Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

The best part of this tour is the small RIB boat, which can range farther and turn more easily than a large whale-watching vessel. You head first toward puffin islands, then search for whales, dolphins, and porpoises before cruising back along Reykjavik’s waterfront. On good days, animals may surface close enough for you to hear them breathe.

I like the mix of a genuine wildlife search and a fast, bouncy sea ride. I also like having a trained guide, sometimes a marine biologist such as Max, Maya, Emily, or Sam, explain animal behavior instead of simply pointing toward the horizon. The catch is simple: you will get cold, wet, and bounced around, even with the supplied protective gear.

Key points to know before you go

• Small groups of up to 12: The limited size gives everyone a clear view and lets the captain move the boat efficiently.
• Puffins are seasonal: Look for them from late April through mid-August, with the stated season running roughly April 20 to August 20.
• Whale sightings are never promised: Minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds are possible, but this is still wild nature.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: It is quick and thrilling, but rougher than a standard sightseeing cruise.
• Warm gear is included: Expect waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and other safety equipment, but bring warm layers and proper shoes.
• Strict age and size rules apply: You must be at least 10 years old and 145 centimeters tall, and the maximum weight is 140 kilograms.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour by RIB

You meet at the ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to check in, sign the waiver, and put on the supplied protective clothing.

The boat carries no toilet and no food, so use facilities before leaving and bring nothing that you need to eat on the water. High-heeled shoes are not allowed. Hiking shoes or other secure footwear are the sensible choice.

The RIB is a rigid inflatable boat built for speed and stability. It sits much lower than a large whale-watching ship, which puts you close to the water and gives you a more direct view of seabirds and marine animals. The seats are designed to absorb some of the shock, but they do not turn the trip into a smooth harbor cruise.

Your captain gives safety instructions before departure. Listen closely to directions about seating and holding position. The safest, most comfortable ride comes from following the crew’s instructions rather than trying to brace yourself in your own way.

Once clear of the harbor, the captain may open the throttle. This is where the experience changes from ordinary sightseeing to a proper sea outing. The boat can move quickly across a wider area, which is useful when the crew is searching for animals that may surface only briefly.

Puffin islands and the first wildlife search

The usual early focus is the island area where puffins nest. These small seabirds are one of Iceland’s most appealing summer sights, especially when you see them flying low over the water or gathered near their nesting ground.

Puffin season is limited. The activity runs from April 1 through October 31, but puffins are generally expected only from about April 20 to August 20. The exact end of the season can vary, so an August departure is not a sure thing. One late-season trip produced whales but no puffins because the birds had already left.

You may see many puffins, or you may see them at a distance. That distinction matters. The boat can approach the islands, but the crew must keep a respectful distance from nesting birds. This is a wildlife tour, not a petting zoo with wings.

The route also gives you a chance to see other seabirds. The water around Reykjavik can produce a busy mix of birdlife, even when the larger animals remain hidden. If your main goal is puffins, schedule the tour during the heart of the season rather than relying on the final weeks of August.

Searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises

After the puffin area, the captain heads farther out to look for whales and dolphins. The RIB’s ability to cover more water is one of its practical advantages. A whale can surface in one place and disappear for several minutes, so covering ground improves the odds of finding active animals.

Common sightings on this route can include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Some outings produce a single whale, while others find several pods and repeated surfacings. One especially fortunate trip recorded more than 60 whales, while another saw two pods and multiple whale tails. Those results are memorable, but they are not a normal promise.

Humpback whales are the dramatic possibility. You might see a back roll, a tail, or, with extraordinary luck, a breach. Minke whales are smaller and often harder to spot, but repeated surfacings can still make a rewarding encounter. Dolphins may race beside the boat or leap through the wake, giving you action that is easier to follow than a whale surfacing once and vanishing.

The guide’s role is important here. A trained marine guide can explain where to look, how to read a blow, and why the captain is changing direction. Guides such as Max, Maya, Emily, and Sam have been praised for clear explanations, humor, and care around the animals. The best part of that commentary is not a long lecture. It is the help you get at the exact moment an animal appears.

Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip staring through a screen. The boat can move sharply and bounce over waves, making steady video difficult. The crew may take photographs during the outing and share available images afterward, which takes some pressure off you. The quality and number of photographs can vary with weather, distance, and animal behavior.

The close-up feeling, with real weather attached

The RIB can get closer to wildlife than a larger vessel, within responsible operating limits. That low position on the sea gives you an unusually intimate view. You may hear an animal exhale or see a dolphin pass under the boat, though those encounters are luck, not a guaranteed feature.

The same design that brings you close also exposes you to the elements. The wind feels stronger at speed, and spray can reach the passengers even when the weather looks mild from shore. Rain, hail, and changing wind are all possible in Iceland. One practical piece of advice comes up again and again: do not dress for the harbor. Dress for open water.

The company supplies warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment. This is essential kit, not a decorative extra. Still, wear warm layers underneath, including a fleece or puffy jacket if you have one. Bring warm footwear and sunglasses if the forecast allows. The goggles help with speed and spray, but personal eyewear can be useful too.

