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Join a 2-hour high-speed RIB outing from Reykjavik Old Harbour in search of whales and other marine life on Faxafloi Bay. A custom 12-metre RIB with suspension seating keeps the ride steadier when the North Atlantic chops up, while a low profile in the water gives a close, respectful view when animals appear.
After check-in and a safety briefing, you board the RIB and leave the Old Harbour for open water. The crew works recent sighting reports and sea state to plan a focused search, using the boat's speed to cover ground quickly when conditions allow.
In summer the route often includes a look at puffin island Akurey before a scenic return along the Reykjavik coast. Sightings are never guaranteed, yet minke, humpback and killer whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises all use these waters. Quieter periods may mean a shared departure with partner operators so fewer boats are out at once.
Faxafloi Bay sits on Iceland's southwest coast, with deep water close enough to Reykjavik that a short RIB run reaches productive wildlife grounds. The Old Harbour is walkable from downtown hotels and cafes, so the outing slots easily into a city stay.
Coastal scenery, seabirds and the chance of whale blows make the bay a classic Iceland wildlife corridor. Weather and sea state shape every departure, so the crew adjusts the route for safety and comfort on the day.
No prior boating experience is required, but you must be comfortable on a fast, open craft in potentially choppy water and follow crew instructions at all times. A safety waiver is signed at the ticket office before boarding, and a valid photo ID is required at check-in.
This outing is not recommended for pregnant travellers, anyone with back problems or severe heart conditions, children under 10, or anyone under 140 cm in height. Wear warm layers and sturdy footwear; spray and wind make the bay feel colder than the city streets.
RIB crews use local knowledge of Faxafloi patterns and keep briefings clear so everyone understands seating, safety and what to watch for. Suspension seating and a purpose-built hull help keep the high-speed search as comfortable as open water allows.
When demand is lower, shared partner departures reduce boat traffic on the bay while still giving you a full search window. The focus stays on safe approaches and realistic expectations rather than rushed sightseeing.
Arrive at the ticket office on Ægisgarður at least 30 minutes before departure. You check in, show photo ID, sign the safety waiver and collect any briefing notes from the crew. This is also when you hear seating rules, what to expect on a fast RIB, and how wildlife approaches work on Faxafloi Bay.
Use this window to add warm layers and secure cameras. Once boarding starts, the focus moves quickly to getting everyone seated and ready to leave the Old Harbour.
The RIB clears the harbour and builds speed toward open water. Suspension seating softens the chop while the crew scans for blows, dorsal fins and bird activity that often mark feeding spots. The boat's low profile keeps you close to the surface for a clear view when animals appear.
Routes change with recent sightings and sea state. The priority is a thorough, safe search rather than a fixed sightseeing loop, so expect a lively ride with pauses when wildlife is nearby.
In the summer season the crew often includes a look at puffin island Akurey when timing and conditions allow, giving you a chance to see seabird colonies up close before turning for home. On the way back you follow the Reykjavik coastline with views of the city skyline against the bay.
After docking, you return life jackets and leave via the same harbour ticket area. Keep warm layers handy until you are back in sheltered streets; the wind chill fades quickly once you leave the pier.
Check in at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5E, 101 Reykjavík, in the Old Harbour. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Arrivals later than 15 minutes before departure may not be able to join.
The harbour is in downtown Reykjavik and is easy to reach on foot or by taxi from central hotels. Bring warm layers, sturdy footwear and a valid photo ID. Follow the confirmation details sent after you book for the exact departure time.
Sightings are never guaranteed. The crew uses local knowledge of Faxafloi Bay, recent reports and sea conditions to give you the best chance on the day.
Minke, humpback and killer whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises all use these waters at different times, but wildlife does not follow a fixed schedule.
The booked outing lasts around 2 hours on the water, plus time for check-in, briefing and boarding.
Allow extra time so you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Exact timing can shift slightly with harbour access and sea state.
Yes. Participants must be at least 10 years old and at least 140 cm tall. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The RIB is a fast open craft, so these limits exist for safety and comfort when the boat is underway.
Check in at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5E, 101 Reykjavík, in the Old Harbour.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Do not rely on third-party map pins that may show a different pier; follow the confirmation details sent after you book.
Yes. Safe sea state, wind and visibility matter on a RIB. The team may reschedule or adjust the plan if conditions are unsuitable.
If your departure cannot run, the team will be in touch with the next steps for your booking.
Yes. You will be asked to read and sign a safety waiver at the ticket office before departure, and to show a valid form of photo ID at check-in.
Bring ID with you rather than leaving it at the hotel. Without it, boarding may not be possible.
Dress warmer than you would for walking in town. Wind and spray on the bay make it feel colder, even in summer.
Wear sturdy non-slip footwear and bring a hat and gloves if you feel the cold easily. Secure any cameras or phones while the boat is moving.
This outing is not recommended for pregnant travellers, people with back problems or severe heart conditions.
If you are unsure whether the RIB ride is right for you, ask the team before you book so they can advise based on current conditions and boat type.
Departures need at least 2 passengers booked to sail. If you are the only guest, the team may move you to another time or date.
You will hear from the team if your sailing is affected so you can choose what works next.
In summer the route often includes a look at puffin island Akurey when conditions and timing allow, plus a scenic return along the Reykjavik coast.
Exact stops always depend on sea state, wildlife activity and the plan on the day, so treat coastal wildlife as a bonus alongside the whale search.
About the centre
Reykjavík
Operated by Reykjavik Sailors, a partner of adventuro.
