Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

The best part of this Reykjavik whale-watching tour is the boat itself. The small RIB can cover more water than a large sightseeing vessel and get closer to wildlife without disturbing it. You head first toward nearby islands for puffins, then farther out for whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

I like the small group of 12 and the guide’s marine biology background. I also like that the crew takes photographs and sends any usable images afterward, so you can keep your hands on the rail instead of fumbling with a camera. The catch is simple: ocean wildlife follows its own schedule, and the ride can be cold, wet, and lively.

Key points at a glance

• Puffin islands come first: From late April through mid-August, you may see large numbers of puffins near their nesting grounds.
• A fast, nimble RIB: The boat searches a wider area than many larger vessels and can maneuver close to wildlife.
• Marine biologist guides: Guides such as Matt, Kylie, Emily, Max, Mike, and Marie have led different departures, explaining animal behavior and local sights.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: Sightings have included humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds, but conditions change by day.
• Bring serious layers: Warm waterproof clothing is supplied, but your own wool layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear still matter.
• Reykjavik from the water: The return route passes Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the city shoreline.

A two-hour wildlife ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. That location is handy if you are already exploring the waterfront, and the tour finishes at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back.

The group is limited to 12 people. That matters on a wildlife trip. You get more room to turn and look, and the guide can answer questions without trying to speak over a crowded boat. A small group also makes it easier to follow the crew’s instructions when the boat changes speed or direction.

Before departure, you receive the required safety equipment along with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles. You also need to sign a waiver. Wear hiking shoes or other sturdy footwear, and avoid high heels. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, children under 10, anyone shorter than 145 centimeters, or anyone over 140 kilograms. People over 75 are also listed as unsuitable for the activity.

The boat has no toilet and no food service. Use the facilities before leaving and bring anything you need for two hours on the water.

Why the RIB makes a difference

A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, sits low on the water and is built for speed and maneuverability. That gives this tour two useful advantages. The captain can search a broader area in the limited two-hour window, and the boat can approach animals from a more flexible angle.

The ride is part of the attraction. Several departures have included a fast, exciting run across the water, with the captain adding extra speed in suitable conditions. The seats are designed to absorb some of the bumps, and one departure described them as unusually comfortable for a RIB.

Still, comfortable does not mean gentle. You need to hold on, especially when the boat is moving quickly over waves. The supplied eye protection is practical, not decorative. Wind can be strong, and sunglasses can also help when conditions are bright. The goggles provided by the crew are useful if you do not have suitable eyewear.

The small craft can get closer to animals, but this does not mean you are guaranteed a perfect close-up. The captain must respect wildlife and sea conditions. A whale may surface far from the boat, appear for only a few seconds, or disappear before everyone gets a clear look.

Puffins near the islands

If you take the trip during puffin season, the boat heads toward islands where the birds gather and nest. The listed season runs from April 20 to August 15, while the general information also gives August 20 as the end of puffin season. Treat mid-August as the practical cutoff and check the date carefully when booking.

Puffins are often the most dependable part of the wildlife outing during the right months. Sightings have included hundreds of birds around the islands, along with other seabirds. You see them in their natural setting rather than in an aquarium or enclosed exhibit, which makes the experience more rewarding for anyone interested in Icelandic birdlife.

The guide explains the puffins and their nesting habits while the boat keeps a respectful distance. This is one place where a trained guide adds real value. You are not just scanning the water for a flash of color. You learn what to look for and why the birds gather in these particular places.

Puffins are seasonal, though. If you travel outside late April to mid-August, you may still enjoy the boat ride and marine wildlife, but you should not book this trip specifically for puffins.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

After visiting the puffin islands, the boat heads farther out in search of whales and dolphins. The open-water portion is where the RIB’s speed becomes useful. The crew can work across a larger area, following reports and fresh sightings when conditions allow.

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and many types of seabirds. Some departures have seen minke whales several times, while others have found humpback whales close to the boat. Dolphins have been seen racing alongside the RIB and swimming around or under it.

One of the most memorable details from the trip reports is the sound of a whale exhaling near the boat. That kind of moment is possible because you are close to the water and sitting in a small craft. It can also make the wildlife feel much more immediate than it does from a high deck on a large vessel.

But keep your expectations sensible. One outing saw only a single whale, though it also produced puffins, dolphins, and a beautiful ride around the bay. Another group saw more than 60 whales, an exceptional result rather than a normal promise. The honest way to view this tour is as a well-planned search for wildlife, not a guaranteed whale performance.

