RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

4.7 (274 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

274 reviews

4.7

Sea level views of wildlife encounters — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

We bring nature to you! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Zoom around the Icelandic waters aboard a custom designed RIB speed-boat, and enjoy close-up views of whales, dolphins, puffins and more.

The small yet powerful vessel is not just manoeuvrable out on the waters but also capable of reaching high speeds, allowing you to cover a larger area and get closer to the Reykjavik wildlife than you would in a classic boat.

After seeing the sights on the open water, enjoy panoramic views to admire Jón Gunnar Árnason’s 'Sun Voyager' sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall on the shoreline.

Numbers are limited to 12 per boat on this tour offering an unique small group experience with an expert captain & wildlife guide.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Whale Safari

Ages: Adults (10–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional marine biologist guide
Included: All necessary safety equipment
Included: Use of coveralls

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Stop 1

5 min

This great whale watching tour starts from the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and during the puffin season (early May to the end of August) we also visit the puffins in their natural habitat. Next we head out in search of the whales. There are very few things that will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can at sea level from our RIB boats.

On this fun tour the fast, stable and safe boats also allow us to cover more area as we search for the wild life, thus increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins and bird-life.
Stop 2

10 min

During the puffin season (early May to the end of August) we also visit the puffins in their natural habitat, at the Islands of Akurey, Engey or Lundey just outside of Reykjavík. The journey here is a short one, and we spend around 5-10 minutes with the Puffins. Puffins, auks, gannets and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour. Our RIB's are fast and small so we get you extra close and extra quickly out to the islands!
Faxafloi Bay

1 h 30 min

Next we head out in search of the whales in Faxaflói Bay. There are very few things that will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can at sea level from our RIB boats.

Our whale watching boats are equipped with high performance suspension seats. These shock absorbing seats increase safety and comfort and reduce the risk of injuries. So you can comfortably & securely enjoy your whale watching adventure out on the North Atlantic waters.
Sun Voyager

Passing by

After the whale safari we travel back to Reykjavík, where we will take ride along the city's shore line, experiencing a unique panoramic view of Reykjavík from the sea (perfect for photos). Our boats will take you past the Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

5 min

We then go by the harbour side of Iceland's most famous building, the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.
Stop 6

5 min

Finally, after a great adventure at sea, we head back to the harbour! This is approximately two hours after the tour start time.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our ticket office is located at Ægisgarður 5d in 101 Reykjavík at the corner of the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.

End point

Our ticket office is located at Ægisgarður 5d in 101 Reykjavík at the corner of the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.

Using your ticket

You must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Not advised for participants with back or knee problems

Not advised for participants with heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Not advised for pregnant women

We have a minimum age requirement of 10 years and minimum height requirement of 145cm (4ft 9in). Please note that all passengers must adhere to this requirement, and no refunds are available for those guests who turn up and are not admitted due to failure to meet these requirements.

We have a maximum weight limit of 140 kg (308lb) on our RIBs, due to the design of our seats.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress warmly: Wool or fleece seater, Hat, gloves and sturdy footwear are recommended
In the case of no sightings you will get a ticket for the Classic Whale Watching tour
Minimum Age Requirement of 10 Years
Strict Minimum Height Requirement of 145cm (4ft 9in)
Maximum Weight Limit of 140kg (308lb)
Not recommended for travellers with knee problems
Not recommended for young children