Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

The best thing about this Reykjavik whale-watching trip is the 12-seat RIB boat. It moves far faster than the big vessels, so the captain can reach wildlife sightings quickly and follow whales as they travel. You also sit close to the water, which makes a surfacing humpback feel wonderfully near.

I like the small group, since every seat offers a fair view and the guide can answer questions without a microphone. I also like that warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket are supplied. The tradeoff is the ride itself: the RIB bounces over rough water, and people with back or knee problems may find two hours uncomfortable.

Key points at a glance

• Fast 12-seat RIB: Reach distant sightings faster than larger whale-watching boats.
• Close-to-the-water views: The low seating can make dolphins, porpoises, and whales feel remarkably near.
• English guidance: Guides such as Rebekah, Rebecca, Anika, Joel, and Joe have led trips with wildlife and city commentary.
• Wildlife can vary: Humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins, and other sea birds may appear, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Gear is supplied: You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket, though waterproof shoes are still a wise choice.
• Two hours from central Reykjavik: Meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, then return to the same harbor point.

Why the RIB changes whale watching

Faxaflói Bay opens directly from Reykjavik, with the capital on its southern shore. That makes this more than a quick ride to a single viewing spot. You spend part of the trip crossing open water, scanning for movement, and taking in Reykjavik from an angle most city visitors miss.

The RIB is the main reason to choose this outing over a standard large-boat cruise. A larger vessel may carry many more people, but it takes longer to reach distant parts of the bay. This 12-seat boat can cover ground quickly, then reposition when whales move.

That speed does not guarantee whales. Nature sets the schedule, and some departures see only dolphins or porpoises. Still, the boat gives the crew a practical advantage. Sightings can be shared between boats, and the RIB can get to an active area sooner.

The smaller size also changes the feel of the trip. There are only two seats per row, so you are not packed behind a large crowd. The guide sits close enough to speak clearly and handle questions without a loudspeaker. On a good departure, that creates a more personal, almost field-trip-like experience.

Meeting at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik

The tour begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity returns there at the end. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow time to reach the harbor on your own.

One practical warning matters here: the stated tour time may not be the moment you should arrive. A booking note advises arriving roughly 30 minutes before the advertised departure, since the boat may leave after an earlier check-in and safety process. I would treat that early arrival as essential, not optional. Missing a short harbor departure is a poor way to begin a day in Iceland.

The booking confirmation is provided at the time of purchase, and the activity is offered in English. A minimum of one adult is required per booking. Most people can take part, but the boat is active and exposed, so consider your comfort with bouncing, cold, and open water before paying.

The ride past Sun Voyager and Harpa

The listed sightseeing points are Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. These are not long walking stops. You see them as part of the harbor and city views from the water, which is important when setting expectations.

Sun Voyager is the striking steel sculpture along Reykjavik’s waterfront. From the bay, you get a different view of its curved frame and the city behind it. The passing glance does not replace a visit on foot, but it gives you a fine orientation to the shoreline.

Harpa, with its geometric glass facade, is another memorable waterfront sight. From a RIB, you see the building from the harbor rather than from the pavement outside. The boat moves on quickly, so bring your camera out before departure if city views matter to you.

This short city section also helps you settle into the trip. You begin with familiar Reykjavik sights, then move into open Faxaflói Bay. The change is quick, and the speed is part of the fun.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales

Once the boat reaches the bay, the guide explains the animals you may encounter and helps you watch for blows, fins, splashes, and birds. Common possibilities include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and other sea birds.

Humpback whales are the stars of many memorable trips. They may surface repeatedly, slap a fin, breach, or swim near the boat. A mother and calf have appeared together on some outings, and several humpbacks may gather in one area. Those moments are never promised, but the RIB makes it easier to stay with moving animals.

Minke whales are smaller and can be harder to spot, but they add variety to the search. Dolphins and porpoises may be the main event on a departure without whales. Dolphins leaping and zigzagging beside the boat can provide plenty of action, even when the larger animals remain out of sight.

Puffins are another welcome sight. Some trips include a short run toward a puffin island before returning to Reykjavik. The birds may be too far away for a close photograph, but seeing them from the water adds another layer to the bay’s wildlife. Since the formal trip details do not promise a puffin stop, consider it a possible bonus rather than a fixed stop.

The crew’s conduct around animals matters. Captains and guides have been praised for finding good viewing positions while keeping a respectful distance. You may get close enough for an excellent look, but responsible whale watching should still allow the animals room to move.

