Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Wildlife watching gets a speed boost here. This two-hour RIB tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour combines a fast, stable boat ride with close searches for whales, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds. I like the small group of up to 12 people, which gives you a better view and makes it easier to hear the guide. I also like the marine biology focus, with guides such as Max, Emily, Matt, Kylie, and Marie praised for clear, lively explanations.

The main catch is simple: wild animals do not follow a schedule. Some outings produce humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and hundreds of puffins. Another trip might bring only one whale, or no major whale sighting at all. The fast ride can also feel rough, and you need to be comfortable on an open boat.

Key points at a glance

• A small RIB reaches wider search areas: The lightweight boat can cover more water than a slower, larger craft during the two-hour outing.
• Puffins are seasonal: The puffin season runs roughly from April 20 through August, with the listed dates varying slightly between August 15 and August 20.
• The ride is part of the attraction: Expect a lively, fast trip close to the water, with spring-supported seats designed to soften the bumps.
• Guides bring marine science to the trip: Specially trained guides explain animal behavior, local birds, and the places you pass.
• Warm equipment is supplied: Waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear are included, but you should still wear warm layers and sturdy shoes.
• Photos are sent afterward: The crew shares pictures they take, often within a few hours or by the next day.

Leaving Reykjavik from the Old Harbour

You meet at the tour company’s ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This is a handy starting point if you are already exploring the waterfront, and it puts you close to one of the city’s most recognizable views.

The trip begins with a short ride along Reykjavik’s shore. From the water, Harpa Concert Hall takes on a different character, with its glass facade catching the changing Icelandic light. You also pass the Sun Voyager sculpture, a steel ship-shaped landmark facing the bay.

I like this opening because it gives the tour a city element before the wildlife search begins. You are not simply transported out to sea. You get a brief look back at Reykjavik and a sense of how the capital sits beside Faxaflói Bay.

There is no toilet on the boat, and food is not provided. Use facilities before departure and bring anything you need for two hours on the water. The meeting point is also the return point, so you can plan a meal or another central activity afterward.

Riding a fast, stable RIB boat

The boat is a specially built RIB, or rigid inflatable boat. It is smaller than a traditional whale-watching vessel and can turn more quickly, travel efficiently across a broad search area, and approach wildlife without the bulk of a large ship.

That does not mean you chase animals. The captain and guide work to get as close as is appropriate without disturbing them. The benefit is your viewing position. You sit low over the water, so a whale surfacing nearby can feel remarkably close.

The RIB is also a genuine part of the experience. Several riders describe the boat as fast and exciting, with one captain adding extra playful speed near the end. The seats have a spring-like suspension system that helps absorb the impact of the waves. That feature matters. A small boat can be thrilling, but hard seats and repeated jolts would make two hours tiring.

You should still expect movement. One rider compared the experience to flying over the water, even in relatively calm conditions. Hold on when the captain increases speed, and do not treat this as a quiet cruise. The boat can be stable, but the sea remains the sea.

Searching the islands for puffins

The puffin portion comes first as the boat heads toward nearby islands. During the season, you can see puffins in their natural setting, along with other seabirds. The islands provide nesting areas, and the guide explains what you are seeing rather than leaving you to identify small birds from a moving boat.

Puffins are one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip between late April and August. They are compact birds, and a boat that can maneuver near their island gives you a useful angle from the water. You might see a few birds perched near the nesting area, or large numbers moving around the islands. One particularly successful outing produced hundreds.

The timing needs careful attention. The activity operates from April 1 through October 31, but puffins are seasonal. The supplied details list the puffin season as April 20 to August 15 in one place and April 20 to August 20 in another. If puffins are your main goal, book within the clearly overlapping period and confirm the exact seasonal dates when selecting your time.

Outside that window, the boat can still search for whales and dolphins, but puffins should not be treated as a year-round feature.

Looking for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

After the island visit, the boat moves farther into the bay to search for marine life. The RIB’s speed lets the crew cover a larger area within the two-hour limit. That improves your chances, but it cannot guarantee a sighting.

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine animals. The accounts from individual trips range widely. Some outings saw humpback whales surfacing repeatedly, with one whale swimming right next to the boat. Other trips found minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, or porpoises racing alongside the RIB.

The variety is part of the appeal. You are not simply waiting for one large whale. Dolphins can appear suddenly, moving in groups near the boat. Porpoises may be harder to spot, while minke whales often surface briefly. The guide helps you watch the right part of the water and understand what you are seeing.

A few reports describe exceptional conditions, including more than 60 whales on one trip. That is an unusually fortunate result, not a promise. Another outing saw just one whale but still produced puffins, dolphins, and beautiful views. I appreciate this distinction because it keeps expectations sensible. You are paying for a skilled search, a strong boat, and time on the bay, not a guaranteed animal performance.

Why the marine biologist guide matters

Wildlife trips can become frustrating when you see a fin or back and have no idea what it was. Here, the guide adds useful context. The guides are specially trained, and some have marine biology backgrounds. Max was singled out for his passion and detailed explanations, while Emily helped identify dolphins, a minke whale, a humpback whale, and puffin behavior on one outing.

The guide’s job is not just to talk. A good guide watches the water, shares sightings quickly, explains animal habits, and helps the captain decide where to go next. That teamwork is especially important from a small boat, where a whale may surface behind you and disappear before everyone turns around.

