From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

The best part of this tour is the boat itself. You race out of Reykjavik harbor in a 12-seat RIB, a rigid inflatable boat with suspension seats, then search Faxaflói Bay for humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins. The small boat gives you a close-to-the-water view that larger whale-watching vessels cannot match.

I like the personal scale and the useful cold-weather gear. I also like that the trip folds Reykjavik’s waterfront into the outing, with views of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture before the wildlife search begins. The main catch is simple: this is a fast, bumpy ride, and whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers.

Key points

• Small 12-seat RIB: A limited group makes it easier to see the guide’s signals and ask questions.
• Wildlife variety: Faxaflói Bay can bring whales, dolphins, seals, and many kinds of sea birds.
• Puffin islands: The boat cruises close to islands where puffins nest and raise their single egg.
• Cold-weather kit included: You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a scarf, and access to a life jacket.
• Two experiences in one: You get a lively speedboat ride plus views of Reykjavik’s harbor landmarks.
• Best for active visitors: Children under 10 cannot join, and the ride suits people comfortable with wind and rough water.

A fast start from Reykjavik’s old harbor

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a five-minute walk from central Reykjavik. That makes this an easy add-on if you are staying downtown or already exploring the old harbor.

Before boarding, you put on the supplied warm waterproof overall. Gloves, goggles, a scarf, and a life jacket are also provided or available for use. Wear warm layers underneath, and do not arrive in sandals or open-toed shoes. Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, so your own wool hat or extra warm layer may still be useful.

The boat carries 12 passengers and has suspension seats designed to soften the ride. That helps, but it does not turn the RIB into a smooth harbor cruiser. On a windy day, the boat can bounce hard across the waves. If you enjoy speed, tight turns, and a lively ride, that is part of the appeal. If you are prone to motion sickness or dislike jolts, you should think carefully before booking.

Harpa, Sun Voyager, and the view from the water

The outing begins with a short run past two of Reykjavik’s best-known waterfront sights. Harpa Concert Hall catches the light with its geometric glass exterior, while the Sun Voyager sculpture points toward the sea.

Seeing these landmarks from the water gives you a fresh angle on a city you may already have walked through. It also lets the trip begin at a gentler pace, with time to settle into the gear and listen to the guide’s introduction.

The guide provides information in English and Icelandic. You can ask questions about the whales, birds, other wildlife, and the city. On a 12-seat boat, that contact matters. You are not lost in a large crowd, and the guide can direct your attention when something appears near the boat.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales

The main wildlife search takes place in Faxaflói Bay, the broad body of water outside Reykjavik. Up to 23 whale species may be found in the area, along with dolphins, seals, and many sea birds.

That number gives you a sense of the bay’s range, not a promise for your particular trip. Wildlife moves freely, and conditions at sea affect what you can see. You may get a close look at a whale’s back or blow, while another trip may produce dolphins, puffins, or only brief sightings.

The most useful mindset is to treat the search as part of the experience. The crew works to find animals and follow them respectfully, but no guide can control the timing of a surfacing whale. The sea is not an aquarium, and sightings can be short.

The RIB helps because its low profile brings you close to the water. You can scan a wide area from your seat, and the small group makes it easier to follow the guide’s directions. Keep your goggles handy. Wind, spray, and speed can make it hard to keep your eyes open during the faster sections.

What you might see near the boat

The most common highlights from this trip have included humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, pilot whales, puffins, and other sea birds.

Humpbacks may show little more than a broad back and a blow before disappearing. If one surfaces close to the boat, you might see it rise higher out of the water or come up to breathe. That moment can be brief, so watch the water rather than looking through your camera screen the whole time.

Dolphins can create a different kind of show. They may swim beside the RIB, circle beneath it, or appear in groups around the bow. Several accounts of the trip describe dolphins staying with the boat for a while, sometimes providing more action than the whales.

You might also see harbor porpoises or pilot whales, though these are less predictable encounters. Seals and sea birds add to the wildlife count. The guide explains what you are seeing and helps you tell one species from another.

Cruising close to the puffin islands

The trip also heads near islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay a single egg. You are not simply looking for whales in open water. The island section changes the scenery and gives you another form of wildlife viewing.

Puffins can be seen flying, swimming, or resting near the nesting areas. Their quick flight and busy movement make them easy to enjoy even when they do not stay in one place. You may also see birds gathered along the cliffs or shore.

