Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Reykjavik, Iceland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, puffins, and whales—but knowing where the wildlife is likely to appear requires skill and experience. On this small-group rigid inflatable boat (RIB) tour from Reykjavik, zoom across the waves with your guide and reach the action swiftly. Wrapped up warm against the cold, discover scenic views along the way, and enjoy personal attention from your guide.
- See more of the sights in less time when you travel by speedy RIB
- Tour includes waterproof gear: gloves, goggles, and life-jacket
- Admire views of Reykjavik that few other visitors get to see
- Small-group tour limited to 12 people ensures a personal experience
What's Included
- Up to 2 hour of breathtaking nature experience on a 12 seat luxury Rib boat
- Full guidance (English) with various information on the whales, wildlife and the city
- A warm waterproof overall, gloves and googles
- Lifejacket
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Special ToursGeirsgata 11, Ægisgarður 5E, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Sun Voyager
2
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Dress warmly
- A minimum of 1 adult per booking is required
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Lauren_P
Rebekah was an amazing guide. We saw three different types of whales and got so close that a humpback whale swam under the boat and we saw him breaching multiple times. Amazing experience, I can’t recommend it enough. Plus the use of the speed boats allows you to get to different locations so much quicker than the larger boats and you can get closer to the whales.
Reviews
4.6
based on 259 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Leona_B, Sep 2026
I couldn’t even say how good this was because it was even better than I thought our Guide Hanna and the driver yodel was absolutely amazing. We seen so much wildlife. We were completely amazed and blown out of the water literally
Jen_A, Aug 2026
Guide was very knowledgeable and made the event fun. Entire experience went smoothly, saw a dolphin and a whale.
Rachel_G, Aug 2026
The speedboat, the whales (close to the whales, jumping, partners), the the porpoises, and puffins were amazing
Rebecca_s, Jul 2026
Sea is rough. You”ll get wet. Totally worth it! Saw humpbacks and puffins and had a great experience
Subin_L, Jul 2026
Very good, it was kinda cold so bring a jacket. Also the guide needs a microphone! I couldn’t hear what she said half of the time.
Juan_G, Jul 2026
I almost didn’t book this tour—it was a last-minute addition to my Reykjavík itinerary—but it ended up being one of the highlights of my Iceland trip.
I specifically chose the 12-passenger RIB speedboat over one of the larger whale watching boats because I liked the idea of a smaller group, being closer to the water, and the ability to quickly reposition if wildlife was spotted elsewhere. It proved to be the right decision.
Check-in was friendly and efficient, all of the cold-weather gear was provided (including a very useful neck gaiter), and the crew even offered complimentary seasickness remedies before departure. Our guide, Christina, was knowledgeable and engaging discussing about Iceland’s marine wildlife.
We saw puffins, several humpback whales, playful white-beaked dolphins, and had an unforgettable moment when a humpback surfaced just a few meters from the boat. This was easily the best whale watching tour I’ve experienced.
I’d book this tour again without hesitation.
Shelby_B, Jul 2026
WOW. We seriously wouldn’t have wanted to see the whales any other way! We kept seeing the larger boats further away while we were incredibly close to the whales—it was unbelievable. Watching these massive animals surface so close to us was something we’ll never forget.
Our guide was just as excited every time we spotted a whale or dolphin, and that energy made the whole experience even more fun. You could tell they genuinely loved what they do! The boat was amazing, and the insulated suits they provided kept us warm and comfortable the entire time.
If you’re even slightly on the fence or trying to choose between whale watching companies, BOOK THIS ONE. Seriously—you will not regret it. The smaller group made such a huge difference, and being able to get so close to the whales felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Without a doubt, this was one of the absolute highlights of our trip!
Katie_K, Jul 2026
This is an incredible way to see whales! You are able to get so much closer than a regular boat. We were actually splashed by the whales! We saw multiple humpbacks and a few minke. It is very rocky and one of us got very sick over the side of the boat. The captain was very nice about it. We did see lots of puffins as well!
