There’s something special about chasing wildlife in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour on a small, custom-made RIB speedboat at golden evening light. I love that the boat is fast enough to reach more of Faxaflói Bay, and that you’re with a tight group of about 12 people, which makes the whole experience feel personal instead of chaotic.

I also like how this tour is set up for summer timing: puffins are seen around the offshore islands, while whales and dolphins are scouted on open water during the bright “never really dark” season. One consideration: it’s not for everyone—this tour isn’t recommended if you have a history of back or knee problems, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women or for kids under age 10.

Key points worth knowing

• Small group format (about 12 per boat) means you stay closer to the action and the guide can manage everyone easily.
• RIB speedboat performance helps you cover more water than slower boats and improves your odds of finding wildlife.
• Evening departures during summer fit the midnight sun vibe and keep the day’s light working in your favor.
• Puffin season window is roughly May 15 to August 20, so plan your dates carefully.
• Warm overalls are provided, but you still need gloves, a hat, and closed-toe shoes for the wind.
• If you miss whales, you’ll get a complimentary ticket for another ride on larger boats before you leave.

Evening RIB Wildlife Watching in Reykjavik: What makes it different

Reykjavík whale watching can look the same on paper: find animals, get photos, return. This one has a different feel because of the boat and the timing. You leave from the Old Harbour at night-adjacent hours when the Icelandic summer sky stays bright, so you’re not stuck in the usual “fully dark” conditions that can make spotting harder and the ride feel colder.

The other big difference is the RIB setup. A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is built for speed and agility. Practically, that means your captain can respond quickly when wildlife shows up, and you can reach more of the bay than slower cruising options. You also get that classic “zip out of the harbour” sensation—quick acceleration, open-water motion, and constant scanning for spouts, fins, and seabirds.

And because it’s limited to about 12 people, the crew isn’t herding a huge crowd. That matters for wildlife viewing. In places like Faxaflói Bay, your best odds come from staying alert, moving intelligently, and not turning every encounter into a big circus. This tour is built for that kind of focused search.

Old Harbour meeting point: how the tour starts

You’ll meet at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, in the Old Harbour area. The location is convenient because it’s right where you’ll already be wandering—near the waterfront, restaurants, and the general buzz of central Reykjavík.

Arrive 30 minutes early. That’s not just for bureaucracy. It gives you a buffer to find the right office, get your bearings, and get ready for cold wind the moment you head out. You’ll also want a little time to sort your clothing and footwear so you don’t feel rushed once you’re on the boat.

The crew gives you warm overalls, plus safety equipment, so you’re not starting from scratch. Still, your personal comfort comes down to what you bring: gloves, hat, and layers under the overalls make a big difference once you’re out on open water.

The RIB speedboat ride: fast, close, and wind-driven

This tour is about movement. You’ll zoom around the waters near Reykjavík and out toward Faxaflói Bay, with the captain using speed to cover ground efficiently. The RIB is designed to be stable for its size, but you should still expect motion—especially when you’re near open water and the wind kicks up.

That matters for two reasons:

1. Wildlife spotting improves when you’re moving with purpose rather than slowly drifting.
2. Comfort depends on preparation, because the wind is real even in summer.

A lot of the value here is that the ride isn’t a “sit and wait” experience. You’re scanning, adjusting to the boat’s motion, and letting the crew’s search pattern work for you. If you’re the type who loves being out on the water and watching for small signs—blow patterns, quick surface breaks, seabird behavior—this format tends to click.

Puffins around the islands: what you’re looking for

After you leave the harbour, the route includes a loop around the wind-beaten islands in the bay. This is where puffins can show up in their natural habitat, and it’s also where the tour often feels the most scenic and “island-y.”

Puffins are seasonal, with the approximate window running from May 15 to August 20. If you’re visiting in that range, you can plan the whole evening around the chance to see them—especially when you combine evening light with calm enough seas.

What makes island puffin viewing fun is that you’re not only looking for the animals themselves. You’re also looking at how they behave around the coastline—where you spot seabirds flying low, circling, or suddenly reacting. When puffins are active, they don’t require tricks. They’re just doing their thing, and a good captain helps you arrive at the right time.

Whale and dolphin scouting on open water

When the tour heads out on open water, the focus shifts to whales and dolphins. This tour is designed as an express whale watching outing, aiming for close encounters without turning the whole day into a long search.

A key detail: whales are not fully sleeping, so you can see them during evening hours too. In summer, whales are encountered on over 95% of tours, which is a strong odds statement for this type of activity.

In plain terms, this means you should treat the wildlife search as the main event, not a bonus. You’ll be alert for:

• Whale surface activity (blow, slow movement, and that telltale size)
• Dolphin patterns (faster, more directional movement)
• Other marine signs that show you something is happening nearby

Some guide teams include wildlife specialists who communicate clearly and keep the search organized. In past departures, guides such as Maria and Miquel have been singled out for being warm and informed, and for keeping everyone focused on what matters instead of just filling time.

And here’s a big emotional factor: if you’re lucky, you’ll see animals at close range and in multiple moments during the same outing. That’s the kind of payoff people remember.

