Whales under Iceland’s midnight light. This 9pm boat trip from Reykjavik links the midnight sun with a serious search for whales in Faxaflói Bay. You’ll be out on the water long enough to feel like the night has its own tempo, but still anchored to a clear plan and a guide who explains what you’re seeing.

I really like the comfort setup. Thermal overalls are included (even kids’ sizes), plus there’s heated indoor seating when you need a reset from wind and spray.

One thing to keep in mind: even with the gear, the experience depends on sea conditions and crowding. If the boat feels packed, spotting details from the deck can get harder, and you’ll want a spot where you can see clearly.

Key things to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay focus: the route is chosen to maximize your odds of spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• A no-sighting retake is real: you get a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.
• Warmth isn’t an afterthought: thermal overalls plus heated indoor seating help you stay out longer.
• Onboard support: sea sickness tablets are complimentary, and you get free WiFi to keep your photos/notes moving.
• You get a multi-language app: the Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.
• Big enough crowd, still controlled: the maximum is 65 travelers, so you’re not on a tiny boat—but you’re not in a huge mass either.

Why this midnight sun whale watch is a different kind of Reykjavik night

Reykjavik at 9pm has a special vibe in summer: the light doesn’t behave like the rest of Europe. This tour uses that gift. Instead of squeezing your whale watch into a fully dark window, you’ll be scanning the sea under the long glow of the midnight sun. That light matters. It helps you spot spouts, movement, and birds without feeling like you’re hunting in darkness.

This is also a practical whale tour, not just a scenic cruise with occasional pointing. The focus is on the marine mammals you’re likely to see—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—and your guide gives context about behavior, not just names. If you love learning the “why” behind what you spot (movement patterns, feeding, and general habits), this format fits well.

The timing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour also matters. You’re starting close to where most visitors naturally spend their evenings, so you’re not burning time on long transfers before you even reach the water.

Meeting point and the Old Harbour start: where your night begins

You’ll meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The activity starts at 9:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point.

Your first real stop is Old Harbour, where you set the scene right away. The area is built for viewing the boats and getting your bearings quickly, and it’s the kind of departure that feels like part of Reykjavik’s waterfront rhythm, not a “where do we go?” scramble. If you want good photos, arrive on time and take a quick look at the coastline before the boat pulls out.

Then there’s a second stop connected with Special Tours. In practice, this is mostly about keeping the operation organized—think check-in flow and getting everyone lined up. Don’t plan it like an extra attraction. Plan it like a staging moment so you can focus on the water once you’re underway.

The real action zone: heading out to Faxaflói Bay

The plan is to go out into Faxaflói Bay to maximize your chances. That’s a big deal because whale watching is a search game. Even on nights when animals are active, sightings still depend on where the animals surface and how the sea is moving.

Once you’re out there, you’re scanning for movement—spouts, changes in water texture, and surfacing patterns—while your guide helps connect what you see to marine mammal behavior. The tour is built for the kind of observation that turns a quick glance into something more satisfying.

Also, the length of time is important. This is about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). For whale watching, that’s long enough that you’re not stuck in constant “nothing yet” mode. It gives you room for a first look, a second sweep of the bay, and a chance to see activity that may not show up in the first minutes.

What you might spot: whales, dolphins, porpoises, and birds

The tour is designed around whales plus smaller cetaceans: whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Your odds can vary night to night (that’s the nature of wildlife), but you’re going out with a team that’s actively looking.

From past experiences tied to this operation, you can be hopeful for species variety. You may see minke and humpback whales, and dolphins can sometimes show up in playful ways near the boat. Birds often appear too, especially when the sea is active. One person specifically noted puffins alongside whale sightings, which fits the general “ocean life stays connected” pattern.

Here’s my practical take: don’t lock your hopes on one species. If you go in open-minded—whale, dolphin, porpoise, plus birds—you’re far more likely to end the night happy, even if the exact animal you hoped for doesn’t show up.

Staying warm (and sane): thermal overalls, heated indoor areas, and sea-sickness help

This is the part that makes or breaks comfort. The tour includes thermal overalls in adults’ and children’s sizes. That matters because Reykjavik wind plus open water can drain warmth fast. Even if you’re dressed well on land, the deck can feel like a different temperature.

There are also heated indoor seating areas, which you can use as your reset button. In other words: you don’t have to freeze your whole way through. Step inside when the wind cuts, then go back out when you hear the spotting calls.

Sea-sickness tablets are complimentary too. They’re not magic, but they’re a smart inclusion for a bay where conditions can shift. If you’re the type who gets queasy on boats, you’ll probably want to take advantage of this before you feel bad.

One caution from what I’ve seen people struggle with on cold-water tours: sometimes you can end up soaked if spray hits you a lot, especially when you’re standing on the outside deck for long stretches. So plan to stay flexible—wear the overalls, but also treat the indoor seating as part of the experience, not a failure.

The guide factor: what you’ll learn while you watch

This tour is guided. You’ll get in-depth information about the wildlife and the surrounding areas, including marine mammal behavior. That turns the trip into more than a checklist.

In the guiding style shown here, the goal is to keep you aware of what’s going on around the boat. One guide named Daniel was singled out for actively keeping watch and pointing out activity so everyone had a chance. Another guide, Sophie, was praised for being friendly and explaining things in a way that made the time pass quickly. Tom also came up as funny and entertaining, with lots of information delivered in a lively way.

You won’t know which guide you’ll get until you go, but the consistent thread is clear: you’re not just paying to sit still. You’re paying to understand the hunt.

Inclement weather reality: how the tour handles sea and sky

Whale watching in Iceland is never a “perfect forecast” hobby. This one requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

This matters for your trip planning. If you’ve built your schedule around one night only, you may feel stress if the weather shifts. If you can, keep your Reykjavik evening flexible or give yourself a backup plan on another night.

Also remember: even on nights that run, sea conditions can change how easy it is to spot animals. One of the drawbacks you might feel is simple visibility. When boats are more crowded, it can be harder to get a clean line of sight. If you’re sensitive to crowding, you’ll want to think about where you stand or sit once you’re aboard.

Comfort versus speed: standard boat vibe vs RIB possibilities

One useful point to know is that sometimes the operator may swap boat types. In one case tied to this kind of tour timing, a booking for the regular midnight boat option was switched to a RIB tour when availability changed.

That doesn’t mean every departure will be a RIB. It does mean you should think ahead about how you handle motion. A RIB can feel like more of a ride—fun for many people, less fun for some. If you’ve got knee or back issues, you may want to ask where the smoother seating is located if you find out the boat type is different.

If you stick with the standard plan, you still get the same main idea: thermal gear, heated areas, and a guided search for marine life.

Price and value: why $109.34 can feel fair

At $109.34 per person for about 2.5 hours, it’s not a bargain—but it also isn’t overpriced if you look at what’s included.

Here’s the value math that matters in Iceland:

• Thermal overalls are included, so you don’t need to gamble on whether you’ll stay warm in rented gear.
• Heated indoor seating reduces wasted time shivering and improves your chances of staying outside when sightings happen.
• Sea-sickness tablets are included, which is a comfort and safety win for a lot of people.
• Free WiFi is a small perk, but it helps you keep your phone ready for photos and maps without draining your battery.
• Most importantly, there’s a retake guarantee: if nothing is seen, you get another ticket for no additional cost.

That retake is the big one. Whale watching has an inherent risk. The tour doesn’t pretend to eliminate it. Instead, it gives you a second attempt, which makes your odds feel more fair—especially if you’re only in Reykjavik for a short stretch.

One more reality check: this tour is popular. On average, it’s booked about 57 days in advance, so it’s smart to reserve early if you have a narrow window.

Tips to help you get the best night

You can’t control whales, but you can control comfort and focus.

• Dress with wind in mind, not just temperature. Even with overalls, wind makes everything feel sharper.
• Use the indoor heat strategically. Warm up, then go back out when you hear activity.
• Don’t stand in the same spot the whole time. If one angle is blocked by railings or other people, shift when it’s safe.
• Plan for spray. Bring a little patience and keep your phone/camera protected.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, use the complimentary sea-sickness tablets rather than waiting until you feel bad.

And if the tour swaps boat types (like an RIB situation), treat it as a cue to adjust where you sit or stand for comfort.

Should you book Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavik?

I think this is a strong choice if you want two things at once: a Reykjavik waterfront night plus a genuine attempt to spot marine life under midnight light. The included thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, and sea-sickness help make it more comfortable than many basic “stand on deck” whale tours.

I’d book it if:

• you’re curious about marine mammal behavior, not just the thrill of seeing something once
• you’re willing to dress for wind and be flexible with your expectations
• you appreciate the no-sighting retake that protects you against a slow wildlife night

I might skip it or pick a different option if:

• you know you hate crowded boats or you’re very sensitive to motion and spray
• you can’t handle waiting for wildlife to show up, since whale watching is still a search

FAQ

What’s the tour duration?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 pm.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour sails from Old Harbour.

What animals are the guides looking for?

The tour is aimed at spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included items are a free retake if nothing is seen, thermal overalls (including children’s sizes), free WiFi, heated indoor seating areas, complimentary sea-sickness tablets, and the Special Tours app (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese).

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink can be purchased on board.

If I don’t see anything, do I get another chance?

Yes. If nothing is seen on your tour, you get a free ticket to try again.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 65 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.