Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

The best part of this tour is its 12-seat RIB boat, which can reach wildlife faster than a large whale-watching vessel. I like the small group and the chance to sit close to the water, with guides such as Rebekah, Anika, Joel, and Joe praised for clear explanations and good spotting skills. I also like that the boat can cover more ground in two hours, a real help when whales are moving.

The tradeoff is simple: this is an active ride, not a gentle cruise. The boat can bounce hard in rough water, and one passenger found the supplied clothing less waterproof than expected. You should also know that whale sightings are never guaranteed, even though dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and several whale species are often part of the search.

Key points to know before you book

• A 12-seat RIB gives you a fast, close-to-the-water ride and can move quickly between wildlife sightings.
• The small group makes the guide easy to hear, with no microphone needed and more room for questions.
• Humpback, minke, and dolphin sightings are possible, but nature sets the schedule.
• Warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket are included, though waterproof shoes and warm layers still make sense.
• The trip starts and ends at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11, with no hotel pickup or drop-off.
• The ride suits active visitors best, while people with back or knee problems should think carefully about the bouncing motion.

Why this RIB tour feels different from a large boat

Whale watching in Iceland can mean sitting on a broad vessel with a large crowd, waiting for a blow to appear on the horizon. This trip takes the opposite approach. The RIB is small, quick, and built to move across Faxaflói Bay in search of animals rather than simply cruise around one area.

That speed matters when a whale surfaces, disappears, and resurfaces somewhere else. A large boat may take longer to reach the sighting. The RIB can reposition more quickly, which gives you a better chance of following moving whales during the limited two-hour outing.

The boat also puts you close to the water. Several passengers described seeing whales near enough to pass under or beside the boat, including humpbacks breaching and slapping their fins. Those moments cannot be promised, but the boat design makes close viewing possible without a huge crowd between you and the sea.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. The seats have suspension, which helps soften the impact, but you will still bounce over waves. Think of it as a short sea adventure with wildlife watching included, not a quiet sightseeing cruise.

Leaving Reykjavik beside Sun Voyager

The outing begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, near Reykjavik’s harbor. The meeting point is close to public transportation, and the activity returns there at the end. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the harbor.

One early sight is Sun Voyager, the polished steel sculpture along Reykjavik’s waterfront. From the water, you get a different view of this familiar city landmark, backed by the broad sweep of Faxaflói Bay. It is not a long formal stop, but it helps you see Reykjavik as a coastal capital rather than just a collection of streets and buildings.

The boat then gives you a harbor-side view of Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Its colored glass facade looks especially striking from the water, where you can take in the full building rather than only the street-facing entrance.

You should arrive early. The practical boarding window is earlier than the advertised tour time, and arriving late can mean missing departure. Give yourself enough time to find the office, collect your gear, and listen to the safety briefing without rushing.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins

Once the boat reaches open water, the city gives way to the wildlife search. Faxaflói Bay is home to several whale species, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and large numbers of seabirds. Humpback whales and minke whales are among the most frequently mentioned sightings, while dolphins and harbor porpoises can add fast-moving action close to the boat.

The guide’s role matters here. You are not simply driven offshore and left to scan the waves. Guides explain what to look for, share facts about whale behavior, and help you understand the difference between a blow, a fin, and a bird on the water. Guides named Rebekah, Anika, Joel, and Joe were singled out for being friendly, clear, and well informed.

The small boat makes the conversation easier. With up to 12 people, the guide can speak directly to the group instead of relying on a loudspeaker. You can ask questions, and the guide can point out activity without shouting across a packed deck.

Sightings vary. One outing may produce humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and porpoises. Another may find only dolphins, or no whales at all. The crew cannot control the animals, so you should book this for the overall sea experience, not as a guaranteed whale encounter.

Puffins and the extra wildlife around the bay

Puffins are among the bay’s most appealing side attractions. They are small, quick, and far less predictable than a landmark at the harbor. On some outings, the boat makes a brief stop near Puffin Island, where you may see colonies resting or flying over the water.

Do not expect a long, close puffin visit. The birds may remain at a distance, and the boat may not be able to approach closely. Still, spotting puffins adds another layer to the trip, especially when the main whale search is quiet.

Dolphins can be more active around the boat. They may zigzag beside the RIB or leap near the bow, creating an exciting few minutes even when whales are hard to find. Harbor porpoises are smaller and easier to miss, but a sharp-eyed guide can help you spot them.

Seals are also found in the bay, though sightings are less predictable. The point is variety. You are heading out for whales, but the bay’s wildlife can turn the trip into a broader look at Icelandic sea life.