Damon_S, Jun 2026
This was an amazing experience. We really had great weather and got to see all 4 types of whales in the harbor. Celena was a great guide..and our captain Ollie was great!!! Definitely would do again!!
Michael_G, Jun 2026
Great experience, saw a lot of whales up close, small boat is definitely the way to do this type of excursion.
Michael_H, Jun 2026
My family saw many whales, and the puffins were a great addition to the sightseeing. The best part (for my teenage kids) was the boat itself. The RIB boat was really fast yet comfortable. Our guide (Selena) was very helpful in spotting the whales for us.
Jennifer_F, Jun 2026
Amazing chance to see whales. We saw 3 humpback, a minke, and several dolphins. The last 15 minutes before returning we saw a humpback and dolphins interacting. Yoda and Cristina did a great job.
dhallberg11, Jun 2026
Wonderful! We saw whales and puffins, boat seats are comfortable. Perfect temp. Guide and captain were great!
Kathy_S, Jun 2026
Highly recommend a small boat whale watching experience if you are in Reykjavik. We saw two Hump Back whales while we were out and were able to get very close to them. The boat is a bit bumpy but our captain, Yoda, kept us on track. Definity worth the extra money versus a large boat!
William_S, Jun 2026
Surreal once in a lifetime experience. We had a humpback whale break surface less than 2 meters from our boat and everyone was in shock.
Maria_M, Jun 2026
Eloise was wonderful! Very knowledgeable with whales and puffins. They did a fantastic job finding the whales for us. The ride is fast and fun. I highly recommend this experience for the speedboat and the whales!
Raymond_B, May 2026
I enjoyed the trip however one member found it rough
But we all enjoyed the experience and would do it again
Saul_I, May 2026
Great experience! We saw double humpback whales as well as a minky whale and puffins amongst other sea birds. Because of the small boat we were able to get around very quickly and get very close to the animals. Our tour guide Alex was fantastic and very knowledgeable and was also able to liven up the event with a great sense of humor. He was really helpful in answering our questions and we'd highly recommend the tour and specifically Alex to a couple of humpback whales as well as a minke whale and puffins, amongst other seabirds. Our tour guide, Alex. Because of the small boat we were able to get around very quickly and get very close to the animals. Our tour guide, Alex, was fantastic and very knowledgeable and was also able to liven up the event with a great sense of humor. He was really helpful in answering our questions and we'd highly recommend the tour and specifically Alex to any whale lovers who are visiting Iceland.
Dwight_C, May 2026
We chose this tour because it was highly rated and the shortest (fastest) of the whale watch activities we found. Our guide Alex (and driver Yoda) made a wonderful team. While we didn’t see whales, we saw harbor porpoises, birds including puffins, and white tipped dolphins. The information Alex provided about all the sea life, especially whales, was far and away more than I’ve ever learned before- and I’ve seen whales in the Azores and in Alaska. I was so impressed, I asked him if he was a zoologist or naturalist!! Yes, you bounce around a bit on this tour, and make sure you wear a hat and gloves (they provide those if you forgot). It takes a while to put on the waterproof coveralls, and they suggest you arrive 30 minutes before the tour to do that.
Marina_W, May 2026
Very professional! Provided everything we needed for a fast trek through the ocean. Saw some incredible dolphins and lots of puffins. The whales were uncooperative but it didn’t seem to matter. We had a great time! The boats really moves through the water.
Chloe_W, May 2026
By far the best excursion I’ve ever been on. The conditions at sea were very calm which brought us lots of visitors. We saw dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and humpbacks!!! They are beautiful animals. It was like nothing you’ve ever seen before. They were so close to our rib, I couldn’t believe my eyes. If you visit Reykjavík, you MUST do this excursion - you will not regret it!
