Speedy boats turn whale dreams into reality. On Katla Whale Watching’s RIB tour, you get a 12-person limit and the kind of quick access to Faxaflói Bay that helps you see more in less time. You’ll also get a guided glimpse of Reykjavik itself before you head out for wildlife.

I love the way this tour pairs warm waterproof gear (overall, gloves, goggles) with a life-jacket setup that keeps you comfortable in North Atlantic wind. I also love how the speedy boat helps you get those up-close angles, not the far-away viewing you can end up with on larger tours.

One possible drawback: whales are never guaranteed. If the sea is rough or wildlife stays elusive, you may see dolphins or puffins instead, and the ride can be bouncy for people with back or knee issues.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 12 people keeps views open and questions easy to ask
• Speedy RIB routing helps the crew react fast to sightings
• Waterproof gear is included: gloves, goggles, warm waterproof overall, plus a life-jacket
• Two Reykjavik stops on the way out and back: Sun Voyager and Harpa
• English guidance is built for a small boat where you don’t need to strain to hear

A speedy RIB is the whole point on Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavik sits on the edge of Faxaflói Bay, so you’re not spending half your day just getting somewhere. This tour is built around a fast, maneuverable RIB, which matters because whales move, and sightings can pop up quickly.

That speed also changes the feel of the trip. You’re not watching from behind a wall of people or at a long distance. You’re out on the water at a more “you’re actually there” height, with the boat able to reposition quickly when the animals surface.

Meet-up, gear, and the short walk from the city’s energy to open water

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík and you return to the same spot at the end. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so plan on getting there on your own (it’s near public transportation).

Dress warmly. Even with the waterproof layers and gloves, Iceland wind can cut through fast once you’re traveling across the bay. Also bring the right mindset: you’re going to feel the motion. One review compared it to a coaster ride, and if you like that sort of thrill, you’ll probably grin the whole time.

Sun Voyager and Harpa: Reykjavik stops you’ll actually remember

This tour includes two city stops: Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. The big benefit here is simple. You don’t just do a sea outing and then forget Reykjavik ever existed beyond the dock.

Sun Voyager gives you an iconic photo moment with the water and harbor vibe in the background. Then Harpa adds a second contrast: modern architecture and glass that looks especially striking in Iceland light (and even more so if the weather keeps shifting). It’s a nice way to stack city value into a tour that’s mainly about wildlife.

The 12-seat RIB experience: motion, comfort, and how spotting really works

The tour runs about 2 hours total on the water, with up to 2 hours of wildlife time. The boat seats up to a small group (max 12 travelers), and the setup is designed so you’re not all craning from the back.

Expect a lot of movement. Reviews mention bouncing up and down, which is normal for a speed-focused RIB. The difference is that the seats include suspension, and the included gear helps you stay warmer than you might on a cooler, open-deck style boat.

What really makes a difference is how the crew handles spotting. The guides use the reality of whale watching: they can’t control whether whales show up. But they can react fast when they do. Several reviews call out how the speed boat can reach areas quicker than larger vessels, and how the guides communicate effectively once the group is small enough for everyone to see and hear.

Wildlife odds: whales, dolphins, seals, and puffins you might spot

Faxaflói Bay is known for more than just whales. The tour framing focuses on the bay’s variety: whales, dolphins, seals, and sea birds, including puffins.

Here’s what you can realistically hope for based on the experiences people described:

• Humpback whales (including close, repeated surface behavior)
• Minke whales
• Harbor porpoises
• Dolphins showing up near the boat and sometimes playing in the churn
• Puffins, with some trips adding extra time for a look (not guaranteed every day)

The best-case scenario is the kind you read about in these reviews: whales close to the boat for extended periods, with dolphins zipping around in the same general area. Even when you don’t get humpbacks, dolphins and porpoises are common enough that the trip doesn’t automatically turn into a long ride with nothing to show for it.

The key point for your expectations: you’re buying the experience of being out there fast with a small crew, not a promise of a specific animal.

Guides and captains: why small-group matters on a whale hunt

In a large tour, you can end up with a guide speaking into wind and waves, and a crowd standing at random angles. On a small RIB, the dynamic changes.

Reviews highlight guides like Anika (a marine biologist), plus Rebecca / Rebekah, and captains and crews including Joel, Joe, and Otto. The common theme across names is that the crew is actively finding wildlife and explaining what you’re seeing. With only a dozen people onboard, guides don’t need a loudspeaker to be heard, and you can ask questions without turning it into a group-wide shout contest.

There’s also a practical benefit: the crew can manage the boat’s positioning to maximize sight lines. People specifically praised how both sides of the boat were treated fairly so you don’t have to fight for the one good view spot.

The ride itself: thrilling, fast, and not for everyone’s joints

If you like fast boats, you’ll probably love this part. Reviews describe the ride as exciting, with rough-wave handling praised by multiple guests. The captain’s job isn’t just speed; it’s keeping the boat controlled and the experience safe and watchable.

Now the consideration: if you have back or knee problems, the two hours can be hard. One review mentioned being semi-standing for much of the time, which means your legs and joints are doing more work than on a fully seated, cushy boat ride. The solution isn’t a trick—it’s being honest about your comfort level before you commit.

Also consider that at least one person noted the provided clothes weren’t fully waterproof for them. You should assume the tour includes waterproof gear by design, but Iceland weather is Iceland weather. If you’re the type who hates wet socks, bring waterproof shoes and take extra care with what you wear under the gear.

Price and value: what $164 buys you in real terms

At $164 per person, this isn’t the cheapest whale watching option in Reykjavik. The value is in three things you can feel immediately:

1) Speed that changes the outcome.

Whales don’t wait. A faster RIB can reach sightings more quickly, and it can reposition as animals surface and move.

2) A small group that protects your view and your hearing.

With a max of 12, you’re less likely to lose the action to blocked sight lines. You also get a more interactive vibe, because the guide isn’t competing with a packed crowd.

3) Included safety and warmth gear.

The tour provides a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket. That’s not a small deal in Iceland, where staying warm is what lets you actually enjoy the ride instead of huddling.

Where it doesn’t “win” is if you’re hoping for a gentle cruise with minimal motion, or if you want to avoid a speedboat style entirely.

Who should book this tour (and who might want a backup)

This tour is a great match if:

• you have limited time in Reykjavik and want real sea time
• you want the small-group, close-up feel
• you enjoy fast rides and don’t mind bouncing
• you like guided explanations while you’re actually on the water

It may not be ideal if:

• you’re sensitive to motion or have back/knee issues
• you strongly prefer a slow, stable boat
• you expect whales every time, no exceptions (because even the best crew can’t control wildlife behavior)

If you’re traveling with kids, one review described feeling nervous but having a great experience anyway. If you’re bringing children, you’ll still want to judge your own comfort with the ride style and cold-weather gear.

Should you book Katla Whale Watching in a RIB?

If you want a whale watching trip that feels like action—fast, close-up, and small-group—this is the sort of tour that earns its popularity. The included waterproof gear, the 12-person cap, and the crew’s focus on getting to sightings quickly add up to good value for the money.

Book it if you can handle a bouncy ride and you’re okay with the truth of wildlife tours: you’re looking for animals, not a guaranteed checklist. Skip it (or think about an alternative boat style) if you need maximum stability for your body.

If you’re planning this as a top Reykjavik highlight, I’d say this one is worth putting at the top of your list—especially on days when the weather is cooperating.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

It’s listed at about 2 hours total.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the tour include waterproof gear?

Yes. It includes a warm waterproof overall, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s the group size?

This experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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