Whales in Reykjavik, without waiting around. A fast RIB speedboat in Faxaflói Bay helps you cover more water and chase the action, while keeping the group small and close to the guide. I like that the trip includes real waterproof gear (overall, gloves, goggles, life jacket) so you are not stuck hunting for your own supplies.

Two things I really love about this tour: first, the small group size (max 12) means you get personal attention and fewer blocked views, and second, the speedboat changes the whole experience. You can reach whale areas quickly, and when sightings happen, the crew can move fast. You might even hear the guide point out what you are looking for right as it happens, with guides such as marine biologist Anika and guides like Rebecca or Joel often mentioned for strong spotting and clear explanations.

One drawback to consider: on a bouncy RIB ride, you will likely feel more movement than on a big, slow boat. And if conditions are rough, you could find the provided gear not fully waterproof, plus the tour can involve standing or bracing for extended stretches, so it is worth thinking about knees, back, and footwear.

Key points to know before you go

• Small-group RIB ride (up to 12 people) keeps the experience personal and easier for spotting
• Waterproof suit, gloves, goggles, and life jacket are included, so you can travel lighter
• Speed matters in whale watching, since whales move and the crew can follow quickly
• Great views from the boat are a common highlight, with both sides getting good sightlines
• Weather is the deal-maker in Faxaflói Bay, so flexible plans are smart

Why a RIB speedboat works best in Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavik is set up for quick nature hits, and Faxaflói Bay is where you go to see that wildlife. The stars of the show are usually whales and dolphins, with seals and sea birds also common in these waters. This tour is built around the reality that marine animals move, and that means waiting is not always the best strategy.

A RIB speedboat adds two big advantages for you. First, you cover more water in less time. That matters because sightings can be brief, and the best viewing often depends on where the animals are right then. Second, the crew can reposition quickly. If the captain gets a confirmed signal or spots a blow, you are not stuck watching the moment pass while a larger boat slowly catches up.

The other underrated win is how close you are to what you came for. On a smaller, fast craft, the guide is speaking within your reach, and you are not stuck shouting over a crowd. People also like the seating setup, since it helps you keep your view instead of craning around strangers.

Still, go in with the right mindset. Whale watching is wild. Sometimes you get multiple species and great surface time. Other times, you might end up with dolphins only, or fewer whales than you hoped for. The speed helps your odds, but it does not guarantee a whale every minute.

The 12-seat experience: what “small group” changes for your day

Maxing at 12 travelers is not just a comfort detail. It changes how the whole trip feels.

On a small boat, you get:

• More room to shift your stance for spotting
• Easier communication with the guide
• Fewer people standing directly in front of you

This is where you benefit from the tour’s structure. Many guests highlight that the crew makes a point of managing views, including getting people on both sides set up for the best angles when whales surface. If you are the type who hates missing a sighting because someone blocked your line of sight, this is a real reason to pay for the smaller RIB.

There is also the “front row” feel. With two seats per row mentioned by guests, the sightlines tend to work well without you constantly moving. On a crowded, large boat, you can feel trapped in a sea of heads. On this one, you are in it.

One more practical note: small group does not mean slow pace. The day moves. You will want to be ready to stand your ground and react quickly when the captain angles toward action.

Gear and comfort: what’s included and what to double-check

This tour includes the big safety essentials and a lot of weather protection:

• Warm waterproof overall
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Life jacket

That is a strong package for Iceland. You will not be forced to rent a full setup at the last second, and it helps you enjoy the ride instead of focusing on keeping your hands warm and your glasses clean.

But here is the balanced part. One guest specifically noted that the provided clothes were not fully waterproof. So if you run cold, or you scare easily at the idea of spray getting through, bring your own layers. Good waterproof shoes or boots help too, especially if you are bouncing around and need stable footing.

Also consider motion. Several guests describe the ride as exciting and bouncy. People mention seats with suspension that reduce the impact, which helps, but you may still feel the boat’s up-and-down movement. If you have back or knee issues, treat this as a key factor. You might find the stance and movement more demanding than a calmer cruise.

My practical advice: dress warmly under the suit, wear grippy waterproof footwear, and pack a spare pair of warm socks if you tend to get cold fast. It is a small effort that can keep the whole trip comfortable.

The Sun Voyager stop: a quick Reykjavik intro from the water

Your trip starts with a look at Reykjavik that you simply do not get from the main streets. The stop at Sun Voyager gives you a chance to orient yourself toward the city and coast. Even if you have already seen this iconic sculpture from land, seeing it from the water changes the scale. You also get a feel for how the city sits against the bay.

Why this matters: you are not just leaving Reykjavik, you are getting a moving “welcome” to the area you are about to explore. For first-time visitors, it helps you connect names you see on maps with what you are actually seeing out on the water.

What to watch for here is less about wildlife and more about setting the stage. Use the time to get your bearings, check how you like the gear, and get comfortable with the boat’s movement before you go deeper into whale territory.

A small drawback: this is a short viewpoint moment. If you are hoping for lots of time to take photos and settle in, keep expectations realistic. The day is built around being fast once wildlife shows up.

Harpa Concert Hall: the city’s signature backdrop while you head for wildlife

Next comes a stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable buildings. From the water, Harpa looks different, with angles and reflections that feel more cinematic than street level photos.

