Operated by: Elding Adventure at Sea

Midnight Sun RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Tour, Reykjavík

Explore Faxaflói Bay aboard a custom RIB boat under Iceland's legendary midnight sun. This intimate 2-hour small-group tour — limited to just 12 passengers — searches for whales, dolphins, and puffins, then cruises past Reykjavík's iconic waterfront landmarks.

Duration: 2 hours
Starts From: Reykjavík
Pickup: No pickup
Minimum age: 10+
Difficulty: MODERATE
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1
Travel method: Boat

About this experience

↓

Available each summer from June until mid-August, this small-group whale watching tour takes you out onto Faxaflói Bay aboard a custom-built, stable RIB boat during the magical hours of the midnight sun. With only 12 passengers on board, you enjoy a far more personal experience than larger vessel tours can offer.

The RIB's speed and agility allow the crew to cover a wider area of the bay, increasing your chances of encountering humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and — until mid-August — puffins. Whenever conditions allow, the engines are switched off entirely so you can absorb the stillness of the ocean beneath the glowing evening sky.

After the wildlife portion of the tour, the boat returns along Reykjavík's shoreline, passing the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture and the striking Harpa Concert Hall, giving you a memorable sea-level perspective of the capital.

A whale guarantee is included: if no whales or dolphins are spotted during your tour, you receive a complimentary ticket to join the Classic Whale Watching tour at no extra cost, valid for two years.

Highlights

↓

2-hour small-group RIB tour on Faxaflói Bay under the midnight sun
Maximum 12 passengers with an expert naturalist and captain
Search for whales, dolphins, and puffins (puffin season through mid-August)
Engines switched off during wildlife encounters for a tranquil experience
Coastal return past the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall
Whale guarantee — complimentary Classic Whale Watching ticket if no sighting

Experience details

↓

You make your own way to the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in the Old Harbour, Reykjavík. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in and boarding. Before setting off, you will sign a safety waiver and be fitted with warm thermal overalls (available up to size 3XL), goggles, and a life vest — all provided by the operator.

Once on the water, your expert naturalist and captain navigate Faxaflói Bay in search of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. High-quality suspension seats keep the ride comfortable even in choppy conditions. Engines are cut during wildlife encounters to minimise disturbance and let you fully appreciate the quiet of the open sea under the vibrant evening light.

The tour concludes with a scenic cruise along the Reykjavík coastline before returning to the Old Harbour. The full experience lasts 2 hours. A minimum of 2 passengers is required for the tour to operate.

Why choose this tour

↓

This tour stands apart from standard whale watching excursions in several key ways. The custom RIB boat carries a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring an intimate, unhurried atmosphere with direct access to the naturalist throughout the trip. The vessel's speed means more of the bay can be covered, genuinely improving wildlife sighting opportunities.

Running exclusively during the midnight sun season (June to mid-August), the tour offers a setting that is simply unavailable at any other time of year — calm golden light, vibrant skies, and the unique atmosphere of an Icelandic summer night on the water. The included whale guarantee removes any uncertainty: if no cetaceans appear, your next attempt on the Classic Whale Watching tour is free.

What’s included

↓

2-hour expertly narrated whale watching tour aboard a 12-seat RIB boat. Small group of maximum 12 passengers with an expert naturalist and captain. High-quality suspension seats for safety and comfort. Warm thermal overalls (up to size 3XL), goggles, and all necessary safety equipment. Puffin sightings possible until mid-August. Coastal sightseeing past the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall. Whale guarantee — complimentary Classic Whale Watching tour ticket if no whales or dolphins are spotted (valid 2 years).

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

What types of wildlife might I see on this tour?↓

The tour searches for humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay. Puffins are also commonly spotted from the boat until mid-August. Sightings are never guaranteed, as this is a wild environment, but the operator's whale guarantee provides a complimentary return ticket if no cetaceans are seen.

Why is a RIB boat used instead of a larger vessel?↓

The custom RIB boat is faster and more agile than traditional whale watching ships, allowing the crew to cover a larger area of the bay and reach wildlife more quickly. The smaller size also means a maximum of 12 passengers, creating a more personal and immersive experience.

Are there any physical requirements for joining this tour?↓

Participants must be at least 145 cm tall and weigh less than 140 kg. You must be able to stand comfortably in saddle-like suspension seats. The tour is not recommended during pregnancy or for those with back or knee injuries. A safety waiver must be signed before boarding.

What should I wear and can I bring a bag?↓

Dress in warm thermal layers, sturdy footwear, a hat, and gloves. The operator provides thermal overalls (up to size 3XL), goggles, and a life vest. Bags are not permitted on the RIB boat — only items that fit in your pocket or around your neck. Belongings can be stored in the operator's office.

When does this tour operate and where does it depart from?↓

The tour runs from June until mid-August, taking advantage of Iceland's midnight sun. Departures are from the Elding ticket office at Ægisgarður 5c in the Old Harbour, Reykjavík. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in and boarding.