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.
Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.
Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.
Guests on RIB speedboat for whale watching and puffin tour departing Reykjavik harbor.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on RIB speedboat

Reykjavik
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

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Experience Iceland's marine wonders with Reykjavik's Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on an RIB speedboat, offering you close encounters with whales and puffins in just two hours. Starting at the Old Harbour ticket office in Reykjavik, this guided tour is led by a specially trained marine biologist who will take your group to explore areas unreachable by larger boats. This adventure promises unique insights into Iceland's vibrant marine life as part of an expert-led expedition from Reykjavik.

Led by a certified captain and marine biologist, this small-group RIB adventure ensures an intimate and informative experience with Iceland’s wildlife.

Experience the thrill of getting close to whales and puffin while your expert guide provides fascinating insights into their behavior and ecosystem in Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on RIB speedboat.

As you glide past landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, take in the iconic skyline of Old Harbour from the water during this tour.

Every passenger is provided with thermal overalls, gloves, goggles, and all necessary safety equipment to ensure warmth and protection throughout the adventure.

An exciting aspect: RIB boats travel faster and closer to wildlife than larger vessels, enhancing your chances of witnessing whales and puffins in their natural habitat.

Entry to a small group on Boats Rigid Inflatable Boats

Guidance from a trained marine biologist for the tour

Access to photos taken by the crew during the adventure

Ticket valid for 2-hour whale and puffin watching experience in Iceland, Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on RIB speedboat

Use of services provided by a specially trained guide specializing in whale-watching

Captain who is fully certified to navigate Boats Rigid Inflatable Boats during the tour

Warm overalls, gloves, goggles supplied for participant comfort and protection

All necessary safety equipment included with your participation

Individual Costs

Whale fin near RIB speedboat with guests on whale watching tour from Reykjavik.

Whale fin near RIB speedboat with guests on whale watching tour from Reykjavik.

Your Experience

Spend 2 hours on a thrilling RIB speedboat tour departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. Led by an expert marine biologist, this experience brings you close to whales and puffins in Iceland’s stunning waters.

Getting Started

  • Gather at the ticket office located in Reykjavik's Old Harbour 30 minutes before your tour begins for check-in and a safety briefing. You'll then be equipped with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and other necessary equipment.
  • Board one of our small-group RIB boats designed to offer an intimate wildlife viewing experience without disturbing the natural habitat.

What to Expect

This 2-hour Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Tour on a RIB speedboat takes you out into areas that larger vessels cannot access. During peak puffin season, from 20 April–15 August, enjoy sightings of whales, dolphins, and seabirds under the guidance of a specially trained marine biologist.

About RIB Boats

Our Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are specifically designed for speed, stability, and providing up-close wildlife encounters. These lightweight yet robust boats navigate Iceland’s choppy coastal waters efficiently, allowing small groups to safely approach whales and puffins.

Whale breaching near Reykjavik during RIB speedboat tour.

Whale breaching near Reykjavik during RIB speedboat tour.

Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale breach near Reykjavik.

Guests on RIB speedboat watching a whale breach near Reykjavik.

Puffins on rocky shore during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.

Puffins on rocky shore during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.

What to bring

  • Dress in layers suitable for Iceland’s unpredictable weather, and consider wearing a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear for the boat deck.
  • The tour provides thermal overalls, life jackets, gloves, and goggles onboard to ensure your safety and comfort.

While cameras and phones are allowed on board, they should be used at your own risk. Large bags aren't permitted but can be securely left in the office.

Who can join

  • The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, pregnant individuals, or those with back, knee, or mobility issues.

All participants must stand at least 145 cm (4 ft 8 in) tall and weigh no more than 140 kg (309 lbs), ensuring they can comfortably sit on the RIB’s saddle-style seating.

Accessibility

    The RIB tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

    Additional information

    Please arrive at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour 30 minutes before departure for check-in. Tours are available from April through October, with puffin season occurring between April and August. The tour lasts approximately two hours and requires a minimum of two passengers to proceed; if this number isn’t met, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

    • Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales or dolphins are spotted during the trip, you will receive a complimentary ticket for the Classic Whale Watching tour.
    • All wildlife encounters adhere to a responsible whale-watching code that maintains safe distances from animals.

    A safety waiver must be signed by all participants, confirming they are physically fit for this adventure.

    Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.

    Guests on a boat tour approaching Puffin Island's rocky shoreline.

    Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.

    Puffins on grassy cliff during Reykjavik RIB speedboat tour.

    Arrive at the Old Harbour ticket office in Reykjavik at least 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in and safety briefing before your tour.

    Dress warmly with layers, including a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on a boat deck; thermal overalls will be provided onboard.

    Bring sunglasses or cameras if you wish, but remember that large bags are not permitted on the RIB speedboat tour.

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    Operating hours

    Whale Watching Iceland

    Monday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Tuesday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Wednesday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Thursday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Friday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Saturday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    Sunday
    9:00am - 8:30pm
    • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

    By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

    FAQs

    The RIB tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
    Please arrive at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour 30 minutes before departure for check-in. Tours operate from April to October, with puffin season running April to August. 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. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If no whales or dolphins are seen, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket for the Classic Whale Watching tour. All wildlife encounters follow a responsible whale-watching code, keeping a safe distance to protect the animals. You will be asked to sign a safety waiver confirming you are physically fit for the experience.
    Not suitable for children under 10, pregnant participants, or anyone with back, knee, or mobility concerns. 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.
    Dress appropriately for Iceland’s changing weather and wear layers. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear suitable for the boat deck. Thermal overalls, life jackets, gloves, and goggles provided onboard to keep you safe and comfortable. 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.

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