What's the difference between the evening tour and daytime whale watching?

Both tours search the same waters and spot the same species (whales, dolphins, puffins), but the evening departure lets you experience the activity under Iceland's striking midnight sun with warmer, lower-angle light—ideal for photography and a uniquely Icelandic experience. Wildlife activity levels are comparable.

Will we definitely see whales?

While sightings are common in Icelandic waters, they're never guaranteed. The tour covers a large area with fast RIB boats to maximise chances, but wildlife encounters depend on seasonal patterns and current conditions. Reputable operators often offer rebooking if no whales are spotted.

How close do the RIB boats actually get to whales?

RIB boats are smaller, faster, and more manoeuvrable than larger tour vessels, allowing closer approaches while adhering to Icelandic wildlife protection regulations. The open design and shallow draft let you get lower to the water for immersive views.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes; children are welcome. Life jackets and safety equipment are provided. However, the 2-hour open-water journey can be rough, so consider age, swimming confidence, and seasickness sensitivity. Calmer conditions are more likely in peak summer.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear multiple warm, waterproof layers—summer Icelandic seas are cold. Bring a windproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves, and a hat. Waterproof bags protect cameras and phones. Seasickness tablets are recommended, especially if you're prone to motion sickness.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled if sea conditions are unsafe for open-water RIB travel. Check the operator's weather policy when booking; you'll typically be offered an alternative date or refund.

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Premium Whales & Midnight Sun

(5)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Whale WatchingBirdwatchingSafari & WildlifeBoat Tours

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About this activity

Chase whales and puffins under Iceland's ethereal midnight sun on a thrilling evening RIB boat tour departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Fast, agile vessels let you get closer to marine life than standard tours while enjoying the surreal beauty of endless Icelandic summer daylight.

During Icelandic summer nights the daylight just seems endless. This unique whale watching tour departs in the evening from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Experience the wildlife and nature adventure of a lifetime on our most personal whale watching tour. Our custom made RIB boats are specially designed to get you closer to the whales and puffins than any boats can offer. These fast, stable and safe boats also allow us to cover more area as we search for the wildlife, thus increasing your chances of spotting whales, dolphins and birdlife.

When possible we switch the engines off completely to give the wildlife (and you) the serenity to fully enjoy the nature under the colorful hues of the evening sky.

What better way to fully experience the uniqueness of those bright Icelandic summer nights. This adventurous evening tour is the ideal way to make the most of your day in Reykjavík. As the whales never fully sleep we can expect encountering the same wildlife on this premium whale watching tour as on our regular day tours.

This great whale watching tour starts from the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and we first visit the puffins in their natural habitat on the islands in the bay. Then we speed up for the thrilling ride and head out to Faxaflói bay in search of the whales. During these bright summer nights few things will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can from our RIB boats. After our whale safari we travel back to Reykjavík, where we will take ride along the city's shore line, viewing it from the sea. Including a stop at the harbour side of Iceland's most famous building, the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.

Highlights

✓Evening departure timed to catch the midnight sun's golden light
✓Puffin colonies in Reykjavík Bay before heading to open waters
✓High-speed RIB boats engineered for closer wildlife encounters
✓Whales, dolphins, and seabirds in Faxaflói Bay
✓Engine-off moments for peaceful wildlife observation
✓2-hour adventure combining speed and intimate nature immersion

Insider tips

★Summer nights (June–August) offer the brightest conditions; book evening tours to maximize midnight sun photography
★RIB boats move quickly between spots—wear waterproof layers and secure loose items; seasickness tablets help on rougher days
★Arrive 15 minutes early at Old Harbour; bring a camera with fast shutter speed for active whales in low-angle light

Good to know

•Duration: 2 hours total, including puffin viewing and whale search
•Departs from Reykjavík Old Harbour; weather-dependent (tours may be rescheduled if seas are unsafe)
•Dress in warm, windproof layers—even summer evenings are cold on the water
•Children welcome; life jackets and safety briefing provided

Who it's for

Wildlife photographers seeking dramatic light conditionsAdventure travellers wanting more speed and intimacy than traditional boat toursCouples and small groups prioritising a premium, personal experienceFirst-time Iceland visitors aiming to tick multiple wildlife sightings in one outing

Best time to visit

Late May through August when the midnight sun creates near-24-hour daylight and calm(er) summer seas. Evening departures maximise the unique contrast between whale activity and the sun's golden, low-angle glow.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Paul N.

Apr 2026

our guide Dmitri was brilliant and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Went last tuesday so it wasnt too busy. Good as a half-day option, and ran the full 4 hours promised, and good as a half-day option, and came away with 200+ photos. Would book again no question, loved it

Will N.

Mar 2026

our guide Marco really knew their stuff and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and perfect for first-timers, and 6 stops in about 3 hours, no joke

John V.

Jan 2026

our guide Elena was brilliant and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and great if youre not super fit, and 6 stops in about 3 hours.

Emma R.

Aug 2025

our guide Tariq was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and on a rainy sunday, tbh

Greg V.

Aug 2025

a little local spot off the usual route unreal. mid-week so it was quiet

from€174.13€174.12/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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