Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat

A speedboat ride in Iceland always feels like a little dare. This one is built for wildlife spotting with a rigid inflatable boat that can cover more open water fast, plus it brings you up close to the chance of whales, dolphins, seabirds, and even puffins in peak season. You also get shoreline lookouts from the sea, including the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.

I love the mix of thrill and practicality here: warm overalls help you stay comfortable through the spray and wind, and the small group size (limited to 12) keeps the focus on finding animals. I also like the way the tour balances scouting wide search areas with the payoff of close views when the guide spots life nearby.

One possible drawback: this is a high-speed ride on open water, and it’s not for everyone. It’s not recommended if you have a history of back problems or if you’re pregnant, and kids must be at least 10 years old and 145 cm tall.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Fast RIB action: The boat’s speed helps cover more search area than slower vessels.
• Comfort tech on bumpy water: Suspension shock seats are designed to improve safety and comfort.
• Small-group format: Limited to 12 on this tour, so you’re not lost in a crowd.
• Puffins May–August: You can make a stop at breeding grounds between early May and late August.
• Landmarks from the sea: Quick stops to admire Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water.
• A safety net for sightings: If you don’t spot marine life, you can get a complimentary ticket for another ride.

From Old Harbour to open water: what this tour feels like

The whole experience starts at Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5 (the meeting point for the captain). You’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early so the group can get briefed and kitted out without rushing. Then you’ll meet your guide and captain, get your safety instructions, and pull on the provided warm overalls before boarding.

Once you’re on the water, the vibe changes fast. The ride is intentionally lively—this is not a slow cruise where you just drift past the same view. You move out into the search area quickly, which is a big part of why this tour can feel more “efficient” at spotting wildlife.

Why a RIB works so well for whales and dolphins

The main selling point is the boat itself: a rigid inflatable boat that’s small yet powerful. It can reach higher speeds than a classic tour boat, letting the guide cover more open water and adjust search plans when animals show up.

I also like the idea that the boat can get you closer to wildlife when conditions allow. In reviews, people specifically mentioned that dolphins looked close because the speedboat sat low in the water compared with larger cruisers. If your goal is eyes-on wildlife rather than distant spotting through binoculars, that matters.

There’s another comfort detail that can be overlooked until you’re actually on the water: the shock seats. These suspension seats are designed to reduce the jolts and improve passenger comfort, which is especially important when the boat is moving and the water isn’t glassy.

The 2-hour rhythm: how the ride is structured

This tour runs for about 2 hours total. You’ll spend the bulk of that time cruising and searching on open water, then come back for a shoreline pass and quick landmark stops.

A helpful way to picture the timing is:

• You start with a quick safety briefing and get into gear (overalls, life safety setup).
• Then you head out to scout around the islands near the Old Harbour area.
• Depending on season and sightings, there’s time for short stops—one of the most notable being the puffin breeding area between May and August.
• After the spotting portion, you return along Reykjavik’s shoreline, where you can spot the city from the sea, including colorful fishing huts and nearby restaurant areas.

You shouldn’t expect a long sit-down style tour. It’s a “move, look, adjust, and hope” format—built around covering water and reacting quickly when wildlife appears.

Wildlife spotting near Reykjavik: what you’re actually looking for

This tour is about getting you into the right places at the right times for wildlife near Reykjavik. The highlights call out whales, dolphins, seabirds, and the islands near Reykjavik Old Harbour, and that’s what the guide will be working for during your time on the water.

In practice, what you’ll likely see depends on conditions and animal movement (that’s just how ocean wildlife works). Still, the pattern is consistent: you’ll search a large area, then move closer if you spot activity. Several reviews mention seeing Minke whales, dolphins playing near the boat, and other seabirds during the cruise.

If you’re lucky, the sightings can be the kind of moment you remember for years. One review described a humpback whale breaching and dolphins doing a real performance-style show. Another mentioned people seeing a shark on the trip (so yes, it can get interesting beyond the usual suspects).

Puffins in Reykjavik: when the breeding-ground stop happens

If you travel between May and August (early May through the end of August), there’s a specific chance to see puffins. The tour includes a short stop by the puffins breeding grounds early in the tour during this season.

That timing matters because puffins aren’t just a “maybe.” They are tied to breeding activity, and the idea here is to give you a targeted moment rather than hoping you spot them randomly from far out at sea.

In reviews, puffins show up as a genuine highlight for many people. That said, a couple of notes also show that puffins may not be the top moment if the whales and dolphins are doing their own thing nearby. In other words: puffins are a strong seasonal bonus, but your whale-and-dolphin luck drives the emotional peak.

Shoreline stops: Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water

This tour doesn’t treat the shoreline like background scenery. On the way back, you’ll cruise along Reykjavik’s coast and get quick stops to admire major sights from the sea.

