Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on RIB speedboat
Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on RIB speedboat
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
2 hours (approx.)
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Embark on a small-group RIB adventure led by a certified captain and marine biologist, ensuring an intimate and informative wildlife experience.
Get close to whales and puffins in their natural habitat while your expert guide shares fascinating insights about their behavior and ecosystem.
Take in Reykjavík’s iconic skyline from the water, passing landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Stay warm and safe with thermal overalls, gloves, goggles, and all safety equipment provided for every passenger.
Fun fact: RIB boats can travel faster and closer to wildlife than larger vessels, increasing your chances of spotting whales and puffins in action.
Small group RIB boat tour
Guidance from marine biologist
Access to crew photos
2-hour whale and puffin watching tour
Specially trained whale-watching guide
Fully certified RIB boat captain
Warm overalls, gloves, goggles
All necessary safety equipment
Whale fin near RIB speedboat with guests on whale watching tour from Reykjavik.
Spot whales and puffins up close on a 2-hour RIB speedboat tour from Reykjavik led by an expert
Getting started
Meet your guide at the Old Harbour ticket office in Reykjavik at least 30 minutes before departure. After a quick check-in and safety briefing, you'll gear up with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles before boarding your small-group RIB boat.
What to expect
This 2-hour guided tour offers a unique perspective on Iceland’s marine life, taking you to areas larger boats can’t reach. Led by a specially trained marine biologist, you’ll explore the waters around Reykjavik during peak puffin season (20 April–15 August) and have the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
About RIB Boats
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are custom-built for speed, stability, and close-up wildlife encounters. Lightweight yet sturdy, these boats slice through Iceland’s choppy coastal waters, letting small groups approach whales and puffins safely without disturbing them.
Whale breaching near Reykjavik during RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale breach near Reykjavik.
Whale fin near RIB speedboat with guests on whale watching tour from Reykjavik.
Whale breaching near Reykjavik during RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale breach near Reykjavik.
Puffins on rocky shore during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
What to bring
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Dress appropriately for Iceland’s changing weather and wear layers.
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Bring a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear suitable for the boat deck.
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Thermal overalls, life jackets, gloves, and goggles provided onboard to keep you safe and comfortable.
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Sunglasses, cameras, and phones are welcome, but use them at your own risk. Large bags aren’t permitted onboard but can be left safely at the office.
Who can join
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Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant participants, or anyone with back, knee, or mobility concerns.
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Guests must be at least 145 cm (4 ft 8 in) tall, weigh no more than 140 kg (309 lbs), and be able to sit in the RIB’s saddle-style seating comfortably.
Accessibility
- The RIB tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
Additional information
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Please arrive at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
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Tours operate from April to October, with puffin season running April to August.
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The tour lasts around 2 hours and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to go ahead. If the minimum isn’t met, you can either reschedule or get a full refund.
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Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If no whales or dolphins are seen, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket for the Classic Whale Watching tour.
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All wildlife encounters follow a responsible whale-watching code, keeping a safe distance to protect the animals.
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You will be asked to sign a safety waiver confirming you are physically fit for the experience.
Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.
Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Puffins on rocky shore during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.
Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
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Operating hours
Whale Watching Iceland
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