What the speed means for comfort

The RIB is fast and maneuverable, which is its main advantage. It is also the reason this trip requires more physical tolerance than a large boat excursion.

Expect a bouncy ride, especially in rough conditions. The seats have small shock absorbers, and the crew provides warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket. Those items protect you from wind, spray, and cold, but you should still dress warmly underneath and consider waterproof shoes.

One person felt the supplied clothing did not keep everything fully dry. That is a useful warning. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the sea adds wind even on a mild day. Wear practical layers and avoid bringing anything that cannot handle spray.

The ride can feel like a small roller coaster. Many people consider that part of the fun, particularly if you enjoy speed and movement. If you have back or knee problems, though, the repeated bouncing and semi-standing posture may make two hours uncomfortable. This is not the right format for everyone.

A closer look at the two-hour timing

Two hours is a useful length for a Reykjavik itinerary. You get enough time to leave the harbor, search the bay, and return without giving up most of your day. That makes the tour easy to pair with museums, a city walk, or another short activity.

The time limit also explains the value of a fast boat. Every minute spent reaching a possible sighting is a minute you are not watching wildlife. A RIB can travel out and back more quickly than a slower, larger vessel, leaving more of the trip for searching.

Still, two hours does not guarantee a full wildlife show. If animals are far from the harbor or conditions slow the boat, the search may feel brief. The crew may need to balance wildlife viewing, safety, and the return schedule.

The listed route highlights Sun Voyager and Harpa, but the heart of the outing is the open bay. The city sights frame the experience at the beginning and end. The middle is governed by wind, waves, and animal behavior.

Is $164 worth paying for the smaller boat?

At $164 per person, this costs more than a basic large-boat whale-watching trip. The price makes sense if you value speed, a group capped at 12, closer access to the water, and direct contact with the guide.

You are paying for more than a seat on a boat. You are paying for a vessel that can move quickly toward sightings, a small group where every seat offers a better chance of seeing, and gear that reduces the need to pack specialist clothing. The small capacity also means the guide can keep the group informed without a microphone.

The value is strongest for a short Reykjavik stay. If you have only a day or two in the capital, a two-hour trip gives you a chance to see the bay without committing to a longer excursion. It also combines wildlife, coastal views, and a thrilling ride in one compact activity.

The price is harder to justify if you want a calm cruise or if whale sightings are your only measure of success. Nature can refuse to cooperate. On a quiet day, you may see dolphins or seabirds but no whales, and the premium price will feel less comfortable.

Weather, cancellations, and backup plans

The operator requires suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. This is sensible for a small, fast boat, since wind and waves affect both comfort and safety.

Weather cancellations can happen close to departure. You should keep some flexibility in your Reykjavik schedule, especially if this is one of the main activities on your trip. A cancellation may be frustrating, but going out in poor conditions would not create the experience you paid for.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Icelandic time.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip for you if you want a small group, a lively boat ride, and a better chance of reaching moving wildlife quickly. It suits couples, families with older children, and active visitors who like their sightseeing with a little speed.

It is also a strong choice if you want to ask questions. The guide can speak to the group directly, and the 12-person limit creates a more personal setting than a vessel carrying a large crowd.

You may prefer a larger boat if you want more room to move, a steadier ride, or a calmer experience. The RIB is not ideal for anyone worried about motion, rough water, back pain, knee pain, or staying dry in spray.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the physical nature of the ride matters more than the language requirement.

Should you book this Reykjavik whale tour?

Book it if the idea of a fast RIB ride sounds as appealing as the whales themselves. The strongest reasons are the small group, quick movement across Faxaflói Bay, close-to-water views, and guides such as Rebekah, Anika, Joel, and Joe who make the search more engaging.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may see humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and perhaps seals, but no crew can promise a sighting. Dress warmly, wear footwear that can handle spray, arrive early, and skip this format if your back or knees do not handle bouncing well.

For an active visitor who wants two hours of wildlife watching without a crowded boat, the extra cost is reasonable. For a quiet cruise, choose a larger vessel instead.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching tour start?

The tour starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. It also ends back at this meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The RIB trip lasts up to approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers and uses a 12-seat luxury RIB boat.

What wildlife might I see?

Faxaflói Bay is home to whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, seals, and many seabirds, including puffins. Humpback and minke whales are among the species seen on the trip, but sightings are not guaranteed.

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. You must reach the meeting point at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English, including the wildlife and city guidance.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.