Fast RIBs mean whales come closer. This speedboat-style outing in Reykjavik’s Faxaflói Bay uses a speedy RIB to reach wildlife quickly, and it comes with waterproof gear so you can actually enjoy the spray. Main consideration: the ride can be bouncy, so it may not feel great if you have back or knee problems.

You get the best of both worlds here: quick ocean time plus real city sightseeing from the water. The small headcount (up to 12) keeps things personal, and you’ll have an English guide who can point out whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds as conditions allow. The big drawback with whale watching is always the same: no one can promise whales on any given trip, because nature runs the schedule.

Key things that make this RIB tour worth your attention

• A fast, maneuverable RIB for closer sightings instead of slowly cruising with the big-boat crowd
• Warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and lifejacket so you’re not stuck overdressing guesswork
• Small-group max of 12 for easier viewing and more time with the guide
• Guides like Anika, Rebecca/Rebekah, Joel, Otto, and Joe who can explain what you’re seeing in clear English
• Two-city-view stops via Sun Voyager and Harpa while you’re on the water
• Weather-driven flexibility (good weather matters, and cancellations due to weather can be rebooked or refunded)

Why a Reykjavik RIB whale watch beats the slow big-boat style

In Iceland, you feel the ocean before you even see the wildlife. That’s why the RIB format is a big deal. A speedboat can change direction fast, which means when whales surface or move, you’re less likely to miss the moment. You’re not just traveling to a generic spot; you’re reacting to what the bay is doing right now.

I like this approach for one practical reason: whale watching is a timing game. Whales don’t pose on request. When you can reposition quickly, you give yourself a better shot at longer, closer interactions. Many boats out there look similar from far away, but the physics are different once you’re on a small, fast hull.

There’s also a value angle. Yes, this tour costs more than large-boat whale watches. The trade is speed plus access. If your goal is maximum chance of close views, the RIB is a smart place to spend money.

The small-group advantage: up-close viewing with max 12 people

Most Reykjavik tours you’ll compare have huge groups. Big groups aren’t automatically bad. But for spotting wildlife, they can feel like a standing-room problem.

Here, the group is capped at 12. That tends to mean fewer bodies between you and the waterline, and it also makes it easier for the guide to answer questions without shouting across a deck. One traveler noted seating that keeps people very close to the action, and another mentioned that even on small departures, everyone got strong sightlines.

I also like that this is built for a short, focused outing. You’re out for about 2 hours, guided the whole time, and then you’re back. You’re not spending your day waiting for something to happen.

Included waterproof gear: you’ll thank yourself once the spray hits

One of the most underrated parts of Iceland tours is gear. This one includes a warm waterproof overall, plus gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket. That’s not a tiny detail. In Reykjavik, wind + cold + salt spray can turn a “fun adventure” into a “why didn’t I bring better layers” situation.

With the provided gear, you can dress for warmth without overpacking. You can also keep your hands free (gloves matter when you’re watching while the boat bounces). Goggles help with wind and spray so you can actually track what’s happening on the water surface.

Still, be realistic. The sea is always damp. If you’re coming in with issues like limited knee or back tolerance, the ride and posture matter more than the clothing. One traveler also flagged that the provided clothes may not feel fully waterproof in all conditions, so I’d still bring waterproof shoes and be ready to double up on cold-weather layers.

Sun Voyager and Harpa from the water: city views you won’t get on foot

The tour route gives you two clean Reykjavik anchors from the sea: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Seeing these landmarks from the water changes how they read.

Sun Voyager (the metal sea-sculpture) looks iconic from land, but from the water it becomes part of the coastline geometry. It’s the kind of photo that feels more “you are here” than “I’m standing next to a landmark.”

Harpa is even better from sea level. It’s all glass and angles, and when the water shifts the light, Harpa can look different every minute. It’s a satisfying bonus if you want more than just ocean time, without turning your trip into a long sightseeing day.

One note: this is a boat tour, not a city walk. Don’t expect long stops. Think of these as visual checkpoints while you’re already in motion out on the bay.

Faxaflói Bay wildlife: what you might see, and what the guide will do for you

Faxaflói Bay is one of the reasons Reykjavik whale watching works at all. It’s positioned right along the city’s southern shore, so you’re not traveling far just to get to water.

In these waters, you can encounter whales, dolphins, seals, and plenty of seabirds. Puffins are also part of the picture. The guide will explain what you’re likely seeing and why the animals behave the way they do—breathing patterns, surfacing timing, and how pods move through feeding zones.

