Whale watching, but with roller-coaster speed. That’s what you’re signing up for in Reykjavik: a speedy RIB ride out over Faxaflói Bay, with tight spotting opportunities and views most people never get. I love the small-group size (up to 12), because it keeps the experience personal and makes it easy to hear your guide while you’re scanning the water.

The one drawback to know up front: the ride can be bouncy and you’ll want to dress for cold spray. One person also flagged that the provided clothing wasn’t fully waterproof for them, and another warned that people with back or knee issues may find the semi-standing posture uncomfortable for the full stretch.

Key Points That Matter

• Up to 12 people max keeps the group controlled and your questions from getting lost
• Waterproof gear included (warm overall, gloves, goggles, lifejacket) cuts down on what you need to pack
• Speed is the real advantage: faster boats can reach whale sightings quickly and stay with moving animals
• Reykjavik sights from the water include the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall area
• No guarantee on whales since wildlife is the whole point, but the crew actively searches
• Weather decides everything; good conditions are required for the tour to run

Why This RIB Tour Works So Well for Whale Spotting

If you’ve ever been on a slow boat, you know the problem: you spend more time commuting than watching. This tour is different because it’s built around a fast RIB (inflatable-style boat with a rigid frame), the kind of ride that lets you cover more water in less time.

That matters in Faxaflói Bay. Whales and dolphins don’t pose on a schedule. They move, feed, and surface where conditions allow. The faster you can get to a sighting and the quicker you can adjust course, the better your odds of seeing repeated surfacing—or even close encounters—rather than just a distant spout and a shrug.

And the boat design changes the feel, too. People describe seeing whales almost water-level, with more time and angles to watch behavior. You’re not stuck at the back of a huge vessel, watching tiny black dots. With the right spotting luck (more on that next), the RIB puts you closer and keeps you there longer.

Where You Meet and What the 2-Hour Window Really Looks Like

This is a simple, no-frills setup: you meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. No hotel pickup is listed, so plan to arrive on your own. The meeting area is near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re mixing this with other Reykjavik stops.

The tour runs about 2 hours. The nature experience is listed as up to 2 hours on the water. So you’re not booking a full day of transit and waiting around. You’re booking a focused burst of wildlife time, plus a couple of quick city view moments.

One timing note I’d take seriously: people say the departure experience can feel earlier than the printed start time. That’s a reason to show up early, not late. In practice, I’d treat your check-in moment as your “hard start time,” and give yourself a little buffer.

First Views: Sun Voyager From the Water

You start with a sighting-style pass near Sun Voyager (also known as Sólfar), the iconic sculpture on Reykjavik’s waterfront. From the water, it’s more than a photo stop. You get a fast sense of how the city hugs the bay—and you get oriented for what comes next.

What I like about this opener is that it sets context while you’re still fresh. You’re out there, moving, and you can start scanning for the first wildlife cues right away: birds diving, water breaks, and the subtle signs of activity that you’ll learn to watch for as the crew points things out.

If the weather is rough, this is also when you’ll feel how the RIB ride will treat your body. The earlier portion is your test run. If you’re sensitive to motion, that’s your chance to mentally prepare before the main spotting.

Harpa Concert Hall: City Architecture Meets Open Water

Next comes Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. From the bay, Harpa is a different character than when you see it from the street. You view it as a landmark sitting on the edge of the harbor—glass, angles, and reflections—while the rest of the horizon is pure sea and sky.

Why include a city stop while you’re hunting whales? Because it helps you appreciate what you’re actually riding through: a working bay right next to a modern capital. It’s one of those travel moments where the scenery isn’t just “pretty.” It tells you where the wildlife has to come up, and why the bay supports everything from seals to whales.

Practical note: Harpa is a view moment tied to your transit route. You’re not going to stroll around it on this tour. Keep your eyes up and be ready to look where the guide gestures as you move.

The Main Event: Wildlife in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is famous for a reason: it’s a productive feeding zone. The tour info points out whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds—including puffins. That’s not just marketing copy. It matches what you’ll likely see on a good outing, since the bay can deliver multiple species in one session.

What you might spot

On successful trips, the wildlife list can include:

• Humpback whales (sometimes multiple in the same area)
• Minke whales
• Harbour porpoises
• Dolphins (including lively surface activity)
• Puffins (some departures include a brief island-area stop, depending on conditions)

In the notes from past outings, people describe humpbacks breaching, swimming under the boat, and showing up again after a quick reposition. Dolphins can also turn into your warm-up act, moving around the RIB’s path.

How the crew increases your odds

You’re not just following blind luck. The crew is actively searching and repositioning fast enough to matter. One standout detail mentioned: speedboats communicate when there’s a sighting. That means the “best chance” often comes from speed and coordination, not from sitting in one spot and waiting.