The guide’s role is important here. Guides with marine biology training have explained animal behavior, helped point out distant blows and fins, and answered questions about seabirds and marine mammals. Guides named on different departures include Matt, Kylie, Emily, Max, Mike, and Marie. Your guide will depend on the date and schedule.

What the return route adds

The return to Reykjavik is not simply a ride back to the dock. The boat follows the shoreline and gives you a different view of the capital.

You pass the Harpa Concert Hall, whose glass facade is especially striking from the water, and the Sun Voyager sculpture along the shore. From the RIB, you see the city set against the open sea and surrounding Icelandic terrain. This final stretch helps round out the trip: you get wildlife offshore, then a clear look at Reykjavik’s waterfront architecture.

The city views are also a good reason to consider this activity even if whale sightings are limited. You are not spending the entire two hours staring at empty water. The islands, birds, sea, and skyline all form part of the outing.

Staying warm on the North Atlantic

Do not judge the weather from the harbor. It may feel mild before departure, then turn sharply colder once the boat reaches open water. One particularly useful tip is to wear your warmest coat and wool layers underneath the supplied suit.

The operator provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles. Several departures also received waterproof gear and other protective clothing. Even so, bring your own hat, warm footwear, and extra gloves if you have them. The supplied gloves may be enough for some people, but cold hands can spoil an otherwise excellent outing.

Wear hiking shoes or another secure, weather-ready pair. The boat is not a place for dress shoes, sandals, or high heels. Sunglasses are useful in bright weather, and eye protection is important when the RIB is moving at speed.

The boat ride may be thrilling, but you should not choose it if you need a calm, slow cruise. The RIB is stable, and some people specifically found the seating comfortable, yet the speed and waves still create a lively ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider the sea forecast before choosing your departure time. The tour does not advertise toilets onboard, so plan accordingly.

The value of a $191 ticket

At $191 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. You are paying for a small-group boat, a trained captain, an English-speaking wildlife guide, safety equipment, warm protective gear, and access to photographs taken by the crew.

The price makes more sense if you value the RIB format. A larger boat may offer more indoor space and gentler movement, but this craft can cover more water and place you closer to the surface. You also avoid a crowded viewing deck and get more direct contact with the guide.

The included photographs add modest but real value. Wildlife photography from a moving boat is difficult, especially when you are trying to watch rather than operate a camera. The crew sends any images they manage to capture, often within a few hours or by the following day. There is no guarantee of a large photo collection, but it is a useful extra.

I would consider the tour good value for someone who wants the speed and excitement of a RIB as much as the wildlife. If your only goal is to see a whale at the lowest possible price, compare other boat options in Reykjavik. If you want a compact, active experience with a chance to see puffins, dolphins, and whales, the higher cost is easier to justify.

Who should book this tour

This trip suits active adults, families with children aged 10 and older who meet the height requirement, and anyone who likes nature with a little speed. It is also a strong choice for photographers, birdwatchers, and visitors who want to combine marine wildlife with city views.

You should book during puffin season if puffins are your main goal. Late spring and summer offer the best chance to see them near the islands, though exact sightings still depend on nature and weather.

The tour is less suitable if you dislike fast boats, cannot comfortably hold on during rougher movement, or want a relaxed cruise with a toilet onboard. People with mobility limitations, pregnant women, and those outside the age, height, or weight requirements should choose another activity.

Because weather can affect departures, leave some flexibility in your Iceland schedule. The operator has rearranged trips when conditions required it, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still changing.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

Book it if you want a small, fast boat, a guide who can explain the animals, and a real chance to see puffins, dolphins, and whales in open water. The strongest reasons are the limited group size, the wide search area, the lively ride, and the useful cold-weather gear.

Go in with the right expectation: the crew can improve your odds, but no captain can schedule a whale. For the best experience, choose a date during puffin season, wear warm layers under the provided suit, bring secure footwear, and keep your schedule flexible in case weather changes the departure.

If you want a quiet, sheltered sightseeing cruise, this is not the right fit. If you want Reykjavik’s skyline at the end of an active wildlife outing, and you are happy to trade certainty for adventure, this tour earns its place on your Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale and puffin tour?

The tour lasts two hours. It starts and ends at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

When can I see puffins on this tour?

Puffin season is listed as April 20 through August 15, with other tour information extending it to August 20. For practical planning, visit between late April and mid-August and confirm the exact date when booking.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other seabirds. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The tour provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all required safety equipment. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing, warm layers, and hiking shoes.

Is there a toilet or food on the boat?

No. Toilets and food are not provided onboard, so use facilities before departure and bring anything you need for the two-hour trip.

What are the age and size requirements?

The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms. The activity is also not suitable for people over 75, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.