Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is the odd, beautiful timing: you search for whales at sea while the sun hangs low but refuses to set. From the Old Harbour, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, where you might spot minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and plenty of seabirds.

I like the free retry if the sea stays empty, and I like the practical setup: thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, WiFi, and sea-sickness tablets are included. Guides such as Daniel, Sophie, and Tom have been praised for making the wildlife easy to understand and helping people find animals in the water.

The main caution is that comfort can vary by boat and conditions. One experience became cold and wet when thermal suits were not offered, and a full boat made it harder to see. You also need to arrive on time, since the company may not hold the departure for late arrivals.

Key points to know before you book

• The 9 pm departure uses Iceland’s long summer light to pair whale watching with a midnight-sun setting.
• Faxaflói Bay gives you open water and a chance to see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds.
• A free second attempt is included if no wildlife is seen on your first outing.
• Thermal overalls come in children’s sizes, but one account reports that suits were not offered on a particular boat.
• The boat carries up to 65 people, so viewing space may feel tight when many people move to one side.
• The $109.34 price is strongest when wildlife appears, but the retry policy softens the risk of a quiet sea.

Why the midnight sun changes the whole outing

Whale watching is usually sold as a wildlife trip. This one adds a second reason to be outside: Iceland’s summer light. At 9 pm, you leave Reykjavik with daylight still glowing across the water, and the cruise continues for about two and a half hours as the sun lowers toward the horizon.

You are not guaranteed a bright orange sunset. The sky may be pale, cloudy, or cool-toned. Still, the timing gives the trip a special rhythm. You can watch the harbor recede, scan the bay for a blow or dorsal fin, then turn your eyes toward the changing light.

I like this pairing because the two parts work even when the whales are shy. A wildlife cruise can feel disappointing if the sea stays empty. Here, the open water and evening light still give you something to watch, while the free retry gives you another chance at the main goal.

The timing also matters for your wider Reykjavik plans. A 9 pm start leaves your day open for museums, swimming pools, walking, or a trip outside the city. The return is at the same Old Harbour meeting point, so you do not need a hotel transfer or a complicated late-night pickup.

Leaving Geirsgata 11 for Faxaflói Bay

The meeting point is at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. The tour ends back there after the cruise. You arrange your own way to the harbor because hotel transfers are not included.

The harbor is the practical starting point, not just a place to board. You get views across the water as the boat pulls away, and the first part of the ride gives your guide time to explain what you may see. The surrounding area is part of the experience, so keep your eyes open before the boat reaches the main search area.

The departure time is fixed at 9 pm. Arrive early enough to check in and get settled, especially if you want a place near an outside viewing area. The company did not accommodate one late arrival caused by another tour running over, so I would not build a tight connection around this cruise.

The maximum group size is 65 people. That is not a tiny private boat, but it is also not a giant ship. Your ability to see clearly may depend on how many people gather on one side when a whale surfaces. If a sighting happens, follow the guide’s directions rather than rushing into the thickest group.

What happens once you reach the bay

The stated route is simple: leave the Old Harbour, travel out toward Faxaflói Bay, and search for marine life before returning to Reykjavik. The boat does not follow a fixed sightseeing circuit because whales and dolphins do not keep to one.

Your guide watches the water and explains animal behavior as the crew searches. That help matters. A distant whale may show itself for only a few seconds, and an experienced guide can point you toward the right patch of sea before the animal disappears.

You might see a minke whale, a humpback, a dolphin, or a porpoise. One successful outing included minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and puffins. Other accounts describe two kinds of whales and dolphins playing close to the boat, including one dolphin that surfaced near the vessel.

No one can promise a particular species. The free retry is useful because sightings depend on weather and animal movement, not on the route alone. If nothing is seen, you receive a ticket to try again at no extra charge. That policy does not remove the time cost, but it makes the price easier to accept.

Guides who help you spot the wildlife

The guides are an important part of this trip because the animals may not be obvious at first. Daniel was praised for helping people follow whale and dolphin activity, while Sophie was described as friendly and well informed during a small-group trip. Tom brought a funny, entertaining style while still explaining the area and wildlife.

That range of personalities is worth noting. You are not simply standing on deck with a crew member pointing at the horizon. The guide should explain what the animals are doing and help you understand where to look.

The strongest wildlife outings had crew and captains actively watching for activity. That can make the difference between seeing a whale as a vague splash and getting a clear look at its back or blow.

The experience is offered in English. A Special Tours app is also available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The tour itself is listed as English, so treat the app as an added tool rather than a promise of a multilingual guide.

Staying warm on deck

I like that thermal overalls are provided, including children’s sizes. This is not a small detail. Even under summer daylight, the air over Faxaflói Bay can feel cold, and wind on a moving boat quickly cuts through ordinary clothing.

