Encounter Iceland's whales and puffins on this personal, small group tour with a specially trained wildlife naturalist and a certified RIB boat captain!
Tour Operator: Elding Adventure at Sea
Experience the thrill of our original RIB boat whale watching tour, designed for small groups with a maximum of 12 passengers per boat. Departing daily from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this premium adventure runs from April through October. With a specially trained crew and a certified RIB captain, you’ll be in expert hands as you explore the seas and search for wildlife.
Our custom-engineered RIB boats allow you to get closer and faster to the whales and puffins than larger vessels, enhancing your chances of witnessing these incredible animals up close. The stability and safety of these boats also allow us to cover a larger area, further increasing the likelihood of sightings. As you journey back to Reykjavík, enjoy a unique view of the city’s coastline, including landmarks such as the Sun Voyager sculpture and the stunning Harpa Concert Hall.
Please dress according to weather and remember to bring a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. You will be required to wear our thermal overalls (available up to size 3XL), as well as a life vest for the duration of the tour.
You are welcome to bring your sunglasses, phone or camera on board, but do so at your own risk. Bags are not permitted on the RIB boat, so ensure that whatever you bring with you fits around your neck or in your pocket! You can store your belongings in our office while you are on the tour.
Make your own way to the Old Harbour for check-in at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish and requires a minimum of 2 passengers for the tour to proceed. If the minimum is not met, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
For safety reasons, participants must be at least 145 cm tall, weigh less than 140 kg and able to stand comfortably in our saddle-like seats. The tour may not be suitable during pregnancy and is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee injuries. Please consult with your doctor prior to booking this tour. Keep in mind that you are required to sign a safety waiver prior to departure, confirming that you are physically fit.
We abide by a Code of Conduct for responsible whale watching, thus each encounter is on the animals' terms and distance may be kept to minimise disturbance. In the event that no whales or dolphins are seen, we do not issue refunds, but you will be offered a complimentary ticket valid on our Classic Whale Watching tour, for 2 years.
Please make your own way to our ticket office at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík at least 30 minutes prior to departure to check in and sign the required safety waiver. You will be provided with warm overalls, goggles and necessary safety equipment before we board our custom made 12 seater RIB boat, in front of our office. Our expert guide and captain will give a safety briefing and ensure you’re comfortably seated in our high-quality suspension seats before we head out into the bay.
On this small group tour, with no more than 12 passengers, the potential sightings include various species of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Our specially designed RIB boats are engineered to get you closer and faster to the wildlife and allow us to cover a wider area, significantly increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and diverse birdlife.
*Your journey begins with a ride to one of three islands near the harbour, where you will get a chance to observe breeding puffins (*from late April until mid-August). Afterward, we venture further out into the open sea in search of whales and dolphins. The most common species seen on our tours are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close from our RIB boats is truly a unique experience!
After exploring the sea and its wonderful inhabitants, we start sailing back towards Reykjavík. The return journey includes a ride along the city shoreline, offering unique views of Reykjavík's iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, Sun Voyager sculpture and the incredible Harpa Concert Hall. Arrive back at the Old Harbour approximately 2 hours after departure.