Reykjavik’s ocean is in your face fast. This 2-hour RIB cruise takes you out of the old harbor in a brand new, 12-seat inflatable boat built for comfort, then aims straight for Faxaflói Bay’s whales and seabirds. Along the way you pass the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager, so you get city-to-wildlife views in one smooth trip.

What I really like is the close-up nature of the ride. You’re not peering through a window. You’re out where whales, dolphins, and seals live, and the guide helps you look smarter, not just harder. I also love the added bonus of puffins and their nesting islands, plus the fact that you’re bundled up for Iceland’s mood swings with warm waterproof coveralls and winter-ready gear.

The one catch: whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, and spotting them takes patience in open water. If the wind is up, the RIB can feel rough, so this is not a slow, comfy “sit and wait” experience.

Key points

• 12-seat suspension RIB means a more comfortable ride than you might expect on a speedboat
• Faxaflói Bay is where your guide will actively scan for whales, dolphins, and seals
• Puffin nesting islands are a real highlight, with birds flying and swimming nearby
• Harpa and Sun Voyager make the start of the trip feel like Reykjavík sightseeing too
• Warm waterproof overalls plus gloves and goggles keep you from turning the whole thing into a shiver-fest
• Wind can make it bumpy, so choose your day wisely if you’re sensitive to rough water

Getting on the RIB in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

You meet at Ægisgarður 5G, about a 5-minute walk from the city center, and you’ll head down to Reykjavík’s old harbor area. The whole setup is designed to get you on the water quickly and ready for cold spray, not to waste time with a long briefing.

Before departure, you’ll put on the provided warm waterproof overall, life jacket rental, and gloves and goggles. You should also bring your own whale-watching scarf (the point is simple: it helps you manage wind on your face and neck). And yes, this is Iceland—so you’ll want to wear warm layers under the gear.

One small but important practical note: the tour does not allow sandals or flip-flops, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed either. Your best bet is closed, grippy footwear that can handle wet decks and sudden stops and turns.

The first visual payoff comes right away. As you leave the harbor, you pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. It’s a neat way to start: you go from photo-friendly city icons to real open-water conditions within minutes.

The 2-hour Cruise: What the Timing Really Feels Like

This is a short, focused trip—only 2 hours on the water. That matters because whale watching is partly timing and partly weather. With a compact schedule, the crew can move to better areas when conditions change, rather than spending half the day stuck at one spot.

The ride is on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with 12 suspension seats. In practice, that means you get a bit more comfort than on a hard-shell boat and a bit more control than a basic inflatable. Still, it’s a speedboat. If the sea is choppy, you’ll feel it. More than once, people have flagged that the trip gets bumpy when it’s windy.

So think of it this way: you’re buying an experience that trades some smoothness for closeness. If you want a slow, gentle nature cruise, this isn’t built for that. If you want the sensation of speed, spray, and being right there with wildlife, that’s exactly what the RIB format delivers.

Faxaflói Bay Wildlife: Where the Crew Actually Looks

Your main target area is Faxaflói Bay, off Reykjavík’s coast. This is where the guide concentrates scanning for wildlife. The tour information notes that up to 23 species of whales can occur in the region, along with dolphins and seals. You should also expect sea birds as you cruise and look around the water.

Here’s what I think makes this part work: the guide doesn’t just tell you what to hope for. They actively help you spot animals in the rougher, harder-to-read open sea. Whale watching is tougher here than in an aquarium because you’re looking for subtle signs—like a blow from far away, a back surfacing, or a change in the water.

In terms of actual sightings, people often describe a range of experiences:

• Humpback whales, sometimes seen as a back or with breathing intervals
• Minke whales in the mix (less often, but possible)
• Dolphins that can stay close to the boat, with active behavior around the RIB
• White-beaked dolphins reported as part of the outbound leg
• Seals and smaller sea birds showing up along the way

One thing you’ll want to remember: whales don’t follow a script. Some trips deliver a single whale sighting that turns into a long, memorable follow. Others mean more time with dolphins and seabirds while the crew keeps searching. Either way, the “action” isn’t only the animals—it’s the guided chase of where they might appear next.

And yes, you can ask questions during the cruise. The guide provides full guidance about whales, wildlife, and even city context. It makes a difference when you know what you’re seeing and why.

Puffins Up Close: The Feathered Side of the Bay

If whales are the headline, puffins are the practical reason to book this specific style of tour. After the whale-search cruising, you’ll spend time heading toward the puffin nesting area and islands in Faxaflói Bay.

Puffins here are nesting on islands, and the tour notes that each pair lays one egg. That single fact changes how you watch. You’re not just seeing pretty birds. You’re seeing a breeding season behavior tied to a tiny, high-stakes survival schedule.

