From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

The best part of this trip is that the boat ride is part of the show. You leave Reykjavik’s old harbor in a 12-seat rigid inflatable boat, skim across Faxaflói Bay, and search for whales in open water rather than watching from a large sightseeing vessel. Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins are all possible.

I like the small group and the close-to-the-water view. I also like the route through the harbor, past Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, before the boat heads toward the puffin islands. The main catch is simple: wild whales keep their own schedule, and the ride can be rough when wind and waves pick up.

Key points at a glance

• A 12-seat RIB: The small boat gives you a quick, direct ride and a good view in every direction.
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife: Keep watch for up to 23 whale species, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
• Puffin islands: The boat approaches nesting areas where puffins raise their young during the season.
• Warm protective gear: You receive a waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a life jacket, and a scarf.
• A lively two-hour outing: The RIB can be as entertaining as the wildlife search, especially on open water.
• A weather-dependent plan: Sightings are not guaranteed, and calm days make the ride easier.

Why the RIB makes this Reykjavik whale tour different

Many whale trips are built around a large boat, indoor seating, and a slow circuit through the bay. This one uses a 12-seat luxury RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, with suspension seats. That changes the feel of the outing from a standard boat cruise to a small, active sea trip.

The suspension seats matter. A RIB moves quickly and can bounce over waves, so the extra support gives you a more comfortable position than a basic bench. It does not turn the boat into a smooth ride, though. On a windy day, you still feel the sea under you. One account describes the ride as rough in strong wind, while others found the speed and sharp turns to be a highlight.

You sit outside for most of the trip, with open views around you. That helps when a whale surfaces briefly or dolphins appear beside the boat. You do not have to peer through a window or wait for people in front of you to move aside.

The trade-off is exposure. Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, and Faxaflói Bay is not an indoor attraction with guaranteed conditions. The supplied waterproof clothing helps, but you should still wear warm layers underneath. Leave sandals and flip-flops at home. Open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Leaving Reykjavik’s old harbor

The meeting point is at Ægisgarður 5G, about a five-minute walk from central Reykjavik. That makes this easy to fit into a city day, especially if you are staying near the harbor or central streets.

The trip begins with a safety setup. You put on a warm waterproof overall, life jacket, gloves, and goggles. A scarf is also provided. This gear is not just a nice extra. Spray, wind, and speed can make the air feel much colder on the water than it does on land.

The boat carries 12 passengers, which keeps the group small enough for direct contact with the guide. The guide provides information about whales, other wildlife, and Reykjavik. English and Icelandic are offered.

Before the boat reaches the open bay, you get a short city-viewing segment. The route passes the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, two of Reykjavik’s most recognizable waterfront sights. From the water, they give you a different view of the city, with the harbor opening behind you.

This early section also lets you settle into the boat before the wildlife search begins. Hold on properly and listen to the crew’s instructions. The RIB is built for speed, but the sea decides how fast and how bumpy the ride feels.

Searching for whales in Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is the main wildlife area on this trip. Up to 23 whale species may be found in the bay, along with dolphins, seals, and many kinds of seabirds. That list gives you a sense of the possibilities, not a promise of what you will see on your particular morning or afternoon.

Whale watching requires patience. You may spend time scanning the surface for a blow, a dark back, or a fin. A humpback whale may show only its back and blow before disappearing again. Minke whales can be harder to spot because they are smaller and often surface quickly.

The boat crew works as a team, with one person handling the boat while the guide helps search and explains what you are seeing. That division of attention is useful. The driver can focus on a safe approach, while the guide watches the water and talks you through the animals’ behavior.

Past sightings on this route have included humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even a pod of pilot whales. Dolphins have sometimes stayed with the boat, circling underneath and around it. That can produce the most active wildlife display of the trip, since dolphins may surface repeatedly while the boat moves along.

You need to set sensible expectations. The crew can search hard and still find fewer animals than you hoped. Wild whales are not performing on a timetable, and they can be much harder to spot at sea than in an aquarium. If the only acceptable result is a close whale breach, this is not the right outing for you.

If you value the full setting, the trip makes more sense. You get open water, seabirds, city views, the speed of the RIB, and the chance to see animals behaving naturally. A whale sighting adds something special, but it is not the only reason to go.

Getting close to the puffin islands

The boat also heads toward islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins nest and lay a single egg. The approach gives you a chance to see puffins on the water, in flight, and around the cliffs and shore.

Puffins are small, quick birds, so the RIB’s open seating helps. You can turn in any direction and follow the movement of the flock. On a good visit, you might see a busy mix of birds flying low over the water and swimming near the boat.

The islands are valuable for more than photographs. They help you understand how much of Iceland’s wildlife is tied to the sea. The same bay that supports whales and dolphins also provides feeding and nesting areas for seabirds.

