Speed over the waves is the whole point. This whale-watching trip in Kópavogur sends you out from Reykjavík’s area in a powerful open RIB, reaching the search zone in just 15–25 minutes—so you spend your time where the whales (and dolphins) are most likely to show up.

What I love most is the ride design: the RIB BLIKI runs with two 440 hp Volvo Penta engines and has padded, suspension-style jockey seats meant to reduce shock. The result is that you feel the power, but you are not constantly beat up by every wave.

One thing to consider: the experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund, so it helps to keep your schedule flexible.

Key points before you go

• RIB BLIKI is built for speed: two 440 hp Volvo Penta engines get you out fast.
• About 60 minutes of active searching in the whale/dolphin area.
• Small group setup with a maximum of 12 people.
• Nauthólsvík beach stop for harðfiskur, a classic Icelandic dried fish snack.
• A “rollercoaster” feeling on the way back when the boat really lets you feel the power.

Where You’ll Start: Kópavogur Harbor and the Quick Route Out

The tour meets at RIB Adventures ehf, Vesturvör 200, Kópavogur. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is handy because it’s a little outside central Reykjavík, and whale-watching tours are one of those times where you do not want to play taxi roulette.

From there, you head out from Kópavogur harbor about 10 miles from shore. The whole idea is time-efficient: the run takes only 15–25 minutes, and then you get to the part you booked for—looking for whales and dolphins on the water.

The Ride on BLIKI: Power, Comfort, and Safety That Feels Practical

This is an open RIB experience, so you should expect wind and spray when you’re out on the Atlantic. That said, the boat is specifically set up to feel controlled, not just chaotic—two big engines (total 880 hp) paired with suspension-style seating that’s meant to help with rougher chop.

I also like how the itinerary uses music while you’re returning. It’s not just a random detail; it breaks up the experience so the ride back doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in silence while everyone mentally scrolls through photos on their phone.

On the last stretch toward the harbor, you really get that “hold on” sensation. The description calls it like a rollercoaster on the water, and honestly, that’s the vibe: you come for the wildlife, but you also come for the boat.

The Main Event: Searching for Whales (and Likely Dolphins) off Skerjafjörður

Your first major area is Skerjafjörður. After the quick run out, you spend about 60 minutes actively scanning the ocean for whales and dolphins, with time to admire what you find and take pictures.

The boat drives you out far enough to give you a real chance at sightings without wasting the whole morning or afternoon. And because you’re on a fast RIB, you can likely reposition when something shows up—so you’re not stuck waiting around in one spot like a slower craft.

What you might see depends on the day. From past experiences shared by people who’ve done this route, sightings can include humpback whales, along with dolphins. One person even noted a humpback doing a bigger show—jumping out of the water—which is exactly the kind of moment you want a fast, maneuverable boat for.

Also keep your camera ready. When the moment happens, there isn’t time for a slow phone unlock and a dramatic reposition—this tour is built for real-time wildlife watching.

Nauthólsvík Beach Stop: Harðfiskur and a Reset Before the Harbor

On the return trip, the route includes a stop near the golden sandy beach at Nauthólsvík. The goal here isn’t sightseeing—it’s a break, a chance to relax, and a very Iceland move: try a local specialty called harðfiskur (dried fish).

This is a practical stop in the best sense. After an active 60-minute search at sea, it’s nice to get your legs back under you and warm up a bit while you sample something local that you cannot replicate at home. The description frames it as a healthy snack, protein-rich and packed with nutrients—so even if it tastes intense to your first Iceland mouth, it’s not just a gimmick.

It also gives the tour a second highlight beyond wildlife. In other words, even if the ocean is quieter than expected, you still get a meaningful, local taste of Iceland.

Timing That Makes Sense: A Full Experience in About 2 Hours

This outing runs around 2 hours total. That includes the fast push out, the main search block, and the return plus the Nauthólsvík stop.

