From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by Speedboat

Reykjavik whale watching by speedboat is interesting because you do not just look at wildlife from shore. You blast out on a brand new, 12-seat RIB with warm waterproof gear, then scan Faxaflói Bay for whales and seabirds in their natural hangout. I like the suspension-seat comfort on the boat, and I love that the ride puts you where whales and puffins can actually show up, Faxaflói Bay.

The one possible drawback is the weather. Iceland can get windy fast, and on rougher water the ride can feel bumpy, even though the crew and safety gear are first-rate.

Quick hits before you go

• Faxaflói Bay is the main stage, where up to 23 whale species are possible, plus dolphins and seals
• A brand new 12-seat RIB with suspension seats keeps the ride more comfortable than typical speedboats
• Puffins on the islands, including close sailing near nesting areas where puffins lay one egg
• City highlights on the way out, Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture
• Warm waterproof coveralls, gloves, and goggles help you last longer in wind and spray

A 2-hour RIB whale safari from Reykjavik that feels like action, not waiting

This is a short trip by design. In about 2 hours, you go from the Reykjavik old harbor out into Faxaflói Bay and then back, which matters because sea conditions and wildlife movement both change quickly. You also get a real contrast: city landmarks at the start, then open water and the chance for close animal encounters.

The boat is a rigid inflatable boat, a RIB, built for speed and handling. Expect quick acceleration and turns, with a ride that can feel exhilarating. Several people love that the trip is fun even when the wildlife is quieter, but it is still a speedboat, so it is not a sit-and-stare cruise.

Finding the meeting point near the old harbor, and getting ready to dress for spray

Meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5 minute walk from the city center. Plan to arrive with a few minutes to spare so you can get kitted up without rushing.

You will be given the key protection pieces: a warm waterproof overall, a life jacket rental, plus gloves and goggles. The instructions also call for you to bring your own whale-watching scarf, which makes a big difference when wind cuts across the water. The tour also has footwear rules for a reason: no sandals or flip-flops, and avoid open-toed shoes.

If you get motion sickness easily, dress for warmth and keep your eyes on the horizon when the ride gets bumpy. You cannot control waves, but you can control how miserable you feel while the crew is searching.

Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager, the cruise starts with real Reykjavik views

Before the wildlife hunt ramps up, the trip gives you a memorable warm-up. You pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture as you head out from the harbor. This is not just a photo stop. It is a quick way to orient yourself to where you are in the city, then shift your mindset from Reykjavik sightseeing to wild water.

Harpa’s glassy look catches light from different angles as you glide past, and Sun Voyager is instantly recognizable. Even if you come mainly for whales, these early city views make the whole 2 hours feel like a proper outing instead of a long transfer.

Faxaflói Bay wildlife search: whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds where spotting is harder

The heart of the trip is the cruise through Faxaflói Bay. This is where the tour focuses your attention, aiming for whales and other marine life in their natural environment. The promise is exciting but honest: seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and spotting them from the sea is harder than from an oceanarium.

That wildlife challenge is part of the value here. When you are moving across the bay and scanning with a trained guide, you are doing the sport of spotting, not watching a guaranteed show. You might see whale blows, backs, or surface activity depending on what is around, and the guide can help you understand what you are actually looking at.

What you can realistically watch for includes:

• whales (the tour notes up to 23 species possible in the area)
• dolphins
• seals
• sea birds of various species

In several experiences on this route, humpback sightings have been the big win, often with people noticing the whale’s breathing and surfacing rhythm. Others have had the luck of minke whales and different dolphin behavior, too, with pods sometimes sticking close for a while.

Puffins near the nesting islands, the closest you’ll get to egg-laying life

After the open-water search, you shift gears toward the puffins. The trip sails up close to the islands where puffins nest and lay their one egg. That single-egg detail is the kind of small natural history fact that makes the puffin portion feel more meaningful than just seeing birds flying around.

Expect puffins both in the air and on the water in the nesting area. The goal is not distant binocular viewing. The approach is to get close enough for you to see how puffins move, fly, and interact with their surroundings.