Heated indoor seating gives you a place to warm up between sightings. WiFi is included, and sea-sickness tablets are available at no charge if you need them. Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them on board.

There is one important wrinkle. One outing did not provide or offer a thermal suit, and the passengers became cold and wet. That account appears to involve a different boat arrangement, since another trip had suits and enough warmth for people to remain on the upper deck for the full cruise.

For that reason, I would ask about the exact vessel and suit availability when you check in. Bring sensible layers and waterproof outerwear anyway. The supplied overalls are helpful, but they should not be your only plan for a cold or wet evening.

A regular boat, and the possibility of a RIB

The standard experience uses a larger boat with indoor seating and space to move outside. A separate outing was changed from the regular boat to a RIB when the original option was unavailable. That RIB trip produced close sightings of dolphins, minke whales, humpbacks, and puffins.

A RIB can make the ride more physical. The front was described as fun but similar to a roller coaster, while the back was suggested for anyone with a bad back or knees. This detail applies to the RIB option, not necessarily the regular boat, so ask what vessel you are being assigned before departure.

The regular boat is likely the safer choice for anyone who wants indoor shelter, a steadier ride, or easier movement between warm and outdoor areas. The RIB may appeal if you want a faster, more exposed ride, but it may not suit people with back or knee problems.

Do not assume the vessel type from the tour title alone. The company may offer a different boat if the scheduled option is unavailable. That can be a pleasant upgrade for some people and a poor fit for others.

How much value do you get for $109.34?

At $109.34 per person, this is not a casual harbor ride. You are paying for a dedicated two-and-a-half-hour search in open water, a guide, crew support, safety equipment, indoor shelter, WiFi, and thermal overalls when provided.

The value is best if you see several animals or use the retry policy. A successful outing can include more than one whale species, dolphins, and seabirds. That makes the price feel more reasonable, especially since the midnight-sun setting gives you a second attraction beyond the wildlife.

The price feels less satisfying if the boat is crowded, the weather turns rough, or you cannot stay warm. A quiet sea is always possible, even with a skilled crew. The free second attempt helps, but returning to the harbor on another evening takes time and may not fit a short Iceland visit.

I would compare the cost with your priorities. If whales are near the top of your Iceland list, the guarantee lowers the risk. If you are only mildly interested in marine life, the price may be harder to justify unless you also value the midnight-sun cruise.

Who will enjoy this evening on the water?

This tour suits you if you want a wildlife outing without sacrificing an entire day. The 9 pm start leaves daytime free, and the trip ends where it began in Reykjavik.

Families can benefit from the children’s thermal overalls and the indoor seating. Most people can participate, and the boat carries up to 65 people. Still, children and anyone prone to motion sickness should use the available tablets and stay aware of the weather requirement.

It is also a good match for photographers who want changing evening light, though wildlife sightings may happen quickly and at a distance. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip looking down at a screen.

You may want to choose another option if you need a very quiet, small-group experience, guaranteed whale sightings, or a boat with firmly confirmed suit availability. The group is limited, but 65 people can still feel busy when something surfaces.

Weather, cancellations, and practical timing

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9 pm start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the cut-off follows local time, check the clock in Reykjavik rather than relying on your home time zone.

Bring layers even if the forecast looks mild. The boat has heated indoor seating, but you will likely want time outside for the best view. Food and drinks are available for purchase, so you can decide if you need something on board rather than carrying a full meal.

The cruise returns to the Old Harbour. That makes the end simple, but you still need to arrange your own transportation afterward. The experience is near public transportation, according to the provided details.

Should you book the midnight-sun whale cruise?

I would book this if you want to combine two very Icelandic experiences in one evening and you have enough time to use the free retry if needed. The strongest reasons are the unusual light, the two-and-a-half-hour search area, the active guides, and the chance to see whales and dolphins close to the boat.

I would hesitate only if you need guaranteed comfort or have a strict schedule. Confirm the boat and thermal suit arrangements, arrive early at Geirsgata 11, and keep the next evening flexible if whale watching is a major priority.

For most people who want a practical Reykjavik wildlife trip, the free retry makes the $109.34 cost easier to defend. You are paying for a real chance at whales, not a promise of them, with the midnight sun providing a memorable setting even when the sea keeps its secrets.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, in the Old Harbour area.

What time does the whale-watching cruise start?

The stated start time is 9 pm.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour end?

The experience ends back at the meeting point in the Old Harbour.

What animals might I see?

You may see whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Sightings have also included minke whales, humpback whales, and puffins.

What happens if I see no wildlife?

You receive a free ticket to try the tour again if nothing is seen during your outing.

Are thermal overalls included?

Thermal overalls are included, with children’s sizes available. One account reported that suits were not offered on a particular boat, so confirm the arrangement when you check in.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included, but they can be purchased on board.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English. The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.