Reykjavik at 9pm, still bright as day. This midnight sun boat trip pairs Faxaflói Bay whale watching with that surreal Iceland summer light, so you get both the wildlife hunt and the glowing evening sky. I like that the tour actively maximizes your chances by heading out into the bay and that the guide shares real context on marine mammal behavior. I also really value the free retry option if your first night turns up nothing.

One thing to consider: this is a group outing, and when boats are packed and visibility is tricky, the experience can feel less relaxed. One review also flagged a lack of flexibility with late arrivals caused by issues outside your control, so plan to be at the meeting point early and don’t cut it close.

Key things to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay search area: You go out into the bay to improve your odds with whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Free retry if nothing is seen: If the first tour has no sightings, you can try again at no extra cost.
• Thermal overalls are included: Adult sizes and children’s sizes, plus heated indoor seating.
• Comfort extras help on rough nights: Complimentary sea sickness tablets and WiFi aboard.
• Guided spotting with wildlife info: You’re not just scanning for spouts; the guide explains what you’re seeing.
• A multilingual Special Tours App: Available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Midnight sun light plus marine mammals: why this trip works

This is one of those Reykjavik tours that makes the season feel real. In many parts of the world, 9pm means dark decks and mostly hoping for the best. Here, the midnight sun vibe keeps it bright enough to spot activity and birds while you’re out on the water.

That light matters more than you’d think. You’ll usually get a better view of surfacing behavior when you can actually see what’s happening on the surface, not just chase tiny shapes against the night. It also turns the whole ride into a scenic cruise, not only a wildlife mission.

Old Harbour departure: timing, views, and the “be early” rule

You’ll meet at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik and head out from the Old Harbour area. The start time is 9:00pm, and the tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), finishing back at the same meeting point.

I like that it’s not a weird, remote pick-up situation. It’s also near public transportation, which makes it easier to build this into a flexible day plan. Still, whale watching depends on weather windows and schedules, so show up early. One review experience called out that they did not adjust much when people were late due to another tour delay, so don’t test the system.

The on-water plan: heading for Faxaflói Bay

Once you depart, the goal is simple: get you out into Faxaflói Bay and keep you scanning. You’re looking for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and the guide plays an active role—helping you spot activity and giving you information along the way.

What I find valuable here is the combination of action and explanation. The guide’s job isn’t only pointing out something wet and amazing when it appears. You also learn about the wildlife and the surrounding area, so your sightings make more sense afterward.

On a practical level, this kind of tour is also about positioning. When animals surface, time is short and angles matter. If you’re the sort of person who gets cold fast or struggles on moving boats, you’ll be happier if you plan where you want to stand or sit instead of staying stuck outside no matter what.

Stop 2 at Special Tours: a quick regroup before you fully launch

The itinerary includes a second stop listed as Special Tours. In real-world terms, this kind of stop usually means getting everyone lined up, managing timing, and keeping groups moving smoothly before you settle into the search phase.

Because the tour duration is fairly tight, this step is part of how they keep the schedule workable. If you’re trying to connect it with dinner plans or another activity, build buffer time around it so you aren’t rushed.

Warmth and comfort: thermal overalls, heated seating, and sea-sickness support

This tour does a lot to keep you comfortable, which is huge for a nighttime boat ride in Iceland. You get thermal overalls (including children’s sizes), and there are heated indoor seating areas so you can warm up without missing everything.

You also get complimentary sea sickness tablets, plus free WiFi onboard. Even if you don’t care about the WiFi, it’s a nice sign that they’re thinking about the whole passenger experience, not only the wildlife.

One review complained they were not given a suit and that the boat got soaked, making the trip colder and less enjoyable. Since overalls are listed as included, my advice is straightforward: when you board, confirm you’ve got the right gear before you head to the deck. If you’re doing your own layers, keep them flexible—use what you need, but still count on the overalls doing real work.

Spotting whales in summer light: what the guide actually helps with

Whale watching is never a vending machine: you put in time and money and out pops a whale every time. But this tour improves the odds in two ways.