If the sea is calmer, you will probably feel like you are watching a live scene rather than checking boxes. Even when the day is a little rough, people tend to remember the puffin segment because puffins are active, and they do not just sit still for your camera.

Why the guides and safety setup matter more than you think

The trip includes full guidance and a live tour guide in English and Icelandic. In practice, that means you spend less time guessing and more time understanding. The guide can explain whale and wildlife behavior, which helps you spot faster when you see a disturbance on the surface or notice birds reacting.

Safety is serious here, which is exactly what you want on a speedboat. The gear list is not a token checklist. Waterproof coveralls plus life jacket rental means you can focus on the water and the animals instead of worrying about cold spray.

A helpful detail is how the crew works as a team with the boat navigator. On busy days, that teamwork shows up as smoother scanning, better positioning, and more confident pursuit when a whale or dolphin pod appears.

Value check: does a $192, 2-hour RIB tour make sense?

At $192 per person for a 2-hour cruise, this is not a budget whale option. But you are paying for specific ingredients that matter in Iceland conditions: a modern RIB, suspension-seat comfort, and real cold-weather protection.

Here is what makes the price feel justified for the kind of trip you get:

• A fast, maneuverable RIB built for close searching in a cold, changeable bay
• Warm waterproof coveralls, gloves, and goggles to help you stay out longer in wind and spray
• A live guide giving context, so you are not just looking at random water
• A route that includes Reykjavik icons early, then shifts to wildlife-focused cruising

Also, the overall rating is strong: 4.7 based on 119 reviews. That does not guarantee your exact animals, but it does suggest consistent satisfaction with how the trip runs and how the crew handles safety and spotting.

If your priority is maximum animal certainty, nothing guarantees whales in the wild. If your priority is the best shot in a high-energy, well-run speedboat format, the value is easier to defend.

Getting the best experience on a windy day, and what to avoid

Because weather can shift quickly, your best strategy is to show up ready for cold and spray. That means warm clothes underneath your waterproof overall, and your own scarf for a snug seal around your neck. Follow the footwear rules too, closed-toe grip matters on wet boat surfaces.

If you are sensitive to motion, keep expectations realistic. The ride can be rough when wind and waves are working together. People do describe the RIB as exhilarating, with higher speed phases and sharp curves, so it is not for the faint-hearted.

One practical tip: you will spot more if you take turns with your attention. One person scans for blows and surface changes, while another keeps an eye on the birds, since seabirds can react when something is happening in the water.

Who should book this Reykjavik whale watching speedboat trip

This tour fits best if you want:

• a close-to-the-action style of whale watching, on a fast RIB
• the chance for humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins in one outing
• real Reykjavik sightseeing at the start, with Harpa and Sun Voyager

It is not a great fit if you cannot handle speedboat motion. It also is not suitable for children under 10.

My final call: should you book Katla Whale Watching by speedboat?

I would book this if you are excited by the idea of scanning Faxaflói Bay in a modern RIB, wearing waterproof gear that actually helps, and you are okay with the basic truth that whale sightings are never promised. The puffin portion is a strong reason to go even when whale viewing is limited, because it targets nesting areas where puffins are actively doing their life work.

Skip it or reconsider if windy weather will stress you out, or if you are worried about bumpy rides. On a calmer day, the whole experience can feel more comfortable and you get more time to watch the smaller details, like seabirds circling and puffins moving between air and water.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching tour by speedboat?

It lasts 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $192 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, which is about a 5 minute walk from the city center.

What kind of boat is used?

You cruise on a 12-seat luxury RIB (rigid inflatable boat) with suspension seats.

What safety gear and clothing are provided?

You get a warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles, plus a life jacket rental.

What should I bring to the tour?

The instructions mention bringing your own whale watching scarf.

Are there any shoe restrictions?

Yes. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are also not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Can I count on seeing whales?

No. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, and whales can be harder to spot from the sea than in an oceanarium.

What wildlife and landmarks will I see during the cruise?

The trip focuses on whales in Faxaflói Bay, and you may also see dolphins, seals, and seabirds. You also pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, and you sail up close to puffin nesting islands.

What cancellation options do I have?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide is available in English and Icelandic.