Reykjavík Premium Whale Watching by RIB Boat
A small-group RIB adventure into Iceland's whale-rich waters, departing from the heart of the capital.
On this Reykjavík premium whale watching tour, you board a purpose-built RIB boat with no more than 11 fellow passengers and head into Faxaflói Bay in search of minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. The compact size of the vessel means faster travel, closer approaches, and a wider search area than larger whale-watching boats can manage.
The tour runs from April through October, operating daily from the Old Harbour. Before departure, guests are fitted with warm overalls, goggles, and safety equipment, and seated in high-quality suspension seats that absorb wave impact throughout the journey.
From late April until mid-August, the route begins with a stop near one of three small islands close to the harbour, where Atlantic puffins can be observed at their breeding grounds. The boat then moves into open water in pursuit of cetaceans.
On the return leg, the boat follows the Reykjavík shoreline, passing landmarks including the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa Concert Hall, offering a perspective of the city rarely seen from land.
Tour Highlights
Travel on a custom-engineered 12-seat RIB boat that reaches wildlife faster and closer than conventional vessels.
A maximum of 12 passengers per boat ensures an intimate, attentive experience with your expert guide and certified captain.
Search for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.
Visit puffin breeding islands from late April through mid-August and observe Atlantic puffins in their natural habitat.
Full safety briefing, warm overalls, goggles, and suspension seating are provided before every departure.
The return journey traces the Reykjavík coastline past the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.
Daily departures from April through October make it easy to fit this adventure into any Iceland itinerary.
How the Tour Unfolds
Arrive at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in and sign the required safety waiver. The office is located directly in front of the RIB boats at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík.
You will be issued warm overalls, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment. Once aboard, the certified captain and expert guide conduct a full safety briefing and ensure everyone is settled in the suspension seats.
The tour starts with a run to one of three small islands near the harbour to observe Atlantic puffins at their breeding colonies. This segment operates from late April through mid-August.
The boat ventures further into Faxaflói Bay in search of whales and dolphins. The RIB's speed and agility allow the crew to cover a wide area and respond quickly to any sighting reported in the bay.
After the wildlife search, the boat heads back along the Reykjavík shoreline. Guests pass the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church viewed from the water, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall.
The boat returns to the Old Harbour approximately two hours after departure, completing the round trip.
What Is Included
Included
- RIB boat tour with certified captain and expert guide
- Warm overalls and goggles
- Full safety equipment and briefing
- High-quality suspension seating
- Puffin island visit (late April to mid-August)
- Coastal return past Reykjavík landmarks
Not Included
- Hotel transfers or transport to the Old Harbour
- Food and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the crew
Important Information
Ready to Set Sail?
Secure your place on one of Reykjavík's most sought-after small-group wildlife experiences and get closer to Iceland's whales and puffins than you ever thought possible.
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