Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour

If you’re visiting Reykjavik during the summer months, catching a glimpse of whales, puffins, and dolphins under the endless midnight sun sounds like a dream come true—and this tour makes that dream a reality. Operating from the Old Harbour in a sleek, custom-made RIB speedboat, this experience promises close-up wildlife encounters, a small-group atmosphere, and an authentic taste of Iceland’s vibrant marine life.

What we love about this tour is its intimate setup—only 12 travelers per boat—allowing for a more personal experience and better chances to see elusive creatures like whales. Plus, the evening timing perfectly aligns with Iceland’s long summer days, giving you the magic of twilight while out at sea.

However, one thing to consider is the price point—it’s an investment, but one that many find justified given the quality of wildlife sightings, the expert guides, and the overall adventure. This tour is best suited for those who want a flexible, engaging, and scenic wildlife experience, especially if you’re eager to explore Iceland’s marine environment without the crowds of larger boat tours.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Only 12 guests per boat, ensuring more personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Bright Icelandic summer nights: The tour takes advantage of the nearly endless daylight, making for a stunning late-evening adventure.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable captains and wildlife guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Close encounters with wildlife: Expect to see whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds—often in their natural habitat.
• High-speed RIB boats: The custom-made vessels are fast, stable, and capable of covering more ground than traditional boats.
• Comfort and safety: Warm overalls and safety equipment are included, easing worries about the chilly conditions at sea.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Duration

Your adventure begins at the Old Harbour (Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavik), a bustling hub that’s easy to find and well-connected. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including check-in and safety briefings. Because departure times vary, it’s wise to check availability beforehand, especially during peak summer months when sunset and twilight hours shift.

The Vessel and Its Benefits

The small RIB speedboats are a highlight of this tour. Unlike larger, traditional whale-watching vessels, these boats are designed for high performance and stability. As one reviewer noted, they are “extremely stable boats with high performance abilities” capable of zipping across the bay quickly and smoothly. This means you’ll cover a larger area and get closer to the wildlife, which enhances both the thrill and the chance of sightings.

One guest mentioned that the “excellent seats cushioned any rough wakes,” adding to the comfort even when the water gets choppier. Plus, the boats’ speed allows you to reach prime wildlife spots faster, giving you more time out on the open water.

Wildlife Sightings: What to Expect

The primary aim of this tour is wildlife viewing. During the summer, whales are present in over 95% of trips, so the odds are excellent. Guests have reported encounters with Minke and humpback whales, along with dolphins. The guides are skilled at spotting these creatures, and the reviews highlight their extensive knowledge. As Donna pointed out, “The guide knew his stuff and did a great job of spotting and providing information about all the different animals.”

Along With whales, puffins are a major draw, especially during their season from mid-May to August 20th. Visitors frequently remark on the joy of seeing puffins in their natural habitat, looping around the islands of Faxaflói Bay. You might also spot porpoises and an array of seabirds, making this a rich marine wildlife experience.

The Twilight Cruise and the Magic of Midnight Sun

Thanks to Iceland’s long summer days, the cruise often takes place during the “golden hours” of evening light. This means that instead of a typical daytime trip, you’ll be out at sunset or twilight, with views that are both spectacular and surreal. As one reviewer put it, “Being out on the boat at night was exhilarating,” and you’ll love the views of the city shoreline, including the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall, lit up softly in the dusk.

Post-Tour City Views

After returning to Reykjavík, the tour concludes with a scenic ride along the city’s shoreline. Expect sights like colorful fishing huts, lively restaurants, and prominent landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture. This is a lovely way to transition back from the wildness of the sea to the cozy cityscape.

Additional Perks

If, for any reason, you don’t spot whales on your first trip, the captain will give you a complimentary ticket to try again on larger boats. This commitment to satisfaction shows how confident the operators are in their ability to find wildlife.

Practical Details

• Inclusions: Warm overalls, professional captain, wildlife guide, and all safety gear.
• Not Included: Food and drinks, hotel pick-up, or drop-off.
• What to Bring: Warm clothing, hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes—prepare for a chilly, breezy adventure.
• Age and Health Restrictions: Suitable for children over 10 years old, at least 145 cm tall, and not recommended for those with back or knee problems.
• Minimum Guests: Two, or the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The Value of the Experience

At $187 per person, this tour is priced higher than some daytime options, but the value is reflected in its intimacy, the quality of wildlife sightings, and the added thrill of high-speed travel. Guests repeatedly mention the knowledgeable guides and the close-up views as highlights, making it worth the investment for wildlife enthusiasts or those seeking a memorable Icelandic adventure.

Compared to larger, more crowded tours, this experience feels more personal and flexible. The small group size fosters better wildlife encounters, and the comfort of warm overalls and cushioned seats makes it accessible even if the weather isn’t perfectly cooperative.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Want a more intimate wildlife experience with fewer people.
• Are interested in seeing whales and puffins in their natural habitat.
• Appreciate scenic, golden-hour light and unique ocean views.
• Are comfortable in a small, fast boat and prepared for cooler conditions.
• Are over 10 years old, in good health, and seeking an adventure that combines wildlife with stunning scenery.

It’s less suited for those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or very young children due to the nature of the boat ride and safety considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 10 years old who are at least 145 centimeters tall. The high-speed boat ride might be too rough for very young kids.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. The tour provides warm overalls to keep you comfortable during the trip.

Will I see whales?
While sightings depend on weather and luck, in the summer months, whales are seen in over 95% of tours. The guides are skilled at spotting and sharing information about wildlife.

What happens if no whales are seen?
If no whales are observed, the captain offers a complimentary ticket for a future ride on larger boats, giving you another chance to see the marine life.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including check-in, safety briefing, and the boat ride itself.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, but only for children over 10. The tour involves a high-speed boat ride, so consider your children’s comfort and health.

Can I book my tour now and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot now with flexible cancellation options and pay later, offering peace of mind.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see whales (Minke and humpback are common), dolphins, puffins (seasonal), porpoises, and seabirds.

Where does the tour end?
It finishes back at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, with a scenic shoreline ride that offers stunning city views.

This Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour delivers an authentic, close-up encounter with some of Iceland’s most iconic marine creatures. The small-group format, combined with the speed and stability of the RIB boats, means you’re not just watching from afar—you’re truly immersed in the experience. The timing during Iceland’s long summer evenings, with stunning light and city views afterward, adds to the magic.

For travelers eager for wildlife, adventure, and stunning scenery, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Iceland’s marine environment, especially if you value personal attention and expert guides. While it requires a bit of preparation for the weather, the rewarding wildlife sightings and unbeatable views make it well worth considering.

If you’re after an active, intimate, and scenic Icelandic adventure—this tour could be your highlight of the trip.