Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Fast boats, wild water, and whales nearby. This two-hour RIB tour from Reykjavík combines a thrilling ride with serious wildlife watching, guided by a marine biologist and limited to 12 people. I especially like the small boat access and the chance to see puffins, dolphins, porpoises, and whales in one outing. The main drawback is the rough ride: you can get cold, wet, and bounced around, even in good weather.

I also like the warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and the crew’s willingness to share photographs taken during the trip. The wildlife is never guaranteed, though, and puffins are seasonal, so you should book this for the whole experience rather than for one hoped-for whale sighting.

Key points at a glance

• Small RIB, only 12 people: The boat can cover more water than a large sightseeing vessel and maneuver closer to wildlife without crowding it.
• Puffins are seasonal: You have the best chance from late April through August, with the stated puffin season running from April 20 to August 20.
• A marine biologist leads the wildlife search: Guides explain animal behavior, seabirds, geography, and responsible viewing.
• The ride is part of the attraction: Expect speed, spray, wind, and a bumpy run across open water.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive weatherproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, but warm layers and sturdy shoes still matter.
• The return offers city views: Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and Reykjavík’s shoreline look different from the water.

Leaving Reykjavík from the Old Harbour

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because you need to check in, sign the waiver, and get dressed in the supplied protective gear before stepping onto the RIB.

The harbour is a convenient starting point for a day in central Reykjavík. You are close to Harpa Concert Hall, the waterfront, cafés, and the Sun Voyager sculpture, so this tour can fit neatly into a city day. I would avoid scheduling it too tightly with another paid activity. Weather can shift, and the crew has sometimes moved departures to find a safer weather window.

This is not a polished cruise with a lounge, restaurant, or onboard toilet. There is no toilet on the boat, and food is not provided. Use facilities before leaving and bring nothing you would dislike getting splashed.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 participants, which makes the experience more personal than a large whale-watching vessel. You can hear the guide without relying on a distant speaker, and the crew can keep an eye on how everyone is handling the conditions.

Getting suited up for Icelandic water

The crew supplies warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, along with the required safety equipment. Several people found the protective clothing essential, not optional. On the water, wind makes a cool day feel much colder, and spray can reach you even when the sky looks friendly from the harbour.

I would still wear wool or other warm layers beneath the suit, plus hiking shoes or other sturdy footwear. Bring a warm hat if you have one, since the provided gear may not fully replace your own cold-weather clothing. Sunglasses can help, though goggles are available for the speedier sections.

The suits are designed to block wind and water, but they are not magic. One person found a suit damp and musty, so check your gear before leaving the dock and ask for another item if something feels wet or uncomfortable. You should expect to get at least somewhat wet.

High heels are not allowed, and they would be a poor choice on a moving boat anyway. The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, anyone with mobility impairments, children under 10, people shorter than 145 centimeters, people over 75, or anyone over 140 kilograms. The minimum height and weight limits are safety rules for the boat and equipment.

Racing toward the puffin islands

The first wildlife section usually heads toward nearby islands where puffins gather in season. The RIB’s low profile puts you close to the water, and the boat can maneuver around the islands more easily than a larger vessel.

Puffins are one of the clearest reasons to choose this trip between late April and August. The stated season runs from April 20 to August 20, but sightings can become less certain toward the end. Some late-season departures still find puffins, while others see the birds at a distance or miss them after they leave the islands.

When puffins are present, you may see them flying, sitting on the water, or nesting around the island. You are looking at wild birds in their own setting, not a staged animal encounter. That makes the sighting special, but it also means the boat cannot promise a close view or a perfect photograph.

The boat may also find seabirds during this part of the trip. Bring patience. Puffins are small, quick, and often harder to photograph than you expect, especially when the boat is moving.

Searching open water for whales and dolphins

After the island section, the captain takes the RIB farther out to search for whales and dolphins. The small craft can cover a wider area during the two-hour outing, and its maneuverability helps the crew respond when animals surface in a new place.

The common sightings described on this route include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and many seabirds. Some outings produce only one whale, while others find several pods or multiple species. A few especially fortunate trips have seen humpbacks near the boat, breaching, or traveling with a calf.

That range is important. The ocean does not work on a schedule, and no guide can order a whale to appear. You might see a back, a tail, or a brief blow before the animal disappears. You might also have an exceptional outing with several humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins.

The guide helps you know where to look and explains what you are seeing. Guides with marine biology training have discussed feeding behavior, animal identification, seabirds, and the geography around Reykjavík. Names noted on particularly well-regarded outings include Maya, Alex, Matt, Emily, Max, and Kylie, though your guide will depend on the departure.

I like the combination of excitement and restraint. Some trips have followed whales at a respectful distance rather than rushing directly toward them. That can mean a less dramatic photograph, but it is the right approach for wild animals and often still gives you a good view.

