Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

A fast RIB boat gives this Reykjavik whale-watching trip a different feel from the usual large-boat outing. With only 12 seats, you sit close to the water, hear the guide without a loudspeaker, and can reach distant wildlife more quickly. The boat ride is part of the attraction, not just transport to the whales.

I like the small group and the boat’s speed. Guides such as Rebekah, Joe, Anika, and Joel have been praised for clear explanations and quick answers, while the captain can move when a whale changes course. I also like the supplied overalls, gloves, goggles, and life jacket, though rough water and a semi-standing ride can be hard on bad backs or knees.

Key points at a glance

• A 12-seat RIB reaches wildlife faster than larger boats and can follow moving whales more easily.
• The ride is lively and bouncy, with suspension seats that soften the motion but do not remove it.
• Wildlife may include humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and seals, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Every seat is close to the action, and a small group makes it easier to hear the English-speaking guide.
• Sun Voyager and Harpa provide memorable views of Reykjavik from the water.
• Arrive early, since the actual check-in and boarding process begins about 30 minutes before the stated departure time.

Why the RIB boat changes the whale-watching experience

The main choice here is not simply which company to use. It is large boat versus RIB boat.

A big vessel gives you more room to walk around and usually a steadier ride. This 12-seat RIB gives you speed, a low view of the sea, and a much smaller group. When whales surface in one part of Faxaflói Bay, the boat can cover ground quickly. If the animals move, the captain has a better chance of keeping up.

That speed also makes the ride exciting. You bounce across the waves, and the boat can turn quickly. The seats have suspension, which helps, but this is still an active trip. I would not choose it for a slow, quiet cruise. If you enjoy roller coasters or a brisk ride on open water, the RIB adds real fun. If you get motion sick or have back or knee trouble, a larger boat may suit you better.

The low seating position is another advantage. You are close to the water rather than looking down from a high deck. A humpback whale surfacing nearby can feel remarkably close, although the boat must still keep a responsible distance from wildlife. The experience offers proximity through the boat design and timing, not through chasing animals recklessly.

From Special Tours in Reykjavik to Faxaflói Bay

The meeting point is Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, in central Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor area. The location is near public transportation, and the meeting point is also where the activity ends.

Do not cut the timing close. The stated tour length is about two hours, but the practical start process begins earlier than some people expect. One especially useful tip is to arrive at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time. Arriving after that point could mean missing the boat.

At the base, you receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket. Wear warm layers beneath the suit and use waterproof footwear if you have it. One report found the clothing less waterproof than expected, so I would not treat the provided gear as a reason to wear ordinary trainers or light trousers.

The boat holds a maximum of 12 people. That number matters. You are not lost in a crowd, and the guide can speak directly to the group without a microphone. There are two seats per row, so each person has a close view. Still, it helps to be considerate when wildlife appears. Standing in front of another person can quickly spoil a sighting in such a compact boat.

Sun Voyager from the water

The first named sight is Sun Voyager, the polished steel sculpture on Reykjavik’s waterfront. From land, you see its graceful ship shape against the bay. From the RIB, you get a different angle, with the sculpture, shoreline, and open water in the same view.

This is not a long stop with time to wander around the sculpture. Think of it as a city-viewing point during the boat trip. The value is the change of perspective. Reykjavik’s waterfront looks more open from the sea, and the view helps you connect the city to the bay that supports the tour’s wildlife.

The stop also gives you a useful sense of scale. The harbor, the sculpture, and the city sit close together, while Faxaflói Bay opens out beyond them. If your schedule is tight, the boat trip gives you a quick look at a major Reykjavik sight without using extra time for a separate visit.

Harpa and the Reykjavik shoreline

The RIB also passes Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Its geometric glass facade is one of the city’s most recognizable modern sights. Seen from the water, Harpa forms part of a broader harbor scene rather than appearing as a single building viewed from the pavement.

The itinerary lists Sun Voyager and Harpa, but the main purpose remains wildlife watching. You should not expect a guided architectural tour or a long photo stop at either site. Instead, these views break up the outward ride and give you something to enjoy even before the first whale appears.

This is especially useful on a day when the animals keep their distance. Wildlife is the reason to book, but the city views and the ride itself give the outing more than one payoff.

What you might see in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay supports several kinds of marine life. The possible list includes humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, seals, and puffins. The most praised outings saw several species in one trip, including humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins.

Humpback whales are the sightings that can turn a good trip into a memorable one. They may surface repeatedly, slap a fin, breach, or swim close to the boat. A few outings described a mother and calf, while another had a humpback pass under the boat. Those are exceptional moments, not promises, so keep your expectations realistic.

Minke whales can be harder to spot because they are smaller and may surface briefly. Dolphins and porpoises can be just as entertaining, particularly when they move around the boat. Dolphins have been seen leaping and zigzagging beside the RIB, creating a show that does not depend on a whale appearing.

