Reykjavik’s premium whale and puffin watching tour promises an unforgettable evening on the water. Zooming across the Icelandic seas aboard a thrilling RIB speedboat, adventurers can expect close-up encounters with the region’s majestic marine life. With a success rate of over 95% during summer months, the chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and the iconic puffins are exceptionally high. This small group experience offers a taste of the country’s natural wonders, all while ensuring a safe and informative journey led by expert captains and wildlife guides. But what awaits those bold enough to embark on this exciting expedition?
Key Points
- A 2-hour premium whale and puffin watching tour in Reykjavik, Iceland, aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB Speedboat) with a maximum of 12 persons per group.
- The tour has a success rate of over 95% in spotting whales, dolphins, and puffins during the summer months.
- Warm overalls, safety equipment, and a professional captain and wildlife guide are provided to ensure a safe and informative experience.
- The tour includes close-up views of the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall, along with a complimentary ticket for another ride if no whales are spotted.
- The tour is suitable for children over 10 and at least 145 cm tall, and a minimum of 2 passengers is required for the tour to operate.
Activity Details
This premium whale and puffin watching evening tour runs for 2 hours and offers a small group experience with no more than 12 persons per boat, making it an ideal excursion for summer evenings with the midnight sun.
Participants will zoom around Icelandic waters aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB Speedboat), enjoying close-up views of whales, dolphins, and puffins. The tour has a success rate of over 95% in spotting wildlife during the summer months.
Other highlights include riding along Reykjavik’s shoreline to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall. The tour includes the use of warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment, as well as a professional captain and wildlife guide.
What’s Included
The whale and puffin watching tour includes the use of warm overalls and all necessary safety equipment to keep participants comfortable and protected during the excursion. The tour also features a professional captain and wildlife guide to ensure a safe and informative experience. Guests can expect to enjoy close-up views of whales, dolphins, and puffins, with a high likelihood of encountering wildlife on over 95% of tours during the summer season.
| What’s Included | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm Overalls | Provided to keep participants comfortable |
| Safety Equipment | All necessary gear for a safe excursion |
| Professional Captain | Ensures a safe and enjoyable ride |
| Wildlife Guide | Provides expert knowledge and insights |
What’s Excluded
While the whale and puffin watching tour includes several amenities, there are a few things you will need to cover themselves. Specifically, the tour doesn’t provide food and drinks, nor does it offer hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
Bringing your own snacks and beverages is recommended, as the two-hour tour may leave you feeling peckish. Plus, if you need transportation to and from the departure point, you’ll have to arrange that on your own.
Tips for the crew are also optional. Though not required, tipping the captain and wildlife guide is a gesture of appreciation for their expertise and effort in providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Activity Highlights
Zooming around Icelandic waters aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB Speedboat), participants can expect close-up views of whales, dolphins, and puffins during this premium whale and puffin watching tour.
The thrilling ride allows for an intimate encounter with the region’s incredible wildlife, with a likelihood of spotting these magnificent creatures in over 95% of tours during the summer months.
As the boat glides along Reykjavik’s picturesque shoreline, guests will also catch sight of the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.
This small group experience guarantees an unforgettable adventure, with the added bonus of a complimentary ticket for another ride if no whales are spotted.
Important Information
This whale and puffin watching tour is suitable for children over 10 and at least 145 cm tall, though not recommended for those with a history of back or knee problems.
Puffin season runs from May 15th to August 20th, and a minimum of 2 passengers is required for the tour to operate.
The tour ensures a small group experience with no more than 12 persons per boat, allowing for close-up views of whales, dolphins, and puffins.
Riders will zoom around Icelandic waters aboard a rigid inflatable boat, getting a chance to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall along the Reykjavik shoreline.
And if no whales are spotted, guests receive a complimentary ticket for another ride.
Tour Duration
The tour lasts 2 hours, providing ample time to zoom around Icelandic waters aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB Speedboat).
This small group experience, limited to 12 persons per boat, allows for an intimate and immersive encounter with the wildlife.
Some key highlights of the 2-hour duration include:
- Close-up views of whales, dolphins, and puffins during the peak summer season
- Riding along Reykjavik’s shoreline to see the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall
- Enjoying the magical midnight sun during the summer evenings
Receiving a complimentary ticket for another ride if no whales are spotted during the tour.
Group Size
The small group size of this tour, limited to just 12 passengers per boat, allows for an intimate and personalized whale and puffin watching experience. With a maximum of only a dozen guests, you’ll enjoy close-up encounters with the majestic marine life without feeling crowded. This size ensures your guide can provide individual attention and tailor the experience to your interests. It also allows the boat to navigate more easily and access prime wildlife viewing spots. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, you’ll appreciate the exclusive atmosphere and ample opportunities for photos and videos amid the stunning Icelandic scenery.
| Benefits of Small Group Size | Disadvantages of Large Group Size |
|---|---|
| Personalized attention from guide | Difficulty accessing prime wildlife spots |
| Easier boat navigation | Crowded and impersonal atmosphere |
| Intimate wildlife encounters | Fewer individual photo opportunities |
| Flexibility to adapt to group’s interests | Limited guide interaction per person |
Wildlife and Sightings
Abundant marine life, including whales, dolphins, and puffins, creates a mesmerizing display for participants on this Reykjavik tour. Sightings of these magnificent creatures are virtually guaranteed, with over 95% of tours spotting wildlife during the summer season.
Aboard the nimble RIB speedboat, guests can expect close-up encounters that allow for exceptional photo opportunities and a deeper appreciation of Iceland’s vibrant aquatic ecosystems.
The evening tour offers the chance to:
- Witness the graceful movements of humpback whales and orcas as they breach the surface.
- Spot playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
- Observe the charming antics of puffins as they dart in and out of their burrows.
Admire the stunning landscapes of Reykjavik’s coastline, including the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour description states that food and drinks are excluded from what’s included. Participants should plan to purchase any desired refreshments separately.
What Should I Wear for the Tour?
Participants should wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes. The tour provides warm overalls to wear over your outfit, ensuring you stay comfortable during the 2-hour excursion on the Icelandic waters.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 10 years old and a minimum height requirement of 145 cm. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the activity is not recommended for those with a history of back or knee problems.
Can I Request a Specific Departure Time?
Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. The operator aims to accommodate guests’ preferences when possible, subject to availability and optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance due to its popularity and likelihood to sell out, especially during peak summer season. Advance booking ensures availability and secures your spot on the small group experience.
Recap
This premium whale and puffin watching tour in Reykjavik provides an unforgettable experience.
Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life, including whales and puffins, with a high success rate.
The small group size, professional guides, and safety equipment ensure a safe and informative journey.
Even if no whales are spotted, a complimentary ticket for another ride is offered, making this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Iceland.