The RIB ride: thrilling, rough, and close to the sea

The boat is stable for its type, but stable does not mean smooth. The RIB can move quickly, and the ride across open water is bouncy. The front seats are the roughest, while the seating system helps absorb some of the impact.

If you enjoy speed and motion, the ride may be one of your favorite parts. The captain can make the return trip feel like a high-speed coastal run, and several outings were praised for experienced boat handling. If you are prone to motion sickness or dislike being jolted, think carefully before booking.

Follow the captain’s instructions about sitting position and holding on. One useful detail is that the seats are most comfortable when you sit correctly and let them absorb the movement. Trying to stand, turn around, or handle a camera at the wrong moment is a bad plan.

Photography is possible, but it takes luck and timing. The boat may be moving, the wind may be strong, and the animals may surface without warning. You may get a great tail shot, but do not expect to record every sighting clearly. The crew sometimes takes photographs with a good camera and sends them afterward, which is a welcome bonus when your own hands are busy staying warm and steady.

Returning past Harpa and the Sun Voyager

The final part of the trip turns the wildlife outing into a short Reykjavík sightseeing cruise. As you approach the city, you see the waterfront from a lower, more open angle. Harpa Concert Hall is especially striking from the water, with its geometric glass façade catching changing light.

The route also passes the Sun Voyager sculpture, one of Reykjavík’s best-known waterfront landmarks. From the RIB, you see how the city meets the bay, with mountains and open water framing the skyline.

This return section is calmer only in purpose, not always in motion. The boat may still bounce, and the wind can remain strong. Keep your protective gear on until you are safely back at the harbour.

What the two-hour timing really means

Two hours is a useful compromise. It is long enough to reach the islands, search for whales, and return along the city shore without taking up an entire day in Reykjavík. You can combine it with museums, food, or an evening activity.

The tradeoff is search time. Wildlife watching depends on how far the boat must travel and how long animals remain near the surface. One person specifically wished for a longer outing because whales can be difficult to catch in the few seconds they spend above water.

If whales are your main goal, a longer departure may give the crew more time to search. If you want a compact mix of puffins, city views, and an exciting boat ride, two hours is a sensible length. Either way, I would schedule it early in your Reykjavík stay if possible, leaving room to adjust if weather affects the departure.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two hours. You are paying for a small group, a fast and specially designed RIB, a trained captain, a marine biology guide, safety equipment, warm protective clothing, and the ability to search a broad area.

The price makes more sense if you value the boat itself as much as the wildlife. You get a closer-to-the-water experience than a standard large-boat trip, and the group size gives the guide more time to explain what you see. The shared photographs add value, especially if weather makes your own photography difficult.

A larger boat may be a better choice if you want indoor space, toilets, food, or a gentler ride. This RIB is for you if the speed, spray, and smaller group are part of the appeal. I would not pay $200 solely because a booking page suggests you will see a particular species. You are buying a well-run search in wild water, not a guaranteed performance.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this outing if you like active excursions and want more than a passive cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who can handle wind, cold, and rough movement.

The minimum age is 10, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters. Those limits make sense because the boat’s movement can be demanding. Anyone with back, balance, motion-sickness, or mobility concerns should ask carefully before booking.

This is also a strong fit for wildlife enthusiasts who want explanation, not just a quick sighting. A marine biologist guide can tell you why a whale surfaces in a certain way, help identify dolphins and porpoises, and explain why puffins gather near the islands.

It is less suitable if you need a dry, quiet, highly predictable outing. You should be ready for changing weather, missed sightings, and a boat that can feel more like an amusement ride than a ferry.

Practical details before you book

The activity operates from April 1 through October 31, while puffins are seasonal and are listed as present from April 20 through August 20. Whale sightings can occur outside the puffin period, but the bird portion is not available year-round.

The live guiding is in English. The group is limited to 12 people, and the boat has no toilet or food service. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, and enough patience for a wildlife search.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting. Check departure times before choosing a slot, since the available times vary.

Should you book this RIB tour?

Book it if you want a close, active encounter with Reykjavík’s marine life and you are happy to accept the conditions that come with it. The best parts are the small group, sharp wildlife guidance, warm gear, quick boat, and chance to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seabirds in one outing.

Skip it for a larger, calmer boat with onboard facilities, or if cold and rough water would spoil the day. At $200, the value depends on your priorities: this is a strong buy for adventure and access, but not a guarantee of whales or puffins.

My practical choice would be to book during puffin season, leave room in your schedule for weather changes, wear your warmest layers, and treat any whale sighting as a gift. If the idea of racing over Icelandic water in a small boat sounds as appealing as the wildlife, this is likely money well spent.

FAQ

How long is the whale and puffin tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour depart?

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

When is puffin season?

Puffin season is listed as April 20 through August 20. The wider tour operates from April 1 through October 31.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include puffins, minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is warm clothing provided?

The tour provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes.

Is there a toilet or food on the boat?

No. Toilets and food are not available onboard.

What is the minimum age and height?

The minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 centimeters.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.