Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Reykjavík at night can feel unreal, and this tour adds a second magic layer: midnight sun boat time with the real goal of spotting whales. I like the setup because you’re not stuck at the dock, you’re pushed out toward Faxaflói Bay where whale chances improve, and you get real wildlife talk from the crew.

Two things I really appreciate: you get practical comfort gear (including thermal overalls) so you can stay outside longer, and you’re not left hanging if the ocean goes quiet, because there’s a free retake if nothing is seen. One possible drawback: the trip is weather dependent and, depending on how the boat is loaded, it can get crowded and visibility can be a little tight.

Key moments that make this tour worth your time

• Midnight sun timing: a late start that keeps the light going long enough for real viewing
• Faxaflói Bay focus: you head out to a key area to improve your odds
• No-sighting retake: get another try at no extra cost if the first night is quiet
• Warmth made for standing outside: thermal overalls plus heated indoor seating
• Food and drink on board: you can keep things simple and buy what you need
• Onboard tech: the Special Tours app is available in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese)

Midnight sun plus whale watching: the simple reason this works

There’s a big difference between whale watching as a gamble and whale watching as a plan. This one is still wildlife first, but the timing and the routing are clearly built around viewing conditions.

You sail from Old Harbour in Reykjavík at 9:00 pm and head out into Faxaflói Bay beneath the midnight sun. That matters. In Iceland, “night” can still mean good visibility, so you’re not constantly switching between cold darkness and brief flashes. You can track changes on the water, scan for blows, and stay in the moment.

I also like that the tour leans into education, not just sightings. Your guide talks about marine mammal behavior and what you should be watching for. In one standout experience, the guide Daniel was specifically praised for pointing out activity and keeping an eye on where animals were surfacing. That type of running commentary turns the ocean into a living map instead of a random sea.

One more detail that’s easy to overlook: this is designed for you to stay comfortable long enough to actually spot things. That’s not a luxury. In whale watching, “spotting” is half patience and half being in the right place at the right time.

Where you start in Reykjavík, and what the two stops are really doing

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back at the same point. You’ll also touch Old Harbour and make a second stop at Special Tours during the overall route.

Here’s why those stops matter for your day:

Old Harbour is where your sightseeing and departure energy kicks in. Even if you’re not thinking about it, boarding is easier when you’re near the main harbor area. It also sets expectations right away, since you’ll be surrounded by the Reykjavík waterfront scene before you ever reach the wider bay.

The Special Tours stop is best understood as part of the tour flow, like a base where the operation stays connected to you. Practically, it’s where you’ll likely check in or regroup so the company can manage timing, gear, and the handoff between shore and boat.

You’ll be out about 2 hours 30 minutes total (approx.). Since you return to the meeting area, you don’t need to plan a second transport puzzle after you get off the boat. That matters on a trip where you’re already juggling dinner, daylight timing, and weather.

Tip: if you’re the type who likes a buffer, arrive early. One review had a negative moment when a late group caused trouble, and the broader lesson is simple. Timing can get complicated when other tour schedules collide. Give yourself a cushion so you’re not stressed before you even step on board.

Heading out into Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and birds

The headline goal is whale watching. But the tour is also about spotting a mix of marine life, and the bay is used as the hunting ground.

As you head out, you’re looking for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and you’ll likely see plenty of birds too. Several experiences included multiple species in one trip, including humpback whales and minke whales, plus dolphins playing near the boat. In another account, the group also spotted puffins.

What to expect in the real world: sightings are never guaranteed. The tour itself makes that clear through its comfort choices and its retake offer. If the sea decides to be quiet, you’ll still have a second chance.

Why the guide matters here

You’re not just riding along. The crew watches constantly for signs of activity and then helps you find what’s happening. Daniel was praised for spotting and pointing out animal behavior so everyone got a fair chance. Another guide, Sophie, was praised for being friendly and sharing lots of information while keeping people warm enough to stay on deck.

When you’re on a boat at night with continuous scanning, the best guide isn’t the loudest. It’s the one who helps you see fast, understand what you’re seeing, and not miss the next surface.

Stop-by-stop: what Old Harbour feels like, and what happens before you board

At Old Harbour, the first thing you’ll notice is the shift from city mode to sea mode. You’ll be getting kitted up and settling into the rhythms of the boat. Since the tour includes thermal gear and heated indoor seating, your first job is to prepare to spend real time on deck.

Practical takeaway: even with overalls, you’ll feel the wind and spray more than you expect. Iceland boats do not behave like calm lake cruises. If you want to maximize your viewing time on deck, layer smart and plan to stay outside when the guide calls attention to activity.

What I like about this first phase

It keeps you oriented. You’re not guessing where to stand, when to move, or how long you’ll be out. You can concentrate on scanning the water once you’re underway.

Possible snag to consider

If the boat is more packed than you like, it can become harder to find clear sight lines. One experience rated the tour lower for that reason and also mentioned trouble seeing whales at times due to crowding. That doesn’t mean your trip will be like that, but it’s a reminder to be ready to adjust where you stand when the action starts.

The Special Tours stop: the operational glue behind the scenes

The second stop at Special Tours is part of the tour’s route and timing. Even without extra details, you can think of it as a place where the company keeps the operation running smoothly, like regrouping, managing gear distribution, or coordinating the return flow.

The most useful way to interpret this stop is from a traveler’s perspective: it’s your confirmation that the tour is organized, not chaotic. When these companies run well, the tour feels like a single plan from the moment you meet through the moment you return.

Drawback to watch for

Some dissatisfaction in the reviews involved customer service and timing when disruptions happened outside the group’s control. That’s not something you can eliminate, but you can reduce the chance of being the person affected by late connections by arriving early and planning your evening with buffer time.

