2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavik

Exploring the rugged coastline of Iceland by RIB boat is an exhilarating way to spot some of the ocean’s most impressive inhabitants. This 2-hour whale watching tour from Reykjavik offers an exciting opportunity to encounter humpback, minke, and even the elusive blue whale, depending on the season. Equipped with warm overalls and comfortable suspension seats, guests embark on a small-group adventure led by expert guides who share their knowledge of the local wildlife. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour maximizes your chances of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. What might you discover on your Icelandic whale watching journey?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Reykjavik.

Key Points

• This 2-hour RIB boat tour from Reykjavik offers increased chances of spotting whales and puffins (during summer) with expert guide commentary in English.
• Guests are provided with warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles, as well as suspension seats for extra comfort on the RIB boat.
• The tour is suitable for guests with moderate physical fitness, but not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or children under 10 or 145 cm.
• The tour departs from a conveniently located meeting point in Reykjavik, with a smooth boarding process and flexible cancellation policy.
• The small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensures a personalized and exclusive whale watching experience.

Overview of the Tour

The 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik greatly increases the chances of spotting whales and puffins (during summer months) by taking small groups of up to 12 people to the best whale-spotting sites in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that can travel quickly between locations.

Passengers are provided with warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles to ensure their comfort and safety. An expert guide offers informative commentary in English throughout the tour.

The tour also includes a visit to Akurey, the puffin island, during the summer season. Suspension seats in the RIB provide extra comfort for the passengers during the adventure.

Inclusions and Equipment

Included in the whale watching tour are warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles to ensure passengers’ comfort and safety during the journey.

An expert guide also provides informative commentary in English throughout the adventure.

The tour includes a visit to Akurey, the puffin island, during the summer months, allowing guests to potentially spot these charming seabirds.

Suspension seats provide extra comfort as the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) travels quickly between the best whale-spotting sites.

This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, offers a unique and intimate whale watching experience with great chances of sighting whales and puffins, weather permitting.

Physical Requirements

This whale watching tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness from participants. While not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, or children under 10 or 145 cm, the tour involves some physical activity that prospective guests should consider before booking.

Physical Requirement	Description
Mobility	Guests should be able to board the RIB boat and navigate the platform with minimal assistance.
Stamina	The 2-hour tour involves periods of standing, scanning, and observing wildlife, which can be tiring for some.
Balance	The RIB boat’s inflatable design requires guests to maintain balance during the journey, especially in choppy waters.

Meeting Point and Arrival

Participants meet at the Special Tours ticket office located at Aegisgardur 5, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Guests are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.

The office is easily accessible and conveniently situated in the heart of Reykjavik.

Upon arrival, guests can check in with the friendly staff and receive any necessary instructions or information about the upcoming tour.

The meeting point is well-marked, making it simple for participants to find.

This advance arrival time allows for a leisurely start to the whale watching adventure and ensures everyone is prepared and ready to embark on the RIB boat when it’s time to depart.

Confirmation and Cancellation

Booking confirmation is provided upon completion of the tour reservation, ensuring guests have all the necessary details for their upcoming whale watching adventure.

Participants enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, offering flexibility should plans change. This policy allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their itinerary if needed.

The confirmation email also includes key information such as the meeting point, tour duration, and what to expect during the excursion. This attention to detail helps create a seamless experience for whale watchers, who can focus on the thrill of spotting these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Sightings and Recommendations

While whale sightings are not guaranteed, the tour’s small group size and expert guides maximize the chances of encountering these majestic creatures during the 2-hour excursion. Guests have the opportunity to spot a variety of whale species, including humpback, minke, and even the elusive blue whale, depending on the season and migratory patterns. Along With whales, the tour may also provide sightings of puffins during the summer months on the island of Akurey. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour company provides warm overalls, life vests, gloves, and goggles, as well as suspension seats for extra comfort.

What to Bring	Recommended	Not Recommended
Warm clothing	✓	✗
Sturdy shoes	✓	✗
Sunscreen	✓	✗
Camera	✓	✗
Children under 10 or 145 cm	✗	✓
Pregnant travelers	✗	✓
Those with back problems	✗	✓

Tour Group Size

The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a small and intimate group experience. This allows for personalized attention from the expert guide and a more immersive encounter with the whales and puffins.

The small group size also means you won’t feel crowded or overwhelmed, giving you the freedom to fully appreciate the natural beauty around you. With just a dozen or fewer fellow adventurers, you’ll have ample space on the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to move around and capture the perfect shots of the wildlife.

This intimate setting heightens the overall thrill and exclusivity of the whale watching tour, creating a truly memorable outing.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is provided upon completing the reservation process.

Sightings of whales and puffins, however, aren’t guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife.

Guests are advised to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for the outdoor adventure.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a small and intimate group experience.

Lastly, travelers have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without incurring any penalties.

This additional information highlights the importance of being prepared for the environmental conditions and the flexible cancellation policy, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable whale watching experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seasickness Medication Provided on the Tour?

The tour does not provide seasickness medication. However, it’s recommended that participants bring their own medication if they’re prone to motion sickness, as the RIB boat ride can be quite bumpy at times.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour company offers discounted rates for children aged 10 to 145 cm and seniors. However, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 or those with physical limitations.

Can the Boat Accommodate Passengers With Mobility Issues?

Unfortunately, the RIB boat tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues. The small, high-speed boat requires moderate physical fitness, and the boat can’t accommodate passengers who need extra assistance boarding or moving around.

Are There Toilets or Refreshments Available During the Tour?

The tour does not have any on-board toilets or refreshments available during the 2-hour excursion. Passengers should plan accordingly before departure. Warm clothing and proper footwear are recommended for the boat ride.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. There is no maximum group size, but the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Recap

The 2-hour RIB boat whale watching tour from Reykjavik offers an exciting opportunity to spot whales and puffins in a small-group setting.

Guests will enjoy personalized attention from the expert guide, who provides informative commentary in English.

While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour maximizes the chances of encounters with various whale species, depending on the season.

With warm overalls, life vests, and comfortable suspension seats, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.