Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

Imagine cruising along the coast of Reykjavik during the golden glow of the midnight sun, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural ocean habitat. This 3-hour whale watching tour costs around $108 per person and is operated by Elding Adventure at Sea, the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland. It departs from the heart of Reykjavík, making it an easy addition to your Iceland itinerary.

What we love about this experience is how close you’ll get to the wildlife—boats often see whales surfacing just meters away—and how the tour supports important whale research initiatives. Plus, the friendly crew and marine guides make the journey both informative and enjoyable. A potential consideration is that whale sightings aren’t guaranteed—like all wildlife adventures, it depends a lot on luck and weather conditions.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy wildlife, scenic boat rides, and sustainable tourism. If you’re excited about observing marine creatures in a setting that emphasizes respect for nature, this will likely be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Wildlife Encounters: Over 95% of summer tours see whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
Sustainable Focus: The tour minimizes oil use and respects wildlife, supporting research initiatives.
Expert Guides: Marine biologist guides enhance the experience with valuable insights.
Comfort & Convenience: Warm overalls, wifi, and a live troubadour create a memorable atmosphere.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund or reserve now and pay later.
Authentic Experience: Many travelers praise the genuine and joyful atmosphere onboard.

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What to Expect on Your Whale Watching Trip

The adventure begins at the Elding ticket office in downtown Reykjavík, just a short walk from the Tourist Information Centre. After exchanging your voucher, you’ll board a spacious, three-story boat—designed to maximize comfort and viewing opportunities. The boat’s design, with a large upper deck and sheltered indoor areas, is perfect for enjoying the scenery regardless of weather.

Departure times vary depending on the season, so checking availability is essential. Once underway, you’ll cruise along Faxafloi Bay—a prime spot thanks to ocean currents that attract whales and other marine life. As the boat moves at a steady pace, the crew works diligently to locate sightings, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals.

One of the tour’s standout features is the whale guarantee—if no whales are spotted, you can try again free of charge, which shows the company’s confidence in their chances and their commitment to customer satisfaction. While most sightings involve playful minke whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises, there’s a real chance you’ll see larger whales like humpbacks, especially during the midnight sun when the light is extraordinary.

A typical trip includes:

Wildlife viewing: Expect to see whales surfacing close enough to marvel at, often within a few meters of the boat.
Birdwatching: Seabirds like gannets and puffins are common and add to the scenic appeal.
Marine biology insights: Guides, including marine biologists, share fascinating facts about the wildlife and ocean environment, making the trip educational as well as entertaining.
Music and atmosphere: Live troubadour performances create a lively ambiance, especially on the return leg.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Travelers consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the experience informative without being overwhelming. The inclusion of warm overalls is a thoughtful touch, especially in Iceland’s cool summer nights, keeping you comfortable as you stand on the deck scanning the water. Many reviewers mention how close encounters with whales are common—surfacing within meters of the boat—which is a rare and thrilling aspect of Icelandic whale watching.

The scenery during the midnight sun adds a magical quality, with the horizon glowing as the sun barely dips below it. Several reviewers mention how the sunset views are stunning and elevate the whole experience, making it feel like an adventure from a dream.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While most travelers enjoy their trip, a few mention that wildlife sightings depend heavily on luck. As one reviewer noted, “whales can be elusive”, and sometimes the tour may end without seeing any whales. However, the whale guarantee mitigates this risk somewhat.

Weather can also be unpredictable—winds and chilly conditions are common in Icelandic waters, so packing warm clothing and hiking shoes is essential. Some travelers found the sea a bit rough, which can cause discomfort or seasickness, so prepare accordingly if you’re sensitive.

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The Itinerary in Detail

The tour is straightforward: start at the Elding ticket office, board the boat, and head out into Faxafloi Bay. The focus is on marine wildlife, so the day is spent actively searching and patiently waiting for whales and dolphins to surface. The journey takes you along the coast, offering great views of Reykjavík’s skyline and the surrounding mountains—especially breathtaking under the midnight sun.

Once at sea, the crew actively scans the water, using experienced spotting techniques. Many travelers mention that the crew works closely with passengers to help spot marine life, making everyone feel involved in the search.

The live guide shares stories about the whales, explaining their behaviors and significance, which deepens the experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness breaching whales or tail slaps, moments that make the trip unforgettable.

As the trip winds down, you’ll return to Reykjavík with a sense of having experienced a genuine piece of Iceland’s natural environment. The music and wifi onboard add to the relaxed atmosphere, letting you share your photos and stories immediately.

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Authenticity & Eco-Consciousness

A major plus is the company’s environmental certification and commitment to sustainable tourism. The boats sail at a steady speed to reduce disturbance, and part of your ticket purchase supports whale research projects. Travelers who care about responsible tourism will appreciate that their participation helps protect these majestic animals.

Many reviewers mention that they felt good contributing to conservation efforts while enjoying a memorable adventure—knowing their trip helps fund ongoing scientific studies.

Value for Money

At $108 per person, this tour offers a solid value, considering the length, the quality of guides, and the intimate wildlife encounters. The chance to see whales surfacing so close is priceless for wildlife enthusiasts, and the tour’s flexibility with the whale guarantee adds peace of mind.

Additional amenities like warm overalls, wifi, and live music enhance comfort and ambiance, making the experience more than just a boat trip. For many, the scenic midnight sun during summer further elevates the value, transforming a wildlife tour into a once-in-a-lifetime visual spectacle.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, adventurers, and those interested in sustainable tourism. It suits travelers who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability—remember, wildlife sightings depend on luck—and are prepared for Iceland’s cool evenings. If you enjoy informative guides and a lively atmosphere, the onboard entertainment and storytelling will be a bonus.

It’s perfect for families with older children, couples seeking a romantic evening, or solo travelers eager to connect with Iceland’s marine environment in an authentic way.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour offers an engaging, scenic, and environmentally responsible way to experience Iceland’s impressive marine life. Even if you don’t always see whales, the combination of expert guides, stunning views, and the chance to participate in conservation efforts makes this a worthwhile outing. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic encounters with nature, appreciate educational storytelling, and want to add a memorable adventure to their Iceland trip.

While wildlife sightings depend on luck, the overall experience—spectacular views, friendly crew, and the special atmosphere of the midnight sun—more than compensates. It’s a chance to connect with Iceland’s ocean environment in a respectful, sustainable way that leaves you with lasting memories.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours, but check availability for specific start times.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Elding ticket office, located in downtown Reykjavík, just a 5-minute walk from the Tourist Information Centre.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s accessible for wheelchair users and suitable for most travelers, though those sensitive to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers and wear hiking shoes, as it can be chilly and windy at sea—even in summer.

Will I see whales?
Over 95% of summer tours see whales, dolphins, or seabirds, but sightings depend on weather and luck.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see minke whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, and seabirds like puffins and gannets.

Are food and drinks available?
You can purchase refreshments on board, and some reviews mention the enjoyment of drinks while watching wildlife.

Is there a guarantee if I don’t see whales?
Yes, there’s a whale guarantee—if no whales are seen, you can try again free of charge.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking is flexible with reserve now, pay later options.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of wildlife, scenic views during the midnight sun, eco-conscious practices, and engaging guides makes it a memorable adventure.

In the end, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a scenery lover, or simply looking for a unique Icelandic experience, this whale watching tour offers a genuine, enjoyable, and responsible way to explore the ocean’s wonders.