What the crew adds to the experience

The guide is not just there to point at a fin. The strongest trips have included clear explanations of whale behavior, species, and the birds around the bay. Guides named Rebekah, Rebecca, Anika, Joel, and Joe have led departures, and Anika was described as a marine biologist.

A small boat makes the commentary easier to follow. You can hear the guide directly, ask a question, and keep watching without a speaker cutting across the wind. That personal contact is a real advantage over a crowded vessel.

The quality of guiding can vary from one departure to another. One disappointing outing had a guide who was not very interactive, and the guide did not step in when people repeatedly blocked other passengers’ views. That appears to be the exception in the feedback supplied, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible. A good guide can explain and direct, but cannot control every person on a moving boat.

The captain matters just as much. The RIB must travel quickly, turn smoothly, and handle waves safely. Strong trips have credited captains with reaching wildlife efficiently and managing rough water well.

Warm clothing, spray, and the bouncing ride

The operator supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. This is helpful in Iceland, where the air over open water can feel much colder than it does on the quay.

Do not treat the supplied suit as a complete substitute for your own clothing. Wear warm layers underneath and bring waterproof shoes. One person found the provided clothing less waterproof than expected, and wet feet can sour an otherwise fine trip. The goggles help with spray and wind, but they do not make the boat a dry indoor ride.

The seats have suspension, which takes some of the force out of the waves. Even so, the RIB is described as a lively ride, with passengers bouncing up and down and sometimes semi-standing for parts of the two hours. If you enjoy a roller-coaster-style ride, you may consider the journey an attraction in its own right.

If you have a back or knee problem, think carefully before booking. The boat’s motion and stance may be tiring, and the tour does not promise a smooth crossing. The supplied information says most people can participate, but that is not the same as saying the ride suits every physical condition.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this trip costs more than a large whale-watching boat. The extra money pays for speed, a maximum of 12 people, closer water-level views, and a more active ride.

I think the price makes sense for you if the boat experience matters as much as the wildlife. You are not simply sitting on a large deck waiting for a whale to appear. You are moving quickly across the bay, turning with the captain, and sharing the outing with a small group.

The value is less certain if your only goal is to see a whale at the lowest possible cost. No boat can promise sightings, and one departure saw dolphins but no whales. On that kind of day, the RIB still provides city views and an exciting ride, but the price may feel high.

The faster boat can also improve a successful day. Humpbacks may surface for only a short time before moving away. Reaching them quickly and staying with them can mean more viewing time than a slower boat offers. Several strong outings included multiple pods, dolphins, minke whales, and close humpback encounters.

Weather and cancellation choices

This experience depends on good weather. The operator can cancel when conditions are poor and offer you another date or a full refund. At least one cancellation was communicated well ahead of departure, allowing time for other plans.

Another cancellation came about an hour before the scheduled start, which caused frustration because other boats appeared to be operating. Weather on the bay can differ by boat size and route, so a departure that looks possible from the harbor may still be unsuitable for a small RIB. Even so, a late decision can disrupt a tightly planned Iceland itinerary.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local Iceland time.

Who should book this Reykjavik tour?

I would choose this trip for an active couple, a small family group, or anyone who prefers a close, lively outing to a slow boat cruise. It suits people who want to combine wildlife with a fast ride and waterfront views in one compact activity.

It is also a good match for photographers who value proximity, though the boat motion makes steady shots difficult. Keep your camera protected from spray and have it ready before the animals appear.

I would hesitate if you need a calm, dry, fully stable platform. I would also think twice if you have back or knee trouble, dislike cold wind, or would be deeply disappointed by a whale-free trip. Dolphins, porpoises, birds, and the ride can still make the excursion worthwhile, but sightings remain outside the crew’s control.

Because the tour is often booked 44 days ahead, reserve early if your Reykjavik schedule is fixed. Build in some flexibility if possible, especially during unsettled weather.

Final call: choose the RIB for access and excitement

I would book this tour if you accept the physical ride and want the best chance of reaching active wildlife quickly. The small group, two-seat rows, direct guiding, and fast boat make it feel more focused than a standard harbor cruise.

I would skip it in favor of a larger boat if comfort and steadiness matter more than speed. For everyone else, $164 is a reasonable premium for a compact, exciting trip that can bring you close to humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and the Reykjavik shoreline in about two hours.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour begin?

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

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The trip lasts up to approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The RIB has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.

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 departures.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. The crew cannot control whether whales appear. Some departures may see dolphins or other wildlife without seeing whales.

What clothing and safety gear are included?

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point at Special Tours in Reykjavik.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel for poor weather. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted or refunded.