The big whale-watching boats in Reykjavík are fine. This is the other option: a rigid inflatable with twelve suspension seats, a captain, a naturalist and a lot more spray. It is faster, it gets closer, and it is considerably more fun if you like your wildlife with a side of adrenaline.

What you'll do on this Reykjavík whale watching tour

You check in at the Elding ticket office in the Old Harbour, sign a safety waiver, and get zipped into warm overalls and goggles. After a safety briefing the RIB heads out into the bay, with no more than 12 passengers on board.

From late April to mid-August the first stop is one of three islands near the harbour, where puffins breed. Then it's out to open water to look for whales and dolphins. The species seen most often on these trips are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The crew follows a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, so every encounter is on the animals' terms and they may keep their distance.

On the way back you ride along the Reykjavík shoreline with views of Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa. You're back at the Old Harbour about two hours after leaving. The tour runs daily from April through October.

What's included

• 2-hour narrated whale watching tour on a RIB boat
• Small group of up to 12 passengers with a naturalist and a certified captain
• Suspension seats for comfort and safety
• Warm overalls, goggles and all necessary safety equipment
• Puffin viewing from late April to mid-August
• Whale guarantee: if no whales or dolphins are seen, you get a free ticket on Elding's Classic Whale Watching tour, valid for 2 years

There's no hotel pickup or drop-off, and no refreshments on board.

Good to know before you go

Be at the Old Harbour at least 30 minutes before departure. For safety, riders must be at least 145 cm tall, weigh under 140 kg and be able to sit comfortably astride saddle-style seats. The tour may not suit pregnant travellers or anyone with back or knee problems, so check with your doctor if in doubt. The overalls go up to size 3XL.

Pro tip: Bags aren't allowed on the boat, so bring only what fits in a pocket or around your neck and leave the rest at the office. A hat, gloves and sturdy shoes make a real difference once you're moving at speed.