Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland

Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

Outty Ranking 74 4.7 · 264 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $164
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 264 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik worth booking?

Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik is a 2-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $164 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 264 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (264)
Duration
2 hours
From
$164 per person

See Iceland’s gentle giants from the spectacular and fast speedboats which are brand new and equipped with 12 suspension seats to enhance your comfort, security and level of enjoyment. The guide to client ratio (12 per guide) creates the special feeling of a small group experience where the guide provides you with various information on the whales and other wildlife at Faxa bay. Hop on board on this two hour amazing nature experience! Check availability by choosing a date.

What you get

    About this experience

    See Iceland’s gentle giants from the spectacular and fast speedboats which are brand new and equipped with 12 suspension seats to enhance your comfort, security and level of enjoyment. The guide to client ratio (12 per guide) creates the special feeling of a small group experience where the guide provides you with various information on the whales and other wildlife at Faxa bay. Hop on board on this two hour amazing nature experience! Check availability by choosing a date.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lifejacket
    • 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

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Reykjavik

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Katla Whale Watching ehf

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Dress warmly
    • A minimum of 1 adult per booking is required

    Photos

    Up close with white beaked dolphins, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikOur fast maneuverable boat!, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikA breaching humpback in Faxa bay, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikA breaching humpback in Faxa bay, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikHumpback tail, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikA humpback whale in Faxa bay, Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 264 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    264 verified traveler reviews for Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    231
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    9
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    16
    Sort
    Tamara_J · October 2026

    Memories for a lifetime

    We had an amazing experience. My son laughed the whole time. We were lucky and witnessed a full breach. I was impressed with how all the boats shared information on sightings for the benefit of all. The excursion and culture is beautiful. The people in front got soaked, that will be us next time!

    via Viator

    Susan_C · September 2026

    Great well watching trip highly recommend a good value

    Bumpy ride in a zodiac boat, but totally worth it. We got to see two different kinds of whales and we were so fortunate to see two of them dive and show their flukes at the same time.. Our boat driver was very professional, and our guide was also very knowledgeable in helping us see the whales and explaining what we were seeing.

    via Viator

    jamesdS658LA · September 2026

    Wonderful whale watching + General Iceland feedback

    To save the best until last - bit of a cliche - but whilst all our Icelandic trips have been making lifetime memories the whale watching edged it. Being in the speedy rib was an exhilarating experience but also meant as soon as there were any whale sightings we would be up closer within a jiffy. Top guide - thank you Rosanne - and on-it Captain - thank you Yoda - ensured an excellent trip. Also, my sincere thanks to 3 humpbacks, a handful of Minkys and dozens of dolphins that made this a first-class show. We also visited the Whales of Iceland museum just a short walk from the quay and this adds to the whole adventure as you can see what all the whales look like, life-size. I hadn’t got any kids with me, but I bet they would love it for sheer spectacle. So, in conclusion, we spent a week in Iceland, and I would heartily recommend all the trips we took: Day 1: Sky Lagoon Day 2: Golden Circle. Day 3: A day in Reykjavik including Perlan. The latter would be excellent on a wet day although we were lucky with the weather all week. Day 4: South Coast Trip. Day 5: Blue Lagoon. Day 6: Whale Watching. Finally: Loved the Posthaus for various culinary delights and Einstok bar for happy hour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Matthew_Z · September 2026

    Had a lot of fun, saw a...

    Had a lot of fun, saw a couple whales, no complaints. Boat ride was a lot of fun too. Was a little worried about losing my glasses, but they give a bandana type thing where it keeps everything on your head. Hannah was a great tour guide (and I forgot the captains name sorry).

    via Viator

    243ejf · September 2026

    Whales, Puffiins, & ride of a lifetime

    We've watched whales many times before from conventional boats accommodating from 6 to 80 passengers. This 12 passenger & 2 crew 2.5 hour small-group RIB speedboat whale watching excursion by KATLA ranks among the best in terms of sightings & novelty. It proved one of the highlights of our visit to Reykjavík without a doubt. On checking-in at the well provisioned office, Christina [our guide] helped fit us with comfortable artic gear type jumpsuits, gloves, goggles, & a tubular neck/face muffler/protector. These items to shield passengers from potential splashes of water and cool temperatures, especially when the boat is at speed. We cast off for Faxaflói Bay at what seemed to be a terrific pace with the boat hull smacking the waves. Our captain made full use of the boat’s abilities to exit the port & head for the whales & other sights. Hydraulic-type suspension seats made bumpy parts of our ride more comfortable than anticipated. If you ride horses, using posting skills while the boat is at speed proves useful too. Our crew communicated with other boats to quickly reposition us when whales appeared in nearby locations. We saw several humpback whales, minkes, a group of dolphins, & lots of birds, including puffins. Our tour was the end-of-season day for puffins as about all of them had already migrated. Our boat passed close to the coast of their nesting island so we viewed their burrows, young, & domestic squabbles. Everything about the operation felt first-class—from the friendly check-in & quality equipment to our outstanding guide & boat driver. The tour included everything needed without upselling. We even got to keep our tubular neck/face protectors!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    92
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)71
    Booking momentum (14% weight)67
    Value for money (12% weight)76
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)43
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.

    How much does Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik cost?

    +

    Prices start at $164 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.

    Is Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 264 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik?

    +

    Around 92 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Reykjavik?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik?

    +

    Included: Lifejacket; 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; and A warm waterproof overall, gloves and googles. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik?

    +

    Across 264 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik.

    Pick your date