The return ride: Sun Voyager and Harpa views

After the wildlife time at sea, the tour ends with a scenic ride along the city’s shoreline. This is a smart touch because it gives you something to look at even if the sea session runs long or conditions change.

You’ll get views of:

• Sun Voyager (that famous stainless-steel sculpture by the water)
• Harpa Concert Hall with its distinctive glass façade
• The waterfront scene with fishing huts and lively restaurant areas nearby

This return segment also helps the whole tour feel like a Reykjavík experience rather than just a boat ticket. You’re connecting the wildlife adventure back to the city that sent you out.

What’s included (and why it matters for value)

You’re paying a premium price for a reason, and part of it is what’s provided. The ticket includes:

• A professional captain and wildlife guide
• Warm overalls
• All necessary safety equipment

Those inclusions matter because Icelandic coastal weather can flip quickly. Even in summer, open water wind can make you uncomfortable fast. If you’ve ever underestimated “a little breeze,” you’ll appreciate that the tour builds in warmth and safety from the start.

Also, the small group size makes the guide-to-boat dynamic feel more direct. When you’re with a small team, it’s easier for the guide to point things out and manage sightlines.

Price and value: is $200 per person fair?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour tour, this isn’t a budget add-on. So the real question is what you get for that money.

Here’s how the value adds up:

• Speed and access: The RIB format covers more water than slower boats, which can improve the chance of meaningful sightings.
• Small group: About 12 people per boat keeps it intimate and increases your chance to actually see what the captain is spotting.
• Season-focused wildlife planning: Puffins and whale behavior are timed for the summer window.
• Warm clothing support: Overalls and safety gear are included, lowering your out-of-pocket needs.

The best value signal, though, is the safety net: if you’re unlucky and don’t spot whales, you get a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave. That turns the purchase into less of a pure gamble.

If your goal is one “signature” Reykjavik activity—something that feels adventurous and not just a scenic cruise—this price often lands as reasonable.

What to bring (and what makes people comfortable out there)

The tour has clear dress guidance for a reason: it’s windy and cold out on the water. Bring:

• Warm clothing
• A hat
• Gloves
• Closed-toe shoes

Even with provided overalls, I’d plan on layering. Cold in Iceland isn’t just about temperature; it’s about wind hitting bare skin and making you tense up. When you’re tense, you miss details.

Also note the rules:

• No luggage or large bags
• Avoid loose clothing

That’s practical. Loose items can tangle or get annoying fast when you’re riding a fast boat. Pack smart: keep essentials minimal and secure.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a high-energy, wildlife-first evening in Reykjavík
• Like small-group experiences with active search rather than slow drifting
• Are visiting in the puffin window (around mid-May to late August)
• Can handle being outdoors in wind for a couple hours

It’s not a great fit if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a history of back or knee problems
• Have mobility impairments
• Have children under 10 (and the child must be at least 145 cm tall)

Also, if you don’t want motion or wind exposure, you may feel uncomfortable on a RIB speedboat. This tour is built for people who enjoy being out on the water.

Your best odds: timing and expectations

To get the most from this evening cruise, align your expectations with how wildlife viewing works. You’re not guaranteed a specific animal at a specific moment. But this tour is designed to maximize odds:

• Evening hours during summer are prime time for activity
• Whales are still present because they do not fully sleep
• The tour is structured to find wildlife both around islands and out on open water

When sightings happen, you’ll often feel the contrast: quiet island bird-watching followed by that sudden moment when the captain’s attention locks onto something big.

If you love animals and you enjoy quick, focused exploration, this is exactly the kind of ride that keeps your mind engaged from harbour to return.

Should you book the Reykjavik Premium Whale and Puffin RIB Tour?

Book it if you want a small-group, fast RIB evening that targets real wildlife—whales, dolphins, and puffins—plus a scenic return past Reykjavík’s waterfront landmarks. The combination of speed, guided scanning, and warm overalls makes it feel like a premium experience rather than a basic boat ride.

Skip it if motion and cold wind would ruin your day, or if the medical and safety limitations apply to you. Also, if you’re traveling outside the puffin season window, adjust your expectations: puffins may be less likely, while whale and dolphin chances still depend on conditions.

If you’re deciding between “a safe, slow cruise” and “an adventure-style wildlife hunt,” this tour clearly leans toward the second option—and it has a safety net if whales don’t show.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this Reykjavik whale and puffin tour?

You meet at the ticket office at the Old Harbour of Reykjavik, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

It’s a small group experience, with a maximum of about 12 persons per boat.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The tour aims for whales and dolphins, and it also looks for puffins around the islands near Reykjavík.

When is the puffin season for this tour?

The puffin season is approximately May 15 to August 20.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a professional captain and wildlife guide, warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

Are luggage or large bags allowed?

No—luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is it suitable for children?

It’s suitable for children over age 10 and at least 145 cm tall.

What if we don’t spot whales, or I need to cancel?

If whales aren’t spotted, your captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride on the larger boats before you leave. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re traveling with kids or anyone with knee/back issues, and I’ll help you judge whether this is the right fit for your exact schedule.