Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Discover Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat, a dynamic adventure in the Icelandic capital’s Faxaflói Bay. Priced at $160 per person and lasting 2 hours, this tour offers a close-up view of whales, puffins, and other marine life from a speedy, agile rigid inflatable boat. Departing from the heart of Reykjavik, the tour combines the excitement of a fast ride with informative guides and the chance to see iconic wildlife in their natural environment. With a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 345 reviews, this experience appeals to those seeking an active, immersive, and educational marine adventure—though it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

This whale watching tour emphasizes speed, proximity, and comfort. The RIB boat is equipped with shock suspension seats, making the fast-paced ride at 32 knots comfortably thrilling. The tour includes warm flotation suits, gloves, goggles, and life vests to keep participants cozy despite the open-air experience. The opportunity to see whales, puffins on Akurey island, and dolphins makes this a well-rounded wildlife outing, complemented by a visit to the Whales of Iceland Museum afterward for extended learning.

Key Points

• Fast, exciting ride: The tour reaches 32 knots, offering a quick, exhilarating journey to whale feeding grounds.
• Close wildlife encounters: Expect to see whales, puffins (in summer), and dolphins from a small, maneuverable boat.
• Expert guidance: Guides are knowledgeable, providing detailed information about whales, marine life, and the area.
• Includes warm gear: Participants receive overalls, gloves, goggles, and life vests to stay warm and safe.
• Visit the Whales of Iceland Museum: Post-tour, enjoy exhibits about whale biology, migration, and conservation.
• Weather-dependent: The tour’s safety and timing depend on weather conditions, with captains making real-time decisions.

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Departing from Reykjavik’s Aegisgardur Ticket Office

This tour begins in central Reykjavik at Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik. The meeting point is straightforward, with no hotel pickup included. The activity ends back at the same meeting location, making logistics simple for travelers. Check availability for specific starting times, which vary throughout the day, and be aware that cancellations are possible with 24 hours’ notice for a full refund.

Thrilling RIB Boat Ride with Comfortable Seating

The ride aboard a rigid inflatable boat is designed for both speed and comfort. The boat’s shock suspension seats provide a smoother experience even at high speeds, giving travelers the feeling of wind in their hair while remaining secure. Traveling at 32 knots, the boat quickly reaches the whale feeding grounds, maximizing wildlife viewing time and minimizing time spent in choppy waters for those prone to seasickness.

The speed and small boat size—which seats only a handful of participants—give a distinct advantage over larger vessels. It allows for rapid maneuvering to potential whale sightings and gets you closer to the action, which is a key reason reviews highlight the intimate, up-close experience.

Whales, Puffins, and Dolphins: Wildlife Highlights

The main attraction is spotting whales in their natural habitat, with the chance to see different species such as humpback whales and Minke whales. The feeding grounds of Faxaflói Bay are rich with marine activity, and guides are adept at locating animals. Several reviews mention sightings of dolphins, sometimes jumping alongside the boat, adding to the thrill.

In summer months, the tour visits the puffin nesting grounds on Akurey Island. Travelers can observe these charming birds’ nests along the coastline, a delightful addition for bird lovers. Although wildlife sightings are subject to natural variability, the expert guides enhance chances of success and provide fascinating insights.

Warm Gear and Safety Equipment

The tour staff supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and life vests, ensuring comfort despite Iceland’s often cool and windy conditions. The shock absorption seats further improve comfort during the fast ride. These details help make the experience accessible to a wider range of participants, although it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor, active excursions.

The weather-dependent nature of the trip means that captains use their experience to decide if sailing is safe. This cautious approach prioritizes passenger safety but can influence the planned timings or availability on certain days.

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Post-Trip Visit to the Whales of Iceland Museum

After the boat tour, travelers have the option to explore the Whales of Iceland Museum located in Reykjavik’s Grandi harbor district. The museum showcases exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation, providing a deeper understanding of the species seen during the tour. It’s an educational complement that enriches the overall experience and offers valuable context about marine life in the Atlantic.

Tour Satisfaction and Participant Experience

Feedback highlights the expertise and enthusiasm of guides like Rebekka and Alice, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion. Small group sizes—often around six participants—allow for personalized attention and easier wildlife spotting. The speed and maneuverability of the RIB boat, combined with dedicated guides, make this tour a memorable adventure.

Many reviewers emphasize the value for money, with sights of whales, dolphins, and puffins exceeding expectations. The speedy, close-up experience is particularly appreciated, making it stand apart from larger, calmer whale-watching vessels.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems. The small boat and high speeds require participants to be comfortable outdoors and in motion. Travelers should be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially in choppier weather, although the shock absorption seats mitigate discomfort.

Reykjavik Whale Watching with a Speedy Twist

Overall, Reykjavik’s whale-watching RIB tour offers a dynamic, wildlife-rich experience perfect for those who enjoy speed, proximity, and marine adventure. The small boat format provides a closer look at whales and puffins, while the expert guides enhance the journey with fascinating facts.

The cost of $160, combined with gear inclusions and the museum visit, delivers good value, particularly given the high likelihood of seeing wildlife with skilled guides. Nature, weather, and luck influence sightings, but the small, fast boat consistently attracts positive reviews for its exhilaration and intimacy.

For travelers seeking an active, speed-focused whale watching in Reykjavik, this tour balances thrills with education and wildlife encounters in a way that larger boats cannot match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the whale watching tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $160 per person.

Where does the tour depart from?
From Aegisgardur 5E, 101 Reykjavik, the central meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
The tour commonly features whales (like humpback and minke), dolphins, and puffins (in summer).

What gear is provided?
Participants receive warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and life vests.

Is it weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour depends on weather conditions, with captains making safety decisions based on their experience.

Can I visit the whale museum after the trip?
Yes, the Whales of Iceland Museum is included after the tour for further learning.

What makes this tour stand out?
The speedy RIB boat and small group size allow close, thrilling wildlife encounters, making it an exciting alternative to larger, calmer vessels.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby