A RIB whale watch is all about timing. This fast, small-group tour puts you close to the action off Reykjavík, with warm gear and a route that also gives you Iceland’s capital waterfront views.

Two things I really like: the 12-seat size means you get more attention when the guide is scanning for blows, and the RIB speed helps you cover more water than slower boats. The route also includes Reykjavík’s Harpa concert hall views and a run past islands like Lundey, Engey, and Viðey.

One drawback to consider: it can get wet. Even with the provided overalls and gloves, expect sea spray, and you’ll want to dress like you’re going to get splashed.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, bigger focus: max 12 on board, so questions and whale-spotting tips actually get answered.
• Faster searching across the bay: a RIB lets your captain chase sightings with less waiting.
• Warm gear is included: overalls, gloves, and safety equipment are part of the package.
• Wildlife chances are built in: the tour runs year-round with a mix of whales and dolphins possible.
• Scenery comes along for the ride: Harpa and the Sun Voyager are on your route, not just marine life.
• Don’t expect perfect calm: the boat is sporty, and spray is part of the experience.

Why this RIB whale watch works so well from downtown Reykjavik

Reykjavík whale watching is often about one thing: getting to the right place fast, then staying sharp long enough to see what’s actually happening. This tour is designed for that. You start from the Old Harbour area and head out from Faxafloi Bay, where marine mammals can show up close to the capital.

The “small and fast” combo is the main value. On big boats you can spend a lot of time craning your neck while everyone waits for the same position. With a 12-seater RIB, you’re closer to each other, the guide can point things out with less crowding, and the crew can react quickly when something surfaces.

You’ll also feel the difference in boat style. A RIB is built for speed, not lounging. Reviews describe it as fast paced and bumpy, which is exactly why you might see whales multiple times rather than just one quick glimpse.

What you can realistically see: whales, dolphins, and more in Faxafloi Bay

This is not a guarantee tour. It’s a “chances plus skill” tour. But the area you’re going to is known for consistent opportunities throughout the year.

Here’s what the tour aims for:

• Minke whales, humpback whales, and killer whales
• White-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises

And in practice, the sightings people talk about tend to cluster around humpbacks and dolphins. Some accounts highlight dolphins swimming right under the boat, and others describe whales surfacing very close to the RIB.

The reason the tour calls out several species is also practical. Different animals use different parts of the bay at different times. A good captain and guide are basically running a moving search pattern: keep an eye on blow locations, reposition when you’re close, then give the animals a moment to surface again before changing course.

The route and stops: Harpa, the islands, and the scenery you don’t want to miss

Even if wildlife is your main goal, I wouldn’t ignore the route. Reykjavík’s waterfront scenery is a strong part of the trip, and it helps break up the waiting-and-looking time.

Harpa concert hall and Reykjavík’s shoreline views

You get panoramic views tied to Reykjavík’s best-known modern landmark: Harpa, the concert hall and conference center. The building is famous for its colorful glass facade, inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape, and it opened in 2011.

You’ll also get views connected with the waterfront including the Sun Voyager, since panoramic views of Harpa and Sun Voyager are part of what’s included. Translation: you’re not just staring at water from a parking lot of a boat tour. You’re moving through the city’s coastal “wow” zone.

A practical note: if the sea is rough, photo angles can be tricky. One review notes trouble using a phone in the wet conditions, even with gloves. Bring a plan for your camera depending on how you manage spray.

Engey, Lundey, and Viðey: island name clues that pay off

As you head through the bay, you pass islands that are easy to recognize even if you don’t know Icelandic.

• Engey: described as the second largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord.
• Lundey: literally called Puffin Island, a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast.
• Viðey: the largest island in the Kollafjörður Bay near Reykjavík.

Why this matters: these islands are both navigation markers and wildlife habitat. Even when the big stars (whales) aren’t cooperating, you often get something visual—puffins on the water or just that sense that you’re operating in a living coastal system, not a random open-water loop.

What the whale-watching part feels like on a small RIB

If you want a calm, slow boat ride, this is not the vibe. A RIB is about momentum. You tend to straddle your seat and hold on, and the speed plus wave action becomes part of the experience.

