Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

A fast RIB is one of the best ways to search Faxaflói Bay. This 12-seat boat can reach distant wildlife much faster than a large vessel, then follow moving whales instead of slowly trailing behind. When the sea cooperates, you may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and even seals.

I like the small group, since every seat gives you a fair chance at the action and the guide can speak without a microphone. I also like the full cold-weather kit, which includes a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. The catch is the rough ride: you bounce and semi-stand for much of the two hours, so this is not a good pick if you have back or knee trouble.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-seat RIB reaches wildlife quickly, an important advantage when whales surface only briefly.
• The ride is part of the attraction, with fast turns, open-water views, and a low position close to the sea.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed, but sightings can include humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seals.
• Warm gear is supplied, though waterproof shoes and warm layers are still sensible.
• Guides such as Rebekah, Anika, Joel, and Joe have been praised for clear explanations and good animal-spotting skills.
• The $164 price buys speed and space, not certainty. Large boats cost less, but they carry far more people and move more slowly.

Why the small RIB changes whale watching

The main choice here is not simply whale watching versus no whale watching. It is a choice between a large, steady boat and a quick, compact RIB.

This boat carries no more than 12 people. That matters when a humpback surfaces off one side. You are not trying to see over several rows of heads, and the captain can turn so both sides get a chance at the view. The low seating position also puts you close to the water, which makes a nearby whale feel much more immediate.

Speed helps in two ways. First, the boat can cover more of Faxaflói Bay within the roughly two-hour outing. Second, it can respond when a whale moves. Guides and captains can also call to other boats when wildlife is spotted, helping the crew decide where to look next.

The tradeoff is comfort. This is a lively ride, not a floating lounge. Several people describe bouncing over the waves, although the seats have suspension that softens the impact. The supplied goggles help protect your eyes from spray, and the waterproof overall gives you a useful barrier against wind and sea water.

If you enjoy roller coasters, the boat ride itself may be a highlight. If you prefer a calm seat, a large whale-watching vessel may suit you better.

Finding Katla Whale Watching at Geirsgata 11

The tour begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself. The location is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Pay close attention to the arrival time. The stated tour time is not the only time that matters, since preparation and boarding begin before departure. One booking note advises arriving about 30 minutes early. Arriving late can mean missing the boat, so give yourself a clear margin.

The staff provide the warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and life-jacket. You should still dress warmly underneath and wear waterproof shoes if you have them. One unhappy experience raised doubts about the waterproofing of the supplied clothing, so your own weather-resistant footwear is a sensible backup.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. The entire outing lasts up to two hours, including the ride out, wildlife search, and return to the harbor.

Sailing past the Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is listed as the first sightseeing stop. This striking steel sculpture sits beside Reykjavik’s waterfront and resembles a Viking ship, although its meaning is more about dreams of discovery and hope than a literal historical vessel.

From the water, you get a viewpoint most people miss. The sculpture is usually seen from the shore with the bay behind it. From the RIB, you see the city edge, the sculpture, and the open water as one scene. It also gives you a quick sense of how close Reykjavik sits to the whale-watching grounds.

Do not expect a long land visit here. This is part of the route and the coastal sightseeing, not a separate walking stop. The value is the changing view as the boat moves away from the harbor.

Seeing Harpa from the water

The route also includes Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Its glass facade is one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable modern sights, with geometric panels that catch changing light.

From a small boat, Harpa looks different than it does from the waterfront promenade. You see the building against the harbor and surrounding shoreline, with the city receding behind it. The view is brief, but it adds a cultural and architectural layer to an outing that could otherwise focus only on animals.

These two city sights also make the tour useful on a first day in Reykjavik. You get a quick orientation from the bay before or after exploring the city on foot.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

The wildlife search is the heart of the trip, but nature sets the schedule. Faxaflói Bay is home to several whale and dolphin species, plus seals and large numbers of sea birds. Sightings can be excellent, but no captain can promise a whale on a particular departure.

The most frequently celebrated encounters involve humpback whales. Some outings have seen several humpbacks, including a mother and calf, repeated breaches, fin slaps, or a whale swimming close beneath the boat. Minke whales also appear, and dolphins or harbour porpoises can provide plenty of action when the larger whales stay hidden.

Puffins are another possibility. The route may include a brief visit near Puffin Island, where you can see the birds from the boat. The RIB cannot always approach closely, so bring realistic expectations. Puffins are a welcome extra, not the main purpose of the trip.

