Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

A fast RIB is a fine way to search Faxaflói Bay. With only 12 seats, the boat can move quickly between sightings, get close to wildlife, and give you a low, open view of the sea. You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and plenty of seabirds.

I like the small group and the boat’s speed. The two-seat rows give nearly everyone a good view, while guides such as Rebekah, Joel, Anika, and Rebecca have been praised for clear explanations and sharp eyes. I also like that warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jackets are provided.

The trade-off is comfort. This is an exciting ride, not a gentle cruise, and you can bounce over waves for much of the two hours. Whale sightings are never guaranteed, and poor weather can cancel the trip, sometimes with little notice.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-seat RIB reaches distant sightings quickly, giving you more time near whales than a slower large boat may provide.
• The ride is part of the attraction, with fast turns, open-water views, and suspended seats that soften some of the bouncing.
• You can see Reykjavik from the bay, including the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall.
• Warm gear is supplied, but bring suitable footwear and dress in layers.
• Wildlife is never promised, though the bay can produce humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, puffins, and seabirds.
• The $164 price is a premium, best suited to you if a small group and a thrilling ride matter more than saving money.

Why the RIB changes whale watching in Reykjavik

Faxaflói Bay sits directly off Reykjavik, so you do not need a long transfer before the wildlife search begins. The appeal of this tour is the boat itself. A 12-seat RIB can cover water quickly, then slow down and maneuver when a whale or dolphin appears.

That speed matters because marine animals do not wait in one place. A humpback may surface several times, then move on. Dolphins can appear beside the boat and vanish just as quickly. The captain can respond faster than a large vessel, and the guide can keep watch for activity in different parts of the bay.

The RIB also puts you close to the water. From a high viewing deck, you may see a whale’s back from above. From this boat, you are nearer sea level, which can make a surfacing whale feel much larger and more immediate.

The ride has a playful side, too. The boat is built for speed, and the seats have suspension to absorb some of the motion. That does not turn the trip into a smooth harbor cruise, but it helps when the sea gets choppy. If you enjoy roller coasters and do not mind getting bounced around, you will probably enjoy the outward and return runs as much as the wildlife search.

From Geirsgata to the open bay

The meeting point is Special Tours at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. The location is near public transportation, and it is easy to reach from the city center. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so allow time to reach the harbor on your own.

Pay close attention to the arrival time. The stated tour time is not the whole check-in process, and arriving only at departure time can put you at risk of missing the boat. One practical account suggests treating the start as roughly 30 minutes earlier than the time shown, so confirm the exact check-in instruction when you book and arrive early.

Once you check in, the crew supplies a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket. Wear warm layers underneath. Waterproof shoes are a good idea, especially since one account found the supplied clothing less waterproof than expected. The gear helps, but it does not replace sensible clothing in Icelandic weather.

The boat carries a maximum of 12 people. That is a major advantage over large whale boats with many rows and hundreds of passengers. There are two seats per row, so you are not packed into a wide bench, and the guide can speak to the group without a microphone.

Sun Voyager from the water

The Sun Voyager is one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable sights. This steel sculpture resembles a Viking ship, though it is meant as a dream boat and a symbol of hope and discovery. From the shoreline, it is a popular photo stop. From the RIB, you see it as part of Reykjavik’s waterfront, with the city behind it and the bay opening ahead.

This is not a long walking stop. It is a passing viewpoint as the boat leaves or returns to the harbor. That makes it useful if you have limited time in Reykjavik or want a different angle on familiar city sights.

The drawback is that the boat’s speed and movement may make photography tricky. You may get a memorable view, but you should not expect a calm, tripod-ready photo opportunity. Keep your camera secure and use the provided goggles if spray picks up.

Harpa and Reykjavik’s harbor

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre adds a very different note to the harbor view. Its geometric glass exterior catches changing light, and from the water it forms a sharp contrast with the older waterfront and open bay.

Seeing Harpa from a RIB gives you a quick sense of how compact Reykjavik is. Within minutes, the city gives way to sea, islands, and seabirds. The view also helps place the whale-watching trip in context: you are not heading to a distant port. The wildlife search begins right beside the capital.

Again, these are sightseeing moments rather than formal stops with time ashore. The main event is Faxaflói Bay, so think of the Sun Voyager and Harpa as extra views woven into the boat ride.

What you may see in Faxaflói Bay

The bay is home to several kinds of marine life, and each sighting has a different feel.

Humpback whales are the big prize. They can surface close to the boat, show a broad back, lift a tail, breach, or slap a fin. Some outings have produced several humpbacks, including a mother and calf. A calf may be especially active, but there is no way to plan around that kind of behavior.

Minke whales are smaller and often less dramatic, yet they are rewarding to spot. You might see one surface briefly before it disappears. The RIB’s speed can help the captain search a wider area for them.