Puffins are another possible highlight. The boat may make a brief visit near Puffin Island, but you may not get close to the birds. Bring binoculars if you have room, though the supplied information does not promise close viewing. Seals are also possible, but no particular sighting is assured.

The captain and guide work together to locate animals. Boats in the area can call one another when a whale is spotted, and the RIB’s speed helps it reach the area quickly. That is one of the strongest practical reasons to pay more for this format.

The guide makes the difference

The English-language guide explains the whales, other animals, and Reykjavik. On a small boat, you can ask questions without shouting across a crowded deck. Guides named in the feedback include Rebekah, Rebecca, Joe, Anika, and Joel, with several singled out for friendly explanations and strong animal knowledge.

Anika, described as a marine biologist, handled unusual questions clearly. Rebekah was praised for keeping the experience upbeat while explaining the animals. Joe was noted for sharing useful information about humpback and minke whales, while Joel was described as a strong guide on an outing with good sightings.

The quality can vary from one departure to another. One disappointing outing involved a guide who was not very interactive, along with poor control when people blocked the views of others. That is worth noting because the small boat depends on good group manners and an attentive crew.

I would expect the best experience when the guide actively manages sight lines, explains what you are seeing, and gives people on both sides of the boat a fair chance to watch. The captain also matters. Several strong outings credited the captain with handling rough waves well and positioning the boat so both sides could see.

Weather, comfort, and the chance of no whales

This is an open-water activity in Iceland. Weather can change, and the sea may be rough. You receive warm protective gear, but you should still dress warmly underneath. Gloves and goggles are useful in wind and spray, while waterproof shoes add another layer of protection.

The boat ride can be physically demanding. One person described being semi-standing for much of the two hours, despite the suspension seats. That description may not fit every moment, but it captures the basic point: this is not a fully relaxed sitting experience. You will bounce, brace yourself, and adjust to the movement.

Sightings are never guaranteed. Some trips have produced several humpbacks within minutes, while another saw dolphins but no whales. If the RIB finds no whales, the speed and city views still provide an outing on the bay, but the higher price is harder to justify.

The operator may offer a place on a larger boat the following day when conditions or sightings do not work out. That option was provided in at least one case, but you should not assume it will fit your schedule or be available for every situation.

Weather can also cancel a departure. The operator requires suitable conditions and may offer another date or a full refund when poor weather forces cancellation. That is sensible for safety, though a late cancellation can disrupt a short Reykjavik visit. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if whale watching is important to you.

Is $164 a fair price?

At $164 per person, this costs more than a standard large-boat whale-watching trip. You are paying for the 12-seat group, the faster RIB, the close-to-the-water view, supplied protective gear, and the chance to reach wildlife areas sooner.

I think the price makes sense if whales are high on your Iceland wish list and you value an active ride. The speed can matter when animals are spread across the bay or moving away. The small group also means less time waiting for people to board, fewer blocked views, and easier conversation with the guide.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a calm harbor cruise or if the ride itself sounds uncomfortable. You also need to accept the possibility of seeing only dolphins, porpoises, birds, or no major wildlife at all. No boat design can control wild animals or Icelandic weather.

For a short stay, the two-hour format is efficient. You can see parts of the waterfront, enjoy a strong burst of outdoor activity, and return to the same central meeting point without giving up a full day.

Who should book this boat?

I would choose this tour if you want an energetic outing and are willing to pay extra for a small group. It suits couples, families with children who can handle a bouncy ride, and anyone who would rather spend two hours in a nimble boat than on a large vessel.

It also suits photographers who want a low water-level view, though spray and movement make photography difficult. Keep your camera protected, and do not let the search for a perfect picture distract you from watching the animals.

I would think twice if you have back or knee problems, dislike rough water, or need a quiet, steady platform. A large boat may be more comfortable. I would also avoid putting this at the very end of a tightly timed trip, since bad weather can cancel the departure and late arrival can mean missing the boat.

Booking and cancellation details

Confirmation is received at booking, and the ticket is mobile. The tour operates in English, requires at least one adult per booking, and allows most people to participate.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB tour?

Book it if you want the most exciting version of whale watching in Reykjavik. The RIB is fast, the group is genuinely small, and strong days can bring you close to humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. The ride alone adds a memorable burst of speed to the outing.

Skip it if comfort matters more than access, or if your knees and back do not handle bouncing well. The smart plan is to arrive early, wear warm layers and waterproof shoes, leave room in your schedule for weather changes, and treat every whale sighting as a gift rather than a guarantee.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching tour?

The activity lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The RIB has a maximum group size of 12 people.

What equipment is 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.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include whales, dolphins, seals, harbor porpoises, and puffins. Whales are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.