Whales in a speedboat is a very Iceland move. I love the small-group setup (max 12) and how the fast RIB can reach sightings quickly, which makes the whole whale-watching search feel sharp and focused. One drawback to plan for: wildlife tours still depend on weather and animal behavior, so seeing whales isn’t guaranteed.

Before you hit the water, you get Reykjavik context with stops at Sun Voyager and the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Then you’re back on the boat for up to a 2-hour nature experience around Faxaflói Bay, guided in English, and focused on whales, dolphins, seals, and even puffins if conditions line up.

Quick highlights you’ll care about

• RIB speed helps you get close fast—the boat can move to where whales are reported and follow their routes
• Warm waterproof gear included—overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket for the cold sea spray
• Max 12 passengers—you’re not stuck behind a sea of heads like on bigger boats
• Two planned Reykjavik stops—Sun Voyager and Harpa add city scenery before the offshore run
• Guides often make the wildlife search feel personal—names you might hear in feedback include Anika and Rebekah/Rebecca

Why this RIB whale watching tour feels faster and more personal

Faxaflói Bay is right off Reykjavik’s waterfront, so you’re not spending hours traveling just to start looking. This tour is built around speed on a small 12-seat luxury RIB, which matters because whales (and dolphins) don’t wait politely on a schedule.

In plain terms, the fast boat can reduce the “we’re still cruising” time. That shows up in what people love most: quick repositioning when sightings happen, and better chances to spend time close to the action rather than far away.

Reykjavik sights first: Sun Voyager and Harpa time before the sea

This isn’t just a boat trip with a quick harbor photo and then silence until you return. You start with two Reykjavik stops: Sun Voyager and the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. I like this structure because it gives you something visual and unmistakably Reykjavik right away.

It also helps you handle the reality of whale watching: sometimes the first stretch of time on the bay is slower than you’d hope. Having already seen two major landmarks makes the day feel like it’s working even if the wildlife needs a little time to show up.

What the 2-hour wildlife search is really like on Faxaflói Bay

Expect a guided run focused on wild animals in Faxaflói Bay—whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds including puffins. The bay is known for lots of bird life, but the real headline here is whale watching from the water, with your guide helping you track what’s happening.

From the pattern of what people report, the ride often starts with scanning, then turns into rapid “go, go, go” movement when the captain spots activity. In at least some cases, groups have gotten very early sightings—one account describes seeing humpbacks within minutes—then stayed on productive water as the boat followed the animals’ movements.

The animals you should realistically hope to see

Based on what’s included in the tour description and what shows up repeatedly in feedback, you may spot:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• Dolphins
• Harbour porpoises
• Seals
• Puffins (often mentioned alongside bird sightings)

I’ll be honest about the vibe: this is not a zoo program. You’re going out to find wildlife, so the day’s “best moment” can vary from trip to trip depending on where the animals are.

Why the speedboat really matters when whales move

Whale watching can be frustrating when you’re stuck on a slower boat that can’t react fast enough. Here, the appeal is that the faster RIB can shorten the gap between a sighting and your arrival at it.

Several accounts point out that the speed upgrade is worth it versus larger boats, because you can get to whales quickly and then keep moving with them. When whales change direction or surface in a new area, time matters—and speed buys you more chances to be in the right spot while animals are actively feeding or moving.

Comfort in rough water: seats, bounces, and staying warm

This is a smaller boat, and smaller boats can feel like a roller coaster when the sea is choppy. The key difference is that the RIB seats reportedly have suspension, and people mention you bounce but don’t feel totally beaten up.

You’re also provided with winter-ready gear: a warm waterproof overall plus gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. That gear is a big deal because wet air plus wind can drain your energy fast.

One comfort catch to consider

Not every experience report is perfect. One traveler noted that the clothes provided were not fully waterproof, and another warned that you may be semi-standing for a stretch of time, which could be an issue if you have knee or back problems. If that’s you, consider whether you’d rather be on a calmer option—or arrive ready with extra waterproof layers and footwear.

Practical tip: dress warmly even with the gear included. Reykjavik weather can shift quickly, and you’ll be outside on the water.

Guides on this tour: the difference between reading facts and spotting animals

The guides do more than point and tell. They guide your search with real-time scanning and clear explanation in English, and they also share context about whales, wildlife, and Reykjavik.

