Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

The best part of this Reykjavík whale watching tour is the setting: you search for whales beneath the soft light of Iceland’s midnight sun, with the coast and harbor glowing behind you. Summer tours report sightings more than 95 percent of the time, though wildlife never follows a schedule.

I like the warm windproof overalls and the roomy three-story boat, which make rough or chilly weather easier to handle. I also like that your ticket helps fund summer research and wildlife protection projects. The main drawback is simple: whales can be elusive, and the open bay can be cold, windy, or rough.

• Whales often appear close to Reykjavík: Look for minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins and harbor porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.
• Midnight sun sailing: Late-evening departures give you long daylight, beautiful harbor views, and sunset colors on the return.
• A strong backup plan: If you see no whales, the whale guarantee lets you try again for free.
• Comfortable large boat: Warm overalls, indoor spaces, a café, Wi-Fi, and room on the upper deck help on windy days.
• Wildlife with a purpose: Your fare supports research, responsible tourism, and organizations that protect marine life.
• More than whale watching: Seabirds, puffins, a live troubadour, and an informative guide keep the trip varied.

Setting Out From Ægisgarður in Central Reykjavík

The tour begins at Elding’s ticket office at Ægisgarður 5, in the harbor area of Reykjavík. It is about 300 meters, or roughly five minutes on foot, from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

You exchange your ticket at the office before walking to the boat. Plan a little extra time to find the office, especially if you are coming from a hotel on foot or carrying bags. The meeting point is central, but the harbor can feel spread out when you are trying to locate the right entrance.

Before departure, you can visit the Whale Watching Centre. It has videos, whale skeletons, information boards, and gifts for sale. I would allow a few minutes here if you arrive early, since it gives you useful context before you begin looking for a dorsal fin in a wide stretch of sea.

The tour is offered in English and includes a live guide. The guiding team has training based on its own wildlife-guiding principles, and marine biologists are part of the experience. Guide Nico received particular praise for helping people find whales and dolphins, but your guide may vary by departure.

Three Hours Across Southern Faxaflói Bay

The cruise heads into the southern part of Faxaflói Bay, the large body of water just off Reykjavík. This is not a short harbor ride with a quick photo stop. Much of the time is spent reaching the areas where whales feed, then slowing the search while the crew scans the water.

The advertised duration is about three hours, while the detailed tour information describes the outing as approximately three and a half hours. Check the departure details when booking, especially if you have a dinner reservation or another evening activity afterward.

The crew works with passengers to find wildlife. That matters because whales do not politely surface beside a marked viewing platform. A guide may call out a direction, point toward a splash, or ask you to watch for a dark back cutting through the water. You become part of the lookout team, and that makes a quiet stretch of ocean feel active rather than empty.

Boats travel at a steady speed toward whale habitat as part of the company’s effort to limit fuel use, oil consumption, and pollution. The company is described as Iceland’s only environmentally certified whale watching operator, and ticket revenue contributes to summer research, responsible tourism, and wildlife protection organizations.

That does not turn the trip into a conservation lecture. It simply gives the outing more weight than a ride in search of a photograph. You are paying for a wildlife experience while helping support work connected to the animals you hope to see.

The Wildlife You May See

Minke whales are among the most likely whales on this route. They can be playful and may surface near the boat, but they can also be quick and hard to follow. You might see a back and dorsal fin before the animal disappears again.

Humpback whales provide the larger moments. A humpback may surface repeatedly, slap the water, or show its tail. On one especially active outing, a humpback called Davy Jones the Second breached and slapped the water near the boat. That kind of display is memorable, but it is not something the crew can promise.

Dolphins and harbor porpoises add movement to the trip. Dolphins may swim alongside the boat, while porpoises are smaller and often harder to spot. Large groups are possible too. One reported outing included around 60 white-beaked dolphins, two minke whales, and eight humpback whales, but that was an unusually productive day rather than a standard expectation.

Birdlife helps fill the gaps between whale sightings. Keep an eye out for puffins, gannets, and other seabirds. The bird activity can be especially welcome if the whales stay underwater for long periods.

The company reports whale sightings on more than 95 percent of summer tours. Read that figure correctly: it means the odds are excellent in summer, not that every person will get a close look at a whale. The size of the encounter varies from a distant fin to a long session with a surfacing humpback.

Midnight Sun, Sunset, and the Return to Reykjavík

The evening timing is the special feature here. During Iceland’s summer, the sun remains low or sets very late, creating long hours of usable light. You may cruise out in bright conditions and return beneath a glowing horizon rather than a dark sky.

The return to Reykjavík can be as enjoyable as the search itself. Several outings ended with beautiful sunset views over the water and harbor. The changing light gives you a different view of the coast than you get from the city streets.

The name midnight sun can create the wrong picture if you expect a bright sun hanging in the sky at midnight. Conditions vary with the date, weather, and departure time. You are more likely to get extended evening light and sunset color than a dramatic sun hovering above the horizon for the entire ride.

Bring more clothing than you think you need. Summer does not mean warm at sea. One outing had clear skies and temperatures around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind making the upper deck feel colder. Another had rough water and strong wind. The supplied overalls block much of the wind and spray, but they do not replace a warm base layer, hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes.

The Boat, Overalls, and Onboard Comfort

The large boat is a practical choice for this route. It has indoor areas, a café, several decks, and a broad upper deck with views in multiple directions. You can move around instead of being stuck in one seat, which helps when the guide spots wildlife on the opposite side.

The warm overalls are included. Put them on even if the harbor feels mild. Once the boat is away from shore, wind can make the temperature drop fast. The suits were especially useful for people who wanted to remain outside for most of the ride.

A café sells refreshments, but food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. You can buy something onboard, including a warm drink or a beer, but bring a payment method suitable for purchases and do not count on the café replacing a full meal.

Wi-Fi is included, though the main reason to be on deck is to watch the water rather than stare at a screen. On the way back, a live troubadour performance adds a light, distinctly Icelandic touch. It is a pleasant change of pace after several hours of scanning the horizon.

Audio quality may vary by location on the boat. One passenger found it difficult to hear the guide clearly, so move toward the upper deck and closer to the guide when possible. Arriving early can help you claim a good viewing and listening spot.

How the Whale Guarantee Changes the Value

The price is $111 per person. That is not a small add-on, but it covers a three-hour wildlife cruise, the guide, warm overalls, access to the Whale Watching Centre, Wi-Fi, and live music. It also supports research and environmental programs connected to marine life.

I think the value depends on what you want from the evening. If you need a guaranteed close whale encounter, no boat can offer that. If you see a humpback repeatedly surfacing, the price can feel very reasonable. If you see only distant fins and birds, you may judge it differently.

The whale guarantee improves the calculation. If no whales are spotted, you can try again for free. That is useful if your schedule allows another outing and you are willing to spend another block of time on the water. It does not guarantee a better second trip, but it removes some of the risk from booking the first one.

The guarantee is less useful for a short Reykjavík visit with no spare evening. In that case, you should book because you value the cruise itself, the midnight light, the scenery, and the chance of seeing wildlife, not because you expect a certain result.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Wheelchair access is listed, but you should still confirm the details for your specific boat and departure if you have particular mobility needs.

Sea Conditions and Seasickness

Faxaflói Bay can be calm, but it can also be rough. Some outings had smooth water, while others rocked enough to make people feel sick. The large boat offers more shelter and comfort than a small open inflatable craft, but no boat removes the motion of the sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before departure and choose a position with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon. Stay outside when conditions allow, and use the warm overalls to stay comfortable. You may find that the boat ride itself is enjoyable even during a quiet wildlife period, but motion sickness can quickly change that.

The crew keeps the tone upbeat and continues helping people search, even on difficult days. Still, the weather is beyond anyone’s control. A windy forecast is a reason to dress better, not necessarily a reason to cancel.

Who Will Enjoy This Evening Cruise

This tour suits you if you want wildlife close to Reykjavík without giving up a comfortable boat, indoor shelter, or a chance to buy a hot drink. Families, first-time whale watchers, photographers, and anyone with a free summer evening can fit easily into the format.

It is also a good choice if you care about how a wildlife tour operates. The steady approach toward whale habitat, research support, environmental certification, and trained guides all point toward a less aggressive way of watching animals.

You should think twice if you dislike open water, have very little tolerance for cold or wind, or need a tightly timed evening. You might also prefer a shorter activity if three hours at sea feels too long when wildlife is quiet.

For photography, bring protection for your phone and camera. The upper deck offers the best views, but wind and spray are real concerns. A passenger valued the professional photos shared after the outing because taking pictures while holding onto a phone near the rail can be stressful. If that service is offered on your departure, it is a useful bonus.

Practical Details Before You Book

Wear warm layers and hiking shoes. The overalls are provided, but your own clothing still matters. Gloves, a hat, and a windproof outer layer are sensible additions for the open deck.

Refreshments are available to buy onboard, but they are not part of the $111 fare. Eat beforehand if you prefer a proper meal, then use the café for a drink or snack.

The tour operates in English and includes a live guide. The crew points out wildlife and explains the animals, scenery, and local conditions. Since spotting whales is a shared effort, listen for directions and be ready to shift your gaze quickly.

The Whale Watching Centre is included before departure. Use that time to see the skeletons, watch the videos, and read the information boards. It is a small but worthwhile part of the overall experience.

Should You Book Elding’s Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour?

I would book this tour if you have a summer evening in Reykjavík and want a strong chance of seeing whales without sacrificing comfort. The 95 percent summer sighting rate, free repeat trip if no whales appear, and large boat make it a sensible choice for a first whale watching outing.

I would also book it for the atmosphere. The midnight light, seabirds, harbor views, and music on the return give you something to enjoy even when the whales are shy.

Just set your expectations properly. You might see a spectacular humpback, a pod of dolphins, and puffins in one outing. You might see only a few elusive minke whales and dorsal fins. Bring warm clothes, allow at least three hours, and book this as a wildlife search rather than a guaranteed performance. For most summer visitors who value the whole evening on Faxaflói Bay, it is worth the cost.

FAQ

Where does the whale watching tour depart from?

Meet at the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. The office is about 300 meters, or a five-minute walk, from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

How long is the tour?

The activity is listed as lasting three hours. The detailed description gives an approximate duration of three and a half hours, so check the departure information and allow extra time around the scheduled return.

What wildlife can I see?

You may see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, harbor porpoises, puffins, gannets, and other seabirds. Summer whale sightings are reported on more than 95 percent of tours, but the type and closeness of sightings vary.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are included. You should still bring warm clothing and hiking shoes because the wind and temperature can make the upper deck cold, even during summer.

What happens if no whales are spotted?

The whale guarantee allows you to try again for free if no whales are seen. This is most useful if your Reykjavík schedule gives you another opportunity to go out.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Refreshments are available to purchase onboard. The tour does include access to the Whale Watching Centre, warm overalls, a guide, Wi-Fi, and live troubadour music.