Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour

Discover Reykjavik’s Nighttime Whale and Puffin Adventure

The Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour offers a unique way to explore Iceland’s abundant marine life during the magic hours of the midnight sun. For $187 per person, this 2-hour tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and takes place in a custom-made RIB speedboat. With only 12 guests per vessel, it delivers a personalized experience, perfect for those seeking close-up wildlife views in a small group setting.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to make the most of their summer days in Reykjavik while enjoying an exciting evening at sea. It combines the thrill of high-speed boat rides with the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural habitat. While it’s a shorter trip, it maintains the same wildlife encounter quality as longer day tours, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet memorable adventure.

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Key Points

• Small group size of 12 persons enhances wildlife viewing and comfort
• Capable RIB speedboats reach high speeds for broader wildlife coverage
• Bright Icelandic nights provide stunning scenery during the tour
• Wildlife encounters include whales, dolphins, puffins, and more
• Warm overalls and safety gear are included to ensure comfort in cooler conditions
• Return ride along Reykjavik’s shoreline showcases landmarks like the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall

Departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour in Style

The tour begins at the ticket office at Ægisgarður 5, located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and prepare for departure. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same location, making it easy to plan your evening in the city afterward.

The activity is designed for safety and comfort, with all necessary safety equipment provided. Guests are encouraged to wear warm clothing, hats, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. The tour does not include food or drinks, but the short duration makes it easy to continue exploring Reykjavik afterward.

The Benefits of a High-Speed RIB Boat for Wildlife Watching

Unlike traditional larger boats, the custom-made RIB speedboats used in this tour are remarkably stable and high-performance vessels. Their high speeds allow the captain to cover a larger area and get closer to marine wildlife, including the famous whales in Faxaflói Bay.

This capability means that even during the bright summer nights, when whales are active and visible, chances are high to see Minke, humpback whales, and dolphins. The small size of the boat also allows for a more intimate experience, increasing the likelihood of near encounters with the animals.

Encountering Puffins Near Wind-Exposed Islands

One of the tour’s highlights is a loop around wind-beaten islands within Faxaflói Bay. Here, puffins can be observed in their natural habitat, providing a delightful contrast to the larger whale sightings. The puffin season runs approximately from May 15th to August 20th, making this tour especially appealing during summer months.

The close-up views of puffins make this experience particularly memorable, especially since the small boats can approach more quietly and navigate nearer to these charming birds without disturbing them.

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Watching Whales and Dolphins on the Open Water

After the puffin viewing, the boat heads into open waters, where whales and dolphins are often spotted. The whales are not fully asleep, which increases the chance of seeing them actively breaching or surfacing. The presence of dolphins adds to the excitement, as they often approach and interact with the boat.

The expert guide and captain are skilled at spotting wildlife and providing insightful commentary throughout the tour. They ensure that everyone remains engaged and informed while maintaining a safe distance from the animals.

Returning Along Reykjavik’s Shoreline

Following the wildlife tour, the return ride along Reykjavik’s shoreline offers a chance to appreciate the city’s nighttime scenery. Landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa Concert Hall are beautifully illuminated, creating a picturesque backdrop for the end of the trip.

This part of the experience provides a relaxed sightseeing moment after the excitement at sea, allowing guests to reflect on the wildlife encounters while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour is available for reserving with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for travelers’ plans. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring confidence in planning.

While the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with back or mobility issues, it remains an excellent option for those who meet the physical requirements and seek a short, lively wildlife adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out Compared to Others

The small group size combined with the high-speed RIB vessels distinguishes this tour from more traditional whale watching trips. The ability to reach more distant or less accessible wildlife spots in less time maximizes the chances of sightings.

Plus, the tour’s timing during midnight sun conditions provides stunning scenery and a rare experience of wildlife activity during evening hours. The inclusion of warm overalls and safety gear ensures comfort during the cruise, even if the weather turns cooler.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers who want a dynamic, fast-paced wildlife adventure and appreciate smaller groups for a more personalized feel. Ideal for those comfortable on boats, especially in cooler weather, and eager to see whales, dolphins, and puffins in one trip.

It suits visitors with limited time who still want a quality wildlife encounter, and those who enjoy high-speed boat rides and spectacular scenery during Iceland’s bright summer nights.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Evening Whale and Puffin Tour

The Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour offers a compact yet exhilarating way to observe Icelandic marine wildlife. The combination of speedboat agility, small group intimacy, and prime timing during the midnight sun makes it a compelling choice.

While the short duration means it’s less comprehensive than longer tours, the high chance of sightings, especially of whales and puffins, offsets this limitation. The cost is reasonable given the personalized experience and close wildlife encounters.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager for a quick, lively wildlife experience with unforgettable nighttime scenery. Proper gear, warm clothing, and an open mind are recommended to fully enjoy this dynamic and beautifully scenic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is suitable for children over 10 years old and at least 145 centimeters tall. It is not recommended for younger children or those with mobility or back issues.

What should I wear on the tour?
Guests should bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. The tour provides warm overalls to help stay comfortable against the cooler sea breeze.

Can I see puffins on this tour?
Yes, during the loop around the wind-beaten islands, puffins are frequently seen in their natural habitat, especially during the May to August season.

What if no whales are sighted?
If whales are not spotted, the captain offers a complimentary ticket for another ride on one of the larger boats, ensuring the opportunity for future wildlife encounters.

How flexible are the booking options?
Reservations can be made with a pay later option, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby