Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

Fast boats, real wildlife.

This speedboat RIB tour is built for getting to whale activity quickly in Reykjavik’s offshore waters, so you spend more time watching and less time waiting. I like that the group is kept to a max of 12, which means you’re close to the guide and can ask questions without shouting over a loudspeaker. I also like the included warm waterproof layering, with gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket, because it makes a cold, spray-heavy outing much more comfortable.

One thing to plan for: whale watching is still nature. You can’t control sightings, so if the bay decides to stay quiet that day, your experience is still a great boat ride—but you might leave without the big whale moment.

Key highlights to know before you go

• A RIB that moves fast so the captain can chase sightings sooner than big-boat schedules
• Small group (max 12) for better sightlines and easier back-and-forth with your guide
• Warm waterproof kit included: overall, gloves, and goggles, plus a life-jacket
• Reykjavik sights from the water as you pass by Sun Voyager and Harpa
• Front-row feel because the seating is arranged so most people can see toward the action

Why the speedboat style matters in Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavik is right on the edge of Faxaflói Bay, and that’s the whole point. This RIB-style tour is designed for motion: quick accelerations, tight turns, and the ability to reposition when whales (or dolphins) change direction. In practice, that “speed advantage” matters because wildlife doesn’t sit still. A fast boat can follow the rhythm of feeding, surfacing, and traveling instead of drifting while a larger vessel lumbers along.

You also get a different viewing angle than you would from a bigger crowd. With a smaller inflatable craft, you’re not as far above the waterline, and that helps when animals pop up suddenly. One review even called out the “almost water level” feeling—exactly the kind of detail that turns a sighting from distant and blurry into something you can really watch.

The tradeoff is straightforward: this is not a gentle cruise. It’s exciting. You’ll bounce when the sea is choppy, and you’ll feel the ride in your legs and shoulders unless you’re used to small-boat travel. The good news is the seats have shock absorption, and you’ll be wearing the provided gear to handle spray.

The 12-person group setup: more questions, fewer blind spots

Whale watching on the water often comes down to one thing: can you actually see what the guide is excited about? With a group capped at 12 travelers, you’re not stuck behind someone’s camera or tall jacket.

There’s another practical win: the guide can manage the group without shouting. In multiple accounts, guests noted that the guide didn’t need a microphone because everyone is close enough to hear explanations clearly. That matters, because the best part of whale watching isn’t only the moment you spot a blow—it’s understanding what you’re seeing and why the animals are acting the way they are.

You can also feel this in how the crew shares the boat. Some guests praised the team for making sure both sides of the vessel get strong viewing opportunities. If you care about photos, that’s a big deal. You’re more likely to get clean sightlines instead of spending the whole trip angled in the wrong direction.

Timing and meeting point: don’t be the late person

This tour starts at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík, and it returns you to the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to treat this like a walk-up water adventure: arrive ready, not “running in last minute.”

Here’s the one timing tip I’d take seriously: one guest reported that the tour start felt about 30 minutes earlier than the stated time, and arriving late risked missing departure. That doesn’t mean the listing is wrong—it means the crew needs time to check gear, distribute instructions, and get you into position. My advice: show up early, wear your base layers, and be ready to move when they call you.

If you like planning with buffers, add a little extra time for finding the spot. The meeting point is near public transportation, and it’s described as easy to locate, but Reykjavík streets are easiest when you’re not sprinting.

City highlights you’ll spot on the way out: Sun Voyager and Harpa

Even though this is a whale tour, you’re still leaving from one of Europe’s more photo-friendly harbors. The experience includes stops that anchor Reykjavík’s skyline: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.

Sun Voyager is the classic sculpture by the water—one of those Reykjavik landmarks you’ll recognize instantly once you see it. From the sea, it’s a fast way to get oriented. Harpa is the other major hit: the glass-and-steel concert hall that looks like it belongs in a science-fiction movie.

The value here is simple: you get Reykjavík’s “wow” moments without spending separate time on a bus tour or trying to fit sightseeing into the tightest hours. And because you’ll be traveling by boat, these landmarks can look very different from the angles you get on land.

If weather is rough, the city stops can still help you salvage the experience visually while you head into the bay. When the sea is calm, the same spots become a nice “warm-up” before the wildlife portion kicks into gear.

What 2 hours on the RIB really feels like

The tour is about two hours on the water, focused on wildlife in Faxaflói Bay. Your guide will explain what you’re looking for—whales, dolphins, seals, and the sea-bird action that can include puffins. Then the boat team does what speedboats do best: reposition fast and call attention to changes as soon as they happen.

In several stories, sightings happened early—one guest described whales about five minutes in. That’s exactly why this format can feel “worth it” even before you’ve seen anything: if activity is out there, the crew can get to it quickly.

