From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

A humpback whale surfacing beside a small RIB is the prize here, but the speedboat ride is part of the attraction. You race out from Reykjavik’s old harbor, scan Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins, then cruise close to the islands where puffins gather. I like the close-to-the-water view and the lively pace, which make this feel very different from a large sightseeing boat.

I also like the 12-seat boat with suspension seats, plus the warm waterproof gear that takes some worry out of Iceland’s cold wind. The main catch is simple: whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. On windy days, the ride can be rough, and anyone seeking a gentle cruise may find the RIB too bumpy.

Key points to know before booking

• Whale watching from a 12-seat RIB: The small boat gives you a low, direct view of Faxaflói Bay and keeps the trip personal.
• Puffin islands are part of the route: You may see puffins flying, swimming and resting near their nesting cliffs.
• Dolphins can be especially active: White-beaked dolphins have come close to the boat, sometimes circling and racing alongside it.
• Warm gear is supplied: You receive a waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a scarf and a life jacket.
• The ride can be rough: Wind and wave direction matter, and the fast turns are not ideal for anyone uneasy on open water.
• Best for ages 10 and up: Children under 10 cannot join this experience.

Leaving Reykjavik harbor by RIB

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5G, about a five-minute walk from central Reykjavik. You meet at the old harbor, suit up, and get ready for a short but lively trip into the bay.

This is not a quiet harbor cruise. The boat is a modern rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, with 12 suspension seats. That seating helps soften the movement, but it does not turn the ride into a smooth ferry crossing. The boat is designed for speed, and the open-air position puts you close to the wind, spray and waves.

Before departure, you receive a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, a scarf and a life jacket. Wear warm clothing underneath. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the provided suit is useful protection, not a substitute for a sweater or warm base layer.

Closed shoes are required. Leave sandals and flip-flops at the hotel. The combination of waterproof gear and goggles matters once the boat picks up speed, especially if the bay is windy.

Harpa, Sun Voyager and the first minutes at sea

The first views are urban and scenic. From the water, you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. This gives you a fresh angle on two of Reykjavik’s best-known sights before the boat leaves the city behind.

That opening section also helps you settle into the boat. You can listen to the guide’s introduction, ask questions, and get a feel for the ride before the search for wildlife begins. Guidance is provided in English and Icelandic, with information about the whales, other animals and the city.

The trip lasts two hours, so this harbor passage uses only a small part of your time. That is good news if you want the main focus to be wildlife rather than city sightseeing. The Reykjavik views are a pleasant start, not the main event.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales

Faxaflói Bay is home to as many as 23 whale species, along with dolphins and seals. That does not mean you will see 23 species in one outing. It does mean the bay has a wide range of marine life, and the guide has several possibilities to watch for.

The most likely excitement comes in short bursts. You may spot a whale’s back, a blow of air, or a tail before it slips below the surface. Humpback whales and minke whales have been seen on this trip, while dolphins can be more active and easier to follow.

A humpback that is feeding may surface only to breathe, then disappear again. That can make the search feel slow for a few minutes, but it also makes each sighting feel earned. The boat may reposition as the crew looks for a better view. You should expect patience and scanning rather than constant animal action.

The small RIB helps here. You are not looking over the heads of a large crowd, and the guide can speak directly to the group. Still, everyone needs to keep watching. Wildlife may appear on either side of the boat, and a sighting can last only a moment.

Dolphins can make the trip

Dolphins are often the most energetic part of this outing. White-beaked dolphins have been seen close to the RIB, sometimes circling beneath it or moving alongside the boat. Their quick movement gives you more action than a whale’s slow rise and fall.

You might see dolphins appear and vanish in the same few seconds. That is where the low seating position helps, since you are close to the water rather than viewing it from a high deck.

There is no guarantee that dolphins will show up. On some trips, the main sighting may be a single humpback. On others, dolphins can provide a long, playful display. The crew’s job is to search and follow responsibly, but nature sets the schedule.

Puffin islands and seabird watching

The boat also heads near the islands in Faxaflói Bay where puffins come to nest and lay one egg. You may see puffins on the cliffs and beach areas, flying over the water, or swimming near the boat.

This part adds variety to the trip. You are not spending two hours looking only for whale blows. The islands bring you closer to Iceland’s birdlife and show how much activity takes place above the water as well as below it.

Puffins are small, so they can be harder to spot than a whale or dolphin. Keep your goggles ready and watch the guide’s direction. The boat can get close to the nesting areas, but the animals remain in their natural setting, not in a controlled display.

The bird stop is also a reminder that the bay is a living environment. The best moments may come from a mix of sightings: a whale in the distance, dolphins beside the boat, and puffins flickering across the water.

