Reykjavik: Premium Whale Watching with Flexible Ticket

Imagine glimpsing majestic humpbacks, minke whales, and playful dolphins just outside the bustling city of Reykjavík. For $192 per person, you can join a 2-hour adventure on a RIB speedboat, designed for small groups and high excitement. The tour departs from the Old Harbour, promising an intimate, up-close encounter with marine life that’s both thrilling and educational.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the small-boat design allows for better maneuverability and more personal views of whales and dolphins, which larger vessels can sometimes miss. Second, the flexible ticket policy offers peace of mind — reschedule your tour if weather or plans change, up to an hour before departure, ensuring you don’t miss out on the wildlife spectacle.

The only potential consideration? The speedboat ride is fast and bouncy—if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a slow cruise, this may not be your best fit. It’s also suitable for those over 10 years old and taller than 145 centimeters, making it a family-friendly choice for adventurous kids. This tour caters especially well to nature lovers who enjoy a lively, quick-paced wildlife safari with an emphasis on personalized views and expert guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Close Encounters: Small-group RIB trips offer more personal viewing chances of whales and dolphins.
Flexible Planning: The ticket allows for rescheduling up to one hour before departure.
Wildlife & Nature: During summer, puffins are visible outside the harbor, adding to the visual feast.
Comfort & Safety: Modern suspension seats and safety gear enhance the experience, even at high speeds.
Weather Dependence: Tours are weather-sensitive and may be canceled if conditions aren’t suitable.
Age & Health Restrictions: Not for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues.

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Exploring the Details: What You Can Expect on This Whale Watching Tour

Starting at the Whale Safari ticket office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, we found the experience well-organized and straightforward. Upon arrival, the crew provided us with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety equipment — all essential since Icelandic waters can be chilly and windy even in summer. The tour officially lasts about two hours, but the actual adventure depends on sea conditions and wildlife sightings.

The RIB speedboats are designed with safety and comfort in mind, equipped with brand new suspension seats that cushion the bumps of high-speed rides. We loved the way the boat cut swiftly through the water, giving us a sense of speed and excitement without sacrificing security. The guides, speaking fluent English, shared detailed insights about the marine life, making the trip educational as well as thrilling. One reviewer praised their “great and friendly” guides who “shared a lot of information” about Iceland’s sea creatures.

The first part of the trip involves a lively cruise across Faxaflói Bay, an area known for frequent whale sightings. Our guides use their knowledge to locate pods of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The opportunity to see humpbacks and minkes in their natural environment is genuinely special, especially for those of us who appreciate wildlife in the wild rather than in a zoo.

In summer months (May through August), the tour includes puffin watching outside the harbor, adding a splash of color and a different dimension to the outing. Watching these charming birds fluttering around their nesting sites is a bonus that many travelers find delightful.

After the wildlife viewing, the boat heads back toward Reykjavík, offering stunning seaside views of the city’s landmarks from the water. It’s a perspective that’s hard to beat — a quick, exhilarating ride with memorable photographic opportunities.

One of the best features? If you don’t see whales or dolphins during your trip, you’re entitled to try again for free on a classic whale watching tour on larger boats either in Reykjavík or Akureyri. This policy reflects the tour’s confidence and commitment to a satisfying wildlife experience.

The Experience From Reviews: Authentic Perspectives

Multiple reviewers highlight the expert guides and stunning wildlife sightings as the main positives. One said, “Excellent, saw 2 humpbacks, 2 minke and a pod of porpoises,” emphasizing how successful and memorable the trip can be. Another mentioned, “Everything was super well organized,” and appreciated how the guides shared abundant marine life information, making the trip both fun and educational.

The speedboat thrill was a hit with many, with Sian describing it as “great fun to hit the water,” although she warned that if you’re not comfortable with high speeds or boat motion, it might not be ideal. Several reviews also praise the gear provided — winter suits, gloves, and goggles — which keep you warm and protected despite the cold wind.

Travelers also appreciated the flexible ticket policy, allowing adjustments if weather or other circumstances interfere. This flexibility is crucial, especially considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather, and offers peace of mind.

Cost and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $192 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest wildlife adventure in Reykjavík, but it’s priced to reflect the small-group exclusivity and personalized experience. The inclusion of safety gear, warm overalls, and knowledgeable guides adds to the value, transforming a simple boat ride into an immersive wildlife encounter. For those eager to combine adventure with a chance of seeing whales and puffins up close, many find this tour a worthwhile investment.

If your goal is a more relaxed, larger-boat experience, you might consider other options, but for a lively, intimate, and more interactive experience, this tour delivers.

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Who’s This Tour Best For?

This adventure suits adventurous families with older children, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a thrilling, personal connection with marine wildlife. If you love high-speed boat rides and are comfortable with the physical nature of a small, fast boat, you’ll find this exciting and rewarding. It’s also ideal if you want the flexibility to reschedule and prefer guided insights from experienced marine guides.

However, it’s not well-suited for those with back problems, mobility issues, or who are pregnant. Also, if you’re sensitive to cold or motion sickness, make sure to prepare accordingly.

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Final Thoughts

This Reykjavík whale watching tour offers an engaging blend of adventure, education, and stunning views. The small RIB boats put you in the perfect position to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, making it a memorable experience for wildlife lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The expert guides and gear provided ensure safety and comfort, while the flexible ticket policy adds peace of mind in unpredictable weather.

If you’re after a personalized, fast-paced marine safari that balances excitement with quality wildlife encounters, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you want a more intimate experience outside the larger, more crowded boat options.

For those willing to embrace the speed and cold, this trip offers a genuine chance to see Iceland’s incredible marine life in a setting that’s both fun and educational. It’s a value-packed adventure for travelers eager to connect with nature in a lively, authentic way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children over 10 years old and taller than 145 centimeters. Younger kids or those with health concerns should consider other options.

What should I bring?
Weather-appropriate clothing, sports shoes, and maybe a hat and gloves. The tour provides warm overalls, but layering is recommended for comfort.

Can I reschedule my tour?
Yes, thanks to the flexible ticket policy, you can change your departure time up to one hour before the scheduled start, subject to availability.

What if I don’t see any whales?
If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you can try the classic whale watching tour on larger boats for free, either in Reykjavík or Akureyri.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour may be canceled if sea or weather conditions are unsafe. It’s wise to check the weather forecast and be flexible with plans.

Are meals included?
No, the ticket price does not include meals or drinks, so plan accordingly.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately two hours, but actual time on the water can vary based on wildlife sightings and weather.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the Whale Safari ticket office located at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavík. Arrive 30 minutes early.

This whale watching tour from Reykjavík offers a lively, authentic adventure for wildlife enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. With expert guides, flexible scheduling, and close-up wildlife encounters, it’s a memorable way to experience Iceland’s marine environment firsthand.