The ride is bouncy by design. The back seats may feel more comfortable for anyone concerned about the rough motion, while the front offers more spray and a stronger thrill. The supplied information does not promise a choice of seat, so assume that every position involves movement. If you are prone to motion sickness or dislike roller-coaster-style jolts, a larger boat may suit you better.

Returning past Harpa and Sun Voyager

The return route adds a pleasant city angle to what is mainly a wildlife trip. As the boat approaches Reykjavik, you see the capital from sea level rather than from a street or observation deck.

Harpa Concert Hall is especially striking from the water, with its geometric glass facade catching changing light. You also pass the Sun Voyager sculpture, the sleek steel ship form along the waterfront. These sights are familiar from land, but the boat gives them a different setting, with the harbor and mountains behind the city.

This final stretch also gives you time to settle after the open-water search. The trip lasts two hours, which is long enough to reach whale habitat without turning into an all-day commitment. It also fits neatly into a Reykjavik schedule, although you should avoid placing an important fixed appointment immediately afterward. Weather can delay departures or force a change of timing, and the protective clothing takes a few minutes to remove.

Is $200 a fair price?

At $200 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales around Reykjavik. You are paying for a small group, a fast craft, a trained guide, safety equipment, and the ability to cover more water than a slower or larger boat may manage in two hours.

The value comes down to what you want from the outing. If you want a calm platform with indoor shelter, toilets, and room to move around, this price may feel high for a RIB. If you want a more active trip with a maximum group of 12 and a better chance of getting close to wildlife, the cost is easier to justify.

The boat itself is a major part of the experience. Several sightings can make the price feel excellent, especially when dolphins play near the boat or humpback whales surface within view. But no operator can control the sea. A quiet outing with only distant sightings is possible, even in summer.

I would treat the wildlife as the bonus and the RIB ride as part of what you are buying. That mindset protects you from disappointment. You are not paying for a guaranteed whale show. You are paying for a skilled search in a nimble boat, with a chance at something extraordinary.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

This trip suits adults, older children, and anyone who enjoys speed, wind, and a little physical excitement. The minimum age is 10, and you must be at least 145 centimeters tall. The maximum weight is 140 kilograms.

It is a good fit if you want a small group and prefer active sightseeing to a quiet cruise. It is also useful for people with limited time in Reykjavik, since the two-hour duration leaves space for other city plans.

Think twice if you are pregnant, have mobility impairments, are over 75, or are uncomfortable with rough water. Those groups are specifically listed as unsuitable. The tour is also a poor match if you need a toilet on board or expect a dry, gentle ride.

Photographers should bring a camera, but accept that the boat’s movement makes sharp shots difficult. The crew’s shared images can help, though you should not count on getting a perfect photograph of every sighting.

Practical planning for the best chance

The strongest overall period for combining puffins and whales is during the puffin season, especially from late April through July. August can still be productive for whales, but puffins may already have departed. Outside the puffin window, the whale portion remains possible during the operating season, which runs from April 1 to October 31.

Keep your schedule flexible. Bad weather has caused departures to move, but good communication and a suitable weather window can make the wait worthwhile. The sea may look manageable from the harbor while conditions farther out are much rougher.

Arrive 30 minutes early, wear secure shoes, and dress in layers. Sign the waiver before departure and keep valuables protected from spray. There is no food on board, so eat beforehand and use a restroom at the harbor.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

Book it if you want a fast, close-to-the-water wildlife trip and can handle cold, spray, and hard bumps. The combination of puffin islands, whale searching, trained guides, and a small group gives you more than a simple boat transfer.

Do not book it only because you expect a guaranteed whale breach or a perfect puffin photograph. Nature sets the schedule. For the best balance of wildlife and weather, choose a date in the main puffin season, arrive prepared for open water, and think of the thrilling ride as part of the value.

With a 4.7 rating from 293 reviews, this is a strong choice for an active Reykjavik outing. The clearest reason to choose it is not the promise of seeing every species. It is the chance to search Iceland’s sea in a nimble boat, with someone who can help you understand what appears.

FAQ

How long is the whale and puffin tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik. Meet at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure.

When can I see puffins?

The stated puffin season runs from April 20 to August 20. Another inclusion specifies April 20 to August 15, so check the exact seasonal dates when booking.

Can I see whales outside puffin season?

Yes. The tour operates from April 1 through October 31, while puffin sightings are seasonal. Whale and dolphin sightings are still possible outside the puffin period.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, puffins, and other seabirds.

Is the boat ride rough?

Yes. The RIB can travel quickly and the ride can be very bumpy, windy, and wet. The crew provides safety instructions and protective clothing.

What clothing is provided?

The tour provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and necessary safety equipment. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing and wear hiking shoes or other secure footwear.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

No. There are no toilets on board, so use the facilities at the harbor before departure.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years. Participants must also be at least 145 centimeters tall.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.