On the water and nearby cliffs or beaches, puffins can appear as:

• birds flying overhead,
• birds swimming and diving,
• birds visible around the nesting areas.

Some experiences include lots of puffins in the same area, while others are shorter sightings. Either way, it’s a different kind of wildlife moment than whale watching. Whales are rare and hard to time. Puffins are more frequent once you’re in the right place—so this part often turns the whole trip from luck-based into “this is still happening.”

Why the Gear Matters More Than You Think

This tour gives you a real advantage: warm waterproof overalls, gloves, and goggles plus a life jacket rental. That’s not just “nice to have.” It changes what you can enjoy.

Cold wind is what can ruin whale watching. Your eyes need protection too, since spray and mist can make it harder to see the horizon and the water surface. The goggles help with that, and the gloves keep you functional even when you’re bracing for wind or leaning forward to scan.

Then there’s the footwear rule again. Closed shoes aren’t a fuss—they’re safety. A wet deck plus a fast-moving boat means your feet need traction and cover.

Also, pack your own warm clothing mindset. The tour guidance is clear: wear warm clothes. Even with provided gear, you’ll be outside for the whole ride, and Iceland’s weather can shift quickly.

Price and Value: Is $192 Worth It?

At $192 per person for a 2-hour RIB cruise, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavík. But for whale watching in Iceland, price is usually less about time and more about three things: the boat, the guide effort, and the chance to get truly close to wildlife.

Here’s why I think it can feel worth it:

• You get a brand new RIB with suspension seats, which is a big deal for comfort on a rougher sea.
• You’re not just paying for a vessel. You’re paying for active guidance—the help that makes spotting whales in open water more realistic.
• You’re also getting additional wildlife time, including puffin nesting areas, which increases your odds of seeing something exciting even if whales are elusive on that particular day.

The main value tradeoff is the whale guarantee question. You can absolutely leave seeing no whales at all. When that happens, the boat ride, dolphins, and puffins can still carry the day, but you need to accept the nature of the task before you book.

If you’re the kind of person who’s happy with dolphins, seabirds, and puffins as a win, then the cost feels easier to justify. If you’re only chasing whales and nothing else, you may want to keep your expectations grounded.

Comfort, Safety, and the Wind Factor

This tour is built for comfort within the reality of open water. You’ll have a life jacket and the ride seats are designed to make the motion less punishing. Still, the boat is fast, and turns can feel intense.

One of the most consistent practical tips from real-world experiences: if you can pick your day, pick calmer conditions. Wind can make the trip feel rough. You’ll still go, but the ride becomes less relaxed and more intense.

Also keep in mind the age guidance: it’s not suitable for children under 10. That usually reflects a mix of safety expectations and the fact that kids may not be comfortable with cold, wind, and the fast ride style.

In other words, this is a whale watching tour for adults and older kids who can handle boat motion. If you get easily seasick, think carefully and consider whether the RIB format is your kind of day.

Who Should Book This Speedboat Whale Watching Tour

You’ll likely love this if:

• You want a close-to-the-water experience rather than a distant cruise.
• You like guided wildlife watching where your guide helps you spot what matters.
• You’re also excited about puffins and not only whales.
• You don’t mind cold wind because you’ll be in waterproof gear the whole time.

You might want to skip it if:

• You can’t handle rough rides when it’s windy.
• You’re sensitive to fast motion or cold spray.
• Your priority is guaranteed whale sightings. Nothing here promises that.

It’s also a nice fit for short-stay Reykjavík visitors because the tour is only two hours and it starts near the city center.

Should You Book Katla’s Rigid Inflatable Whale Tour?

If you want a Reykjavík wildlife experience that feels real—fast boat, close nature, strong guide support, and puffins as a real add-on—this is an excellent option. I’d especially recommend it to people who understand that whale watching is a nature guessing game, and who will enjoy dolphins, seabirds, seals, and puffins even if the whales keep their distance that day.

Book it when you can dress for the weather, pick a day that looks calmer if possible, and you’re ready to trade a bit of smoothness for closeness. That’s where this tour shines.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whale watching speedboat tour?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

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

What will I see on the trip?

You cruise out toward Faxaflói Bay looking for whales and other wildlife, and you also pass Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager. The route also includes time near puffin nesting areas.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. Seeing whales cannot be guaranteed, and they can be harder to spot in the sea than in an oceanarium.

What gear is provided?

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

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring your own whale-watching scarf, and you should wear warm clothes.

What footwear is allowed?

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

Is this tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10.

What language will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in English and Icelandic.

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