First, it heads into Faxaflói Bay, which is a smart way to focus time on waters where sightings are more likely. Second, the guide helps you learn how to scan and what behavior to watch for, so you’re not just guessing when you hear excitement from the crew.

The reviews back that up with concrete results. People report seeing humpback whales and minke whales, along with dolphins playing near the boat. One review even described a whale poking its head up out of curiosity. Those are the moments that make you forget you ever worried about getting cold.

Also, if you care about learning, the guide’s explanations are part of the value. It’s more than a sighting checklist. You’re getting a sense of how marine mammals move, feed, and interact with their environment.

The sighting guarantee: how the free retry actually changes your risk

The biggest “value lever” here is the free ticket to try again if you don’t see anything on your tour. That’s a sightings guarantee, and it changes how you should think about booking.

Instead of treating whale watching as a one-shot roll of the dice, you can treat it like a timed experiment. You get one attempt, and if it comes up blank, you get another chance without paying again.

That matters because good weather is required for the tour to run. It also matters because Iceland schedules weather changes fast. Knowing you have a second opportunity can turn a stressful night into a more relaxed one, because you’re not left thinking I blew it and that’s that.

Food, drinks, and what to pack for a 9pm return

Food and drink aren’t included. You can purchase food and drinks onboard if you want. Since the tour is about 2.5 hours, you’ll probably be fine with a light pre-departure meal and a bottle of water if that’s your style.

What you should plan around is moisture and wind. Even with thermal overalls, you’ll want to think about keeping your head and hands warm, especially if you’re staying on the deck waiting for activity.

I’d also treat this like a night out on a moving surface: bring layers you can use fast, and use the heated indoor seating as your reset button.

Price and value: why $109.34 can make sense (or not)

At $109.34 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you’ll do in Reykjavik. But the pricing becomes more reasonable when you add up the included comforts and the retry option.

Here’s what you’re paying for that you usually end up paying extra for elsewhere:

• Thermal overalls (adult and kids sizes)
• Heated indoor seating
• Sea sickness tablets
• Free WiFi
• A free retry if you get skunked on sightings

Add the fact that you’re out in the bay specifically to maximize whale odds, and you’re also getting wildlife explanation from your guide. For many people, that combination turns a “maybe I’ll see a whale” activity into a more structured experience.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, though, it’s worth noting that one review mentioned the boat was packed and viewing was harder. If you prefer a quieter, roomier feel, you’ll want to ask what vessel you’ll be on before you go, and where you’ll be able to stand or sit for visibility.

Who should book this midnight sun whale watch?

I think this tour is best for:

• First-timers who want a one-stop mix of Iceland’s midnight sun and whale watching
• People who want comfort included, like heated seating and thermal gear
• Anyone who likes learning wildlife behavior while scanning for spouts

I’d be more cautious if:

• You’re very uncomfortable on boats and know you’ll freeze if gear doesn’t fit right
• You hate crowding and want maximum deck space
• You don’t like strict timing and can’t reliably show up early

If you’re booking as part of a short Reykjavik trip, it’s also a smart choice because the tour ends back near where you start, so it doesn’t break your logistics.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, if you want that rare combo of midnight sun light plus a real wildlife-focused boat outing, and you appreciate the comfort add-ons like overalls and heated seating. The free retry is also a strong safety net for one of nature’s biggest “may or may not” events.

Before you book, do two simple things:

1. Confirm you’ll have thermal overalls ready at boarding, and ask if anything looks unclear.
2. Plan to arrive early at Geirsgata 11 so you’re not rushed or late.

If those check out for you, this is a very solid value play for seeing Iceland’s marine life under a sky that refuses to fully go dark.

FAQ

How long is the midnight sun whale watching tour from Reykjavik?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

The tour searches for whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.

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

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

Are thermal overalls included?

Yes. Thermal overalls are included, and they’re available in children’s sizes.

Is WiFi available during the tour?

Yes. Free WiFi is included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drink can be purchased onboard.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or too few travelers?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.