Wildlife sightings people reported include:

• humpback whales
• minke whales
• dolphins and harbour porpoises
• seals (mentioned as part of the bay’s animal mix)
• puffins, sometimes via a brief look related to Puffin Island

Just remember: sightings are wildlife, not a theme-park schedule. Even with the best captain and guide, you can’t guarantee the exact species you came for. What you can control is choosing a tour method that maximizes your time with active animals. The speedboat approach is built for that.

Also, don’t treat the trip as one long “wait.” You’ll likely move through areas, pause when something shows, then move again. That creates a more active rhythm than slower tours, and it’s why some people call it more effective than the big-boat version.

Who’s behind the wheel matters: guides and marine biologists

A strong whale tour lives or dies with the people spotting and explaining. On this tour, you’ll get an English-language guide with active narration throughout the trip.

Some names showing up in accounts include Anika (described as a marine biologist), Rebecca/Rebekah, Joe, Joel, and Otto (credited in one experience as driver). You might not get the exact same crew, but the important pattern is clear: the team is comfortable interpreting marine behavior and pointing out what’s going on, not just reading off a script.

I also like the way some guides reportedly handle questions. Because the boat is small and seating is close, you can ask offbeat stuff without the conversation getting lost. That turns the “lecture moment” into something interactive.

One fair note: not every outing gets top marks for interaction. One account mentioned disappointment with guide engagement and another mentioned guests blocking views. That’s not a deal-breaker—small group tours still depend on how passengers behave—but it’s a real reason to be the kind of guest who helps keep sightlines clear.

Gear and comfort: warm on paper, check it in real life

This tour includes waterproof gear: a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. That’s a huge baseline win. Most people underestimate how wet and cold you can get even when Reykjavík doesn’t feel like midwinter.

You’ll also feel the boat motion. Multiple reviews noted the ride is thrilling and bouncy, with seat suspension designed to reduce the worst of it. That’s not the same as “comfortable cruise.” If you have back or knee issues, think carefully before booking. One guest specifically warned that the boat requires you to be semi-standing at times for safety and comfort, which might not work for everyone.

One more gear heads-up: at least one review said the clothes provided were not fully waterproof. That may be a quality or fit issue, or it may depend on how hard the spray is that day. If you’re the type who gets cold fast, consider wearing thermal layers under your provided overall. And wear waterproof shoes if you have them, because the deck area can get splashed.

My bottom line on comfort: the tour gives you real protection, but you’re still going to feel like you’re on the sea. Bring a mindset for weather reality.

Price and value: what $164 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $164 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do whale watching in Iceland. The value question is: are you paying for the thrill, or for better outcomes?

The answer from the details is “both,” but the main payoff is practical. You’re paying for a speedboat that can reach sightings quicker, follow whales as they move, and keep the tour active. People directly compared it to larger boats and described the speed as a reason they got closer and saw more.

You’re also buying a smaller-group format. With only 12 seats, you’re less likely to spend the trip looking at the back of a stranger’s head. And because the guide narration can stay conversational (no need for a loud megaphone), you get more from each moment you’re watching.

What you don’t buy is guaranteed whales. The ocean runs the show. So the best way to justify the price is to think of it as paying for better chances and better access—closer vantage points, faster repositioning, and more personalized guidance.

Weather reality: the bay decides, and plans may change

This tour requires good weather. That’s not fine print fluff. On the water, wind and wave height can make a speedboat unsafe or uncomfortable enough that the operator cancels.

If the tour is canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That flexibility helps, because you’re not forced to accept a bad day at sea. Still, Iceland weather can change quickly, so build in patience and a little schedule slack if you can.

Also, don’t ignore the possibility of last-minute changes. One account described a canceled trip fairly close to departure time. I can’t say why any specific cancellation happened, but I can say this: whale watching is one of the first activities to go when the sea is angry, so keep that in mind.

Should you book this speedboat whale watching tour?

Book it if you want:

• a fast ride that can chase active wildlife
• a small group where you can actually hear the guide
• the included waterproof kit and a guided explanation throughout
• stronger odds of closer sightings by using a maneuverable boat

Skip it (or think hard) if:

• you need a very smooth, low-motion experience
• you have back/knee concerns that might not handle bouncy semi-standing boat moments
• you’d be okay with a trip that might not deliver whales on that specific day

If your priority is seeing Reykjavík from the water and then stacking the odds for close whale moments, this style makes sense. It’s also a good match for first-timers, because the guide-focused format turns a wildlife hunt into a learn-and-watch experience, not just a ride.

If you want the most effective outcome, show up early, dress warm, and take the gear seriously. Then let the bay do what it does best: surprise you.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík.

Is there hotel pickup or drop-off?

No. You meet at the location and return there.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes up to 2 hours on a 12-seat luxury RIB boat, English guidance, a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

What’s not included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Do I need a specific ticket type?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly. You’ll be given waterproof gear, but you should still dress for cold, wet conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a minimum age or adult requirement?

The information provided states a minimum of 1 adult per booking is required, and most travelers can participate.