Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

Exploring Iceland isn’t complete without experiencing its spectacular marine life, and this Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour from Reykjavik offers just that—an exhilarating ride into the wild ocean to encounter whales, puffins, and dolphins up close. Operated by Elding Adventure at Sea, this tour combines adventure, education, and awe-inspiring scenery, making it a real highlight for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the standout features? The ability to get closer to marine creatures than larger boats allow, thanks to the maneuverability of the lightweight RIBs. Plus, guides are marine biologists, so you’ll get insightful commentary along with the thrill of the ride. However, the tour is weather-dependent, and sometimes conditions might mean fewer sightings, so patience and a sense of adventure are essential.

This experience suits those who love authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind a splash of wind and spray—it’s a two-hour ride packed with potential for unforgettable moments. Families over 10 years old, adventure enthusiasts, and nature buffs will find it particularly rewarding. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for an active, sometimes bumpy boat ride.

Key Points

• Close Encounters with Marine Wildlife: The RIB boats allow for much nearer views of whales, dolphins, and puffins than larger vessels.
• Expert Guides: Marine biologists like Kylie and Emily lead the tours, providing detailed insights about the animals you see.
• Stunning Reykjavik Views: The tour offers a unique perspective of Reykjavik’s skyline, Harpa Concert Hall, and Sun Voyager in water.
• Seasonal Wildlife: Puffins are typically seen from mid-April to mid-August, with whales and dolphins seasonal as well.
• Weather Preparedness: Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and weather-appropriate clothing are provided, but dressing in layers is advisable.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 participants, creating an intimate and personalized adventure.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Setting Off

Your journey begins at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, a lively hub buzzing with activity. Arriving early ensures a smooth check-in, where the crew will supply all necessary safety gear—warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and full safety equipment. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd; instead, you gain the advantage of more personalized attention from guides and captain.

The boat itself is a fully certified RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), built for speed and agility, capable of maneuvering closer to wildlife than the larger cruise ships. The seats are equipped with a spring mechanism, smoothing out the bumps, which is especially appreciated given how fast and lively the ride can be.

The Route and Highlights

Once on board, the adventure kicks off with a scenic cruise past Reykjavik’s iconic Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, offering your first scenic photo opportunities from the water. As the boat picks up speed, your guides, often marine biologists like Kylie or Emily, share stories about Iceland’s marine ecosystem and what to look out for.

The main focus is wildlife spotting, and here’s where the fun begins. The boat separates into two zones: one near puffin nesting islands, and another in deeper waters for whales and dolphins. The puffins, nesting from late April to mid-August, are a real treat—bright, comical creatures that seem almost cartoonish when seen in their natural habitat. Reviewers mention seeing hundreds of puffins and their nesting islands, making this a top highlight.

For the whales, humpbacks are often spotted breaching and diving, with some guests fortunate enough to see them close enough to hear their exhales. One reviewer called it a “close encounter with nature,” emphasizing how the maneuverability of the boat and expert guidance increase the chances of sightings.

Wildlife Encounters and What You’ll Experience

A common theme in reviews is how close and personal the wildlife sightings are. Guides like Kylie and Emily have a knack for spotting animals, even in choppy water, and they eagerly share their knowledge. One guest noted, “Our guide, Kylie, was super knowledgeable and took us to good spots,” which truly enhances the experience.

Guests also report seeing dolphins, porpoises, and even Minke whales, with some lucky groups witnessing multiple species in a single trip. The excitement is palpable when a whale surfaces close by or a puffin swoops past.

Comfort and Safety

Despite the adventure, comfort isn’t sacrificed. The crew provides warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, ensuring you stay dry and protected from wind and spray. The boat is designed for stability, and the seats are lined with spring mechanisms to absorb shocks—helpful for those prone to seasickness. Reviewers mention how well-organized and professional the crew is, making safety a priority.

Some travelers note that the ride can be exhilarating, with high speeds and waves, but everyone felt safe thanks to the captain’s experience and the safety gear supplied. The two-hour duration strikes a balance—long enough for a meaningful wildlife experience but short enough to maintain energy and excitement throughout.

Reykjavik from the Water

On the return leg, the boat cruises along Reykjavik’s coast, giving passengers a different perspective of the city. This part of the tour is appreciated for the scenic views and the chance to see the city from the water. The Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture look especially striking against the ocean backdrop, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified here, reviews consistently highlight the excellent value for the experience. For just two hours, guests receive expert guidance, safety gear, and the thrill of close wildlife encounters. Compared to larger, longer cruises, this RIB tour offers a more intimate and dynamic experience, especially suited for those who want to get closer to nature.

The tour’s small group size—limited to 12 participants—means more personal attention, better chances of sightings, and a less crowded, more immersive experience. From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that many guests feel they received value that far exceeded expectations, especially with the chance to see whales breaching and puffins nesting.

Practical Considerations

• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.
• Weather dependence: The experience can be affected by weather; rough seas might limit sightings or cause rescheduling.
• Age and health restrictions: Minimum age is 10 years, and there are weight and height limits, so check these before booking.
• What to bring: Dress warmly, wear waterproof footwear, and prepare for potentially chilly conditions on the open water.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, adventurers, and those eager to experience Iceland’s marine wildlife in an authentic way. Perfect for families over 10, as long as they’re comfortable in a boat and dressed appropriately, it’s also great for solo travelers or couples seeking a unique, active outing. If you’re interested in learning about marine life from knowledgeable guides, this tour delivers both education and excitement.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those over 75, given the physical demands and the nature of the boat ride. Also, those who dislike cold or splashes might want to consider their clothing choices carefully.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Whale and Puffin RIB Boat Tour offers a truly memorable way to explore Iceland’s rich marine environment. It’s a balanced mix of adventure, education, and stunning scenery, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting more than just sightseeing—looking for an up-close, personal encounter with some of Iceland’s most iconic wildlife.

You’ll love the ability to get nearer to whales and puffins than larger boats, combined with the enthusiasm and expertise of guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge. The scenic cruise around Reykjavik’s waterfront adds a beautiful urban contrast to the wild ocean adventure.

For those who want an active, authentic, and wildlife-rich experience, this tour delivers on all fronts, especially if you’re prepared for the weather and ready to embrace a lively ride.

Ultimately, this experience is best suited for curious travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who value personal interaction with nature and are excited by the prospect of seeing whales breach and puffins nesting.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to explore the waters, spot wildlife, and enjoy the scenic cruise back to Reykjavik.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes. It’s advisable to wear weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, waterproof shoes, and perhaps a hat. The tour provides overalls, gloves, and goggles, but packing warm clothing will keep you comfortable.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 10 years old and with a minimum height of 145 cm can participate. It’s a lively ride, so ensure your kids are comfortable with boat excursions and cold weather.

What wildlife will I see?
You can expect to see puffins (seasonal April to August), whales such as humpbacks and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Sightings are not guaranteed, but guides are skilled at locating animals.

How close do we get to the animals?
Thanks to the maneuverability of the RIB boats, you can get much nearer than larger vessels, often within a few meters of whales and puffins.

What if the weather isn’t good?
Weather conditions can influence the tour. The crew will do their best to ensure a safe experience, and you might be rescheduled or offered a full refund if conditions are unsuitable.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure lover, or just keen to see Reykjavik from a different vantage point, this RIB boat tour promises an exciting, educational, and visually stunning experience that’s hard to match.