This is also where the small group helps. With fewer people packed in, the guide can point, explain, and adjust the way you look without competing for attention. Several guides are described as marine-ecology focused, including Anika, and also guides like Rebekah/Rebecca, Joel, and Joe across different days. The common theme: they explain what you’re seeing and why it’s happening.

And yes—whales are still wild animals. One trip might deliver multiple whales right away; another might deliver dolphins only. If you’re going in expecting a guarantee, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re going in with the mindset of wildlife hunting—then it becomes part science, part adventure.

Waterproof Gear and the Real Comfort Check (RIB Edition)

This tour includes serious cold-and-spray gear: a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket. That’s a big deal for Reykjavik. You shouldn’t have to gamble on whether your own jacket blocks wind and mist.

The boat also uses seating described with suspension/shock absorbers. That’s why people call the ride exciting but more manageable than you might expect. Still, expect motion. The RIB is fast and the waves can add up, especially when you’re learning how the boat moves.

Here’s what I’d personally plan for based on real feedback:

• Dress warmly even with the gear. Layers help if the ride is chilly or the wind is sharper than expected.
• If you care about knee or back comfort, think twice before assuming “easy seating.” One person specifically warned that being semi-standing for much of the tour can be tough.
• Some people reported that the provided clothing wasn’t fully waterproof for them. If you’re picky about staying dry, consider bringing waterproof shoes or extra protection for your footwear.

If you’re prone to getting cold easily, this is not a tour to treat like a casual afternoon. It’s short and fast—but the weather can hit hard.

Price and Value: Is $164 Worth It?

At $164 per person, this isn’t the cheapest whale watching option in Reykjavik. But it’s also not paying for size just to feel safe. You’re paying for speed, proximity, and a smaller group.

Here’s how I’d judge the value:

• You get more “hunt time.” A faster boat can reach and rejoin whale activity sooner than large vessels stuck in slower transit.
• Small group = better viewing. Up to 12 people means more room to see over shoulders and less chaos when the guide calls out a sighting.
• Included gear reduces your costs. Waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket are part of the package, so you’re not buying those items just for one outing.
• The experience is more intense. The ride is part thrill and part advantage. If you want a gentle boat, this isn’t that style.

If your main goal is one big distant whale photo, a bigger boat might do the job. If your goal is closer spotting and more chance to follow animals while they move, the speed boat cost can make sense fast.

Small Group Size: Why You Feel Involved, Not Just Transported

Up to 12 travelers (and on some departures it’s even fewer) sounds like a small detail until you’re actually on the water. With this group size:

• everyone gets clearer sightlines
• the guide doesn’t need to yell into a crowd
• questions are more likely to get answered
• the captain and guide can shift positioning without a dozen bodies blocking each other

You’ll also hear explanations more easily. Multiple guides are described as communicating in a way that doesn’t require heavy amplification, mainly because the group is tight.

That matters for more than fun. When you understand what you’re looking at—feeding behavior, surface patterns, and why animals show up where they do—you stop treating whale watching like a lottery and start treating it like a skill.

What Can Go Wrong (And How to Think About It)

Whale watching is weather and wildlife dependent. The tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

Also, whale sightings can vary day to day. Some trips deliver humpbacks and minke whales. Other outings might only bring dolphins. That’s not a failure of the crew; it’s how this kind of ocean hunting works.

There are a few other practical risks to keep in mind:

• A few people mention issues with other passengers blocking views and poor onboard control on certain days. That can happen on any boat, but smaller group tours reduce the odds.
• If your comfort depends on being able to sit still, the semi-standing posture some people described may be an issue.
• If you’re booking through a third-party marketplace, cancellations can sometimes feel messy. If you want the smoothest communication, booking directly with the operator can help you cut down on extra layers.

Who Should Book This RIB Whale Watching Tour

This tour fits best if you:

• want the fast, close-up style of whale watching (not the big-boat slow ride)
• prefer smaller groups and better interaction
• can handle a bouncy ride and cold spray
• care about wildlife explanations as much as the sightings

I’d be more cautious if you:

• have back or knee problems that make semi-standing hard
• need a very calm, seated-only outing
• expect a guaranteed whale sighting on every departure

Should You Book It?

Yes—if your ideal Reykjavik day includes speed, proximity, and active searching. The combination of a small group, included waterproof gear, and RIB speed is the core of why this tour earns consistently strong marks.

I’d book it if you’re the type of person who likes being out on the water when conditions allow and doesn’t need perfection—just a real chance at amazing wildlife. And because whales aren’t guaranteed, go with the right mindset: you’re not buying a whale ticket. You’re buying the best odds and the most effective boat for chasing them.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the tour price?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly. The tour provides waterproof gear, but you should still plan for cold and spray.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.