The schedule is built for people who want whale watching but do not want to dedicate half a day. Reykjavík works best when you keep options open, because weather and sea conditions are real variables. A tight 2-hour format helps you adjust if you want to add another activity later that day.

If you’re the type who likes a clear plan, this is refreshingly straightforward: short ride out, long enough whale-search time to matter, then a quick relaxation stop before returning.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and Why It’s Not Just Marketing)

The price is listed as $202.38 per person. That number can feel steep until you break down what’s included in the experience style. You’re not paying for a slow cruise. You’re paying for a fast, small-group RIB ride with a purpose: get you to the whale zone quickly, keep you there long enough to look, and then return with a local stop.

The boat setup is part of that value. Two 440 hp engines and suspension-style seating aren’t cheap, and they matter because comfort affects how much you actually enjoy scanning the water. A rough ride is miserable when you’re trying to watch for spouts and flukes; this tour’s design tries to avoid that.

Add the fact that the group is limited to 12 people max, and the experience tends to feel more personal rather than like cattle herded onto a big sightseeing vessel. You also get an included local snack stop—harðfiskur—which adds cultural value beyond the wildlife.

In plain terms: you’re paying for speed, comfort, and a compact itinerary that still includes a genuine Iceland moment.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want to Rethink It)

This is a great choice if you want a high-energy sea experience without losing control of the schedule. If you prefer being on the water for a focused chunk of time, and you like the idea of a RIB that feels powerful rather than timid, this works well.

It’s also a solid fit for people who care about comfort in a small craft. The suspension jockey seats are made for impact reduction, and that makes a difference if you’re not thrilled by the idea of being bounced around on open water.

Who might rethink it? If your plans are extremely weather-dependent, you should know this experience requires good weather. Also, because it’s an open boat, expect it to feel breezy—so if you hate wind or you’re very sensitive to cold, you’ll want to dress accordingly.

A Few Practical Tips to Get the Most From the Whales-and-Boats Day

Here are the habits that pay off on this kind of outing:

• Bring a camera you can use quickly. When something surfaces, you’ll want to react without fumbling.
• Dress for wind and spray. Even on good days, ocean air changes how temperatures feel.
• Keep your focus broad. You’re scanning for whales and dolphins, so don’t fixate on one “spot” in your mind—watching is more effective when you scan systematically.
• Use the return time wisely. The music and the ride back are part of the experience, but also part of recovery after scanning for long stretches.

And if you get lucky, the sightings can be the kind of wildlife moments that make your Reykjavík trip feel like more than just a city break.

Should You Book This RIB Whale Watching Adventure?

I’d book it if you want a whale-watching experience that feels like action and not just sightseeing. The fast route out, the about 60 minutes of searching, and the small group size are the recipe here. Add in the comfort-minded boat design and the Nauthólsvík break with harðfiskur, and you get a trip with two real highlights: wildlife time and a local taste of Iceland.

I’d pause and think twice if you’re traveling with tight timing and you can’t handle weather changes. Because it relies on good conditions, you’ll want to pick dates that give you some breathing room.

Overall: for value, it’s hard to beat when you want speed, comfort, and a proper Iceland stop in one package.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the whale watching tour?

The tour meets at RIB Adventures ehf, Vesturvör 200, Kópavogur, Iceland.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is about 2 hours.

How far do you travel from shore before you start searching?

You sail about 10 miles out from the shore.

How long does it take to reach the whale/dolphin area?

It typically takes about 15–25 minutes to reach the area where whales and dolphins are expected.

How long do you spend looking for whales?

You spend about 60 minutes searching for whales in the ocean.

What is the name of the RIB boat?

The boat is called BLIKI.

What engines power the boat?

BLIKI uses two 440 hp Volvo Penta engines.

Is there a stop on the way back to try local food?

Yes. On the return you stop by Nauthólsvík beach to try harðfiskur (dried fish).

How many people are on the boat at most?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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