Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Come aboard an exciting RIB speedboat and see the incredible wealth of marine wildlife that lives in the waters just off the shores of Reykjavík City. Nature lovers looking to see some of Iceland’s majestic whales, dolphins, and porpoises, but who wish to do so in a small group, should grab this chance now.
The tour starts from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and during your journey, you will travel among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík, providing you with a fantastic view of the city as you search for wildlife in the water.
Please note
The tour has an age limit of 10 years & a height limit of 145 CM.
Since this is a wildlife tour we can never predict or guarantee sightings of any kind. In the event that we don't encounter any whales or dolphins, we do not offer refunds, but instead, give our passengers a complimentary ticket to use another day. We may cancel a tour due to bad weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Experience the joy of close encounters with mighty whales, graceful dolphins or playful porpoises on our easy-to-join whale watching tours from downtown Reykjavík. We’ll make this a “once-in-a-lifetime experience for you to remember! All year round, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of ocean-going mammals just a few minutes off the coast, including minke, humpback and killer whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The summer is the peak period, but there is always something amazing to be found in Faxafloi Bay – as well as enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds the capital city.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa is a concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík, Iceland. The opening concert was held on May 4, 2011. The building features a distinctive colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.
Options
Whale Watching - RIB Speedboat
What‘s Included
Warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment.
Up to 2-hour exciting tour in a small group 12-seater RIB boat.
Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views of the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager.
Hotel transfer
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best Whale tour ever!!!
Sascha O,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I think that it’s the best experience ever. And thanks to Oscar and the captain who did an amazing job and I will definitely book this again!! I did this in June and it’s the best, weather is literally perfect! :) I’m so glad I did this with you guys!
This trip was fun ! Some...
Lesley K,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was fun ! Some patience needed for up close and personal viewing. But once it happens, it is wonderful. For both whales and puffins!
Should do
Neda K,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good organization, an amazing experiance
Just do it! We did...
Ann D,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Just do it! We first did a whale tour with a big boat but could not match this. Seen 4 different species, a total of 10 whales and 2 species of dolphins. There is quickly found, and at the end the climax came with 2 humpback whales 2 meters away swimming alongside our boat. Thank you to Julien and the top captain. (We also stayed bone dry and had nice and warm)
Great whale watching experience in Reykjavik
mwoods0,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a highlight from our time in Reykjavik. The speed boat tours created a smaller group experience compared to the larger boats that looked very crowded. Our guide was a marine biologist who answered all of our questions throughout the tour. I had read some reviews about the speed boats being rough, but we didn’t have any problems (it was a pretty calm day, though) and actually enjoyed hitting a few of the waves! We spotted several whales and dolphins during our tour - would definitely recommend this for anyone looking at whale watching tours in Reykjavik!
Great whale watching experience in Reykjavik!
Mitch W,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a highlight from our time in Reykjavik! The speed boat was fun and created a smaller group experience compared to the larger boats. I had read some reviews about how rough the speed boats were but we didn’t have any issues (it was a pretty calm day, though). Our guide was a marine biologist and was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions during the tour. We saw several whales and a school of dolphins during our tour.
Great trip!
Cheryl S,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very friendly crew and they tried hard for us to see all 4 varieties of whales. We did and got super close!
It was like being waterboarded ...
Heather P,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Honestly, this is nothing to do with the company, but I wanted to warn others about this activity in general in case it isn't their thing. I went with my husband and 11 year old son. We were given equipment to keep us warm and dry (pro tip, use ALL the equipment and bring a hat -- even in the summer). The first ten minutes were lovely. Then we got into open water and the real spray began. It was like sitting on a bicycle and having buckets of cold saltwater thrown on you repeatedly. Shoes: soaked to the point of being squishy. Jeans: dripping wet. Jacket: damp and cold. And this was WITH the one piece snowsuit they give you. I could hardly look around because there was seawater being blown at me on every down slope of every wave. It wouldn't matter anyway because we saw no whales, which I understand as the company has no control over that. I couldn't have taken pictures even if we'd seen something as my hands were soaked despite wearing gloves and it was far too wet to use my phone anyway. The guide and captain were very nice but I will NEVER do that again, despite the complementary ticket they offer when you don't see whales.
Wow, wow, wow!
ashleytruong,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best whale-watching tours we've ever been on and we've been on a lot. Saw so many whales up close and personal. I know a lot of this was about luck but we also had a great captain and first mate. They found us the whales and would get us so close and would stay in one place long enough for the whales to resurface a couple of times before moving on. Wish we could do it again!
Exciting Adventure
Cynthia T,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on this excursion. Claudia and our experienced captain took great care of us. This trip is just the right combination of excitement and fun. We saw minke whales, puffins and spent most of our time up close with two humpbacks whales. I highly recommend this adventure! Also kudos to their booking staff who provided excellent communication.
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Operated by Iceland Discover