This stop is a smart pacing choice. It breaks up the ride so the trip feels like more than a straight sprint to the bay. You get city contrast, then the mood shifts from architecture photos to wildlife watching.

The practical benefit for you: Harpa is a clear landmark. On a windy day, or if you feel a little turned around after the first minutes, a landmark like this can help you stay grounded, so you do not feel “lost at sea” once the captain starts scanning.

The tradeoff is time. Like Sun Voyager, you are not there long. The goal is to get you moving and ready, not to turn the city sightseeing into the main event. If you are mainly there for whales and dolphins, that is a plus.

Whale watching in action: what the crew does when spotting happens

The heart of the tour is wildlife in Faxaflói Bay, with a strong chance of seeing whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds. One of the biggest reasons guests love this specific kind of tour is the speed advantage when something happens.

Guests also mention how the boat community signals when whales are spotted, which helps the crew respond quickly. When the captain turns toward a sighting, you feel it right away. This is where the RIB experience pays off. On slower boats, everyone watches. On a faster one, the crew can actually position you closer and faster.

What you might see:

• Humpback whales (many sightings reported)
• Minke whales (also commonly mentioned)
• Dolphins, including playful groups
• Seals and sea birds, including puffin sightings
• Occasional extended viewing when whales stay near the surface

One honest consideration: whale time can be unpredictable. If conditions are tough, you may see less, or you might miss the exact moment you dreamed about. Still, guests repeatedly describe getting close and getting time, not just a quick glance.

If you want to maximize your odds:

• Pay attention early when the guide is pointing out what to look for
• Stay in position so you can see as the captain angles the boat
• Be ready to switch sides quickly when the crew repositions

When puffins show up: the bonus moments that make the day feel complete

Some departures include a brief look at puffins, with Puffin Island mentioned by guests as a short stop. Even when it is not a close-up experience, it adds variety. You go from mammal watching to a quick bird moment, which breaks the monotony of only scanning for blows.

Here is the balanced way to think about it: the whale watching is the main act, and the puffin stop is the bonus. If you go in expecting puffins to be guaranteed and close, you might be disappointed. But if you enjoy birds at a glance and like the idea of variety, it is a nice extra when it is included.

Price and value: is $164 worth it versus big boats

At $164 per person for a roughly two-hour RIB experience, this costs more than the larger, slower whale boats. That is the obvious comparison.

Here is the value argument in plain terms:

• You pay for speed, and speed matters because whales move.
• You pay for small-group control, fewer sightline problems, and easier guide interaction.
• You pay for the included gear that helps you enjoy the ride in Iceland’s wind.

If you are someone who hates spending hours on a large boat with a crowd, this RIB option can feel like the best use of your limited vacation time. Multiple guests call out that they chose the smaller speedboat specifically to get closer and to avoid the slow, large-boat slog.

Also, this is a practical value point for your whole Iceland trip. Reykjavik has a lot competing for your time. Spending two hours doing something that can deliver close encounters feels efficient.

The main “cost risk” is that whale watching is weather-dependent and wildlife-dependent. If you end up with a day that has only dolphins, or less action than expected, you can feel the price difference. Still, this tour’s speed and small format are exactly what you want when conditions are right.

Tips to make the ride smoother and the photos better

This is where you can gain real ground fast.

Arrive with extra time. One guest noted the effective start feels earlier than the stated time, and arriving late could make you miss departure. When you book, double-check the actual local start time and show up early.

Dress for spray and wind. Even with included gear, you can get wet. Warm layers under the overall and waterproof footwear help. If you tend to run cold, add a hat that stays in place.

Use the guide’s focus. Guides mentioned in guest comments include people like marine biologist Anika and guides such as Rebecca or Rebekah. When they start scanning, treat it like a live show. Watch where they point, and listen for the cues.

Photograph with realism. You are on a moving boat. Your best shots often come from quick bursts when the captain holds position. If you are trying to get one perfect whale breach photo, you might miss the chance to see the real moment. Balance your camera time with just enjoying it.

Should you book this RIB whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

Book it if you want a fast, small-group way to chase wildlife in Faxaflói Bay. The maximum 12-person setup, included waterproof gear, and the speed advantage are exactly what help you get close and get time when whales are around.

Skip or reconsider if you have mobility concerns (back or knee issues), because the ride can be bouncy and you may brace yourself or stand more than you expect. Also, if you absolutely need a guaranteed whale sighting, remember nothing here can promise that. Wildlife is in charge.

One more smart way to decide: think about how you want to spend limited time in Iceland. If you want an efficient, high-action nature experience right from Reykjavik, this is a strong fit. If you prefer a calm cruise, or you dislike movement at sea, you may prefer a larger, slower boat style instead.

FAQ

How long is the Speedboat Whale Watching tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes up to 2 hours on a 12-seat luxury RIB boat, English guidance about whales and wildlife (and city information), a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket.

What should I bring if I want to stay warm and dry?

Dress warmly, and plan for cold wind and spray. The tour provides waterproof gear like an overall, gloves, goggles, and a life jacket, but it is smart to consider waterproof layers and footwear.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.