Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Exploring Iceland’s coastline offers some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters in Europe, and this Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour from Reykjavik is a top choice for nature lovers. While it’s a short adventure—lasting just two hours—it packs in the thrill of close-up wildlife sightings, stunning scenic views, and expert guidance that makes every moment memorable.

We love the personal touch of having marine biologists onboard, the chance to get up close to whales and puffins, and the exhilarating ride aboard a stable, fast RIB boat. That said, the tour’s quick pace and the weather-dependent nature of wildlife sightings mean it might not guarantee a whale encounter every time. Still, it’s a fantastic fit for travelers who want an adrenaline rush and genuine wildlife spotting experience in a compact, well-organized package.

This tour is ideal for those seeking an active, engaging adventure that combines marine wildlife with scenic city views. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate expert guidance, enjoy small-group settings, and want a memorable story to tell. If you’re expecting a relaxed cruise, be aware that the speedboat style means a lively ride with potential spray and wind.

Key Points

• Close Encounters: The RIB boat’s maneuverability allows for getting closer to whales, dolphins, and puffins than larger vessels.
• Expert Guides: Marine biologists lead the tours, offering insightful commentary and answering questions about the wildlife.
• Scenic Highlights: Sail past Reykjavik’s iconic sights like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, blending city views with nature.
• Seasonal Wildlife: Puffin season runs from late April to mid-August; whale sightings depend on the time of year and luck.
• Gear and Comfort: Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment are provided to handle Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

The adventure kicks off at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, where you meet your crew—professional, friendly, and equipped with expert knowledge. From here, you board a specially-engineered RIB boat, notable for its speed and stability, designed to get you as close as possible to marine wildlife without disturbing it.

The first part of the trip is a scenic sail along Reykjavik’s shoreline. You’ll pass landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall, with its distinctive geometric glass exterior, and the Sun Voyager sculpture, giving a modern backdrop to your wild adventure. This isn’t just a sightseeing cruise; it’s a lively, up-close wildlife hunt.

When conditions are right (and they often are between late April and August), your guides will scan the waters for signs of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The use of a smaller, faster boat means you can cover more ground and approach animals more closely. Reviewers have raved about seeing humpback whales, Minke whales, and even orcas, although sightings can vary based on weather and season.

A notable highlight is the chance to see puffins in their natural habitat around nearby islands—an iconic sight in Iceland. As one reviewer put it, “We saw hundreds of puffins nesting on the island, which was a real treat.” The guides’ detailed knowledge about these seabirds adds a layer of appreciation to the visuals.

Returning to Reykjavik after the wildlife search, the boat follows the coastline, giving riders fantastic views of the city skyline, with plenty of photo opportunities. Many reviews mention how special it is to see the city from this unique angle, particularly as the sun dips lower in the sky.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Encounters with a Personal Touch

The real advantage of this small-group tour—limited to just 12 people—is the chance for an intimate experience. The guides, like marine biologist Max, take the time to share their knowledge, answer questions, and point out details you might miss on larger boats. Multiple reviewers mention how “knowledgeable and passionate” the guides are, with one even sharing that they received personalized photos of the wildlife later by email.

Close-Up Wildlife Sightings

Thanks to the maneuverability of the RIB, you’re able to get closer to whales and puffins than traditional larger vessels. Reviewers frequently mention hearing whales exhale and seeing dolphins chase the boat, creating a thrilling, natural spectacle. “The boat’s speed and agility allowed us to see whales breaching and diving repeatedly,” one guest notes.

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Scenic City Views

While wildlife is the main draw, the scenic backdrop of Reykjavik’s architecture and sculptures adds a cultural layer to the experience. The contrast of modern city features with wild marine life makes the boat tour memorable beyond just the animals.

Safety and Comfort

The company provides warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear, which are crucial given Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Reviewers have appreciated the thoroughness of the gear, noting it kept them dry and warm despite wind and waves. The boat’s stability and modern design contribute to a comfortable ride, even in choppier conditions.

Value for Money

At around two hours, this tour strikes a good balance between time and experience. Considering the expert guides, safety equipment, and the chance of sightings, many reviewers feel it’s a worthwhile expense. The small group size also means more personalized attention, making it feel more exclusive than larger group cruises.

The Experience: What to Expect

The tour’s start at the Old Harbour is straightforward, with easy check-ins and friendly staff. Once on board, you’ll notice the boat’s impressive design—fast, maneuverable, yet surprisingly comfortable thanks to spring-loaded seats. The crew, led by a certified captain and guided by marine biologists, focus on safety and wildlife viewing.