The boat approaches the nesting areas, but the guide’s role includes treating the wildlife with care. You should expect observation rather than a forced close encounter. The crew may adjust the route depending on conditions and where animals are active.

Puffin sightings also depend on the season and nature. The supplied information does not promise a particular number of birds. You might see only a few, or you might find a much larger group around the islands.

The ride itself: exciting, not always gentle

The RIB’s speed is a major reason to choose this trip. Several accounts describe the boat ride as fun and exhilarating, with the vessel flying over the waves and making fast turns toward the end. For some people, that is half the attraction.

I would describe this as an active sightseeing trip, not a quiet cruise. The boat may accelerate across calmer sections and bounce over chop. Wind direction and wave size make a big difference. On a calm day, the speed can feel smooth and thrilling. On a rough day, it can feel demanding.

You should be comfortable with motion and able to follow safety instructions. Children under 10 cannot join, which reflects the physical nature of the ride. The suspension seats improve comfort, but they do not remove every jolt.

The warm overall, gloves, goggles, and life jacket make the setup practical. Goggles are especially useful when the boat is moving quickly or spray blows across the seating area. Wear warm clothing beneath the suit, and use closed-toe shoes with a secure fit.

This is also a good choice if you dislike spending hours on a large boat in hopes of one sighting. The total outing lasts two hours, so the schedule is compact. You get a strong dose of sea and wildlife without giving up most of your day in Reykjavik.

What the $192 price buys you

At $192 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. The price reflects the small 12-seat group, the newer RIB, suspension seating, protective clothing, guide service, and the fast route into the bay.

The value depends on what you want. If you are mainly looking for the cheapest way to reach whale habitat, a larger boat may cost less. If you want a smaller group, a faster ride, and a more exposed view of the water, the price is easier to justify.

You are also paying for the compact format. A two-hour tour leaves room for museums, city walks, or another Iceland activity later in the day. That matters in Reykjavik, where weather can change your plans and daylight hours may be precious.

The experience has no guaranteed wildlife result, so you should not judge the price by whale count alone. Think of it as a two-hour RIB outing with a serious chance of seeing sea life. Dolphins, puffins, seabirds, and the city views all add value when whales stay out of sight.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend it most strongly to adults and older children who enjoy a fast boat and do not mind a little physical movement. It suits you if you want wildlife in a natural setting, a small group, and a guide who can answer questions during the ride.

It is also a good fit for photographers who want open views and the chance to see animals at water level. Keep your camera secure, though. A whale may appear for only a few seconds, and spray is part of the setting.

You may want a different trip if you prefer a stable, roomy vessel with indoor space. This RIB is not designed for a slow, sheltered cruise. It is also not suitable for children under 10.

The best day is one with calmer water, but you cannot fully control that in Iceland. Check the forecast before you go, dress warmly, and accept that the sea may set the tone. A rough ride can be exciting for one person and uncomfortable for another.

Practical details before you go

Plan to reach Ægisgarður 5G with enough time to get fitted with the protective gear. The location is close to central Reykjavik, so you can walk from the city center in about five minutes.

Wear warm clothes and closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted. The waterproof overall goes over your clothing, but it should not replace a warm base layer.

The guide speaks English or Icelandic and covers both wildlife and city sights. Ask questions during the trip. The small group makes that easier than on a large vessel.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

The operator is Katla Whale Watching. The equipment and boat are described as new, and safety gear is supplied. Keep in mind that the life jacket is described as available for rental, so confirm the exact booking details if that cost matters to your budget.

Should you book the Katla RIB tour?

Book this trip if you want a whale search with real speed and small-group energy, not a passive boat ride. The combination of the RIB, puffin islands, Reykjavik waterfront views, and possible dolphins makes the two-hour format appealing.

I would book it on a day when the forecast looks reasonably calm, especially if you are unsure about fast boats. I would also book it if your schedule is tight and you want a short outing that still reaches open water.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed whale sighting or a smooth ride. You may see a humpback, minke whale, dolphins, puffins, seals, or only brief signs of wildlife. If you can enjoy the boat, bay, birds, and search itself, the $192 price can be fair for a memorable Reykjavik adventure.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching speedboat tour leave from?

It leaves from Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavik’s old harbor, about a five-minute walk from the city center.

How long does the boat trip last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What animals might I see?

You might see whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, and other seabirds. Possible whale species include humpback and minke whales, and sightings have also included pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Whales are wild animals and can be difficult to spot at sea, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What clothing and safety gear are provided?

A warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a life jacket, and a scarf are provided. You should still wear warm clothes underneath.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 10 years old are not permitted to join this activity.