You’ll hear names like Anika in feedback, including mention of marine-biology experience. Other guides show up too—Rebekah/Rebecca, Joe, Joel, and Otto—so while guide assignments can vary, the consistent theme is that the group stays close enough for questions and for people to actually hear the explanation without a noisy setup.

Small group size is the quiet secret here. When you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, your guide can correct sightline problems and everyone can see forward.

The boat layout and views: why “front row” can be real

On bigger boats, your view can become a spectator sport: someone stands up, you lose your angle, and nobody can fix it fast. With a max of 12 people and seating in two-per-row configuration (as described in feedback), you’re more likely to have a clear line of sight from your seat.

That’s a big deal for whales, because you’re trying to spot surfacing behavior and keep eyes on the water. The closer you are, the less you’re guessing.

Still, one caution: on any wildlife boat, you can run into the occasional person who blocks views by standing. When that happens, it’s frustrating, and the guide’s ability to manage the crowd can vary by day.

Price and value: is $164 worth it for this specific style of tour?

At $164 per person for about 2 hours, this is not the cheapest way to do whale watching in Reykjavik. The value comes from the combo of three things you can actually feel on the day:

• You’re on a small-group RIB (max 12), so the experience is more personal
• You get included waterproof gear, so you’re not scrambling for cold-weather basics last minute
• You’re paying for speed and maneuverability, which helps you find whales faster and follow them longer

In feedback, people repeatedly contrast this with larger boats that carry far more passengers and move more slowly. If you want the closer, more reactive experience—and not the slow “maybe we’ll see something” cruise—this price can make sense.

If you’re mainly price-sensitive, though, you may decide to shop a slower option. But if you care about being close to wildlife and keeping your time focused on active sightings, the speed upgrade is the main reason people feel they got their money’s worth.

Timing matters: how to avoid missing departure

One practical detail that shows up in feedback: the effective start time can feel earlier than the stated time. The safest move is simple—arrive early and be ready to go. Don’t treat the meeting time like a suggestion.

Because there’s no hotel pickup, you’re also responsible for being at the dock area on time. The good news is the meeting point is near public transportation, so you can plan without a complicated transfer.

Meeting point, ticket, and day-of logistics (without the fuss)

You’ll meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

You get a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking time. The tour is offered in English, and there’s a minimum of 1 adult required per booking.

What’s not included is hotel pickup and drop-off. If you’re staying outside the center, plan on a short taxi or bus ride so you’re not rushing.

Weather reality: what happens if conditions turn

This experience depends on weather. If the sea state isn’t right, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not a failure mode—it’s part of how responsible operators keep the ride safe and still worth it.

My advice is to build your Reykjavik schedule so you have some flexibility. If whale watching is your priority, don’t lock all your plans so tightly that a weather change ruins your options.

Who should book this RIB whale watching tour

This is a strong match if you:

• Want close-up wildlife viewing rather than a distant scan from far offshore
• Prefer a small group where you can hear the guide and ask questions
• Like active boat rides and are okay with bouncy motion in rougher water
• Appreciate warm waterproof gear being provided

You might rethink it if you:

• Have knee or back limitations that make semi-standing uncomfortable
• Are easily overwhelmed by cold spray and choppy conditions
• Need a calmer, less intense boat experience

Should you book Katla Whale Watching’s small-group RIB tour?

If you’re choosing between whale watching styles in Reykjavik, I’d lean toward this one when your priority is speed, close views, and a small-group feel. At $164, you’re paying for gear, guidance, and the ability to reach wildlife quickly—exactly the things that make whale watching feel like it’s happening, not just waiting.

Book it if you can handle the weather odds and the ride intensity. Skip it or pick a gentler alternative if you know rough-water motion will bother you or if you want a very relaxed day on the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the experience?

The duration is listed as about 2 hours, including up to 2 hours of nature experience on the RIB.

What size is the group?

This activity is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What language is the tour guide?

The guidance is offered in English.

What gear is provided?

You’re provided a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket.

Does the tour guarantee whales?

No tour can control whale sightings. The experience focuses on searching for wildlife, and what you see depends on conditions.

What is the weather policy?

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

What should I wear?

Dress warmly. You’ll be on the water in cold conditions, and the tour includes waterproof gear, but you should still plan for winter weather.

Is this tour near public transportation?

Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation.

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