The speed gives this tour a real practical edge. A large boat may spend considerable time reaching the search area. This RIB can get there sooner and move again when the animals shift position. That does not guarantee sightings, but it gives the crew more flexibility during a short outing.

The captain’s handling also matters. The best departures balance close viewing with respect for the animals. A fast boat should not mean reckless chasing. The strongest experiences involve careful positioning, time spent watching natural behavior, and turns that give people on both sides a view.

The guides make the difference

Your guide provides more than species names. A good guide explains what you are seeing, helps you scan the water, answers questions, and adds context about the bay and Reykjavik.

Several guides have been praised by name in past experiences. Rebekah has been described as friendly, enthusiastic, and especially good at explaining wildlife. Anika, a marine biologist, was noted for clear answers and an easy way of handling unusual questions. Joel and Joe were also praised for useful explanations and a good sense of humor.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will lead your departure. Still, these names give you a useful sense of the standard to expect: English guidance, animal information, and help spotting movement on the water.

The small boat helps here. You are close enough to hear the guide without a loudspeaker, and you can ask questions without shouting across a large cabin. That personal contact is one of the strongest reasons to pay more for this format.

There is one caution. One poor experience involved a guide who did not control sightlines when people stood in front of others. On a boat this small, everyone needs to share space. A considerate crew should manage viewing positions, but you may still need to speak up politely if someone blocks your view.

What the ride feels like for two hours

The RIB is fast and maneuverable. You may cross open water at speed, turn toward a sighting, and bounce over waves as the captain works across the bay.

The supplied seats have shock absorbers, which help reduce the impact. Even so, the ride is active. One description noted that you are semi-standing for much of the outing, rather than sitting in a fully sheltered chair. That is the key physical fact to consider before booking.

This format suits you if you like motion, fresh air, and a little adventure. It is less suitable if you need a quiet, stable ride or have a back, neck, or knee condition. Most people can participate, but the operator specifically advises dressing warmly, and your own health and comfort should guide the decision.

Bad weather does not always ruin the outing. One departure had truly unpleasant conditions but still produced close humpback sightings. At other times, poor weather has led to cancellation. Safety comes first, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund when weather forces a cancellation.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this is a premium whale-watching option in Reykjavik. You pay more than you would for a large boat, but the price covers more than a seat on the water.

You are paying for a maximum group of 12, a fast RIB, warm protective gear, an English-speaking guide, and the chance to spend less of the two-hour window simply getting to the search area. The small group also gives you a better chance of hearing the guide and seeing over fewer people.

The price is harder to justify if your only goal is to see a whale at any cost. Wildlife remains unpredictable, and one outing saw dolphins but no whales. Another was canceled because of weather. The operator offered a free large-boat trip on the next day after one unsuccessful outing, which shows why you should think of this as a nature experience rather than a guaranteed performance.

I think the extra cost makes sense for people who value speed, close water-level views, and a personal guide. If you mainly want the cheapest possible chance of seeing a whale, compare it with a larger boat. If you want the most active and compact option, the RIB earns its higher price.

Who should choose this tour?

This is a strong match for you if you:

• Like fast boat rides and open-water motion.
• Want a small group rather than a vessel carrying a large crowd.
• Value quick access to the bay and the ability to follow moving whales.
• Are comfortable sitting low and bouncing over waves.
• Want English wildlife guidance and the chance to ask questions.
• Have limited time in Reykjavik and want city views plus nature in about two hours.

You may prefer another style of outing if you have back or knee problems, dislike rough water, or want a warm indoor cabin. You should also avoid treating the tour as a guaranteed whale sighting. Nature can provide humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, or seals, but it can also provide only some of them.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable, and weather cancellations bring the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

I would choose this tour if you want the most energetic way to search Faxaflói Bay and do not mind paying more for a small group. The combination of speed, low water-level seating, and guides such as Rebekah or Anika can turn a short outing into a close study of the bay’s wildlife.

Book it if the ride sounds as appealing as the whales. Skip it if you need a smooth, sheltered boat or if rough movement would make two hours uncomfortable. Arrive early, bring waterproof shoes and warm layers, and leave room in your plans in case weather changes the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts up to approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and other sea birds. Humpback and minke whales are among the whale species seen on the outing.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings depend on nature and current conditions. Some departures see several whale species, while others may see dolphins or no whales.

What clothing and safety gear are provided?

The operator supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket.

Should I dress warmly?

Yes. You are advised to dress warmly, and waterproof shoes are a sensible choice for the open RIB.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.