The boat approaches close enough for a good view while keeping the focus on the birds in their natural setting. Conditions and timing affect how many puffins are present, so you should not treat this as a guaranteed puffin colony visit. Still, it is a worthwhile part of the route, especially if you enjoy birdlife as much as marine mammals.

The ride is part of the attraction

This is not simply a whale trip with transportation to the animals. The RIB ride has a strong adventure component.

The boat can move quickly across the bay and make sharp turns. Some people will love the feeling of the hull lifting over the waves. Others will find the motion tiring, especially in wind or choppy water. One important practical point: a calm day can make the ride far more comfortable, but you cannot fully control the sea conditions when you book.

The suspension seats are a useful feature, not just a sales detail. They are designed to reduce the impact as the boat crosses waves. Even so, keep both hands ready and listen to the crew’s safety instructions.

The provided waterproof overall helps keep spray off your clothes. That matters because being cold and wet can spoil an otherwise excellent wildlife trip. Goggles protect your eyes during faster sections, while gloves help with the cold rail and wind. You should still dress for Iceland, with warm layers beneath the suit.

Is $192 a fair price?

At $192 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales from Reykjavik. You are paying for a small group, a fast RIB, safety equipment, warm clothing, a guide, and a two-hour outing from the city center.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is the lowest possible fare or a calmer ride, a larger boat may suit you better. If you want a more active trip and like the idea of sitting close to the water with only 11 other passengers, the price makes more sense.

You also get more than a single wildlife search. The route includes Reykjavik’s harbor sights, the open bay, the puffin islands, and the boat ride itself. When whales do not appear, the trip still has the city views, sea birds, and the RIB experience. That does not erase the cost, but it gives the outing several ways to be worthwhile.

The strongest value comes when the wildlife cooperates. A humpback surfacing near the boat, dolphins circling the hull, or a large group of pilot whales can make the price feel justified. No one can promise those moments, so book for the full experience rather than one particular animal.

Safety, age, and comfort details

The operator supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a scarf, and a life jacket. The boat has 12 suspension seats, and the crew provides safety guidance before and during the trip.

Children under 10 are not permitted. The age rule, combined with the bumpy ride, makes this better suited to older children, teenagers, and adults who can follow instructions and handle a fast boat.

You should wear warm clothing even with the provided suit. Avoid sandals and flip-flops, and use closed shoes with good coverage. Icelandic weather can change during the two hours, so prepare for wind, drizzle, and cold.

The tour is offered in English and Icelandic. You can ask the guide questions about the animals, the bay, and the city as the trip unfolds.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when booking, since the activity lasts two hours and departure times can vary.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this trip if you want wildlife viewing with a clear sense of speed and movement. It suits you if the boat ride sounds fun even before a whale appears.

It is also a good match for visitors with limited time in Reykjavik. The meeting point is close to the center, and the two-hour length leaves room for other plans. You can pair it with a harbor walk, Harpa, or the Sun Voyager without giving up most of your day.

You may prefer another style of whale trip if you want a quiet, steady platform, more room to walk around, or a lower price. This boat is compact, exposed to the elements, and built for an active ride.

Photographers should bring a camera with a secure grip, but keep it protected from spray. You will need to react quickly when a whale surfaces, and the boat’s movement makes slow, careful framing difficult.

My call: book it for the boat and the wildlife

I would book this tour if you are comfortable with rough water and want a close, energetic outing from Reykjavik. The small RIB, warm gear, personal guide service, harbor views, and chance to see dolphins or whales give the trip real range.

I would skip it if you need guaranteed sightings, dislike speed, or want a calm cruise. The key decision is not simply how much you want to see a whale. It is how much you enjoy the ride while searching.

For the best chance of enjoying your two hours, wear warm layers, choose closed shoes, keep your expectations realistic, and treat every sighting as a gift from the sea. That is the right way to approach a wildlife trip in Faxaflói Bay.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour meet?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavik’s old harbor, about a five-minute walk from the city center.

How long does the tour last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What wildlife can I see?

The bay can have up to 23 whale species, as well as dolphins, seals, puffins, and other sea birds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

A warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a scarf, and a life jacket are provided or available for the trip. You should still wear warm clothes and closed shoes.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 10 are not permitted on this activity.

What languages are available, and can I cancel?

Guidance is available in English and Icelandic. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option is available.