Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

The best part of this Reykjavik boat trip is the mix of wildlife watching and speed. Your small RIB can cover more water than a larger sightseeing boat, then turn quickly when a whale, dolphin, or puffin appears. You also get a fine view of Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture from the bay.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which gives you a better view and makes it easier to hear the marine biology guide. I also like the thoughtful gear: warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are supplied. The catch is simple: this is a rough, wet, windy ride, and wildlife never follows a schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast RIB boat ride: The boat is built for speed and range, with spring-supported seats designed to soften the bumps.
• Puffins are seasonal: Look for them from roughly April 20 through mid-August, with exact seasonal dates varying in the published details.
• Marine biology guides: Guides such as Maya, Alex, Sam, Max, Emily, Kylie, and Matt have led trips, though your guide will depend on the date.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed: You might see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds.
• Warm gear is included: You receive protective outerwear, gloves, and goggles, but bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
• Not a gentle cruise: The boat can be bouncy, especially at the front, and you may get wet even inside the protective clothing.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour by RIB

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to check in, sign the waiver, and get dressed in the supplied protective clothing.

The tour lasts two hours, and the group is limited to 12 people. That is a useful size for this kind of boat. You are not packed into a large cabin, and the guide can keep an eye on how everyone is handling the sea conditions.

The RIB boat is a lightweight, rigid inflatable craft made for open water. It sits low enough to give you a close view of the sea, yet it is described as stable and capable of covering a broad search area. The seats have a shock-absorbing design, according to one detailed account, but do not mistake that for a smooth ride. You will feel the waves.

The crew provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles. Bring hiking shoes or other sturdy footwear, plus warm clothing suited to Icelandic weather. A hat and extra gloves are sensible additions. One useful tip from the experience reports: it may feel comfortable on shore, but the temperature drops sharply once the boat picks up speed.

High heels are not allowed. The boat has no toilet, and food is not provided, so use the facilities before you leave and avoid treating this as a snack break at sea.

Puffin islands and the first wildlife search

The route first heads toward the islands near Reykjavik, where puffins gather during the breeding season. The published dates list puffin season from April 20 to August 15, while the general booking information extends it to August 20. In practical terms, late April through mid-August is the useful window, and the birds may be gone by late summer.

Puffins are small, quick, and often farther away than you expect. A RIB gives you a low position close to the water, which helps, but it does not turn a wild bird into a posed model. Bring binoculars only if you can manage them safely in a moving boat. Your guide may also point out nesting areas and other seabirds around the islands.

This stop gives the trip a clear sense of place. You are not simply hunting for a whale in open water. You are seeing the coastal islands where puffins live, then moving into the wider bay in search of larger marine life.

The puffins can be the main reason to book this tour, but you should not make them the only reason. Several strong trips included many puffins, while others found the birds distant or absent near the end of the season. Wildlife conditions change by day.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

After the island visit, the captain takes the boat farther out to search for whales and dolphins. The RIB’s main advantage is reach. It can move quickly between areas and cover more water during the two-hour outing than a slower, larger vessel may manage.

The likely species in the area include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Sightings can range from a brief blow or tail to repeated activity near the boat. Some outings have included several humpbacks, groups of dolphins, and whales surfacing close enough for people to hear them breathe.

That last possibility is thrilling, but it is not the normal promise of the tour. You may see one whale, several whales, or none. One especially strong outing recorded more than 60 whales, while another saw just one whale but still had puffins and dolphins. This is the honest value calculation: you are paying for access, skilled searching, and a lively trip on the water, not a guaranteed animal performance.

The guide’s job is more than naming species. A trained marine biology guide can explain behavior, point out a distant blow, and help you understand why the boat changes direction. Guides named in past tours include Maya, Alex, Sam, Max, Emily, Kylie, and Matt. The exact guide is not fixed, but the experience consistently includes a specially trained English-speaking wildlife guide.

The crew also aims to approach responsibly. One account noted that the boat kept a respectful distance even when other boats moved closer. That is a positive tradeoff. A close encounter is memorable, but the animals should not be chased or crowded for a better photograph.

Why the small boat changes the experience

A large whale-watching boat gives you more indoor space and a gentler platform. This RIB gives you speed, open-air views, and a much closer feeling to the sea.

You sit low, hear the engine and wind, and feel the boat rise and fall with the waves. When the captain accelerates, the trip takes on the character of an amusement ride. Several people loved this part, while others warned that the ride is rough. Both descriptions can be true.

Your seat also affects the experience. The front is the most exciting and the most exposed to the chop. If you want maximum movement, it may be your favorite place. If you prefer a calmer ride, listen to the crew’s seating advice and do not assume that the front is automatically best.