What the ride feels like in changing weather

The RIB is fast, and that speed gives the trip its character. You may cross the bay quickly, make sharp turns, and bounce over waves. Several outings have included a rough ride, especially when wind and wave direction worked against the boat.

The suspension seats improve comfort, but they cannot remove the motion of open water. If you enjoy a brisk boat ride, this is a major benefit. If you suffer from motion sickness, feel nervous on small boats, or want a calm sightseeing trip, think carefully before booking.

I would choose a calmer forecast if your schedule allows. You cannot control Icelandic weather, but you can avoid treating every available departure as equal. The conditions can change, and the operator may need to adjust the route for safety.

The waterproof overall keeps you dry, while the gloves and goggles protect your hands and eyes from cold air and spray. Wear warm clothes under the suit and use the scarf provided. The gear makes a real difference, especially when the boat is moving quickly.

The guide and crew experience

The guide provides facts about whales, wildlife and Reykjavik, and you can ask questions during the trip. The crew also works together to find animals and follow them without losing sight of safety.

This teamwork matters on a whale trip. One person may spot the blow while another handles the boat. The crew needs to balance a close view with respectful distance and safe movement.

The company, Katla Whale Watching, is a small operator. Past outings have been led by a friendly father-and-son team, and the crew has been praised for thoughtful service and a serious approach to safety. Specific guide names are not provided, so you should not expect a named guide when booking.

The provided scarf is a nice practical extra. It is useful during the outing and gives you a small reminder of the trip afterward. The focus, though, remains on the boat, the bay and the animals.

How much value you get for $192

At $192 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for whales from Reykjavik. You are paying for a two-hour trip in a small luxury RIB, the faster ride, the supplied protective gear and a more personal setting than a large boat can offer.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is speed, close water-level views and an active outing, the price is easier to justify. You are getting a boat ride that feels like an experience in its own right, even if the whales stay hidden.

If your main goal is a guaranteed whale sighting, no tour can promise that. You might see only a distant blow, a single whale, dolphins, puffins or seals. You need to accept that uncertainty before paying this price.

The 4.7 rating from 119 reviews points to strong overall satisfaction, with particular praise for the crew, the gear, the dolphins and the thrill of the ride. The most useful caution is also clear: rough water can change the mood of the trip. You are buying a wildlife search in a fast open boat, not a guaranteed animal show.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to adults, older children aged 10 and above, couples, friends and active families who want more than a slow cruise. It is also a good choice if you have only two hours and want to combine wildlife watching with a fast ride from the city center.

You should be comfortable with wind, spray and some bouncing. The boat has suspension seats and full protective gear, but you still need to tolerate open water.

This tour suits you best if you enjoy watching for animals and can take a sighting as a bonus rather than a promise. A pod of dolphins may put on the best show of the day, while a humpback may offer only a brief back and blow.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, steady boat, anyone who dislikes speed, or anyone traveling with children under 10. Open-toed footwear is not allowed, so pack proper closed shoes.

Practical details for your day

Plan to reach Ægisgarður 5G in time to check in and put on the safety gear. The meeting point is close to central Reykjavik, making it easy to fit into a day of city sightseeing.

The tour lasts two hours, and departure times vary. Check the available start times when booking, since the best slot depends on the rest of your Reykjavik plans and the weather.

The activity includes the boat trip, guide, waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, scarf and life jacket rental. You do not need to bring your own marine safety gear, but you do need warm clothes and closed shoes.

The weather is the biggest variable. Keep your schedule flexible if possible, and use the free cancellation option available up to 24 hours before departure if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Iceland itinerary.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want wildlife watching with a real sense of motion. The RIB, suspension seats, warm gear and small group make the two hours feel active and close to the water. Dolphins and puffins can add memorable surprises, while humpback and minke whales are possible highlights.

Skip it if you want calm water, guaranteed sightings or a low-cost whale cruise. The best reason to choose Katla Whale Watching is not only the chance of seeing a whale. It is the mix of a fast boat, Reykjavik harbor views, seabirds and a guide who helps you understand what you are seeing.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour leave from?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5G in Reykjavik’s old harbor, about a five-minute walk from the city center.

How long does the tour last?

The cruise lasts two hours.

What animals might I see?

You might see whales, dolphins, seals and several seabird species. The bay can contain up to 23 species of whales, and puffins nest on islands in Faxaflói Bay.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Whales are wild animals and can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothes and closed shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed. A warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, scarf and life jacket are provided.

Is the ride smooth?

The RIB ride can be bumpy, especially in windy conditions or larger waves. The boat has suspension seats, but it is still a fast open-water ride.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 10 are not permitted to join. The tour is guided in English and Icelandic.