Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Discovering Iceland’s Midnight Sun and Marine Life on a Whale Watching Tour

I’ve come across many ways to enjoy Iceland’s incredible summer nights, but few combine the beauty of the midnight sun with the thrill of whale watching quite like this late-evening boat trip from Reykjavík. For those who want to see both the natural phenomenon of the glowing sun at midnight and the majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat, this tour offers an intriguing blend. It’s a chance to enjoy the warm glow of Iceland’s summer night while keeping an eye out for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.

What I particularly appreciate about this tour is their sighting guarantee—if you don’t see anything on your first try, you can retake the experience at no extra cost. This shows confidence from the operator, Special Tours Iceland, and provides some reassurance for travelers concerned about the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. Plus, the onboard amenities—thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, and free WiFi—are thoughtful touches that make the experience more comfortable, especially given the cooler Icelandic summer evenings.

One consideration worth noting is the size of the group, which is capped at 65 travelers. While this isn’t a small-group exclusivity experience, it’s large enough to create a lively atmosphere but still manageable. Also, no hotel transfers are included, so you’ll need to plan your own transportation to the meeting point in the Old Harbour. Several reviews praise the guides’ knowledgeable and entertaining nature, with Tom being highlighted as particularly delightful, which adds a personal touch to the trip.

Key Points and Takeaways

• Unique combination of the midnight sun and whale watching makes this a memorable Icelandic experience.
• Sighting guarantee provides peace of mind if no marine mammals are spotted on your first trip.
• Thermal overalls and heated indoor areas ensure warmth and comfort during the 2.5-hour excursion.
• Expert guides, like Tom, are known for being both knowledgeable and entertaining, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible rescheduling if weather cancels the trip, which is common in Icelandic conditions.
• Good value for the price of around $105—considering amenities and the chance to see whales in the glow of the midnight sun, it’s a solid deal.

Setting Sail at Night: An In-Depth Look

The adventure begins at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, a lively spot easy to reach by public transit or walking. The tour departs at 9:00 pm, perfectly timed to catch the midnight sun—a natural spectacle where the sun barely dips below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over everything.

Once on board, you’ll be greeted with thermal overalls, a pragmatic touch for Iceland’s cool evenings. These help you stay warm whether you prefer to be on the open deck or inside the heated cabin. Many reviewers rave about the comfort of the boat, which is designed to keep passengers cozy, even in blustery weather.

The scenic cruise takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which your guides will point out whales, dolphins, and porpoises, sharing insights about their behavior and habitat. This educational element adds depth, transforming a wildlife sighting into a memorable learning experience. The WiFi onboard is a bonus, allowing you to share photos or look up more about Icelandic marine life in real time.

The Wildlife Encounters: What You’ll Likely See

The bay is known for its whales and dolphins. Many reviews mention seeing humpback whales, with some lucky travelers even catching a minke whale or a curious dolphin popping up near the boat—sometimes even playing around the vessel. One traveler, Cade, proclaimed, “Saw a humpback whale! It’s really a must-see if you’re going to Iceland.” Others describe birdlife and the playful antics of dolphins as a highlight.

The guide’s expertise is critical here. Travelers have praised guides like Sophie for being friendly and knowledgeable, helping everyone spot the creatures and learn about their behaviors. This friendly approach makes the experience accessible, even for first-time whale watchers.

Weather, Comfort, and Rescheduling

Because Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, the cancellation policy is flexible—if the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This is important because the quality of whale watching heavily depends on sea conditions.

While some reviews mention not being provided with a suit—which could be uncomfortable if the weather turns chilly—most travelers find the thermal gear and heated indoor seating sufficient. Bringing extra layers is still wise, especially if you’re prone to feeling cold.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a chance of not seeing wildlife, thanks to the sightings guarantee. It’s also ideal for those interested in a relaxing yet engaging way to enjoy the midnight sun, combined with marine wildlife. Families with children are welcome, especially since children’s sizes of thermal overalls are available, and the boat’s facilities cater to a range of ages.

It may not be perfect for travelers seeking a small, intimate tour, but those who appreciate a well-organized experience with high comfort standards will find plenty to enjoy. The price point is reasonable considering what’s included—amenities, expert guides, and a chance to see whales in a breathtaking setting—making it a good value overall.

Practical Tips for a Successful Whale Watching Experience

• Dress warmly in layers; even with thermal overalls, it can get chilly when you’re out on the water.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to settle in and avoid missing the departure.
• Use the WiFi to share your photos and learn more about the marine environment during the trip.
• Don’t forget your camera or binoculars, if you have them, although guides are very good at pointing out the animals.
• If you don’t spot anything the first time, take advantage of the sighting guarantee and retake the tour—most operators are eager to ensure you get your whale experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler eager to combine Iceland’s unique natural phenomena—the glowing midnight sun—with wildlife encounters, this tour hits the mark. It offers a comfortable, well-organized outing with expert guides and amenities designed for a cozy comfort against Iceland’s cool evenings. The sighting guarantee makes it especially appealing for those worried about wildlife unpredictability, and the good value makes it accessible without sacrificing quality.

The experience is best suited for adventurous families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in photographing whales under a surreal sky. While it might not satisfy those looking for an intimate, small-group tour, it delivers a fun, educational, and visually stunning adventure that’s worth considering if you’re in Reykjavík during the summer months.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, hotel transfers are not included. You will need to make your way to Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, which is accessible by public transit or walking.

What time does the tour depart?
The tour starts at 9:00 pm, timed to catch the midnight sun and maximize wildlife sightings in the evening.

What should I wear on the boat?
You’ll be provided with thermal overalls, but it’s wise to bring additional layers, especially if you’re sensitive to cold, as it can get chilly at sea.

Can I retake the tour if I don’t see any whales?
Yes, the sightings guarantee allows you to retake the tour at no extra cost if no marine mammals are seen on your initial trip.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Yes, children are welcome, and thermal outfits are available in kids’ sizes to keep everyone warm.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly.

This whale watching tour from Reykjavík offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and Iceland’s famous midnight sun. It’s a well-rounded experience—comfortable, educational, and filled with the chance of unforgettable sightings—perfect for those seeking a genuine taste of Icelandic summer nights.