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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour on an RIB Speedboat

Whale tail emerging from water during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching whale tail in ocean.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale in Icelandic waters.
Whale tail splashing in ocean near Reykjavik with mountains in background.

Duration

2 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

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Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.0/5

(112)

Santiago

Santiago

Oct 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
If you’re debating, just do it! Went with my girlfriend and we both agree it was the highlight of our trip. The rib boat is a bit bouncy (hold onto your hat lol) but the up-close view of whales is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Our guide, Elin, was super chill and knew so much about the area. Got splashed, got pics, got memories. Boat’s a little snug but didn’t mind. We lucked out with sunny weather. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Yasmin

Yasmin

Oct 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
Went with my parents (they’re in their 60s). Crew helped my mum get suited up, which was nice. Saw three whales, loads of seabirds, and some random seals (not part of tour but still fun). Windy as anything, bring layers. Would’ve loved an extra 15min with the whales, felt a bit rushed at the end. Still, totally WORTH IT for the photos.
Chloe

Chloe

Oct 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
This was my first time whale watching and it did NOT disappoint. Went solo and made friends with some other travelers onboard. The guides are sooooo enthusiastic, you can tell they love their job. We saw a humpback calf breaching! Bring snacks, it’s longer than you think once you’re out there. 10/10 would recommend.
    • Experience a thrilling high-speed RIB ride that brings you closer to whales and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay while ensuring comfort with state-of-the-art suspension seating.

    • Enjoy expert-led wildlife viewing, a guaranteed return ticket if no animals are spotted, and explore breathtaking Reykjavík coastal scenery on your way back.

    • Visit Puffin Island during summer for close views of adorable nesting puffins and gain deeper marine-life insights through guided commentary.

    • Stay warm and safe with the provided overalls, life vests, gloves, goggles, and a free buff, ensuring a cozy and secure experience on the water.

    • Entry to the Whales of Iceland museum is included, enriching your adventure with immersive exhibits before or after your tour.

    • 2-hour whale-watching RIB boat tour

    • English-speaking expert guide

    • Small-group; 12-seater boat

    • Suspension seats for comfort

    • Warm flotation overalls, life vests, gloves & goggles

    • Safety equipment

    • Admission to Whales of Iceland museum

    • Visit to Puffin Island (summer)

    • Free retry ticket if no sightings

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    • Food & drinks

    • Parking

  • TOTAL DURATION2 hours
    MODE OF TRANSFERSpeedboat
    Timeline
    Map
    Old Harbor, Reykjavik
    Start point

    Old Harbor, Reykjavik

    Get direction
    Reykjavik Coast

    1. Reykjavik Coast

    Tickets included

    Passes By

    Faxafloi Bay

    2. Faxafloi Bay

    Tickets included
    3 activities

    Things to do

    Engey Island

    3. Engey Island

    Tickets included
    Lundey Island

    4. Lundey Island

    Tickets included
    1 activity

    Things to do

    Old Harbor, Reykjavik
    End point

    Old Harbor, Reykjavik

    Get direction

    Your ending point would be same as your start point

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 4
    112 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    40
    37
    31
    4
    0

    What our guests say

    Santiago

    Santiago

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    If you’re debating, just do it! Went with my girlfriend and we both agree it was the highlight of our trip. The rib boat is a bit bouncy (hold onto your hat lol) but the up-close view of whales is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Our guide, Elin, was super chill and knew so much about the area. Got splashed, got pics, got memories. Boat’s a little snug but didn’t mind. We lucked out with sunny weather. Would go again in a heartbeat.
    Yasmin

    Yasmin

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Went with my parents (they’re in their 60s). Crew helped my mum get suited up, which was nice. Saw three whales, loads of seabirds, and some random seals (not part of tour but still fun). Windy as anything, bring layers. Would’ve loved an extra 15min with the whales, felt a bit rushed at the end. Still, totally WORTH IT for the photos.
    Chloe

    Chloe

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    This was my first time whale watching and it did NOT disappoint. Went solo and made friends with some other travelers onboard. The guides are sooooo enthusiastic, you can tell they love their job. We saw a humpback calf breaching! Bring snacks, it’s longer than you think once you’re out there. 10/10 would recommend.
    Mateo

    Mateo

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    3/5
    Booked in advance but our slot got pushed back an hour because the earlier boat was delayed. Not ideal, but we did see whales (one MINKY right by the boat, which was wild). Staff were nice, answered my million questions. Dress warm. Bit crowded on our tour tbh.
    Koen

    Koen

    Oct 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Brought my two kids along (ages 9 and 12). They LOVED the speedboat part more than the whales, I think. Got a little cold but the suits they provide help a ton. Didn’t see as many whales as I hoped but we did spot one pretty close. Kids still talk about it.
  • What to bring

    • Dressing warmly is advised, as Icelandic weather can shift rapidly during the tour.

    • Visitors may want to bring sunscreen since sunlight reflects strongly off the sea.

    • A good pair of closed-toe shoes helps maintain balance on the moving vessel.

    • Packing a camera or binoculars enhances the wildlife-watching experience.

    What’s not allowed

    • Young children below the age and height requirements are not permitted for safety reasons.

    • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the tour.

    Accessibility

    • The RIB vessel is not designed for wheelchair access, limiting participation for some guests.

    • Those with serious back issues, heart conditions, or pregnant women cannot take part in the activity.

    • Passengers must be capable of wearing the flotation suits and handling boat movement comfortably.

    Additional information

    • Guests should expect to check in at the harbor ticket office before proceeding to the boat.

    • Late arrivals within 15 minutes of departure time may lose their spot without a refund.

    • Free rebooking is offered if no marine wildlife is seen during the tour.

    • The Whales of Iceland museum admission included in the ticket can be used before or after the experience.

    • Weather and sea conditions can impact the comfort of the journey, and staff are available to advise before boarding.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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