Guided Tours

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.

Lighthouse at Reykjavik port entrance viewed from a RIB speedboat, Iceland.

Whale exhibit at a museum in Reykjavik, part of Northern Lights sightseeing cruise.

Duration

2 hrs

Free cancellation

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

Book now, pay later

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

Guided tour

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
Start point
Old Harbor, Reykjavik
Get direction
1. Reykjavik Coast
Tickets included
Pass by the Reykjavik coast, lined with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and shops. After your boat tour, you can plan to explore the Reykjavik Maritime Museum to learn about Iceland's fishing and ship-building history.
Passes By
Harpa Concert Hall
2. Faxafloi Bay
Tickets included
3 activities
3. Engey Island
Tickets included
4. Lundey Island
Tickets included
1 activity
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.

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.
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What our guests say
Oct 2025
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.
Oct 2025
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.
Oct 2025
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.
Oct 2025
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.
Oct 2025
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.