Once you’re out in Faxafloi Bay, the guide’s job is basically to keep everyone oriented:

• where to look for blows
• what behavior to watch for
• how to understand movement patterns when you see spouts and splashes

Some people specifically mention a marine biologist guide who had solid answers during the outing. That’s a big deal. The more you understand about what you’re seeing—spouts, surfacing intervals, group movement—the less time you spend thinking the tour is just luck.

When sightings happen, the best tours do two things well:

1. Position you close to the whales or dolphins
2. Stay put long enough for repeat sightings

That’s how many high-star experiences are described: getting close, staying in the area for multiple surfacing moments, and then moving on when the activity shifts.

Staying warm and dry: the gear is included, but your habits matter

This tour includes warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and the necessary safety equipment. That’s real value. Cold spray is one of the main reasons whale tours get uncomfortable fast in Iceland.

Still, read this as a coaching moment, not a complaint. One lower-star account describes getting hit hard with saltwater spray once you’re out in open water. The key lesson is to use everything they give you. If you leave out pieces, you’ll feel it immediately.

Here’s what I’d do to stack the odds:

• Wear the provided overalls and gloves fully, not partially
• If you have your own warm hat, wear it even if it looks mild
• Expect shoes to get soaked because spray finds gaps
• Keep your phone protected or decide in advance not to rely on it

Also, don’t assume you’ll be bone dry just because the ride starts calm. Conditions change quickly across bays, and the RIB’s spray can be relentless on down slopes.

Price and value: is $145 worth it?

At $145 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for two things that don’t come cheap in Iceland:

1. A small boat and crew setup (max 12, RIB equipment, safety gear)
2. Time-sensitive wildlife searching in Faxafloi Bay

In practice, $145 can be great value if you care about closeness and repeat sightings. People who love this tour often emphasize that the speed and maneuvering let them see whales up close and get multiple surfacing moments, plus dolphins and puffins along the way.

You should also be honest about what you’re buying. You’re buying a serious attempt, not a guaranteed whale show. That’s the trade-off with every real wildlife tour anywhere. The way this one is priced works best when you’re flexible with expectations and you dress for spray.

Weather, cancellations, and how to plan the rest of your day

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you might be offered a different date or a full refund. Some people end up canceled close to departure due to wind conditions, and that can mess with a tight Reykjavík schedule.

So I’d plan your day with a buffer. Leave breathing room for alternative plans. Reykjavík has enough going on that you can pivot, but last-minute schedule damage is still annoying when you’re on a short trip.

The silver lining: the tour provider makes the call based on safety. And even when you do go out, sea conditions can still vary. A calm day makes the ride more comfortable; a windy or choppy day makes spray and bounciness more intense.

Who should book this RIB whale watch from Reykjavík?

This works best for:

• People who want maximum contact with the action rather than distant sightseeing
• Anyone who likes fast-paced, hands-on nature watching
• Families who can handle a sporty boat ride and have no problem bundling up

It’s a solid choice if you’re also the type who enjoys architecture and coastal views. The Harpa and Sun Voyager scenery gives you something even if wildlife timing isn’t perfect.

I’d be a little cautious if you:

• strongly dislike being wet or dealing with spray
• expect whale sightings to be guaranteed
• need a perfectly smooth boat ride

If you’re sensitive to motion, this is worth thinking through because it’s not a cruise-style experience.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if you want the best shot at close, active marine life from Reykjavík and you’re ready for a sporty ride.

Book it if these are your priorities:

• You care about small-group attention
• You want to feel like you’re searching actively, not just waiting
• You can use the provided cold-weather gear and you won’t mind a bit of salt spray

Hold off or choose a different style if you need a dry, calm experience or you have a schedule that cannot absorb a weather-related change.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $145.00 per person.

How many people are on the boat?

The boat has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You meet at Old Harbour House, Food, Drinks & Tours, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included.

What wildlife might you see?

The tour aims to show marine mammals such as minke, humpback, and killer whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

What gear is included for staying warm?

Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment are included.

Does the tour include sightseeing in Reykjavík?

Yes. You’ll have panoramic views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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