What whales can I expect to see?

Faxaflói Bay is home to multiple species including minke whales, humpbacks, and porpoises. Sightings depend on season and feeding patterns, though the tour is timed for peak activity months.

Is the RIB boat safe in rough seas?

The 12-meter rigid inflatable boat is specifically designed for safe, close-range wildlife viewing. Its shallow draft and manoeuvrability allow proximity while maintaining passenger and animal safety.

When is puffin season?

Puffins nest on Akurey Island primarily from May through early September. Outside these months, puffin sightings are rare or absent.

What's included in the EUR 171 price?

The 2-hour RIB tour, stop at Akurey Island, admission to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition, and access to the multilingual app guide are all included.

How fast does the boat go?

The boat cruises at a comfortable 32 knots, balancing speed for efficient bay coverage with stability for wildlife viewing and passenger comfort.

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RIB Express

Q: Is the app guide useful if I don't speak English?

Yes. The Special Tours Iceland app offers audio and text guides in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese, providing species identification and habitat information in real time.

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Reykjavík, Iceland

Boat ToursAdrenaline & ExtremeAdventure Tours

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About this activity

Experience Iceland's wildlife from a thrilling 12-meter RIB speedboat designed for close encounters with whales in Faxaflói Bay. This 2-hour adrenaline-fueled tour combines high-speed cruising at 32 knots with stops at puffin-nesting Akurey Island and a scenic coastal return, plus included access to the Whales of Iceland exhibition.

Join us on our newest boat for an amazing 2-hour RIB Express tour! During the tour we will take you out to get up close and personal with the magnificent whales of Faxaflói Bay. Our 12-meter-long boat allows us to get very close to the animals in a way that's extra safe for both our passengers and the whales. On the way out to the whale watching area we will stop by the puffin island Akurey to catch a glimpse of these adorable seabirds that live around the coast of Iceland during their nesting season. When we head out into the bay it's a fast, thrilling ride with the wind in your hair - we have a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots so we have plenty of time out in the whales' feeding grounds. On the way back to the harbour we take a scenic route along the coast of Reykjavík, a perfect photo opportunity! Before or after your tour we recommend that you stop by the Whales of Iceland Exhibition in the harbor area as the admission is included with the Rib Express tour.

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

Highlights

✓High-speed RIB boat ride across Faxaflói Bay at 32 knots
✓Close-range whale watching in their natural feeding grounds
✓Puffin spotting at Akurey Island (seasonal nesting season)
✓Scenic return cruise along Reykjavík's coastline
✓Included admission to Whales of Iceland harbour exhibition
✓Multilingual app guide (5 languages) with audio narration

Insider tips

★Download the Special Tours Iceland app before departure for real-time wildlife audio commentary in your preferred language.
★Pair your tour with a visit to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition beforehand to learn species identification—you'll spot details you'd otherwise miss.
★Dress in waterproof layers and secure loose items; the 32-knot speed generates significant spray even on calm days.
★Book for late spring through early autumn for peak whale and puffin sightings; winter tours offer fewer wildlife encounters.

Good to know

•Waterproof outerwear, gloves, and a hat recommended; boat provides some shelter but is open-design for visibility.
•Meeting point is Reykjavík harbour; tour duration is 2 hours total including stops.
•12-meter boat size allows shallow-water access while maintaining passenger safety and whale-protection distance.
•App available in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese for both iOS and Android.
•Whales of Iceland exhibition admission included with tour ticket; combine before or after your sailing.

Who it's for

Adventure seekers and adrenaline enthusiastsWildlife photographers and birdwatchersFamilies with older children (teens+)First-time Iceland visitors wanting compact nature immersion

Best time to visit

Visit May through September for optimal whale and puffin activity. Early morning or late afternoon departures offer the calmest sea conditions and best lighting for wildlife photography.