You can also ask questions in English during the trip. Commentary covers marine animals, birds, and local places along the shore. On the return, the guide may connect what you saw at sea with the wider setting around Reykjavik.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on the crew. People describe the guides as friendly, considerate, passionate, and clear. That matters more than fancy onboard extras. On a wildlife tour, the crew can make a quiet sighting feel meaningful, while a poor explanation can make even a spectacular sight confusing.

The return along Reykjavik’s shore

The trip back gives you another look at the capital from the water. Harpa Concert Hall and the waterfront appear from a lower, more open viewpoint than you get on land. The city feels compact beside the bay, with Iceland’s open water and distant natural scenery taking up most of the view.

This final stretch also gives you a chance to settle after the faster wildlife search. The boat returns to the same Old Harbour meeting point, so there is no complicated transfer at the end.

The exact return scenery and animal activity will vary. You might still see birds or marine life on the way back, but the confirmed purpose of this section is the Reykjavik shoreline and its landmarks. Keep your camera ready, but do not let photography distract you from watching the water.

Staying warm on an Icelandic boat

The company supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and required safety equipment. Riders also receive weather protection, and some mention a neck warmer they could keep. This is helpful, but do not arrive in light city clothes because Reykjavik feels mild on land and much colder once the RIB is moving.

Wear your warmest practical layers under the supplied suit. A puffy jacket, wool layers, warm socks, and solid footwear are sensible. Hiking shoes are requested, and high heels are not allowed. Sunglasses can help with wind and glare, though goggles are available if you do not bring your own.

One person found the inside of a supplied suit damp and slightly musty. That sounds like an isolated equipment issue, but it is a reminder to dress well beneath the outer gear. Gloves are supplied, yet taking your own warm pair is wise.

The boat’s speed creates its own cold. Even on a sunny day, wind can make your face and hands uncomfortable. You may feel warm while waiting at the harbour and then notice your breath in the air once you reach open water.

Is the $191 price fair?

At $191 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Reykjavik’s bay. You are paying for a two-hour small-group trip, a certified RIB captain, a trained guide, safety equipment, warm outerwear, and access to crew photographs afterward.

The value depends on what you want. If you only want a basic boat ride, a larger vessel may offer a less expensive option. If you want a faster craft, a group limited to 12, closer access to the water, and the ability to search a wider area, the higher price has a clear reason.

The boat can also make the trip worthwhile when whale sightings are modest. Several people specifically enjoyed the RIB ride itself, even while knowing wildlife was never certain. That is an important test: book this only if the speed, scenery, birds, and marine commentary would still make your day worthwhile without a dramatic humpback encounter.

Crew photographs add value. The team takes pictures during the outing and sends available images afterward, sometimes within a few hours and sometimes the following day. You should not expect a professional photo package or a picture of every person, but these images can be useful when animals surface too quickly for your phone.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option also reduce some booking risk. Weather can affect the schedule, and one outing was rearranged with good communication. Keep some flexibility in your Iceland plans rather than placing this tour immediately before a flight or fixed excursion.

Who should book this RIB adventure?

This tour suits you if you want wildlife watching with a real sense of motion. It is a good match for people who enjoy small groups, open water, marine science, and the chance to see puffins from a boat rather than from a crowded viewpoint.

It also works well for families with older children. The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The boat ride is active, so children need to follow instructions and be comfortable sitting outside for two hours.

You should reconsider it if you are pregnant, have mobility impairments, are over 75, weigh more than 140 kilograms, or are shorter than 145 centimeters. The activity is not designed for those needs, and the operator’s restrictions should be taken seriously.

People prone to seasickness should think about the boat style. Some riders found the RIB comfortable and had no trouble, while others emphasize that it moves quickly over the waves. A calm forecast may help, but no small boat can promise a perfectly smooth ride.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Choose the right season: For puffins, aim for the core period from April 20 through mid-August.
• Keep your expectations flexible: You might see whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• Dress for wind, not just temperature: Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes, and your own hat or gloves if you have them.
• Use the supplied goggles: The boat’s speed creates strong wind, especially during the faster sections.
• Arrive ready for a toilet-free trip: There is no onboard bathroom and no food service.
• Leave room in your schedule: Weather may require a change of departure time.
• Watch before photographing: The guide may spot a whale before your camera is ready, so enjoy the moment first.
• Ask about the photos afterward: The crew shares pictures they manage to take during the outing.

FAQ

Where does the whale and puffin tour begin?

You meet at the ticket office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The RIB boat tour lasts two hours. Starting times depend on availability.

When can I see puffins?

Puffin season is listed as April 20 through August 15 in the activity details, and elsewhere as April 20 through August 20. For the best chance, plan your visit from late April through mid-August and confirm the date when booking.

What wildlife might I see?

The tour searches for whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds. Possible whale sightings include minke and humpback whales.

Is seeing a whale guaranteed?

No. The tour searches for wildlife in its natural environment, so sightings can change from one outing to another.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is limited to 12 participants.

What equipment is included?

Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment are included. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes.

Is there a bathroom or food on the boat?

No. Toilets and food are not available on board.

What are the age and size requirements?

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

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want more than a slow look at the bay. The combination of a fast RIB, a 12-person group, marine-focused guides, puffin islands, and the chance to see whales and dolphins gives the outing real character. The crew’s ability to share photographs afterward is a welcome extra.

I would choose it during the puffin season, dress more warmly than seems necessary, and leave room for weather changes. If a close humpback sighting would be your only measure of success, the $191 price may feel risky. If you would enjoy the boat, the city views, seabirds, and expert help finding whatever the bay offers, this is a strong Reykjavik excursion.