The provided suit helps with wind and spray, but it cannot make the sea still. You should expect to get wet, especially in rain or rough conditions. Goggles protect your eyes from the wind, and the gloves are useful at speed. Wear warm layers under the suit rather than relying on the outerwear alone.

This setup suits an adventurous adult, an older child who meets the size and age rules, or anyone who would enjoy the boat even if the animals stayed hidden. It is less suitable if your main aim is a quiet, dry, relaxed cruise.

The return past Harpa and Sun Voyager

The return journey brings the focus back to Reykjavik. Instead of ending the trip as soon as the wildlife search is over, the boat runs along the city shore.

From the water, Harpa Concert Hall has a different presence than it does from land. Its glass exterior catches the changing Icelandic light, and the view helps you connect the open bay with the city behind it. You also pass the Sun Voyager sculpture, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable waterfront sights.

This final section is a useful bonus, especially if this is your first day in Reykjavik. You get a quick orientation to the shoreline while still carrying the excitement of the wildlife search. The city looks more compact from the bay, with mountains and water framing the urban center.

The boat ride itself remains part of the attraction on the way back. Captains may add some extra speed when conditions allow, but safety instructions come first. The crew checks on the group during the outing and explains how to sit securely.

What the $200 price buys you

At $200 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. It is priced above a basic harbor cruise because you are paying for a small-group RIB, a certified captain, specialist wildlife guidance, protective clothing, and the ability to search a larger area in two hours.

The price makes the most sense if you value the boat experience as much as the animals. A fast ride close to the water is part of the product, not merely transport to the whales. You also receive access to any photos taken by the crew, which can add real value when the boat is bouncing too much for you to use your own camera.

The photo service is worth noting. Guides have sent out images taken during the trip, sometimes within a few hours or by the following day. That is useful because photographing a breaching whale from a moving RIB is difficult. Keep your phone protected, and enjoy the moment rather than trying to record every second.

If you are only interested in puffins, the price is harder to justify because the season is short and sightings vary. If your priority is whales, a longer outing may give you more search time. One account specifically suggested booking a longer trip because whales can spend long periods below the surface, though this advertised experience lasts two hours.

Bad weather can also affect the schedule. Trips have been moved because of wind and sea conditions, with communication from the operator. That is inconvenient, but it is better than forcing a small boat into unsafe water.

Who should book this RIB tour?

I would choose this trip if you want an active wildlife outing and enjoy being outside in rough weather. It is a strong match for couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a small group instead of a large sightseeing boat.

The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms. The experience is not suitable for pregnant people, people with mobility impairments, people over 75, or anyone below the stated size requirements.

You should also be comfortable with a boat that moves sharply. If you are prone to motion sickness or dislike cold spray, a larger vessel may be a better choice, though this information does not include a direct comparison with another operator. The RIB’s seats are designed to reduce impact, but the sea still has the final word.

This is not a good pick if you need a toilet onboard, want food during the trip, or expect a guaranteed close-up whale sighting. It is a good pick if the phrase fast, cold, windy, and possibly unforgettable sounds appealing.

Practical advice for a better outing

Arrive 30 minutes early. That gives you time to find the Old Harbour ticket office and put on the gear without rushing.

Wear hiking shoes and warm layers. Avoid high heels, loose fashion shoes, and clothing that will be uncomfortable under protective overalls. Sunglasses can help in bright weather, though goggles are supplied.

Keep your camera ready but protected. The boat’s movement makes steady video difficult, especially at the front. The crew’s photos can fill the gap, so check how you will receive them before leaving the harbour.

Treat wildlife as a bonus, not a guarantee. The best outings have included humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds, but even an apparently promising day may produce only a few sightings.

Book with weather flexibility when possible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available departure time when booking, since start times vary.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Reykjavik wildlife watching with a real sense of motion. The small group, marine biology guide, warm gear, and fast boat make it more personal and exciting than a standard harbor ride.

Skip it if you need a smooth, dry, predictable cruise or if you are visiting outside the puffin season and mainly want puffins. For most confident boat riders, the $200 cost is defensible because you receive both a wildlife search and a memorable trip across the bay. Just bring warm clothes, accept that nature may not cooperate, and let the boat ride itself count as part of the adventure.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long does the tour last?

The RIB tour lasts two hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and other seabirds.

When is puffin season?

The supplied information lists puffin season from April 20 to August 15, with another booking note extending it to August 20. Puffin sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

What months does the tour operate?

The tour is listed as operating from April 1 through October 31.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

Is protective clothing provided?

Yes. The operator provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and the necessary safety equipment.

Is there a toilet or food onboard?

No. There is no toilet on the boat, and food is not included or provided onboard.

What are the age and size limits?

The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant people, people with mobility impairments, and people over 75.