Comfort and safety details that actually change your experience

This tour is priced as a premium night activity, but a big part of the value is that they try to make it physically bearable. You’ll notice that once you’re on deck.

Included comfort essentials

• Thermal overalls, available in children’s sizes
• Heated indoor seating areas
• Complimentary sea sickness tablets
• Free WiFi
• Special Tours app in several languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese)

In other words, it’s not just “good luck, stand outside.” It’s a system. You can go outside to scan, then warm up again. This is especially important because whale sightings can be sporadic, and you don’t want to rush back inside every time you feel chilly.

One review praised the overalls and warm deck time enough to stay outside for the full two hours. Another experience had a less positive take, saying they didn’t get a suit and got soaked and cold. That’s exactly why I recommend you treat thermal gear as provided, but still be prepared for the ocean to do what the ocean does. Bring dry layers if you have them. Even a small change in comfort can decide whether you enjoy the full viewing window or spend half the tour worrying about your hands and feet.

How crowded might feel

The tour max is 65 travelers, so it’s not a tiny boat. Some people love that energy. Others prefer a quieter viewing layout. If you know you strongly dislike crowds, go in with the mindset that you may have to shift positions to keep a good sight line when whales surface.

Guides, crew, and what their style tells you about the wildlife

The guide-led education is a highlight in the experiences that scored highest. You’ll hear about marine mammal behavior, and it’s not just trivia. It helps you understand what you’re seeing, which helps you spot it again.

A good example from the real world: one experience called out Daniel by name for guiding and crew teamwork in spotting whale and dolphin activity. Another credited Tom as funny and entertaining while sharing lots of information. Sophie was also praised for being friendly and informative.

That tells me something important: the strongest nights are usually the ones where the guide is constantly translating the sea into something you can track. When the crew keeps scanning and the guide points out activity quickly, you get a better chance at more than one sighting.

What you can hope for

Many of the better experiences included:

• Humpback whales (at least one specific sighting)
• Minke whales
• Dolphins, sometimes playing close to the boat
• Puffins and other birds

Your best strategy: stay flexible. If whales don’t show immediately, keep scanning. The retake policy is there for a reason.

The odds game, and why the free retake is a big deal

The tour includes a major safety net: a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. Think of it as a second swing. That matters in Iceland, where weather and animal movement decide your night more than planning does.

In practical terms, it changes how you should book. If you’re only doing one night of whale watching in Reykjavík, you’re taking on full risk. With this tour, you’re reducing that risk, which is exactly what you want for a bucket list experience.

There is one caution to keep in mind based on real experiences: one person said their second-day retake was canceled due to weather and they never got to go. That doesn’t remove the value of the retake guarantee, but it does suggest a smart approach. If your schedule allows, keep another night open and consider booking in a way that gives you a backup plan if Iceland weather cancels.

Price and value: what $109.34 buys you on a midnight sail

At $109.34 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. So you should judge value by what’s included and how the night is structured.

You’re paying for:

• A late departure that fits the midnight sun viewing window
• Time out in Faxaflói Bay with ongoing scanning
• Thermal overalls and heated seating, which directly impact your enjoyment
• Sea sickness support
• A wildlife-focused guide experience
• The Special Tours app
• Most importantly, the free retake safety net

If you compare it to the cost of doing multiple separate whale watching tries, the retake piece alone can make this price feel more reasonable. Even if you end up seeing whales the first night, the comfort gear and onboard support are still real value.

One more value point: the guide and crew are repeatedly praised for spotting animals and helping everyone see them. That matters because two boats can visit the same water. The difference is often communication and attention.

Who should book this tour, and who should plan differently

This is a good fit if you:

• Want a Reykjavík activity that feels special, not just sightseeing
• Like being outside, but still want warmth support with thermal overalls
• Care about learning what you’re seeing, not just checking a box
• Prefer not to put your whole trip on one night of luck

It may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly dislike crowds and tight viewing spaces, since the max group size is 65 travelers
• Have very specific expectations about space on deck, since some boats can feel packed depending on conditions
• Are extremely sensitive to disruptions, since one negative account mentioned poor handling of a delay situation

If you want to improve your odds of comfort and viewing, dress for cold and wind even with overalls. If you tend to get seasick, take the offered sea sickness tablets and give yourself permission to take warm breaks.

Also, if you have knee or back limitations, consider how you’ll move between indoor seating and deck. One review described a RIB-style alternative offered when the regular option wasn’t available, and they advised sitting toward the back for comfort. That’s not guaranteed for every booking, but it’s a good reminder to choose your position with your body in mind.

Should you book Midnight Sun Whale Watching from Reykjavík?

Yes, I’d book it if your priorities are a night on the water under the midnight sun, real wildlife searching in Faxaflói Bay, and comfort features that make it easier to stay outside long enough to see something.

Book with confidence because the tour includes thermal overalls, heated seating, and a free retake if your first night is quiet. The best experiences also show that the guides can turn sightings into a story, with names like Daniel, Tom, and Sophie showing up in praise for guiding and keeping the group engaged.

Just keep one expectation grounded: whales are not a restaurant order. If you go in flexible and prepared, you’ll have a much better night. And if the first night doesn’t deliver, you have a second chance built in.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour leave?

The start time is 9:00 pm.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $109.34 per person.

What sights are you looking for?

The tour searches for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with the chance to see lots of birds too.

What is included with the ticket?

Included items and perks are thermal overalls, free WiFi, heated indoor seating, complimentary sea sickness tablets, and the Special Tours app.

Is food included?

No. Food and drink can be purchased on board.

What is not included?

Hotel transfers are not included.

What if you do not see any wildlife on your trip?

You get a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour (sightings guarantee).

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 65 travelers.

What languages are available for the app?

The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.