Two stops stand out:

• Sun Voyager sculpture, seen from the water with a clear view of the harbor area.
• Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavik’s glassy landmark, which often looks different and more dramatic from offshore.

I like this part because it gives your eyes a break between wildlife searches. You’re not only scanning the horizon; you’re also getting that “I’m actually in Reykjavik” feeling with iconic architecture and waterfront color.

The guides and captains: where the quality shows

This tour works because of people. You get a professional captain and wildlife guide, and the guide’s job is to interpret the sea—where to look, what to expect, and how to react when animals appear.

Reviewers repeatedly praised the staff for being friendly and professional, and for sharing plenty of information. People also mentioned a strong education and conservation tone from the guide (and that you can ask questions while you’re out there).

Guide names came up in reviews, which is a nice touch because it makes the experience feel more human. One guide called out by name was Elsa, described as kind and able to answer questions. Another was Raoul, mentioned in a positive note about friendliness and information.

The captain’s skill also matters for how the ride feels. Several reviews referenced safe navigation in and out of the harbor and confident handling of the boat, including a cheeky speedboat spin in the harbor area on the way back.

Who should book this speedboat whale watch

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want whale and dolphin time with a high-speed RIB format that can cover more water.
• Prefer close spotting over just staring from a large cruise ship.
• Like guided explanations while you’re out searching.
• Travel in a small group setting (limited to 12).

It’s also a good match for many first-timers to Iceland’s wildlife scene because the structure is simple: gear up, go out, scan for life, return with a shoreline pass.

Who should skip it (or consider alternatives)

This is where you need to be honest with yourself.

The tour is not recommended for pregnant women and people with a history of back problems. It’s also not suitable for children under 10 years old or anyone under 145 cm tall. If you fall into those categories, don’t gamble on comfort—you’ll be happier with a different type of boat tour.

Even if you’re healthy, remember this is open water and fast. If you’re sensitive to speed or rougher seas, bring that into your decision.

Price and value: is $200 worth it?

At $200 per person for a 2-hour tour, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s priced like an experience with two real advantages: a fast RIB format and a guided wildlife search.

Here’s where the value argument holds up:

• You’re not just paying for access to the ocean—you’re paying for a boat designed to cover more area.
• You get professional staff, warm overalls, and all necessary safety equipment.
• The search is actively guided, not random sightseeing.

There’s also a built-in compensation option that can matter a lot emotionally: if you’re unlucky and don’t spot any marine life, the captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride. That doesn’t guarantee wildlife on round two, but it does reduce the sting of a “blank” outing.

And in reviews, people described the boat ride itself as a major part of the fun. Even when sightings weren’t perfect, the speedboat experience and dolphin activity still rated highly for many.

Practical prep: clothes, shoes, and bags

You’ll get provided warm overalls, which helps a lot because Iceland weather can change fast. Still, what you bring matters.

Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (you’ll be on a boat and moving around)

Leave behind:

• Luggage or large bags (not allowed)

Also, plan for the fact that this is open water. Even with overalls, you’ll want to dress for wind and spray. If you’re the type who runs cold easily, your layers will make the difference between “fun adventure” and “why did I come out here.”

Weather and rescheduling: how that affects your plan

The ocean doesn’t always cooperate, and it can lead to changes. One review described a day-before cancellation due to weather, followed by a phone explanation about sea conditions and a reschedule to the next day. The important part: the staff communicated clearly and handled the switch with friendliness and help.

I’d treat this tour like a “flex slot.” If you have tight timing, try to schedule it with at least some wiggle room in your Reykjavik days.

Should you book Whale Watching in Reykjavik by Speedboat?

Book it if you want the best chance of close wildlife viewing from Reykjavik’s harbor area and you’re comfortable with an energetic, open-water RIB ride. The small-group size, guided search, warm overalls, and the high-speed boat format all point toward a tour that tries hard to earn its money.

Skip it if you’re dealing with back issues, are pregnant, or you’re traveling with children who don’t meet the age/height requirements. Also consider skipping if you know you react badly to fast boats or open-water motion.

If you do book, I’d go in with two expectations that make the experience land better: first, you’re searching, not guaranteeing whales; second, even the ride and shoreline sights can be a highlight. When the dolphins show up close or a whale breaks the surface, it can feel like Reykjavik’s ocean life is right there for you.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The duration is about 2 hours.

What’s the price per person?

It’s $200 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Reykjavik Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik.

Do I get warm overalls and safety gear?

Yes. The tour includes use of warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment, along with a professional captain and wildlife guide.

Are snacks or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring closed-toe shoes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so you’ll make your own way to the Old Harbour meeting point.

What are the height and age requirements?

This tour is suitable for children over age 10 and over 145 cm tall.

What if no marine life is seen?

If you don’t spot any whales or marine life, your captain provides a complimentary ticket for another ride before you leave.

Who should avoid this tour?

It’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with a history of back problems.