2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavik

The 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavík provides an exhilarating opportunity to get up close and personal with Iceland’s magnificent marine life. With a small group setting and high-speed maneuvering, the tour maximizes the chances of spotting humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins during the summer months. Equipped with waterproof gear and suspension seats, the RIB boat allows for an intimate and thrilling encounter with these majestic creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-time explorer, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that may just leave you wanting more.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best 2 Hour Tours and Experiences in Reykjavik.

Key Points

• A 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor with increased chances of seeing whales and puffins in the summer months.
• Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 travelers, providing a more personal experience and comfortable suspension seats throughout the exhilarating ride.
• Expert guides and high-quality waterproof gear provided, with a detailed pre-departure briefing for safety and logistics.
• Opportunity to observe the graceful movements and behaviors of humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins up close.
• Fast-paced RIB boat allows for quick travel between the best whale-spotting sites, increasing the chances of memorable wildlife sightings.

Tour Overview

The 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik greatly increases the chances of seeing whales and puffins in the summer, offering a small-group experience (maximum 12 travelers) for a more personal adventure.

Participants will receive waterproof gear, an expert guide, and enjoy comfortable suspension seats throughout the exhilarating ride.

The fast-paced RIB boat allows for quick travel between the best whale-spotting sites, maximizing the opportunity to see humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins.

The tour also includes a visit to Akurey Island, a popular puffin breeding ground during the summer months, providing an additional highlight to the whale watching experience.

Highlights

Visitors can expect to visit Akurey Island, a popular puffin breeding ground, during the summer months as part of the tour.

The fast-paced RIB boat allows for quick travel between the best whale-spotting sites, increasing the chances of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins.

The tour highlights include:

1. Opportunity to get close to whales and observe their behavior.
2. Chance to see puffins on Akurey Island (summer months).
3. Exhilarating boat ride with suspension seats for comfort.
4. Small-group tour (max 12 travelers) for a more personal experience.

The tour’s unique features and the likelihood of seeing a variety of marine life make this a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Reykjavik.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Travelers meet at the Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, and they’re advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure for a safety briefing and to get dressed in provided waterproof gear. This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or children under 10/145 cm. To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, the tour operators provide a detailed pre-departure briefing and high-quality gear.

Requirement	Details
Arrival Time	At least 30 minutes prior to departure
Safety Briefing	Mandatory for all participants
Gear Provided	Waterproof clothing and equipment
Not Recommended For	Pregnant travelers, those with back problems, children under 10/145 cm

Tour Experience

With the safety briefing and gear distribution complete, the exhilarating boat ride begins. Suspension seats ensure a comfortable journey as the RIB boat speeds across the water, offering passengers an up-close opportunity to observe the whales and, during summer months, the puffins of Akurey Island.

The tour experience includes:

1. Thrilling yet smooth navigation through the choppy waters of Faxaflói Bay.
2. Close encounters with humpback whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins.
3. The chance to watch the graceful movements and behaviors of these majestic creatures.
4. For summer visitors, the colorful sight of puffins nesting on the rocky cliffs of Akurey Island.

The fast-paced RIB boat allows for quick travel between the best whale-spotting sites, maximizing the chances of memorable wildlife sightings.

Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelmingly, the RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik receives excellent reviews, earning a Badge of Excellence with 58 reviews.

Customers rave about the exhilarating experience, praising the expert guides and the small-group setting for a more personal adventure.

Many highlight the thrill of getting close to the whales and the opportunity to see puffins during the summer months.

Reviewers also note the comfort of the suspension seats and the high-quality waterproof gear provided.

The fast-paced RIB boat allows for quick travel between the best whale-spotting sites, increasing the chances of sightings.

Whale Watching Locations

During the 2-hour RIB boat tour, travelers have the chance to visit Akurey Island, a popular puffin breeding ground particularly during the summer months.

The fast-paced RIB boat allows the tour to quickly travel between the best whale-spotting sites, greatly increasing the chances of seeing a variety of marine life:

• Humpback whales, known for their acrobatic breaching and tail slapping displays.
• Minke whales, the smallest of the great whales, often spotted close to the shoreline.
• White-beaked dolphins, playful cetaceans that may ride the boat’s bow wave.
• Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and comical waddling, nesting on the cliffs of Akurey Island.

Puffin Sightings

One of the highlights of the RIB boat tour is the chance to see puffins nesting on the cliffs of Akurey Island during the summer months. Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and comical waddling, are a beloved sight for many visitors to Iceland.

The small-group tour allows for a more intimate experience as you observe the puffins up close. You’ll likely spot them perched on the rocky outcrops, diving into the water, and tending to their nesting burrows.

This is a unique opportunity to witness these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or simply appreciative of nature’s wonders, the puffin sightings are sure to delight.

Boat Features and Comfort

The RIB boat used for the whale watching tour features suspension seats that provide a comfortable ride, even during the fast-paced journey between the best whale-spotting sites.

The boat is designed with the following features:

1. Waterproof gear is provided to ensure passengers stay dry and comfortable throughout the tour.
2. The small-group size (maximum 12 travelers) creates a more personal experience.

Expert guides provide insightful commentary and help maximize the chances of seeing whales and other marine life.

The boat’s maneuverability allows it to quickly navigate between the best whale-watching locations, maximizing the opportunities for sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Whales Can We Expect to See?

Visitors can expect to see humpback whales and minke whales during the tour. The fast-paced RIB boat also provides good opportunities to spot white-beaked dolphins in the area.

How Close Can the Boat Get to the Whales?

The RIB boat can get quite close to the whales, allowing for excellent observation of their behavior. However, the tour operator maintains a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals and ensure a responsible wildlife-viewing experience.

Is There a Guarantee of Seeing Whales and Puffins?

There’s no guarantee of seeing whales or puffins, as wildlife sightings can’t be promised. However, the tour greatly increases the chances of seeing these animals in their natural habitat compared to land-based options.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Passengers can take photos during the tour. The fast-paced RIB boat allows for ample opportunities to capture photos of whales, puffins, and the dramatic Icelandic scenery. It’s recommended to bring a waterproof camera or phone for the best results.

What Should We Bring on the Tour?

Travelers should bring a camera to capture the wildlife, dress warmly in layers, and wear comfortable shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and water for the 2-hour tour.

Recap

The 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik provides an exhilarating and intimate experience to observe Iceland’s majestic marine life.

With small group sizes, waterproof gear, and fast-paced maneuvering, the tour offers increased chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and puffins during the summer months, allowing for close encounters with these magnificent creatures.