Whales feel close in a Reykjavík RIB. If you want the ocean mammals of Iceland without sitting around for hours, this small-group speedboat format is built for quick searching and close viewing right off the city.

What I like most is the 12-seater setup—less crowd, more time with your guide. I also love that you’re not just handed a spray-resistant promise: you get warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and the safety gear so you can actually focus on the water instead of dressing for a polar expedition.

One thing to consider: the RIB ride can get very wet in open water. Reviews mention anything from a calm, comfy day to being hit repeatedly by cold salt spray—so plan for splash, and use all the provided gear even in summer.

Key things I’d watch for

• Small group (up to 12) means easier conversation and quicker repositioning when wildlife pops up
• Fast RIB hopping helps you reach active areas before animals move on
• Warm overalls and gloves keep you functional, even when the wind kicks up
• Harpa + Sun Voyager stops add real Reykjavík value, not just time on open water
• Island wildlife scenery like puffins around Lundey and bird-friendly Engey/Viðey areas can round out the trip

Why this RIB whale watch beats the big-boat “wait and hope”

Reykjavík whale watching often comes down to one thing: luck. The ocean is the ocean. What this trip does well is tilt the odds toward you with the right kind of boat and a guide who can keep the search moving.

A RIB speedboat isn’t just about thrill. It’s about time. When a whale blows, it won’t stay put for your schedule. A faster boat can reposition so you’re there for the next resurfacing, not just the first glimpse. And because the group stays small, you’re not forced into a long line of people trying to see over each other.

You’ll also get a useful mix of “marine time” and “city time.” You’re not only chasing animals; you’re also getting a moving Reykjavík sightseeing loop with panoramic views and classic landmarks.

The 2-hour plan: what happens, what you’ll see, and where the tradeoffs are

This tour runs about two hours, so it’s a tight, satisfying block if you’re short on vacation time. It’s also “easy to join” in the sense that you don’t need a full-day commitment to feel like you did something Iceland-worthy.

Leaving Reykjavík and getting eyes on Faxafloi Bay fast

Right from downtown, the route aims you toward Faxafloi Bay, the southern shore that sits just minutes off Reykjavík. One useful detail: on clear days you can even see far-off landmarks like the Akranes peninsula and, at a distance, Snæfellsjökull (about 120 km / 75 mi). That makes the scenery part of the hunt feel real, not incidental.

Faxafloi Bay has relatively few islands, and the ones that do exist are close to land. That matters because you may spot marine life while the coastline and islands frame the action. It’s a different vibe than bays packed with distant islands.

Tradeoff: because the water is open and the route is designed for speed, you’ll want to accept that you’ll get splashed at least some of the time.

Harpa, Sun Voyager, and the Reykjavík “wow factor” from the water

Along the way, you’ll pass by the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, the building with a colorful glass facade inspired by Iceland’s basalt. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views that include Sun Voyager, the iconic metal sculpture that looks like it’s sailing out over the harbor.

This is one reason I think this trip works even for people who don’t feel emotionally attached to whales. If wildlife is quiet, you still come away with a moving postcard of Reykjavík’s design and waterfront. And if wildlife is active, these landmark views give your photos context so the whole experience doesn’t feel like only waves and spray.

Tradeoff: Harpa and Sun Voyager are great, but they’re not the main event. If you’re hoping for long photo time on land, this isn’t that kind of tour.

Engey, Lundey, and Viðey: island scenery that can add wildlife variety

As you cruise along, the itinerary focuses on the islands that dot the Kollafjörður/Faxa Bay area.

• Engey (the second largest island of the area) can be a bird-watching focal point as you move through the bay.
• Lundey, literally Puffin Island, is a small uninhabited island off Reykjavík’s western coast—exactly the kind of place that can make your trip feel “more than whales.”
• Viðey is the largest island in the Kollafjörður area near Reykjavík, and it helps shape the wider scenery as you scan the water.

Even when you don’t land on a specific viewing spot for long, these islands give structure to the trip. You’re not just staring at open sea; you’re scanning a defined area where birds and marine mammals may overlap.

Tradeoff: sightings aren’t guaranteed, and sometimes marine mammals appear briefly rather than for a long, dramatic show.

Getting close to whales, dolphins, and porpoises (and why the boat size helps)

The core promise here is simple: you’re cruising in search of minke whales, humpback whales, killer whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. In practice, what you’ll remember is the moment you realize the animals are actually close—close enough to feel the scale.

Reviews back up the idea that the small boat helps. People describe dolphins swimming right alongside the RIB and humpbacks coming near enough to feel startling. One reviewer even mentioned a humpback cleaning itself while they were out on the water, which is the kind of behavior you miss when you’re too far away.

