Whales are close, if the sea cooperates. This premium Reykjavík RIB whale watching trip gives you a fast, open-air ride from the Old Harbour area, plus a flexible ticket if your timing changes. I like how you get an up-close wildlife search in Faxaflói Bay, not just a far-off look from land.

The trade-off is that nature runs the schedule. Expect weather-and-sea dependent conditions, and if whales and dolphins are missing on your RIB run, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open-air RIB speedboat, built for speed and closeness: small and powerful, with the goal of getting you near marine life.
• Suspension seats for a rougher ride: warm, practical comfort designed to reduce the punch of waves.
• Target species are specific: humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are part of the plan.
• English live guidance from the boat: a captain who narrates what you’re looking for as you cruise.
• Seasonal puffin watching in summer months: May through August adds puffins near the harbour.
• A flexible ticket that lets you adjust timing: you can change your departure by contacting the local supplier, subject to availability.

RIB speedboat thrill from Reykjavik Old Harbour: how the 2 hours play out

This is a whale-watching tour with momentum. You start at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík, and then you’re out on a RIB speedboat from the Old Harbour area for a 2-hour cruise.

The experience has two modes. First, you head out to search Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins. Second, you return toward Reykjavík while enjoying sea views along the shoreline, including looks at familiar landmarks from the water.

What makes this format feel special is the way the boat gets you into the action zone. On a RIB, you’re not waiting for wildlife to drift into a viewing window. You’re actively moving across a wider area in search of animals that surface unpredictably. It’s great if you like motion, and it’s also why the “premium” part here isn’t just marketing. You’re paying for closeness plus speed.

What wildlife you can realistically look for in Faxaflói Bay

This tour is aimed at real sightings, not just scenery. The core targets are humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. When the sea state and animal activity line up, you can end up with a memorable mix in a short time window.

You should also understand the nature of whale watching in Iceland: sightings are never guaranteed. Even on a day that’s running smoothly, whales and dolphins might not surface where the boat searches. In that case, the trip can still be fun for the ride and the boat captain’s guidance, but you may want to treat the wildlife moment as a bonus that depends on luck.

There’s an extra safety net built in. If you don’t see any whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour, which uses larger boats, in Reykjavík or Akureyri. That means you’re not stuck with one swing and that’s it.

If you’re the type who wants to maximize the chance of wildlife, this two-stage approach is smart. Go for the small-boat thrill first, then use the free retake if the first outing doesn’t deliver.

Puffins in the harbor area during May–August

In May through August, puffin watching is included. The birds nest just outside the harbour, so you may get those quick, colorful moments before or around the whale portion of the tour.

This is a nice contrast to the big mammals. Whales and dolphins are about patience and scanning, while puffins are easier to spot when they’re active. If you’re visiting in the summer window, it’s one of the easiest add-ons you can get without changing your plans.

The boat setup that matters: suspension seats, warm overalls, and open-air reality

A lot of whale-watching tours sell the view and gloss over the comfort. Here, you get several practical pieces that make a difference when you’re bouncing across the bay.

Warm overalls and safety equipment are included

You’ll be provided with warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment. That’s a big deal in Reykjavík, where even in good weather the wind off the water can cut fast. You still need to dress for the conditions, but you’re not starting from scratch. Bring layers under the overalls so you can adjust if the ride runs warmer than expected.

Suspension seats increase safety and comfort

The RIB boat uses brand new high-quality suspension seats designed to improve both comfort and stability. Translation: you’ll still feel the boat move, but it’s built to make the ride more tolerable, especially over a full 2 hours.

This matters if you’re sensitive to bouncing, but it also links to the tour’s main limitation. If you have a history of back problems, this is specifically noted as not recommended. That’s not them being dramatic. It’s the honest reality of a fast, open-air boat on real waves.

Open-air means you should dress like you mean it

Because the boat is open air, weather clothing matters. The tour asks for weather-appropriate clothing and sports shoes. I’d treat this as a short time outdoors in Icelandic conditions: warm hat, gloves, and a jacket you trust.

Also note the rules: oversize luggage isn’t allowed. Keep it simple. Pack what you can manage without turning your day into a logistics project.

Your sea route: searching for whales, then cruising back past Reykjavík landmarks

The structure is straightforward and efficient.

First: you’re out in Faxaflói Bay on the RIB, cruising with the goal of finding whales and dolphins. The boat is small and capable, and the whole point is to cover more water quickly than a slower vessel.

Second: after the whale safari portion, you head back to Reykjavík along the city shoreline. This gives you a second payoff: sea views that you don’t get from the sidewalks. Even if you’ve visited Reykjavík’s landmarks on land already, seeing them from the water changes the shapes and distances in your head. It’s a different angle, and on clear days it can feel like the city is part of the bay instead of sitting beside it.

One practical note: sea conditions guide the experience. The tour is dependent on the weather and sea conditions and may be canceled. If you’re booking with a tight schedule, the flexible ticket helps, but it won’t override safety. Iceland is Iceland.

Price and value: is $202 worth it for this RIB whale safari?

At $202 per person, this is not a cheap activity. The question isn’t just whether you’ll see whales. The value is in what you’re buying for the day:

• Premium boat experience: an open-air RIB ride and the chance for close viewing, not just a distant pass.
• Comfort and safety gear included: warm overalls, safety equipment, and suspension seats built for a rougher ride.
• Live English guidance: a professional captain who provides real-time information while you cruise.
• Two-chance style outcome: if you don’t see whales or dolphins, you can retry for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour.
• Flexible ticket: you can change your departure time up to one hour prior (by contacting the local supplier), subject to availability.

If you value speed, closeness, and a more active search, you’ll likely feel the price reflects the format. If you get seasick easily or you prefer a calmer ride, that same premium price can feel like money spent on discomfort. That’s why the “who it’s for” section matters here.

Also, this activity has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 54 reviews. Ratings can’t tell you what your day will look like, but they do suggest the experience is usually working when conditions allow.

Who should book this, and who should skip the RIB version

This tour is a great match for active travelers who want a hands-on wildlife search and enjoy being on the water.

It’s suitable for

• Children over age 10 and over 145 cm
• People who can handle a fast, open-air speedboat ride
• Anyone who’s comfortable scanning the bay for wildlife and wants live guidance in English

It’s not recommended or not suitable for

The tour clearly flags several groups:

• Pregnant women
• People with a history of back problems
• People with heart problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Anyone under 145 cm tall
• Children under 10

If you fall into one of those categories, don’t try to bargain with risk. A larger-boat option may be a better fit for comfort and movement. And if whales don’t show on the RIB tour, the free retake on the Classic Whale Watching tour is there for exactly that kind of disappointment scenario.

What to pack and how to prepare for choppy water

This is the part people underestimate, then end up miserable for the last 20 minutes. Don’t be that person.

Bring:

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sports shoes (you’ll want something secure for boat movement)

Wear:

• Layers you can adjust, because you may feel colder when you’re still and warmer when you’re moving.
• Gloves and a hat are usually a good idea when you’re open-air and speedboats are throwing wind at you.

Leave:

• Oversize luggage behind. Keep your load small and manageable.

Arrive:

• Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to check in and get settled before the boat pulls away.

Flexible ticket: how to adjust when your Reykjavík day changes

Life happens. Weather shifts. Your morning plan runs long. This tour includes a flexible ticket that lets you change your departure time up to one hour prior to your reserved departure by contacting the local supplier, subject to availability.

That flexibility is useful because whale watching is never perfectly predictable. If you’re matching this with other Reykjavík activities, you can reduce the pressure of choosing one single, unmovable time slot.

If the whole tour gets canceled due to weather and sea conditions, you’ll still want to follow the operator’s guidance for rescheduling options.

Should you book Premium Whale Watching with Flexible Ticket?

Book it if you want a high-energy Reykjavík whale watching experience that prioritizes closeness and the thrill of a small open-air RIB. You’re paying for an active search in Faxaflói Bay, real-time English guidance, included warm overalls, and suspension-seat comfort. The seasonal puffin watching in May–August is a bonus if you’re there in summer.

Skip the RIB version if you’re in a group flagged by the operator as higher risk for comfort or health. If you’re unsure, choose the option that fits your body better. Whale watching should be exciting, not punishing.

Finally, if you book this tour, go in with the right mindset: whales are a wildlife encounter, not a guaranteed show. The good news is the tour gives you a chance to recover the disappointment with a free retake on a Classic Whale Watching option if the RIB outing doesn’t produce whales or dolphins.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the whale watching tour?

You meet at the Whale Safari ticket office at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the RIB whale watching cruise?

The tour duration is 2 hours.

What wildlife is the tour designed to look for?

The tour aims to spot humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Is puffin watching included?

Yes. During the birds breeding season in the summer months (May to August), the tour includes puffin watching.

What’s included in the price?

Included are warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment, a professional captain with live English guidance, puffin watching in season, comfortable suspension seats, and a flexible ticket.

What should I bring?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sports shoes.

Is the tour guaranteed to find whales?

No. The tour depends on weather and sea conditions, and sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I don’t see whales or dolphins on the RIB tour?

If you don’t see any whales or dolphins on the RIB tour, you can try again for free on the Classic Whale Watching tour on the larger boats in Reykjavík or Akureyri, subject to the stated conditions.

Can I change my departure time with the flexible ticket?

Yes. You can change your departure time up to one hour prior to your reserved departure by contacting the local supplier, subject to availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.