Speedy RIBs make whale watching feel more alive. You’re out on Faxaflói Bay fast, in a small group with real close-up action—plus Reykjavik landmarks like Harpa and the Sun Voyager from the water.

I love that the tour comes with warm waterproof gear (not just a “good luck” attitude), including a life-jacket, gloves, and goggles. I also like how the small capacity keeps the boat experience feeling personal, so you can actually hear what the guide is saying without a shouting contest. One drawback to plan for: this is weather-dependent, and the ride can be bouncy even with the shock-absorbing seats.

Key takeaways

• Small-group RIB ride (max 12) keeps you close to the action and makes it easier to ask questions
• Warm waterproof gear included: overall, gloves, goggles, plus a life-jacket
• Reykjavik sightseeing from the bay includes stops for Sun Voyager and Harpa views
• Fast response to sightings helps you reach whales quickly when conditions and radio calls align
• Bouncy but controlled: seats have suspension, so it’s lively without being unbearable
• English guidance throughout for wildlife and city context

Fast RIB Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay: the Point of Speed

If your idea of whale watching is sitting on a large boat for a long time while everyone stares at the horizon, this will feel different. A speedboat-style RIB gets you around Faxaflói Bay quicker, which matters when whales surface, move, or decide to do something dramatic and short-lived.

The main value here is simple: time. Whales and dolphins are not predictable clocks. When the crew can get to a sighting faster than big-boat schedules allow, your odds of seeing multiple species rise. And because you’re higher agility than the slower groups, you can often maintain a closer viewing position when animals stay near the surface.

You’re also in a great “launch point” location. Reykjavik sits right by the bay, so you’re not spending half your trip just getting to the water. You’re watching wildlife with the city’s energy in the background.

Sun Voyager and Harpa Views: Reykjavik Sightseeing That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework

Your tour includes two Reykjavik-focused stops: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Even if your goal is mostly whales, these shore moments are worth leaning into. They help you connect the wildlife action to the city you’ll be exploring later on foot.

Sun Voyager is a clean, iconic piece of Reykjavik public art—windy, photogenic, and easy to understand even if you only spend a short time there. Harpa is the opposite vibe: dramatic glass architecture that looks like it’s been designed to catch every shade of Nordic light. From the bay, Harpa’s shape reads instantly, and that makes the whole day feel more than just “boat day.”

One practical thing: treat these stops as photo and orientation windows. When you’re ready to get back on the boat, your attention should be on being warm and ready for the water. You’ll enjoy the whale watching more if you aren’t stuck halfway through the ride thinking about whether you missed the best Harpa angle.

Meet at Special Tours and Get There Early, Even If You’re On Time

This trip meets at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavik. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to handle your own way to the start point.

The biggest logistics tip is timing. One very common issue with this kind of tour is that you might be directed to check in slightly earlier than you expect. Plan to arrive before your stated departure time so you don’t feel rushed. If you’re even a little late, you can lose the chance to go, and that’s an expensive mistake for a short, two-hour experience.

Good news: the meeting point is near public transportation. So if you’re staying in central Reykjavik, you can likely reach it without complicated planning.

On the Water: What the Crew Looks For in Whale Watching

You’re watching wildlife in Faxaflói Bay, where whales, dolphins, seals, and lots of sea birds are part of the mix. Puffins also live in these waters, and even if you don’t see them up close, you’ll at least understand the ecosystem you’re cruising through.

Here’s how to think about the “hunt” in practical terms. Whales surface unpredictably. Dolphins zig-zag. Birds react quickly to fish movement. The crew’s job is to keep scanning, then respond quickly when something shows up. Speed is the edge—on a fast RIB, the captain can reposition faster and follow the animals rather than just orbit them at a distance.

You should also know that seeing whales is never guaranteed. Even the best operation can’t control where animals travel. What you can control is choosing a boat style and crew strategy that maximizes your chance to get close when the moment happens.

Many guides on these trips use a no-microphone style of communication because the boat is small and close-quarters. That means you’re not just watching—you’re learning what you’re seeing as you’re seeing it.

Why This RIB Ride Feels Better Than Big Boats

The RIB factor is the whole story. A smaller, high-performance inflatable-style boat lets you get closer to wildlife and move faster between sightings. The difference is not subtle. It’s the difference between “watching from far away” and “feeling the moment.”

Expect a lively ride. The boat bounces, and you’ll likely be shifting your stance as the captain handles waves and turns. That said, the seats have shock absorbers, which helps a lot.

