RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 270 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik worth booking?
RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik is a 2-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $172 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 270 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (270)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $172 per person
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 als
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Professional marine biologist guide
- All necessary safety equipment
- Use of coveralls
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
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.
5 minutes here
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!
10 minutes here
Faxafloi Bay
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.
90 minutes here
Sun Voyager
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.
Pass by without stopping
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
We then go by the harbour side of Iceland's most famous building, the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.
5 minutes here
Finally, after a great adventure at sea, we head back to the harbour! This is approximately two hours after the tour start time.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Our ticket office is located at Ægisgarður 5d in 101 Reykjavík at the corner of the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our ticket office is located at Ægisgarður 5d in 101 Reykjavík at the corner of the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Whale Safari
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 270 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
270 verified traveler reviews for RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
OMG this was fun
This was soooo much fun! We were on a small boat and for me this was a bonus. Not only did we see lots of a of whales, along with some last-departing puffins and a school of dolphins, but the boat ride was like a roller coaster on water (I thought this was FUN). Great guides, stellar operation. Totally worth the cost!
via Viator
Amazing!
Amazing experience. So well organised and professional. Saw a humpback whale and dolphins multiple times. Would highly recommend.
via Viator
Fantastic whale watching trip. Followed a whale for 20 min and a group of dolphins followed us!
The trip and guides were amazing!
via Tripadvisor
Minke and Humpback sightings!
We loved this trip. It was incredibly informative and we felt very well looked after, as well as very lucky to see minke whales. The ride was also quite riveting. Guillermo and Miguel looked after us incredibly well and even sent fantastic photos afterwards. I can thoroughly recommend this trip and recommend as many layers as possible! They were also very polite about discouraging us taking biscuits and drinks with us :) but let our eldest take a bottle of water when they got stressed about this, it was much appreciated, a very caring team.
via Tripadvisor
Best whale watching experience
This is the best way to go whale watching. The boats are small and fast so when a whale is spotted they can catch up to them quickly. They can get very close to the whales.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $172 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 95
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $172 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 270 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik?
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Around 95 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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