Dolphins and harbour porpoises bring quick movement to the trip. Dolphins may leap, zigzag, and play near the boat for several minutes. Porpoises are usually less showy, but seeing them adds another species to the outing.

Seals are also found in these waters, though sightings vary. Puffins and other seabirds are common seasonal highlights. Some trips include a brief look toward Puffin Island, but the birds may remain too far away for a close view. Bring binoculars only if you can secure them safely, since the boat moves and spray is possible.

The key point is simple: you are going to search for wild animals, not visit an aquarium. Some departures produce several whale species and active dolphins. Others may bring only dolphins or porpoises. On one outing, no whales appeared at all, but the operator offered a place on a larger boat the next day. That sort of backup can soften the disappointment, but it cannot change the uncertainty of nature.

The guide makes the difference

The guide has two jobs: find wildlife and make sense of what you are seeing. On a small RIB, those jobs are more personal than they are on a large boat. You can ask questions without waiting for a microphone announcement, and the guide can point out details as they happen.

Rebekah has been singled out for her friendly manner and strong explanations. Anika, described as a marine biologist, handled unusual questions with ease and explained the animals in plain language. Joel has also been praised for keeping the group informed, while other outings have had guides named Rebecca and Joe.

That does not mean every departure will have the same guide or the same style. One disappointing outing involved a guide who did little to engage the group. Another issue arose when passengers stood in front of others and blocked views, with the guide failing to manage the problem.

The small boat gives you a better chance to see and ask questions, but passenger behavior still matters. Stay seated or follow the crew’s instructions, and be considerate of people on the other side of the boat. A good captain may turn or position the RIB so both sides get a look.

A thrilling ride, with real physical demands

The RIB experience is a strength, but it is also the main caution. You may bounce up and down over rough water, and one account described passengers as semi-standing for much of the trip. The suspension seats reduce some impact, yet this is not ideal if you have significant back or knee problems.

The tour information says most people can participate, but that does not erase the physical nature of the ride. If you are unsure, ask the operator before booking. You should also expect wind, spray, and cold even when Reykjavik feels comfortable on land.

The supplied overall, gloves, goggles, and life jacket are useful. Still, wear warm base layers and waterproof footwear. Keep loose items secured, and do not rely on ordinary street shoes to remain dry.

For families, the boat can be a memorable choice. One nervous parent found the ride suitable for a child, but the right decision depends on the child’s comfort with speed, cold, and open water. The operator’s stated information says at least one adult is required per booking.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this costs more than a standard large-boat whale trip. The extra money pays for a maximum group of 12, a fast boat, a lower viewing position, and more direct contact with the guide.

I think the value is strongest if you have only two hours, want an active outing, or care about getting to sightings quickly. A large boat may offer more space and a steadier ride, but it can take longer to reach the search area and may leave you sharing the view with a much larger crowd.

The premium is less convincing if your main goal is simply to get on the water at the lowest price. You are still paying for a possibility. The boat cannot create whales, and weather can prevent a departure.

The rating of 4.6 from 223 reviews reflects the usual pattern for wildlife trips: many outstanding sightings, plus a few ordinary or disappointing days. The best outings have included humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and close approaches that lasted for some time. The weaker outings involved no whales, poor guide interaction, blocked views, or a cancellation.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

Icelandic weather controls this experience. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, the operator may cancel and offer another date or a full refund. One trip was canceled about an hour before departure, while another cancellation was handled early enough for the group to make new plans.

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 window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Reykjavik time.

Book with weather flexibility if you can. A trip early in your Iceland stay gives you more room to move it to another day if needed. It also leaves open the possibility of trying a larger boat if the RIB is canceled or if rough conditions make the smaller craft a poor fit.

Who should choose this RIB tour?

This tour suits you if you want:

• A small group instead of a crowded boat
• A fast, exciting ride as well as wildlife watching
• A better chance of reaching moving whales quickly
• Close, low-level views of animals
• Direct access to a guide for questions
• A two-hour activity that begins near central Reykjavik

You may prefer a larger boat if you want a calmer ride, have back or knee concerns, or dislike cold spray and repeated bouncing. You should also think twice if a whale sighting is essential to your Iceland plans. No responsible operator can promise one.

Final call: book it for the boat and the wildlife chance

I would book this tour if you can handle rough water and are willing to pay for a more personal outing. The RIB’s speed is not just a thrill. It can help the captain reach scattered wildlife, and the 12-seat setup gives you a much better chance of seeing what the guide points out.

Book it early in your stay, arrive well before departure, and dress for the sea rather than the city. If you want a smooth, guaranteed animal encounter, choose a different kind of attraction. If you want an active two-hour search with a real chance of seeing humpbacks, dolphins, puffins, and Reykjavik from the water, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour begin?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The RIB experience lasts up to approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What wildlife might I see?

Faxaflói Bay is home to whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and many other seabirds. Possible whales include humpbacks and minkes, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.