Reykjavik: RIB Whale Watching Tour & Puffin Island Stop

Summary

Whale watching by RIB boat from Reykjavik with puffins and city views

You’ll board a fast RIB boat from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour with an expert local guide and cruise out across Faxaflói Bay searching for whales and dolphins. In summer, you’ll circle Akurey to spot nesting puffins up close before skimming back along Reykjavik’s colorful coastline. There’s something about that salty air and sudden hush when whales appear — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a tail, make a wish,” our guide Ásta grinned as she zipped up my orange overall. I laughed — but honestly, I was already making wishes. The Old Harbour in Reykjavik was busy that morning, gulls wheeling overhead and the salty air stinging my nose. They handed us gloves and goggles that felt clumsy at first, but after one gust of wind out on Faxaflói Bay, I got why. The RIB boat looked almost like a toy next to the big ships, but once we sat down (those shock-absorbing seats are no joke), it felt like we were in for something different.

The ride itself was wild — not scary, just… alive. The engine’s hum mixed with the slap of waves and Ásta’s voice crackling through the radio. She pointed out Esja mountain rising pale against the sky. At one point, a spray of water hit my cheek and I tasted salt; I remember thinking how raw it all felt compared to any other whale watching tour I’d done before. We slowed near Akurey — apparently, this little island is puffin central in summer. Tiny black-and-white birds bobbed everywhere, and Li (the guy next to me) tried to count them but gave up after twenty-something.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, honestly. We spotted a humpback’s back arching above the water — not close enough for a postcard photo but close enough that everyone went quiet for a second. That silence stuck with me more than any camera shot could’ve. On the way back toward Reykjavik’s coastline, Ásta told us about her first time seeing whales as a kid; she still sounded amazed by it all. My hands were cold even inside the gloves, but I kind of loved it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour from Reykjavik

• Meet guide at Old Harbour ticket office
• Put on warm overalls and safety gear
• Listen to safety briefing
• Board custom-built RIB express boat
• Travel to whale feeding grounds
• Watch for whales and dolphins
• Stop at Akurey puffin island (summer)
• View Reykjavik coastline on return
• Return to Old Harbour

Top questions

How long is the whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

The RIB boat whale watching tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this whale watching tour?

Hotel pickup is available if selected during booking; otherwise meet at the Old Harbour ticket office.

What animals can you see on this Reykjavik whale watching tour?

You may see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and puffins in summer.

Is special clothing provided on the boat?

Yes, warm overalls, life jackets, gloves and goggles are provided before boarding.

Do you visit puffin island on every tour?

The boat stops at Akurey puffin island only during summer months when puffins are nesting.

Is this RIB whale watching tour suitable for children?

This tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old or under 145 cm tall.

What happens if no whales are seen on the tour?

If no wildlife is sighted you receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another whale watching tour.

Where does the tour depart from in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik's Old Harbour downtown area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if selected or easy check-in at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour ticket office; all warm safety gear like overalls and gloves; guidance from an expert English-speaking guide; suspension seats for comfort on the custom-built RIB boat; plus a visit to Akurey puffin island during summer before returning along Reykjavik’s scenic shoreline.