Here’s the smarter way to think about it:

• If you’re on a bigger vessel, you might see more “at once,” but your ability to get a tight look can be limited by distance and speed constraints.
• If you’re in a smaller RIB, you’re more likely to match the animal’s timing and get closer angles.

The guide makes a difference too. In reviews, I saw names like Claudia and Eva, and a marine-biologist guide is specifically mentioned. That tends to mean you’ll get real explanations as you go—not just radio silence and pointing.

The ride reality: staying warm and staying functional with the provided gear

The tour provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, plus safety equipment. That’s a big deal. Iceland can look mild from shore and still feel like a wind tunnel out on the water.

Still, the comfort level depends on sea state and wind. One review compared the experience to being repeatedly hit with cold saltwater, with shoes soaking through and hands staying wet despite gloves—so even if you’re provided gear, the “wear it correctly” part matters.

A practical tip that shows up again and again: use all the equipment and consider bringing a hat. If you don’t cover your head and ears, the wind will do its job fast.

Also think about phone handling. When you’re soaked, it’s hard to keep your hands dry enough to operate a camera. If you want photos, consider having a plan for phone safety (like keeping it protected and only shooting in brief windows).

Tradeoff: the faster, closer ride is part of the magic—and part of the reason you’ll feel the elements.

Price and value: is $145 worth it?

At $145 per person for about two hours, you’re paying for a bundle of things that are hard to replicate on your own:

• A small-group RIB experience that can reach wildlife zones quickly
• A guide who helps you understand what you’re seeing (including a marine biologist mentioned in reviews)
• Warm clothing and safety gear, so you don’t have to source cold-weather items just for this outing
• Reykjavík sightseeing while you’re waiting for the ocean to deliver

If you compare this kind of trip to “stand on a deck and watch,” the difference is the RIB’s ability to move fast when sightings happen. Even when animals show up for only a moment, being close is often the difference between a fun story and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

The only major caveat is the same one that applies to all whale watching: you can do everything right and still have a day with fewer sightings. Reviews include both big-hit whale moments and cases where whales weren’t seen—so treat the price as for the experience and the search effort, not for guaranteed whales.

Who should book this RIB whale watch?

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a time-efficient whale watching experience from downtown Reykjavík
• Prefer smaller groups over packed large-boat viewing
• Like your tours with a mix of wildlife plus Reykjavík landmarks
• Enjoy fast-paced outdoor experiences where you’re on the water, not stuck waiting

It may be less ideal if you:

• Dislike getting wet and cold, even with provided gear
• Need a calm, predictable ride above all else
• Want guaranteed long viewing time of whales (the ocean doesn’t work that way)

Families can do it, too—one review specifically notes that kids loved seeing whales close up and dancing.

When things don’t go perfectly: cancellations and rougher-water days

This type of outing depends on weather. The company requires good conditions, and trips can be canceled if the sea is too rough or wind is too strong. One review mentioned a last-minute cancellation, and the general message from the experience type is clear: you’re out there in conditions you can’t control.

If you’re building your Reykjavík schedule, leave a little flexibility. If you only have one open half-day and you’re banking on whales for that slot, you’re taking a risk that’s common to all RIB and whale watching in general.

Also keep expectations realistic for wildlife. Some people reported excellent close encounters. Others noted that dolphins and whales could appear briefly rather than staying close for long.

My honest take: the best parts are the closeness and the pace

This tour earns its high marks because it does two things at once:

1. It gets you near the action with a boat that can move quickly.
2. It keeps the group small enough that your time on the water feels personal.

When it clicks, you’ll get the kind of close-up behavior people dream about—blowing, surfacing, and active movement near the boat—plus the fun bonus of island scenery and birds. And even when sightings are lighter, the Harpa and Sun Voyager viewpoints help you feel like you didn’t just spend two hours staring at ocean.

Should you book it?

If you’re in Reykjavík and want a small-group, fast-paced whale watching experience with proper cold-weather gear included, I’d book this. The value is strongest if you can handle some spray and you’re excited to be out on the water with a guide actively searching.

The one “don’t ignore this” factor is the weather and the possibility of being disappointed on sightings. If you’re sensitive to rougher sea conditions or you have a perfectly rigid schedule, plan carefully and consider having a backup day.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour is listed as about 2 hours.

What boat size and group size should I expect?

It’s a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 travelers on a 12-seater RIB boat.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Old Harbour House, Food, Drinks & Tours, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What does the tour include?

It includes up to a 2-hour RIB tour in a small group, Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views (including Harpa and Sun Voyager), and warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is not included.

What marine mammals and animals might I see?

The tour mentions possible sightings of minke, humpback, and killer whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Puffins are also part of the experience.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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