2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik , Iceland

2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

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(94 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy an exclusive 2-hour tour on our custom-built RIB express boat – perfect for whale watching with a maximum of 12 spaces! Before departing from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, you will meet your guide and be provided with warm overalls, life jackets, goggles and gloves before boarding. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and landscape on the way out to the feeding grounds. During the summer months your boat will also make a stop at the puffin island, Akurey. On the way back from your tour you will see the scenic coastline of Reykjavík before returning to shore. Choose from up to four departure times when you book.

Available options

Sumar 2023

What's included

Warm overalls, lifevests, gloves and goggles

Expert guide - guidance in English

A visit to Akurey, the puffin island, during the summer months

Suspension seats for extra comfort!

What you'll see

Begin your tour with hotel pickup (if option selected) that will take you to the Special Tours ticket office in the Old Harbour. If pickup is not selected, the meeting point is the ticket office in the Old Harbour. After checking in, put on your warm overalls and safety gear and listen to your guide's safety speech before boarding a brand-new 12m custom-built RIB express boat. The new RIB boat features special shock-absorbing seats that make your tour more comfortable and stable. This 2 hour tour will take you out to the whale's feeding grounds in search of humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Take in the beautiful scenery around you in Faxaflói Bay on the way out, including the famous Esja mountain. During the summer months when the puffins are in Iceland for their nesting season you will stop by Akurey, one of the most popular nesting islands. Before returning to shore you will also get to see the beautiful Reykjavík coastline, so don't forget to bring your camera! After returning to the Old Harbour your drop-off bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel (if option selected).

What's not included

Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional fee)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

62 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed - if there are no sightings on your tour you will get a complimentary ticket to try again on our Whale Watching Classic or Whale Watching Express tours!

We recommend dressing warmly and wearing good shoes

Not recommended for children under the age of 10, or under 145 cm

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in to go over safety information with your guide.

Meeting point

Please make your way to the Special Tours ticket office (Aegisgardur 5E). We kindly ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure, as you will need time to go over the safety waiver, get dressed in the overalls and go over instructions with your guide before boarding.

Important notes

Please check in at the Special Tours ticket office (Aegisgardur 5E) to exchange your voucher for the boarding pass.

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits