesting/island areas, while whales and dolphins are a wider-search game—so splitting the tour into two “hunting modes” increases your chances. Even in better or worse wildlife luck, you should still feel like you’re doing more than one kind of viewing, not the same routine the whole time.

On the return, you sail along Reykjavik’s coastline and get water-level views of Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture. It’s a nice payoff, especially if the sea is active earlier in the trip—by the end you get the calm-looking city moments that help the whole outing feel like an Iceland highlight, not just a boat ride.

Marine biologist guidance that helps you see more than you would alone

The guide portion is a major reason this tour earns strong scores. You’re not relying only on luck or “spot it if you can” scanning; you’re getting commentary from specially trained guides, including marine biologists. Past tour write-ups include names like Max, Kylie, Emily, Matt, Marie, and Mike, and the common thread is that they’re focused on animals and behavior, not just general facts.

That kind of guidance makes a difference on the water. Wildlife spotting is hard when you don’t know what you’re looking for, and it’s even harder when you’re bouncing around on a fast boat. A trained guide can help you connect the dots—why a dolphin pod might be moving a certain way, why seabirds can signal activity, and what whale behavior often looks like from a distance.

You also get photo support. The crew takes pictures during the tour, and you’ll have access to them afterward. That’s more than a nice extra; it’s practical if you’re busy concentrating on the wildlife and you don’t want to give up on getting at least a few decent shots.

Harpa and Sun Voyager: getting Reykjavik’s landmarks from a boat’s eye view

Reykjavik is compact, and from land you can miss how the coast frames the city. This tour gives you a different angle by taking you back along the shoreline rather than cutting directly back to the harbor.

Harpa Concert Hall shows up from the water in a way that feels extra “Iceland” because you see it sitting against the sea and the working harbor edges. Then there’s Sun Voyager—bright and unmistakable—seen as the boat moves past. If you like mixing wildlife with classic city icons, this return run is one of the best parts of the itinerary.

Also, because the tour is only 2 hours, you don’t end up with a full-day time sink. You can do this in the same trip window as walking Reykjavik afterward, without needing to plan a half-day detour.

RIB comfort and safety: warm kit, no surprises

This is where the tour shows it understands real-world conditions. You’ll get warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus all necessary safety equipment and a fully certified RIB captain. You’re also given a signed waiver requirement, and the staff handle the safety basics so you can focus on being present.

A few practical notes I’d follow. Wear hiking shoes, not slick footwear, because you’ll be getting on and off and standing in windy weather. High-heeled shoes are not allowed, so plan accordingly. And since the boat has no toilets, treat the meeting area like a real start line—use facilities before you board and don’t assume there’s a quick stop mid-trip.

RIB speed is part of the experience, and some people will feel it more than others. If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll want to think about when you go and how you manage motion. The boat is designed for stability, and the provided gear helps with wind chill, but the ride can still feel energetic because that’s how RIBs operate.

Price and value: is $191 worth it?

At about $191 per person for a 2-hour tour, you’re paying for a few things that add up fast: a small group experience (limited to 12), trained marine guidance, and a boat built for wildlife searching rather than a basic sightseeing ride.

Here’s the value logic I use. If you only cared about seeing Reykjavik from the water, you’d likely find cheaper options. What you’re buying here is the specialized wildlife effort—closer approach capability, active searching for whales and dolphins, puffin-specific island time, and knowledgeable interpretation to help you actually identify what you see.

You also get included clothing gear (warm overalls, gloves, goggles) and safety equipment. That reduces the “what will we wear?” stress, and in Iceland, that matters. Add the crew photos, and it turns into a more complete souvenir package than just a memory in your head.

One thing to accept up front: wildlife is wildlife. Even when conditions are right, you’re on the ocean, not in a zoo. So the value comes from the way the crew searches and the fact that even the puffin portion is meaningful on its own.

Best time to go: matching dates with puffins and whales

Timing is everything for this specific combo of animals. The tour runs from 1 April to 31 October, but the puffin season is listed in the provided info as starting around 20 April, with an end date that’s shown as 15 August in one place and 20 August in another. The takeaway is simple: late April through August is your best bet, and the middle of that window generally gives you the highest chance of puffins.

Whales and dolphins are typically noted as seasonal between late April and August as well. That means if you travel earlier in spring or later in autumn, you may still get impressive sea life and scenery, but you should calibrate expectations for puffins and whales.

If you’re choosing a date, go with the schedule that puts you in that late-April-to-August window—and then dress like you’ll be on the water, because you will.

Who should book this RIB whale and puffin tour

This is a great fit if you want Iceland wildlife without sitting in a large vessel for hours. The small group size helps you stay engaged, and the marine biologist-led format is ideal if you like learning while you look.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Are traveling in spring to summer (puffin window gives the best experience payoff).
• Want both wildlife time and Reykjavik landmark views in one outing.
• Prefer active searching and fast repositioning over slow sightseeing.

It’s not a good match if you fall into the tour’s limits. The minimum age is 10 years, and there are height and weight limits (145 cm and 140 kg). It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and it lists an age cap of 75 years.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale and puffin RIB tour?

I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who wants a guided wildlife outing, not just a scenic boat trip. The combination of RIB closeness, marine-focused commentary, warm gear included, and photo access makes it feel like more than transportation—it’s an experience designed to help you spot animals and make sense of what you’re seeing.

I’d think twice if you hate cold, hate speed, or need facilities you can’t count on once you’re out on the water. Also, if you’re going outside the main puffin season window, the “puffins plus whales” promise becomes more of a hope than a guarantee, because ocean life doesn’t follow schedules.

If you’re in the right time window and you’re okay with an energetic ride, this is one of those Reykjavik activities that hits both sides of the island’s personality: wild sea life and unmistakable city sights.

FAQ

What animals can I look for on this Reykjavik tour?

The tour is designed for whale watching and puffin watching, and it also searches for dolphins. Puffins are seasonal, and whales are typically looked for during the late April to August window.

How long is the whale and puffin RIB boat tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours, with starting times that depend on availability.

When is puffin season?

Puffin season is listed as starting 20 April. The end date is shown in the details as 15 August and also 20 August, so check your specific departure date.

When does the tour run?

The tour runs from 1 April to 31 October.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants, so it stays small.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and make sure you have a signed waiver.

Do they provide any safety gear and clothing?

Yes. You’ll get warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus all necessary safety equipment. The captain is fully certified.

Are there toilets or food on board?

No—there are no toilets on board, and food is not included.

What are the restrictions for kids and body size?

The minimum age is 10 years and the minimum height is 145 cm. There is also a maximum weight limit of 140 kg.

Are there any shoe rules?

High-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Is there a cancellation policy and a way to pay later?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now and pay later option mentioned in the details.

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