Now, about odds. No one can guarantee a specific species every time. But this setup is built to increase your chances through speed and repositioning. When whales surface, the boat can adjust quickly. When they dive and move, you can still chase the action rather than waiting for a slower vessel to get there.

Some departures may also include a short puffin-area look on the way back. If that’s added, it’s a nice contrast to the open-water chasing. Just remember: wildlife timing still rules the day.

The 2-hour flow: when to arrive, what the ride feels like, and how long to expect

This tour runs around 2 hours total. That short window is a plus if you’re trying to keep Reykjavik days flexible. It’s also a reason the speedboat format works well: you’re not spending half your day commuting between ports and waiting for the group to gather.

Timing on whale watches can feel strange because weather and sightings control the schedule. One traveler mentioned the start time can effectively feel earlier than what’s printed, so I’d treat your confirmation time as the minimum, not the target. Arrive early at the meeting point and get yourself settled. You’ll need time to put on gear, and you’ll be glad you’re not sprinting around Reykjavik docks in wind.

On board, expect motion. Reviews described a bouncy ride, but also noted that the seats have shock absorbers, which helps. If you’re the sort of traveler who gets seasick, it’s worth planning for it. Bring your own comfort basics, and don’t assume you’ll feel fine just because it’s only 2 hours.

How the guides and captain teamwork boosts your odds

On whale watching, the best “skill” is pattern recognition plus fast decision-making. A good captain reads the water and responds to sightings. A good guide translates what you’re seeing into something you understand, so you’re not just staring and hoping.

I’m glad this tour uses an English guide who can guide your attention in real time. Names that have shown up for this company include Anika (sometimes described as a marine biologist), Rebecca or Rebekah, Joel, Otto, and Joe. Regardless of who’s on your departure, the common theme is clear: the crew works together to get you to where the action is.

There’s also coordination when whales are spotted. One account mentioned that boats can call out to each other when there’s a sighting, and that the faster RIB option is worth the extra cost because you reach the animals quicker. Even if you don’t care about the behind-the-scenes logistics, you should care about the result: you spend more time with wildlife in view.

Price and value: why $164 can make sense for the closest views

At $164 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t the cheapest whale watch in Reykjavik. But here’s how I’d judge value, practically.

You’re paying for:

• Speed and repositioning, which increases the chance of close encounters
• Small group size (max 12), which makes spotting less frustrating
• Included warm waterproof gear, which reduces what you need to buy or wear
• English guidance plus interpretation of wildlife and what you’re seeing around the bay

If you’re the type of traveler who cares about close-up viewing, the RIB format is the whole point. If you just want a general nature cruise, a larger boat can feel like a bargain. But if your goal is more time tracking whales at the right angle and distance, this is the option designed for that outcome.

The other value piece: you’re also getting city scenery from the water via Sun Voyager and Harpa. That helps this tour feel like a double win—wildlife plus Reykjavik views—in the same time block.

Getting there: meeting point and what to plan for

This tour meets at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. It ends back at the meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off listed, so you’ll want to build time to walk, taxi, or use nearby public transit.

Because you’ll need to put on waterproof gear, I’d treat arrival time as part of the experience. The cold and wind in Reykjavik can make waiting feel longer than it is, so get there, get kitted up, and settle in.

Who this Reykjavik whale watch is best for

This tour fits especially well if you:

• Want maximum speed access to wildlife rather than a slow, large-boat cruise
• Prefer a small group where you can actually see what the guide points out
• Appreciate included winter gear so you don’t have to gamble on what to wear

It’s not automatically perfect if you:

• Have back or knee issues and worry about semi-standing or bracing positions on a moving boat
• Are very sensitive to motion and need steady comfort

If you’re traveling with limited time in Reykjavik, this also works well. About 2 hours lets you still enjoy dinner, museums, or a Northern Lights plan (depending on season and your schedule).

Should you book Katla Whale Watching RIB speedboat?

If your priority is closer wildlife viewing and you want to spend less time commuting and more time actually watching whales surface, I’d book this. The small-group setup, included waterproof gear, and RIB speed are built for the kind of experience you remember later: quick repositioning, intense moments at the waterline, and a guide who helps you make sense of what you’re seeing.

If your priority is comfort above all else, or you’re worried about bouncy motion, you might consider a larger, slower boat option instead. This one is active. It’s not a sit-and-glide cruise.

My simple rule: if you can handle cold spray and a bit of bounce, the speedboat format is worth paying for.

FAQ

How long is the Speedboat Whale Watching tour in Reykjavik?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get up to 2 hours on a 12-seat luxury RIB boat, English guidance, and waterproof gear including a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a refund if I cancel?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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