One more detail that matters: smaller groups mean fewer blocked views. On crowded tours, tall people and bad positioning can ruin the experience. With a small capacity and paired seating, you have a better shot at a clear forward view—especially if you stay alert and move slightly with the crew’s guidance when the action is shifting.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, this setup also makes that easier. With only a dozen people aboard, the guide can cover city context and wildlife info without talking into the void.

Gear and Warmth: Waterproof Means You Still Need Common Sense

The tour includes waterproof gear: a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. That’s excellent value because Reykjavik weather can swing fast, and wind off the water is a real thing.

Still, I’d pack smart. Bring warm layers under the provided overall if you run cold. Wear waterproof footwear if you have it, because you can end up standing a bit during the ride. One passenger noted that the provided clothing didn’t feel completely waterproof for them, so don’t treat the gear like a magical shield against all spray.

Also, don’t rely on sunglasses alone. The goggles help, but if you have contacts or need eye protection, plan for salt spray and wind. And if you’re sensitive to motion, sit in a stable position and brace for turns. This is fun, not a spa.

If you’re worried about knees or back, pay attention. Two hours on a moving boat is not like sitting on a lounge chair. Even if the seats have suspension, you may be semi-standing or repositioning. If your body needs a very stable surface, consider that reality before you book.

Wildlife Odds: Species You Can Expect (and What to Keep Hopeful About)

This area can produce whales, dolphins, seals, and lots of seabirds. Common sightings people talk about include humpback whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises, and dolphins. Puffins are also part of the bay’s birdlife.

One of the most helpful mindsets is to treat your day as a “multi-animal” safari, not a one-species quest. When the crew is fast and the sea conditions cooperate, you can see more than one type of marine wildlife in a short time window.

Some trips may include a quick wildlife-focused moment related to puffins, depending on how the day unfolds. But don’t plan your expectations around a guaranteed landing or viewing stop. What is consistent is the search pattern: scan, sight, run in close, then adjust as the animals move.

If you’re chasing humpbacks specifically, this style of boat is especially promising. Many people describe humpbacks breaching or coming close to the boat when conditions line up. When it happens, it’s the kind of sight that sticks in your memory for years, not days.

Price and Value: Is $164 Worth It?

At $164 per person for around two hours, this is not the cheapest way to do Reykjavik whale watching. But it can be good value because you’re buying speed, proximity, and included gear in a small group.

Here’s the math that matters for real life:

• You’re not paying extra for a second boat style or for your own cold-weather setup.
• The small-group size reduces the “share the chaos with 200 strangers” problem.
• The RIB approach pays off when whales are moving quickly and you need to reach them fast.

If you’re comparing to large passenger boats, the question is not only price. It’s: how close do you want to be, and how much motion time are you willing to trade for higher odds? If you want a more intimate encounter and more action per minute, the speedboat format earns its keep.

Also, you’ll be done quickly. Two hours is a useful length in a tight Reykjavik itinerary. You can still enjoy the city afterward without feeling like your whole day got swallowed by water time.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

You’ll love this tour if:

• you want close-up wildlife rather than distant spotting
• you like active travel, not slow drift
• you want a small-group feel with English guidance and a guide you can actually hear
• you’re willing to dress warm and handle a bouncy ride

It might be a harder fit if:

• you have back or knee issues and need maximum stability
• you hate being cold even with waterproof layers
• you’re expecting guaranteed whale sightings, period

If you’re traveling as a family, the small boat can feel exciting in a good way. Just be realistic about the cold wind and movement.

And if you’re doing Reykjavik for the first time, this is a smart “anchor activity.” It pairs whales and dolphins with city landmarks, so you’re not choosing between wildlife and architecture.

Should You Book Katla Whale Watching Small-Group RIB Tour?

If you want the best chance at getting close quickly, I’d book it. The combination of RIB speed, small group size (max 12), and included waterproof gear is a strong setup for a short, high-impact day.

Just go in with two expectations set correctly:

1) Wildlife viewing is never guaranteed, even with the best crew.

2) The ride is lively. Dress for it, and plan your body for it.

If those match your travel style, this is an excellent way to experience Reykjavik and Faxaflói Bay in one shot.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat whale watching tour in Reykjavik?

It lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s included in the ticket price?

You get up to 2 hours on the RIB, English guidance, and waterproof gear including a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a lifejacket.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I wear for the tour?

Dress warmly. You’ll be provided waterproof gear like a warm waterproof overall, gloves, and goggles, but it’s still smart to dress for wind and spray.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Will I definitely see whales?

No. The crew can’t control where animals go, but they do look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, you receive a mobile ticket.

FAQ

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