Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland

Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik

Outty Ranking 65 4.6 · 40 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $160
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Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 40 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik worth booking?

Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik is a 2-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $160 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 40 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (40)
Duration
2 hours
From
$160 per person

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.

What you get

    About this experience

    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.

    What's included

    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.

    Not included

    • Hotel transfer

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. 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.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Faxafloi bay is situated on its southern shore. From Reykjavik it is possible to see the peninsula of Akranes in the northeast and even the Snæfellsjökull at a distance of about 120 km (75 mi). This bay has few islands and the ones it does have are close to land, in particular contrast to the bay directly north of it, Breiðafjörður, which has the most islands of any bay in Iceland.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Engey is the second largest island of the Kollafjörður (Faxa Bay) fjord in western Iceland.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Lundey, literally "Puffin Island" in Icelandic, is a small, uninhabited island off the western coast of Reykjavík, Iceland.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Videy Island

      Viðey is the largest island of the Kollafjörður Bay in Iceland, near the capital of Reykjavík.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.

    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 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Iceland Discover

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 2Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 3Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 4Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 5Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 6Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    39 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    33
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    Karen_H · October 2026

    Disappointing

    I got a message the day before my excursion that they decided to cancel. It was not due to weather (a nice forecast). They merely said: Unfortunately, we have to cancel the tour tomorrow, 6 October. We hope that you will be able to plan another trip to join our tour in the future. Very disappointing. Would have been less annoying if they gave a reason for the cancellation. No, I won’t plan another trip to Iceland and use their tour service.

    via Viator

    Mary_S · October 2026

    We saw two humpback...

    We saw two humpback whales! It was awesome! Claudia and Sævar were a lot of fun! Claudia was really friendly and answered all my questions. They both made sure we could all see the whales. You will get wet on this tour. Bring your own warm gloves, if you have them.

    via Viator

    Tom_S · September 2026

    Awesome Whale Watch

    This was a great way to explore the waters around Reykjavik. We had a great time on the ride out to see the whales. We were able to see Humpbacks and Dolphins. Can't wait to go back to Iceland. Will definitely be doing this with these guys again.

    via Viator

    Tour68436310989 · September 2026

    IJsland Experience 2026

    I had an unforgettable experience with hikingvakantie.nl, with this amazing RIB trip as the icing on the cake.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dave_K · August 2026

    Best Whale Trip Provider

    Awesome experience. Saw dolphins and followed a humpback whale for about 30 mins—just incredible. The boat and safety equipment was all top notch. The boat actually seemed to be brand new. The captain was excellent and took good care of being sure our trip was comfortable. Claudia, our guide, was excellent and provided tons of information and made the entire trip enjoyable. Highly recommend this trip.

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Iceland Discover, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.6.

    See everything Iceland Discover runs

    Why this scores 65

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)40
    Value for money (12% weight)76
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)36
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik cost?

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    Prices start at $160 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 40 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik?

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    Around 14 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 Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown 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, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. 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.

    What is included in Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik?

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    Included: Warm overalls, gloves, goggles and all necessary safety equipment; Up to 2-hour exciting tour in a small group 12-seater RIB boat; and Reykjavík sightseeing with panoramic views of the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager. Not included: Hotel transfer. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik?

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    We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik?

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    Across 40 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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