As the boat speeds out, you can expect the wind and spray, which add to the thrill. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, and don the provided waterproof gear for comfort. The ride itself is lively; reviewers mention it being “a bit bumpy but not uncomfortable,” with many describing it as “exciting.”

Wildlife spotting is the highlight. The guides use their expertise to scan the waters, and many guests describe the moments when they finally spot a whale or puffins. “We saw a humpback whale breach multiple times, and one even swam right beside the boat,” a reviewer recalls. Dolphins are also common, often seen racing the boat or jumping out of the water.

The guides are adept at explaining animal behaviors and pointing out puffins nesting on nearby islands. For bird lovers, this adds an extra dimension, as you learn about the puffins’ nesting habits and the importance of the island ecosystem.

On the way back, the boat cruises along Reykjavik’s coast, providing a different perspective on the city’s landmarks. Many review how stunning the city looks from the water, especially at sunset or under changing weather conditions.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: 2 hours, which suits those with limited time or who want a quick yet impactful wildlife experience.
• Availability: Runs seasonally from April 1 to October 31; puffin season is from April 20 to August 20.
• Group Size: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.
• Pricing: Represents good value given the expert guidance, gear, and likelihood of sightings, but always check current prices and availability.
• Clothing: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate outerwear, and consider layering. The provided gear is waterproof, but you’ll stay warmer with your own layers.
• Age & Weight Limits: Suitable for ages 10 and up, with a minimum height of 145cm and maximum weight of 140kg. Not recommended for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or under 145cm.
• Booking: Book in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak puffin season and summer months.

Authentic Experiences from Reviewers

Many guests highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. “Max, the marine biologist guide, was very knowledgeable,” one reviewer notes, adding that he even shared photos afterward. The thrill of hearing whales exhale or seeing puffins nesting is what makes this tour stick in travelers’ minds.

The tour’s fast boat design sometimes catches guests off guard with its speed and spray, but most appreciate the added excitement. “It felt like flying over the water,” one reviewer describes, praising the boat’s maneuverability and the lively ride.

Several travelers mention how the experience exceeded expectations: “We saw humpbacks breaching, dolphins racing us, and hundreds of puffins nesting—an unforgettable day,” one enthuses. Others rave about the professionalism, safety, and the chance to learn from marine experts, making it feel both fun and educational.

Why This Tour is Worth Considering

For wildlife enthusiasts, the chance to see whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural environment is priceless. The guides’ local knowledge and the small group size translate into a more personalized, engaging trip.

For adventure seekers, the thrill of a speedboat ride combined with wildlife encounters makes this a memorable outing. The boat’s ability to get closer to animals means you’ll have more spectacular views and sounds, like whales exhaling or puffins nesting.

For those wanting a scenic perspective of Reykjavik, the final stretch along the city’s shoreline offers a unique vista that’s perfect for photos and relaxing after the wildlife search.

On the other hand, if you’re prone to seasickness, the fast pace and lively waves might be less suitable. Also, since wildlife sightings depend on weather and season, it’s good to keep expectations flexible.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour offers a superb blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, ideal for travelers eager to experience Iceland’s marine life up close. The combination of a small group, expert guides who are passionate about wildlife, and the capability of the RIB boat to approach animals more closely makes this an experience worth considering.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate active outings, love spotting wildlife, and want a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at Iceland’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or just looking for a fun, wild adventure, this tour has plenty to offer—weather permitting, of course.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to see whales and puffins?
Whale sightings are most common from late April to August, with puffin season from April 20 to August 20. The peak times are usually mid-summer, when wildlife activity is high.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is 2 hours long, providing a quick yet immersive wildlife experience with scenic views of Reykjavik.

What should I bring?
Sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and layers are recommended. The company provides waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles, but bringing your own warm layers helps.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but only for those aged 10 and up, with a minimum height of 145cm. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if weather or other circumstances change.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 75 or 309 lbs (140 kg), or those with mobility impairments. High-heeled shoes are not allowed on board.

This tour combines the thrill of high-speed boat rides with the joy of spotting some of Iceland’s most iconic wildlife. Whether you leave with photos, stories, or just a renewed sense of wonder, it promises a memorable experience in Reykjavik’s spectacular marine environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: