Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

The fast boat is part of the show. This two-hour trip around Faxaflói Bay combines a thrilling 12-seat RIB ride with close views of whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and Reykjavik from the water. I especially like the small group of no more than 12 and the boat’s ability to reach moving wildlife faster than larger vessels. The tradeoff is a bouncy ride that may not suit anyone with back or knee trouble, and no captain can promise a whale sighting.

You meet at Special Tours on Geirsgata, near Reykjavik’s harbor, and return there after the trip. I also like that warm waterproof overalls, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket are supplied, though you should still dress warmly and wear waterproof shoes. The boat ride can be exciting enough to feel like an attraction in its own right, but the sea decides how much wildlife you see.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast 12-seat RIB: The boat can cover water quickly and follow whales when they move.
• Two-hour wildlife search: Expect possible sightings of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and other sea birds.
• Every seat is close to the action: The boat has two seats per row, so the group stays near the guide and water level.
• Protective gear is supplied: You receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket.
• Reykjavik looks different from the bay: The route includes views of the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall from the water.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, with a new date or full refund offered.

Why this small RIB makes a difference

At $164 per person, this is not Reykjavik’s budget whale trip. You are paying for a small, quick boat rather than simply paying for access to the bay. That difference matters most when whales are spread out or moving.

A large boat may carry 100 to 300 people and need more time to reach a sighting. This RIB can travel quickly across Faxaflói Bay, then turn and follow animals as they surface. The captain can also position the boat so people on both sides get a useful view.

I like the smaller format for another reason: the guide can speak directly to the group. There is no need for a loudspeaker, and you can ask questions without shouting across a crowded deck. Guides such as Rebekah, Anika, Joel, and Joe have been praised for explaining whale behavior and identifying different animals during the trip.

The boat carries only 12 people, with two seats in each row. That does not mean every sighting will be perfect for every person, but it does reduce the usual crowding problem. You are not trying to peer around dozens of heads while an animal surfaces for three seconds.

Leaving Geirsgata and meeting the bay

The departure point is Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor.

Pay close attention to the arrival instructions. One passenger noted that the practical start time felt about 30 minutes earlier than the stated tour time, and arriving late could mean missing the departure. I would arrive early rather than treating the published start time as the moment to walk through the door.

The tour lasts up to about two hours and ends back at the same meeting point. That makes it fairly easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, but allow extra time before departure for check-in, clothing, and getting settled. The activity is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in central Reykjavik.

Before boarding, you receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket. Wear warm layers underneath. Bring waterproof footwear if you have it, since one person found the supplied clothing less waterproof than expected. The equipment gives you a useful barrier against spray and wind, but Icelandic weather can still find its way through gaps.

The RIB ride across Faxaflói Bay

Once the boat leaves the harbor, the ride itself becomes part of the experience. A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, sits low on the water and can move with speed. You feel the motion more than you would on a large vessel, particularly in rough conditions.

The seats have suspension, which helps absorb some of the pounding. Even so, you may bounce up and down for much of the trip. Several people compared the ride to a mild roller coaster, a fair description if you enjoy speed and movement. If you have back or knee problems, this is an important concern, not a minor footnote.

The low seating position gives you a water-level view. That can make a nearby whale feel remarkably close, but it also means more spray and less shelter. The supplied goggles are practical here, not decorative. Keep your hands warm and hold on as the boat changes speed or direction.

The captain’s skill matters. On successful outings, captains have been praised for handling rough waves, reaching wildlife quickly, and giving people on both sides a chance to see the animals. A good captain also respects the wildlife, keeping a sensible distance and avoiding needless pursuit.

Wildlife in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is home to several kinds of marine life. Possible sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, seals, puffins, and other sea birds. The exact mix changes with the day, weather, and animal activity.

Humpback whales are the stars of many successful trips. Some outings have produced views of several humpbacks, including a mother and calf, repeated breaches, fin slaps, and a whale swimming under the boat. Those are extraordinary encounters, but you should treat them as good fortune rather than a promised schedule.

Minke whales are another common possibility. They are smaller and can surface quickly, so the RIB’s speed and the guide’s alertness become useful. Dolphins and porpoises can be just as entertaining, especially when they move beside the boat or leap in its wake.

Puffins add a different kind of interest. The boat may stop near Puffin Island, where you can see the birds gathered around the island. The stop may be brief, and you may not get close views, but it adds variety to a trip focused mainly on whales.

The most important point is simple: this is a wildlife search, not a staged show. One outing saw dolphins but no whales. Another was canceled because of weather. The operator has no control over where animals appear, so book this only if you can accept uncertainty.

Sun Voyager from the water

The Sun Voyager is one of Reykjavik’s best-known public artworks, a steel sculpture shaped like a Viking ship. From the waterfront, it is a familiar city sight. From the bay, you see it in a different setting, with Reykjavik behind it and open water in front.

This is not a long sightseeing stop with time to wander around the sculpture. Instead, it is part of the changing view as the boat travels. You may get a brief photo opportunity, depending on the route and conditions.

I like this part of the trip because it connects the wildlife outing to the city. You are not simply leaving Reykjavik behind and returning later. The city remains part of the experience, seen from a low and moving viewpoint.

Harpa Concert Hall and the Reykjavik waterfront

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is another city landmark included in the route. Its glass facade catches the light and looks especially striking from the water, where you can take in the whole building rather than only its street frontage.

Again, think of this as a passing view rather than a formal visit. The point is the contrast: modern Reykjavik architecture on one side, open bay and wildlife on the other. The ride gives you a quick sense of the city’s position at the edge of the sea.

For photographers, the water offers angles that are not available from the harbor promenade. Keep your camera protected, though. Spray, speed, and cold hands are a poor combination for delicate equipment.

What the guide adds to the trip

The guide is more than a spotter calling out whale locations. The best guides explain what you are seeing and help you understand why the animals behave as they do. Anika, described as a marine biologist, was praised for answering unusual questions clearly. Rebekah was singled out for her energy and explanations, while Joel and Joe were also praised for making the wildlife easier to identify.

The small boat makes this teaching easier. Everyone is close together, and the guide does not need a microphone. You can hear the explanation, ask a follow-up question, and keep watching the water without losing the group.

Guide quality can vary from one departure to another. One passenger found the guide neither interactive nor well informed and felt the crew did not manage people who blocked views. That is a useful warning. The small format works best when everyone stays seated or follows instructions, and the guide actively shares viewing opportunities.

The real price of a $164 whale trip

The $164 price is high compared with a large-boat whale excursion. The value comes from the combination of speed, access, group size, and the ride itself.

If you see several whales, dolphins, puffins, and porpoises, the price may feel justified. The RIB can reach distant sightings more quickly, and the small group gives you a better chance of seeing what the guide points out. Several outings produced multiple humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and close encounters that would be difficult to match from a crowded vessel.

If you see only dolphins, or no whales at all, the calculation changes. You still receive the boat ride, city views, guide service, and supplied gear, but the main goal may not be met. Some passengers were offered a place on a large boat the following day after an unsuccessful trip, which can soften the disappointment if your schedule allows.

I would pay the premium if close viewing and a lively ride matter to you. I would choose a larger boat if you want a steadier platform, have physical limitations, or prefer to spend less on an experience with uncertain wildlife results.

Who should choose this boat?

This tour suits you if you enjoy speed, do not mind rough water, and want a small group rather than a floating crowd. It is also a strong choice if you have only a short time in Reykjavik and want wildlife, harbor views, and a boat adventure in one outing.

Families can enjoy it too. One parent was nervous about bringing a daughter on the small boat but found the experience successful. Still, the supplied information does not set out a specific child age rule, so confirm any age requirements before booking.

I would think twice if you have back or knee problems. The boat’s suspension helps, but the ride remains active, and you may be semi-standing or bracing yourself for much of the two hours.

This is also not the best pick for someone who needs a guaranteed whale sighting. No operator can provide that in the open bay. The right attitude is to value the search, the sea, the city views, and whatever wildlife appears.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That safety rule is sensible, even if it disrupts your plans.

One cancellation occurred close to departure, while other boats were seen leaving. That can be frustrating, but different vessels have different size, route, and safety limits. If this tour is a major part of your Iceland plans, avoid booking it on the final possible day.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff uses local time.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Arrive early at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11. A late arrival can risk missing departure.
• Wear warm layers under the supplied overall.
• Bring waterproof shoes, since the supplied clothing may not keep every part of you dry.
• Use the goggles when the boat is moving quickly or conditions are wet.
• Keep your camera protected from spray.
• Expect a bumpy ride and tell the operator before booking if you have back or knee concerns.
• Leave room in your schedule in case weather changes your plans.
• If wildlife is spotted on one side, stay attentive to the guide and captain, who may reposition the boat.

Should you book the Reykjavik RIB whale tour?

I would book it if you want the most active version of whale watching in Reykjavik. The small group, fast boat, low seating, and direct guide access give it a real advantage over a standard large vessel. The chance to reach moving whales quickly is the strongest reason to pay more.

I would skip it if you need a calm ride, have joint or back concerns, or would be upset by a no-whale day. For the right person, though, the boat ride alone is memorable, and a day with humpbacks, dolphins, minke whales, or puffins can become the highlight of a visit to Iceland.

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 in Reykjavik.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts up to approximately two hours.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, using a 12-seat RIB boat.

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 happens if the weather is too poor for the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.