Discover the wonders of Iceland’s marine life with an exhilarating whale and puffin watching tour departing from Reykjavik’s old harbor. Glide across the waters on a robust RIB boat, catching glimpses of majestic whales as they breach the surface and adorable puffins soaring against the stunning Icelandic scenery. With a knowledgeable guide on board, you’ll explore the coastline, including the iconic Harpa Concert Hall, while learning about the region’s indigenous wildlife. This small-group adventure offers an exclusive and tailored experience, ensuring a comfortable journey with the necessary safety equipment and onboard facilities. Prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and creatures that call these waters home.
Key Points
- A 2-hour RIB boat tour from Reykjavik’s old harbor to spot whales and puffins, with a minimum of 2 participants required for the 12:00 and 16:00 tours.
- Puffin season runs from May 1st to August 20th, offering the chance to see puffins with their distinctive large, colorful beaks.
- Guests will sail on a sturdy RIB boat, guided by a specially trained whale-watching expert, with warm overalls, gloves, and goggles provided.
- The tour operates from April 1st to October 31st, during the peak seasons for whales and puffins, allowing exploration of Reykjavik’s coastline.
- Restrictions include children under 10, pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, and guests over 75 years old not being permitted on the tour.
Tour Overview
The 2-hour whale and puffin watching tour takes adventurers on a thrilling RIB boat excursion to spot Iceland’s iconic marine life against the stunning natural backdrop of the Reykjavik coastline.
With a minimum of 2 participants required for the 12:00 and 16:00 tours, this tour operates from April 1st to October 31st, coinciding with puffin season from May 1st to August 20th.
Guests will be outfitted in warm overalls, gloves, and goggles, and the fully certified RIB boat captain and specially trained whale-watching guide will ensure a safe and informative journey.
Highlights include sailing past the Harpa Concert Hall, spotting whales and puffins, and learning about the indigenous wildlife from the knowledgeable guides.
Puffin Watching Season
When can visitors expect to see the iconic puffins during the tour? The puffin watching season runs from May 1st to August 20th, coinciding perfectly with the April 1st to October 31st tour period.
During this time, guests will have the chance to spot these charming seabirds with their distinctive large, colorful beaks. The tour promises an up-close encounter as the RIB boat sails past their nesting cliffs.
Imagine seeing:
- Puffins soaring through the air, their black and white bodies in graceful motion
- Puffins standing guard at the entrance to their burrows, guarding their eggs or chicks
- Puffins landing on the water, diving for fish to feed their young
- Puffins returning to shore with beaks full of small fish
- Puffins perched on rocky outcrops, taking in the stunning Icelandic scenery
Minimum Participants Requirement
For the 12:00 and 16:00 tours, a minimum of 2 participants is required to run the whale and puffin watching RIB boat excursion. This ensures there are enough guests to make the tour viable and provide an intimate, personalized experience.
Guests can look forward to setting sail on a sturdy RIB boat, gliding across the harbor waters in search of majestic whales and colorful puffins under the guidance of a specially trained whale-watching expert.
With a small group size, you’ll enjoy a more exclusive and tailored tour, allowing the guide to share their vast knowledge and ensure you make the most of your time on the water.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Iceland’s incredible marine life up close!
Tour Period
Offering a prime opportunity to witness Iceland’s incredible marine life, the whale and puffin watching RIB boat tour runs from April 1st through October 31st, capturing the peak seasons for both these remarkable creatures.
Adventurous travelers can:
- Spot whales breaching the surface and puffins soaring above the waves at the height of their respective seasons.
- Explore the stunning landscapes and landmarks of Reykjavik’s coastline, including the iconic Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager sculpture.
- Gain deep insight into the indigenous wildlife from the tour’s specially trained guides.
- Thrill in the exhilaration of zipping across the water aboard a nimble, yet fully-equipped RIB boat.
With over seven months of operation, travelers can enjoy Iceland’s captivating natural wonder, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
The tour package comes equipped with a range of thoughtful inclusions to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for adventurous guests.
A specially trained whale-watching guide will be on hand to provide fascinating insights into the indigenous wildlife, while a fully certified RIB boat captain navigates the vessel with utmost skill and safety.
Warm overalls, gloves, and goggles are provided to shield visitors from the elements, and all necessary safety equipment is included for peace of mind.
Guests can also make use of the onboard toilets during the 2-hour tour.
With these well-considered amenities, guests can focus on spotting whales and puffins in the stunning natural landscape surrounding Reykjavik.
Highlights
Adventurous guests can look forward to spotting majestic whales and charming puffins on this thrilling RIB boat tour, as they sail past iconic Reykjavik landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the indigenous wildlife, and visitors will be captivated by the stunning natural landscapes.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to:
- Glimpse the powerful movements of whales breaching the surface
- Observe puffins in their natural habitat during the peak season
- Soak in the breathtaking views of Reykjavik’s coastal treasures
- Learn about the diverse marine ecosystem from expert naturalists
- Experience the exhilaration of zooming across the waves on a RIB boat.
Restrictions
While the Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour offers an exhilarating adventure, there are certain restrictions in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
Children under the age of 10, as well as pregnant women and those with mobility impairments, aren’t permitted on the tour.
Plus, the boat isn’t suitable for individuals under 4 feet 8 inches (145 cm) or over 331 pounds (150 kg).
Tour organizers also ask that guests over the age of 75 refrain from participating.
These restrictions are in place to provide the best possible experience for everyone on board and to prioritize their well-being throughout the thrilling journey.
Meeting Point and Directions
To begin your whale and puffin watching adventure, you’ll want to meet at the ticket office located in the old harbor.
From there, the friendly staff will provide you with all the necessary details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour.
Once you’ve checked in, you’ll be directed to the nearby RIB boat launch area.
There, you’ll:
- Take in the scenic views of the harbor and iconic landmarks like the Harpa Concert Hall
- Board the comfortable, fully-equipped RIB boat with your knowledgeable guide
- Get outfitted in warm overalls, gloves, and goggles to keep you cozy on the water
- Receive a safety briefing to learn about the proper procedures during the tour
- Set off on an exhilarating journey to spot whales, puffins, and other marine life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The boat has onboard toilets, so you can enjoy a snack or beverage while taking in the stunning Icelandic landscape and watching for whales and puffins.
Is the Tour Available in Different Languages?
The whale and puffin watching tour offers tours in multiple languages, so guests can learn about Iceland’s incredible wildlife in the language they’re most comfortable with, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for all.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Seasickness?
The RIB boat tour may not be ideal for those prone to seasickness. The small, open-air boat can experience choppy waters, potentially causing discomfort. However, the tour provides warm overalls and seasickness medication to help mitigate this issue for guests.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy – bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the tour start time for a full refund. They also provide a 100% refund if the tour is cancelled due to weather conditions.
How Much Space Is Available for Storage on the Boat?
The RIB boat has limited storage space, but there’s room to safely stow personal items like cameras and small bags. The crew advises passengers to pack light and avoid bringing large or bulky items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience.
Recap
This thrilling 2-hour RIB boat tour from Reykjavik’s old harbor offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s coastal wildlife.
Glide across the waters, spotting majestic whales and charming puffins against the stunning Icelandic scenery, while a knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s indigenous wildlife.
With the necessary safety equipment and onboard facilities, this small-group tour provides an exclusive and tailored experience you won’t soon forget.
