From Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Set out on a thrilling 2-hour RIB boat adventure from Reykjavik. Spot whales and puffins with the guidance of a marine biologist, who provides live commentary on the local wildlife. This small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, offers a personalized experience amidst stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour promises an up-close encounter with Iceland’s captivating marine life.

Key Points

• This 2-hour RIB boat tour from Reykjavik offers the chance to see whales and puffins, with live commentary from a marine biologist.
• The small group size of 12 participants ensures a personalized experience, with specially-engineered RIB boats for better maneuverability and closer wildlife encounters.
• Participants must meet specific age, height, and weight requirements to ensure safety and comfort during the tour.
• The tour is available from late April to August, with an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 161 reviews.
• The lowest-rated aspect of the tour is the value for money, though the positive feedback highlights the quality of wildlife viewing and educational commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour in Reykjavik, Iceland, offers a 2-hour excursion to spot whales and puffins from late April to August.

A 2-hour excursion to spot whales and puffins in Reykjavik, Iceland, available from late April to August.

Priced from €168.00 per person, the tour includes live commentary from a marine biologist and access to crew photos. The small group size is limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience.

The specially-engineered RIB boat allows for better maneuverability and closer wildlife encounters. Participants must be at least 10 years old, 145 cm tall, and weigh no more than 140 kg.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 161 reviews, with positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and respectful wildlife viewing.

Tour Highlights

Seasonal viewing of whales and puffins from late April to August is the highlight of this tour.

The tour includes live commentary from a marine biologist and access to crew photos, allowing guests to learn about the marine life.

Plus, the tour offers:

1. Sailing past the iconic Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture, providing a scenic backdrop to the wildlife sightings.

2. A small group size limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

3. Specially-engineered RIB boats for better maneuverability and closer encounters with the whales and puffins.

Boat Features

Specially-engineered RIB boats are used for this tour to provide better maneuverability and closer wildlife encounters.

These stable boats are designed for searching larger areas to spot whales and dolphins. For comfort and safety, participants are provided with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles.

Onboard, there are toilets available. The tour equipment, including the specialized boats, ensures an immersive and well-equipped experience for whale and puffin watching around Reykjavik.

Participant Requirements

Although the tour is suitable for most, there are some participant requirements to keep in mind.

The minimum age for the tour is 10 years, and participants must be at least 145 cm (4’9") tall. Plus, there’s a maximum weight limit of 140 kg (308 lbs).

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those over 75 years of age.

These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the whale and puffin watching experience.

1. Minimum age: 10 years

2. Minimum height: 145 cm (4’9")

3. Maximum weight: 140 kg (308 lbs)

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the whale and puffin watching tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 161 reviews. The knowledgeable guides and respectful wildlife viewing received particularly high praise, with a 4.9/5 rating. Customers also appreciated the excellent communication regarding weather-related changes, reflected in the 4.9/5 rating for transportation. While the value for money was still praised at 4.4/5, it was the lowest-rated aspect of the experience.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Guide | 4.9/5 |

| Transportation | 4.9/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.4/5 |

Seasonal Viewing Opportunities

The tour offers seasonal viewing opportunities for whales and puffins, with the prime season running from late April to August.

The prime season for viewing whales and puffins around Reykjavik runs from late April to August.

During this time, you can:

1. Spot a variety of whale species, including minke, humpback, and orca, as they feed in the nutrient-rich waters around Reykjavik.

2. Observe puffins, the iconic seabirds of Iceland, nesting on the nearby cliffs and islands, providing a unique chance to see these charming creatures up close.

3. Experience the tour during the Icelandic summer, when the long hours of daylight create stunning natural light and scenery.

Personalized and Engaging Experience

With a small group size limited to 12 participants, this tour provides a personalized and engaging experience.

The live commentary from a marine biologist enhances the educational aspect, offering insight into the whales, puffins, and surrounding landscapes. Guests can also access the crew’s photos, capturing the highlights of the tour.

The stable, specially-engineered RIB boat allows for better maneuverability and closer wildlife encounters, creating an immersive experience.

The tour’s flexible nature, with the ability to adjust for weather conditions, ensures an optimal experience tailored to the group’s needs.

Exploring Reykjavik’s Iconic Landmarks

As the tour departs from the Old Harbour, guests will sail past the striking Harpa Concert Hall and the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture, two of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks.

The tour showcases:

The tour showcases Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and panoramic views of the Reykjavik skyline.

1. Harpa Concert Hall, a stunning glass-and-steel building designed by the Icelandic-Danish studio Henning Larsen Architects. Its unique honeycomb-like facade reflects the city’s harbor and mountains.

2. The Sun Voyager, a sleek, sculptural interpretation of a Viking ship, designed by Jón Gunnar Árnason. This iconic landmark gazes out towards the North Atlantic Ocean.

3. Panoramic views of the Reykjavik skyline, including the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and the snow-capped peaks of Mount Esja in the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Options for Onboard Refreshments?

The tour does not include any onboard refreshments. However, participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy during the 2-hour excursion. There’s a toilet available on board for convenience.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Participants are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The small group size and specialized RIB boats provide excellent opportunities for capturing wildlife and scenic shots during the whale and puffin watching experience.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size – the tour has a small group size limit of 12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience during the whale and puffin watching excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 2-hour tour. However, travelers can book additional tours on different days if they want to spend more time whale and puffin watching in Reykjavik.

How Wheelchair-Friendly Is the Boat and Boarding Process?

The tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly. The RIB boat and boarding process aren’t accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants must be able to board the boat without assistance and navigate the small space on their own.

The Sum Up

Experience the incredible "From Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour" for a breathtaking 2-hour adventure. With a small group, a marine biologist’s commentary, and a specially-engineered RIB boat, you’ll enjoy close encounters with whales and puffins while taking in Reykjavik’s iconic landmarks. This tour runs from late April to August, offering a personalized and engaging experience for nature enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: