Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun | from Reykjavik

Imagine cruising through Iceland’s calm waters under a sky that refuses to fully darken, as the midnight sun casts a soft, colorful glow over everything. This tour offers a rare chance to see marine wildlife like humpback whales and dolphins while enjoying the surreal experience of sailing during Iceland’s long summer nights. It’s a different kind of whale-watching—one where the sun hovers just above the horizon, creating an almost twilight-like atmosphere.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of natural spectacle and educational insight. The onboard multimedia show helps you understand Iceland’s marine life from the comfort of a warm cabin, while the open deck allows for fantastic wildlife spotting in a uniquely luminous setting. However, be prepared for the chilly evening air—summer nights in Iceland can still demand warm clothing, even if you’re surrounded by the midnight sun.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a magical, offbeat adventure that combines wildlife watching with a taste of Iceland’s stunning summer nights. If you’re not expecting guaranteed whale sightings every trip (nature is unpredictable!), you’ll still find the experience engaging and rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a more relaxed, scenic trip with opportunities for education and awe-inspiring views.

Key Points

• Unique experience of whale watching under the midnight sun, blending day and night in Iceland’s summer months
• Educational onboard multimedia enhances understanding of Icelandic marine animals
• Comfortable and well-equipped boats with warm coveralls, Wi-Fi, and plenty of space to move around
• Wildlife sightings include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins—though sightings depend on conditions
• Great value for the price ($99) considering the length, scenery, and educational content
• Suitable for most travelers, with options to reschedule if weather cancels the trip

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure kicks off at the Elding Whale Watching Centre in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The boat departs in the early evening, around sunset, and offers a roughly 3-hour journey. This timing allows you to make the most of Iceland’s midnight sun—a phenomenon where the sun barely dips below the horizon, casting a soft, golden light over the water for hours.

Travelers often note that the boat is spacious and comfortable, with room to walk around, making it a far cry from cramped tour boats. The crew is friendly and helpful, especially in helping guests spot wildlife, which can sometimes be elusive. The boat’s size accommodates up to 150 travelers, meaning it’s lively but not overcrowded—a plus for those wanting a relaxed atmosphere.

The Itinerary and What’s Included

The tour begins with a short multimedia presentation onboard, introducing the marine life of Iceland. This includes visuals and sounds, giving context to what you might see out on the water. The onboard guide, often someone like Rob, provides insightful commentary about whale behavior, puffins, and other creatures indigenous to Faxaflói Bay.

Once out on open water, the crew will assist in spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Many reviews sing praises for guides like Alex, who are described as knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Guests often mention how the crew’s expertise adds to the experience—pointing out fins, spouts, and even signs of whale behavior like breaching or fluke dives.

The boat is well-equipped with warm coveralls and rugs, which are essential even in summer. Several travelers mention that they felt comfortable despite the chilly air, thanks to the clothing provided. Wi-Fi is also available onboard, so you can share your photos or check messages in real time—though some reviews mention that the onboard narrator’s audio was occasionally hard to hear, which could impact the educational component.

Wildlife and Scenery

While the main goal is whale spotting, the scenery itself is spectacular. The colors of the sky during the late evening, with hues of pink and orange, make for incredible photographs. Many reviews highlight the tranquility of the sea and the peacefulness of the experience—just you, the gentle waves, and wildlife.

Wildlife sightings vary depending on conditions, but reviews suggest that seeing humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and puffins is quite common. One traveler described a moment when “three whales doing belly rolls, slapping fins, eating, and playing” made the trip more than magical. Others spotted white-beaked dolphins swimming alongside the boat or observed puffins perched on rocks.

It’s worth noting that, despite every effort, no wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. As one reviewer pointed out, “we didn’t see any whales, but the staff offered us passes to come again,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of marine wildlife.

The Experience in Practice

Many travelers emphasize the relaxing vibe of the tour. The boat has different spaces, including an inside cabin with Wi-Fi, a bar serving hot drinks, and outdoor decks. This flexibility means you can alternate between warm comfort and outdoor wildlife watching as you prefer.

Some reviews highlight how late in the evening offers a quieter, more intimate experience—fewer boats on the water and a calm, reflective atmosphere. Others mention that the naturalist’s commentary made a difference—adding insights into whale behavior and spotting tips—though some found the audio system could improve.

Value for Money

At $99 per person, this tour is generally considered very good value. Compared to other wildlife tours, it includes warm coveralls, Wi-Fi, and a multimedia educational component, all of which enhance the overall experience. Plus, the chance to see multiple species of whales and dolphins in a setting illuminated by the midnight sun makes it a distinctive outing.

Some reviews noted the size of the boat and the quality of the guides as factors that elevate the experience, making the cost worthwhile. Others mentioned that even if the wildlife doesn’t cooperate, the professionalism of the crew and the beautiful scenery make the trip enjoyable nonetheless.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits nature lovers and adventure seekers who are open to the unpredictability of wildlife sightings. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in marine life, photography, or Iceland’s natural phenomena. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find value here, especially if they appreciate a relaxed pace and stunning scenery.

The tour’s informative multimedia presentation also makes it suitable for those wanting to learn more about Iceland’s marine ecosystem. If you enjoy evening outings with a mix of education and scenic beauty, this will likely be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

Important Practicalities

• Dress warmly: Even in summer, Iceland nights can be chilly. Warm coveralls are provided, but layering is recommended.
• Timing: Departures are in the early evening, lasting about 3 hours, with return around 11 pm.
• Weather considerations: The tour operates only in good weather. If canceled, you’ll be offered a rebook or a full refund.
• Group size: Limited to 150 travelers, ensuring a lively but not overcrowded experience.
• Booking in advance: Most travelers book about 26 days ahead, indicating high demand during peak months.
• No food or drinks included: Bring your own snacks or enjoy the bar options onboard.

This whale-watching tour under Iceland’s midnight sun balances adventure, education, and scenic beauty. The combination of wildlife sightings, stunning sky colors, and friendly guides makes it an enriching experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Iceland’s natural highlights without the rush, and who are comfortable with a degree of unpredictability in wildlife sightings.

While some may find the audio quality of the narration a bit disappointing, the overall atmosphere, safety precautions, and quality of the boat make for a worthwhile outing. The value for money is clear when considering the length of the trip, the scenic beauty, and the educational component.

If you’re after a unique, atmospheric way to discover Iceland’s marine life and love the idea of whale watching with a luminous sky above, this tour will likely leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

How long is the whale-watching tour?
The trip lasts approximately 3 hours, starting in the early evening and returning around 11 pm, allowing you to experience the midnight sun.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential. The tour provides head-to-toe coveralls and rugs, but layering with warm base clothes, hats, and gloves is recommended to stay cozy during the cruise.

Is wildlife guaranteed to be seen?
Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, so while many guests have seen whales, dolphins, and puffins, there’s no absolute guarantee—nature can be unpredictable.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour operates only in good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a full refund or alternative date.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. However, the boat has a bar serving hot beverages, and you can bring your own snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy wildlife and scenic boat rides should find it engaging. Be mindful of the cold; dressing warmly is crucial.

How many people typically join the tour?
Up to 150 travelers can join, but the boat’s design ensures it doesn’t feel overcrowded, providing a comfortable experience for all.

In essence, the Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun tour offers a captivating way to connect with Iceland’s marine wildlife while soaking in the surreal beauty of its long summer days. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful, awe-inspiring adventure that combines nature, education, and scenic splendor.