Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour – An Up-Close Marine Adventure at Sunset

The Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour by Elding Adventure at Sea offers a compelling way to explore Iceland’s abundant marine life. Costing $108 per person and lasting about 3 hours, this tour is perfect for those eager to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat during the enchanting summer evenings. It departs from Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavik, just a short walk from the downtown Tourist Information Centre.

What sets this experience apart is the possibility of spotting whales on more than 95% of summer trips, making it a reliable choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The tour also includes warm overalls, live guide commentary, and WiFi on board, ensuring comfort and engagement throughout. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the combination of expert guides and careful sailing methods maximizes chances, and the whale guarantee offers a free return trip if no whales are seen.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $108 per person for a 3-hour tour departing from central Reykjavik.
• Wildlife Highlights: Expect to see whales such as minke, humpback, and possibly dolphins and harbor porpoises.
• Environmentally Friendly: The boat sails at a constant speed to minimize disturbance, supporting Iceland’s sustainable tourism efforts.
• Guides and Support: The crew includes experienced marine biologist guides trained with developed guiding principles.
• Extra Inclusions: Access to the Whale Watching Centre, warm overalls, WiFi, and a live troubadour performance onboard.
• Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Starting Point and Easy Access from Reykjavik

This tour departs from the Elding ticket office in the heart of Reykjavík, located at Ægisgarður 5. The location is just a 5-minute walk from the Tourist Information Centre, making it very convenient for visitors staying downtown. After exchanging your voucher, you’ll board the boat with minimal hassle.

The meeting point at the harbor offers the chance to explore the Whale Watching Centre, which features informative videos, skeletons, and gift shops. This adds a nice pre- or post-trip activity to deepen your understanding of Iceland’s marine environment. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics.

The Boat and Onboard Comforts

The vessel used for this tour is a large, three-story boat that provides plenty of space for sightseeing. It is equipped with windproof overalls—a notable benefit during the often cool Icelandic summer evenings. The boat features a spacious top deck for optimal wildlife viewing and indoor facilities, including a cafe where you can buy warm drinks.

The boat’s WiFi connection allows passengers to share moments or check messages during the cruise. The live troubadour performance adds a lively and memorable atmosphere on the return journey, making the entire experience more enjoyable.

Marine Wildlife and the Chance of Sightings

The primary focus of this tour is spotting whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The most commonly seen whales are minke and humpback. According to reviews and statistics, wildlife sightings are highly probable during the summer months, with over 95% of trips resulting in whale encounters.

However, whale sightings are not guaranteed, and some trips may only produce views of dorsal fins or blows. The crew sails at a steady, eco-conscious speed toward whale habitats to avoid disturbing marine life, which enhances the quality of encounters when they occur. Multiple trips might be necessary if no whales are seen on the first attempt, but the whale guarantee allows for a free re-ride if needed.

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Guides and Crew: Knowledgeable and Friendly

The tour benefits from marine biologist guides who have undergone extensive training based on specific guiding principles. These guides are well-informed about local wildlife and share their knowledge in an engaging manner. They actively involve passengers in spotting animals, creating a collaborative atmosphere.

The crew is praised for their friendliness and professionalism, making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable despite the often windy conditions outside. During reviews, visitors appreciate guides who keep the experience lively and informative, adding to the overall enjoyment.

The Experience of the Midnight Sun

One of the tour’s unique aspects is its timing during summer months, when the Midnight Sun bathes the ocean in a gentle, prolonged light. This creates a magical sunset backdrop as the boat cruises along the coast, an especially captivating sight for photography and sightseeing.

Guests mention that the stunning scenery, combined with wildlife sightings, makes this tour feel almost cinematic. The late sunset provides a relaxing, unhurried pace and a chance to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty at a peaceful hour, even after traditional daytime hours.

Supporting Eco-Friendly and Responsible Tourism

This tour is operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland. The sailing approach minimizes oil use and pollution to protect marine habitats. Plus, buying a ticket contributes to summer research projects and efforts to protect wildlife.

Passengers are encouraged to dress warmly, with hiking shoes recommended, especially given the often cool and windy conditions. The tour advocates responsible wildlife viewing, with the guides carefully balancing the desire for sightings with the animals’ well-being.

Practicalities and Tips for Travelers

The meeting point is easily accessible, and the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of travelers. It’s advisable to wear warm clothing and bring sturdy shoes because the weather can be unpredictable. The warm overalls provided on board help to stay comfortable.

While refreshments are not included, they are available for purchase during the cruise. The live music and WiFi add extra enjoyment without extra hassle. Cancelations are flexible, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance, allowing for peace of mind when planning.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This whale watching experience caters well to nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in marine wildlife. The midnight sun setting is especially memorable and appeals to photographers and romantics alike. The informative guides and relaxed pace make it suitable for both casual travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.

However, those expecting guaranteed whale sightings should be prepared for some unpredictability. The chance to see dolphins and seabirds adds value, even if whales are elusive during a specific trip.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavik Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

This 3-hour cruise from Reykjavik offers an engaging, eco-conscious way to experience Iceland’s rich marine life under the enchanting glow of the Midnight Sun. The combination of expert guides, comfortable vessels, and spectacular scenery makes it a worthwhile addition to any Iceland itinerary.

While wildlife sightings depend on luck, the high probability combined with the whale guarantee provides confidence. The value is enhanced by inclusive features like warm overalls and WiFi, and the live entertainment adds a lively touch.

In summary, this tour is particularly suited for those who want a relaxed, responsible, and scenic wildlife adventure during Iceland’s summer months. It bridges nature, culture, and stunning views, making it a memorable part of a trip to Reykjavik.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for children, provided they are comfortable on a boat for 3 hours.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and hiking shoes are recommended to stay comfortable during the cruise, especially given the often cool and windy conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Are refreshments available on the boat?
Refreshments are not included but can be purchased onboard, including warm drinks.

How likely am I to see whales?
Whale sightings occur in over 95% of summer trips, making it a high probability experience, though not guaranteed.

What makes this tour eco-friendly?
The vessel sails at a constant speed to reduce disturbance and support sustainability efforts, contributing to environmentally responsible tourism.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes access to the Whale Watching Centre, warm overalls, guides, WiFi, and live troubadour music.

Where exactly does the tour start?
From the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5 in Reykjavík, close to the downtown area.

What is the typical duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with specific start times available based on the day.

Who operates this tour?
It is offered by Elding Adventure at Sea, the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland.

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