Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun | from Reykjavik

Whale-watching in Iceland is already a treat, but catching it under the midnight sun? That’s a special kind of magic. The “Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun” tour offers a chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life against the colorful backdrop of Iceland’s long summer twilight. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews paint a compelling picture of what to expect—and what’s worth considering before booking.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to combine nature’s spectacle with the extraordinary light of the Icelandic summer. The knowledgeable guides and onboard multimedia presentation are big pluses, adding depth to the adventure. On the flip side, if you’re not a fan of cold or choppy waters, this might be a bit less ideal. But overall, this tour seems best suited for those who are after a unique wildlife encounter coupled with the surreal experience of the midnight sun.

If you’re visiting Reykjavik during June or July and want to see marine life while soaking in the unusual late-night glow, this trip could be a highlight. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy a mix of educational insights and natural beauty, and are comfortable with spending a few hours on a boat in possibly chilly conditions.

Key Points

• Unique timing: Experience whale watching under the midnight sun, a rare Icelandic summer phenomenon.
• Wildlife insights: The onboard multimedia show enriches your understanding of Icelandic marine life.
• Comfort included: Warm coveralls and onboard Wi-Fi make the trip more enjoyable, even if the weather turns chilly.
• Good value: At $99 per person, it offers a decent balance of experience, scenery, and education.
• Wildlife sightings: Commonly seen species include humpback whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises, dolphins, and puffins.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance add peace of mind for planning.

What to Expect on the Midnight Sun Whale-Watching Tour

This trip kicks off at the Reykjavik Old Harbour, specifically from the Elding Whale Watching Center. It’s a straightforward starting point, with easy access and well-organized check-in. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted by friendly crew members who hand you warm coveralls—a thoughtful touch that makes a noticeable difference in keeping warm during the cruise.

The boat itself is described as good-sized and comfortable—ample space to move around, with both indoor and outdoor areas. Many reviewers mention how important this is, especially since the tour can last roughly 3 hours, and in Iceland’s unpredictable weather, having options to warm up inside is a plus.

The Cruise and Wildlife Encounters

Once out on the water, you’ll watch a short multimedia presentation about Iceland’s marine animals, which provides useful context about the whales, dolphins, and seabirds you’re likely to see. This helps you understand what you’re observing in real-time, rather than just pointing and guessing.

The real highlight is the wildlife spotting. Many guests report seeing humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises, sometimes swimming right alongside the boat. Several reviews describe watching whales doing belly rolls, slap fins, and showing off their flukes, which can be pretty breathtaking. For example, Vicki_D called it “absolutely breathtaking,” noting whales doing playful behaviors.

However, some reviews mention the uncertainty of sightings. While many report seeing a good number of whales and dolphins, a few experienced trips where no whales appeared. One guest, AVRIL_T, shared disappointment over not seeing any wildlife, attributing it to the weather, and expressed concern over the lack of refunds for bad weather conditions. It’s worth noting that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the ocean’s inhabitants tend to be unpredictable.

The Midnight Sun Atmosphere

The long summer evenings are a major part of the charm. As the boat sails away from the harbor, you’ll witness the beautiful hues of the midnight sun, with the sun hovering just above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water. Many travelers mention how surreal and magical this setting is, turning what might be a routine whale-watching trip into an otherworldly experience.

The captain then cuts the engines, allowing guests to enjoy the quiet, illuminated sea. Some reviewers loved being able to wander to the bow, with comments about how leaning into the experience and putting on a full suit added to the fun. Kids or the young at heart might enjoy running around the deck, trying to spot whales or dolphins swimming nearby.

Practical Details and Comfort

• Dress warmly: Even in summer, nights can be chilly. Warm clothing, hats, and gloves are recommended—something many guests highlight. The provided coveralls help significantly, but layering is still smart.
• Wi-Fi onboard: Having internet access is a bonus, especially if you want to share photos or catch up with friends during the cruise.
• Duration & Timing: The trip lasts about 3 hours, ending around 11 pm, making it ideal for those who want a late-night adventure without feeling rushed.
• Group size: With a maximum of 150 travelers, it’s a reasonably social experience but still small enough to feel personal.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $99 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering what it offers—a chance to see marine mammals in a stunning setting with knowledgeable guides and some comforts onboard. Reviewers consistently mention how the guides are friendly and well-informed, adding value to the experience. Many are impressed with the number and diversity of animals seen, including humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and puffins.

Some reviews point out minor issues, like the speaker system sometimes being hard to understand or the weather being less than perfect, which can affect the overall experience. However, the tour’s flexibility—such as offering passes for future trips if wildlife isn’t seen—adds reassurance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for travelers who are comfortable spending a few hours on a boat in potentially chilly conditions, and who are eager to see marine wildlife in a truly unique setting. It’s perfect for those interested in nature, wildlife photography, or simply the surreal experience of whale watching under the midnight sun. It may also appeal to travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic evening activity that combines adventure and education.

While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, older children or teenagers who enjoy outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing will likely find it engaging. The calm, quiet night hours and stunning scenery make it a peaceful yet exciting outing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour can be suitable for older children or teenagers, especially those interested in wildlife and landscapes. Keep in mind that it’s a boat trip lasting about 3 hours, and dressing warmly is necessary.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, including layers, a hat, and gloves. The tour provides warm coveralls, but layering underneath is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the trip.

Will I definitely see whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings are always uncertain. Many guests do see whales, dolphins, and puffins, but some reviews mention trips with no sightings, often due to weather or animal movement. The guides do their best to find wildlife, but it’s not guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are unsafe, it might be canceled. If canceled due to weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. Some guests have expressed disappointment in bad weather leading to canceled trips, but they appreciated prompt notifications.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes the cruise, access to the Whale Watching Centre, use of warm coveralls, and onboard Wi-Fi. Food and drinks are not included, so consider bringing snacks or purchasing something onboard if available.

How long after booking should I reserve?
This tour is popular and on average booked 26 days in advance. It’s wise to book early, especially if you’re traveling in peak summer months, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

The “Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun” tour from Reykjavik offers a memorable blend of wildlife observation and Iceland’s famous midnight light. The experience of seeing whales and dolphins swim alongside a boat illuminated by the warm glow of the sun hanging just above the horizon is hard to beat. The guides and onboard multimedia add valuable context, making it more than just a boat ride.

While there’s a small chance of disappointment if wildlife doesn’t show up—something out of the crew’s control—the overall feeling among travelers is one of awe and connection with nature. The trip’s comfort features, like warm coveralls and good-sized boats, help make it accessible even in cooler conditions.

If you’re eager for a nature-filled evening adventure and want to witness Iceland’s summer magic, this tour is a solid choice. It’s most suited for those who appreciate scenic views, are willing to dress appropriately, and understand that wildlife sightings, though common, can never be guaranteed. For a blend of education, scenery, and wildlife in an extraordinary setting, this whale-watching cruise delivers a memorable experience.

Remember: Book early, dress warmly, and keep your camera ready—you never know when you’ll catch that perfect shot of a whale breaching in the glow of the midnight sun.