RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

Experience the thrill of a high-speed RIB boat ride while spotting whales, dolphins, and puffins in Reykjavik. Limited to 12 people per boat for a personalized experience.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ægisgarður 5d - This great whale watching tour starts from the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and during the puffin season (early May to the end of August) we also visit the puffins in their natural habitat. Next we head out in search of the whales. There are very few things that will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can at sea level from our RIB boats.

On this fun tour the fast, stable and safe boats also allow us to cover more area as we search for the wild life, thus increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins and bird-life.

  • Akurey - During the puffin season (early May to the end of August) we also visit the puffins in their natural habitat, at the Islands of Akurey, Engey or Lundey just outside of Reykjavík. The journey here is a short one, and we spend around 5-10 minutes with the Puffins. Puffins, auks, gannets and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour. Our RIB’s are fast and small so we get you extra close and extra quickly out to the islands!

  • Faxafloi Bay - Next we head out in search of the whales in Faxaflói Bay. There are very few things that will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can at sea level from our RIB boats.

Our whale watching boats are equipped with high performance suspension seats. These shock absorbing seats increase safety and comfort and reduce the risk of injuries. So you can comfortably & securely enjoy your whale watching adventure out on the North Atlantic waters.

  • Sun Voyager - After the whale safari we travel back to Reykjavík, where we will take ride along the city’s shore line, experiencing a unique panoramic view of Reykjavík from the sea (perfect for photos). Our boats will take you past the Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront.
  • Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre - We then go by the harbour side of Iceland’s most famous building, the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.
  • Whale Safari - Finally, after a great adventure at sea, we head back to the harbour! This is approximately two hours after the tour start time.
What's Included
  • Expert guidance by a professional marine biologist
  • All safety equipment provided
  • Coveralls available for use
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Take a thrilling journey across Iceland’s seas on a specially designed RIB speedboat, and marvel at the sight of whales, dolphins, puffins, and more up close.

This compact yet potent vessel not only offers manoeuvrability on the sea but can also reach high-speeds. This allows you to explore a greater area and approach Reykjavik’s wildlife closer than a traditional boat would permit.

After savouring the views on the open sea, bask in the panoramic scenery as you admire Jón Gunnar Árnason’s ‘Sun Voyager’ sculpture and the Harpa Concert Hall from the coastline.

The tour accommodates only 12 people per boat, offering a unique intimate group adventure helmed by a knowledgeable captain and wildlife guide.

  • Dress warmly: Wool or fleece seater, Hat, gloves and sturdy footwear are recommended
  • In the case of no sightings you will get a ticket for an alternative tour
  • Children must be over the age of 10 and over 145 centimeters tall
  • Not recommended for travellers with knee problems
  • Not recommended for young children
Location
Ægisgarður 5d
Ægisgarður
Our ticket office is located at Ægisgarður 5d in 101 Reykjavík at the corner of the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(179 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Louise_c
Aug 1, 2024
BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE - I originally was meant to go on a RIB whale and puffin watching tour but felt sick in the morning and have a bad back, so i messaged about changing to a bigger boat and got changed to a larger boat later that day no problem. To say it was the best experience of my life is an understatement! The tour guide and the captain said they have never seen such whale activity in their career. The tour guide was crying and everything. That's how magical and amazing it was. We must have seen 40 sightings total. It was UNREAL. We happened to go when it was feeding time for the whales and they put a show on for us. Just book it do not hesitate. I was NOT on the RIB boat I was on the larger passenger boat and asked to switch to this boat. The speed of the RIB and the bumpiness of the boat on the waves looked like it would hurt my back more, so I would say if you have back problems go on the bigger boat. But even the bigger boat would not be suitable for people with mobility issues unless you stayed inside the boat on the lower deck. The company are really amazing. Best thing you will ever see if you get as lucky as me!
Review provided by Viator
G3792kdcarmend
Jul 18, 2024
An unforgettable experience - It was an amazing experience. We were lucky to see whales, dolphins and puffins. The boat offers you more possibilities than the boat because it moves faster and we can cover a larger area. So the options to see more animals are multiplied. Our Captain made our trip super fun and our Guide was almost as excited as we were to see dolphins and whales. You can tell they really like their work and that made us have a better time. He also provided us with very interesting information during our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joan_m
Jul 17, 2024
Great whale watching - We encountered a humpback that we observed for quite awhile and two dolphins. Our captain and guide were very knowledgeable. Best whale watching trip I’ve been on.
Review provided by Viator
Kim_h
Jul 16, 2024
MUST DO - The best!!! We saw a humpback whale breaching and he showed off for us! Not to mention the dolphins that played right next to our boat and the puffins were so cute… do the small group- you don’t want to be on a boat with 100 other people
Review provided by Viator
Rozzys82
Jul 16, 2024
Amazing and fun - Amazing day! Marine biologists were friendly and knowledgeable. The puffins and seals were fun but the whale stole the show! I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pam_b
Jul 9, 2024
Great whale and puffin experience - This RIB whale watching tour was a highlight of our trip. The boat ride is so fun, and we saw several whales and numerous puffins.
Review provided by Viator
Jasminet378
Jul 1, 2024
Dolphins & Whales & Puffins, Oh My! - Had such a great time! Got to see dolphins jumping right in front of our RIB boat. A humpback whale also showed off its tail a couple of times and that was an amazing sight to see. Seeing all the puffins in the end was also wonderful - they're so adorable. My sister and I sat in the front seats so it got quite bumpy but we enjoyed the adrenaline rush, and it all paid off because we ended up getting the best views. Our guide Emily was also very informative and our captain Stefan was remarkable at spotting the animals. We took the 8pm trip and the views of the sea and Reykjavik at dusk were stunning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hollystacey
Jun 30, 2024
Whale, puffin RIB tour - Easy booking, company was very accommodating with changing our tour to a different time. Great tour and staff.
Review provided by Viator
Kristina_m
Jun 29, 2024
Would recommend - Loved this tour. Knowledgeable. Good amount of time. All the gear was needed and appreciated. Saw Minke whales and lots of dolphins!
Review provided by Viator
Serenacorrado
Jun 20, 2024
Fantastic experience!!!!!! a dream come true! - Today I realized a dream. Seeing up close....very close up numerous minke whales and humpback whales that left us speechless....and then so many dolphins playing with us, swimming alongside us and jumping in a wonderful show. And there was no shortage of cute puffins...an unforgettable day. Pedro and Anna were fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today