Simon_G, Apr 2026
We had a fantastic whale watching experience on a fast Rib boat from Reykjavik. The day was sunny and beautiful despite the cold, and we saw Humpback whales, Minke whales, white-beaked Dolphins and lots of different seabird species. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable, and it was a thrilling experience. Highly recommended.
Brittney_P, Oct 2025
The team has no control over whether we actually see any whales on the tour, BUT WE DID and that’s the most important part of this review 😉 They told us that the boats call out to each other when there’s a sighting and the extra cost for the speed boat vs the larger boats is SO worth it bc of how quickly they can get to the whales. Great experience, great team - so glad we booked this specific tour!
Samantha_S, Oct 2025
Easy to find location. Great experience! We got lucky and saw two humpback whales about 5min into the experience. We also were able to see a minke whale! The boat was exciting but most importantly effective! We were able to get close to the whales. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and super great at finding the whales for us. 10 out of 10. Will do again on my next Iceland trip
Paul_C, Oct 2025
Truly awful weather, but what an experience! So very very lucky to see the humpbacks leaping from the water and slapping their fins on the sea from mere feet away! Rebecca was such a great guide
Ella_K, Oct 2025
Truly amazing!
I’ve done whale watching tours other places, either in a large boat or smaller boats but never a really fast maneuverable inflatable boat like this.
SUCH a difference! You get way closer to the animals and you are able to be almost water level.
Plus the group is small (max is like 10 or 12; we had 8). There are two seats per row so everyone gets a front row seat.
The guide (a marine biologist named Anika) was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. She didn’t need a loudspeaker or microphone because everyone is right there. Made it really easy to hear her and ask questions. She got asked some offbeat questions but had good answers and clearly knew her stuff.
The boat is very fast so you can get places faster than the big boats and when the whales move they can follow. I felt like we got to get much closer and we saw a lot.
It’s such a fun ride too! The seats have little shock absorbers. They give you gear to stay warm and dry. If you like coasters you’ll like this.
Highly recommend—costs more than the big boats but so worth it! The ride was fun, we saw a lot, and I learned new things.
Trisha_D, Sep 2025
Even though we did not get to go on the etour they have it together communication is great which you appreciate on holiday if plans get cancelled so that you canake other arrangements. They were very professional and on top of things letting us know well in advance that the tour was going to be cancelled due to weather. They get an A for effort.
Yousef_A, Sep 2025
This was very memorable for us, we got to see a few whales, one came right up to our boat. The speed boat is quite fun and feels like the better option over the bigger boats, you will bounce up and down a lot but the seats have suspension so its not so bad.
our guide, Rebekah was very friendly and knowledgeable about all the animals that we saw.
Alakbar_A, Sep 2025
Boat and organization was good.
Clothes provided were not water proof.
Don't go if you have back or knee problem as you will be semi standing for 2 hours on the boat. Consider wearing waterproof shoes.
Did not see the whales. Only dolfins.
Were provided with an option to board a large boat next day free of charge. Will try.
Lauren_P, Sep 2025
Rebekah was an amazing guide. We saw three different types of whales and got so close that a humpback whale swam under the boat and we saw him breaching multiple times. Amazing experience, I can’t recommend it enough. Plus the use of the speed boats allows you to get to different locations so much quicker than the larger boats and you can get closer to the whales.
From $164.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik
259
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$164.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland
- Reykjanes Peninsula Tours & Tickets
- Geysir (Great Geyser) Tours & Tickets
- Hofdi House Tours & Tickets
- Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús Tours & Tickets
- Akurey Island (Puffin Island) Tours & Tickets
- Langjökull Tours & Tickets
- Golden Circle Tours & Tickets
- Leidarendi Lava Caves Tours & Tickets
- Hafnarfjordur Tours & Tickets
- Faxaflói Bay Tours & Tickets
- Grótta Lighthouse Tours & Tickets
- Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Thingvellir National Park Tours & Tickets
- Silfra Fissure Tours & Tickets
- Strokkur Tours & Tickets
- Bessastadir Tours & Tickets
- Harpa Tours & Tickets