Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik and love the idea of seeing wildlife like whales, dolphins, and puffins in a setting that feels intimate and adventurous, this Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour might be just what you’re after. It promises a unique way to experience Iceland’s stunning coastal waters after dark, with a focus on close-up wildlife encounters in a small-group setting.

What immediately catches the eye is the small group size—only 12 people per boat—which means you’re less likely to feel like just another face in a crowd. Plus, the evening timing during Iceland’s bright summer nights lets you make the most of your day in Reykjavik without rushing to catch a day tour. But, keep in mind, it’s a night tour, so it’s not suited for those who prefer daytime views or have trouble with the dark or cold.

On the flip side, the tour’s price of $187 per person can seem a touch steep, considering it’s a two-hour experience. However, when you think about the personalized nature, the expert guides, and the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat so close you’ll almost feel like you could reach out and touch them, it can be justified. This tour will likely appeal most to travelers who are eager for a more intimate, adventurous wildlife experience rather than a large-boat crowd.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers more personal interaction and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Late evening timing makes it perfect for making the most of long Icelandic summer nights.
• High wildlife encounter rate — over 95% in summer — means a good chance of seeing whales.
• Expert guides and captains enhance the experience with their knowledge and spotting skills.
• Warm gear and safety equipment are provided, making the chilly sea comfortable.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later give you peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Reykjavik Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour combines adventure, wildlife spotting, and the magic of Iceland’s midnight sun—all wrapped into a compact two-hour trip. It departs from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, a convenient starting point that’s easy to reach and well-known among visitors.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The adventure kicks off with meeting your professional captain and wildlife guide, who will brief you on safety and what to expect during the trip. You’ll be provided with warm overalls and necessary safety gear, which are essential since the sea breeze can be brisk even in summer.

Once aboard the custom-made RIB speedboat, you’ll zip out of the harbor and head into the waters where whales, dolphins, and puffins are frequently seen. The high-performance nature of these boats allows for covering larger areas quickly, giving you the chance to explore more of the bay and increase your wildlife sightings.

Navigating the Bay and Wildlife Encounters

As the boat zips around the wind-beaten islands of Faxaflói Bay, your guide will point out puffins in their natural habitat—an especially charming sight during their season from May 15th to August 20th. The small, stable boats are designed to handle wakes comfortably, so even if seas are a little choppy, your ride stays smooth enough for clear views.

On the open water, the focus shifts to whale and dolphin spotting. Expect to see some of the best whale watching near Reykjavik, with the chance of encountering species like minke whales, humpbacks, and others, as confirmed by the high success rate during summer months. According to reviews, whale sightings are highly probable, with over 95% of trips seeing wildlife.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

• Close-up wildlife encounters: Because of the boat’s speed and small size, you get nearer to whales and puffins than in larger boats.
• Evening timing: After the sun sets, the landscape and sea take on a new, almost surreal quality—bright enough for viewing but with the calm of evening.
• Authentic experience: The knowledgeable guides aren’t just there to spot animals but also to share insights about these creatures and the environment, which enhances the experience.

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Post-Trip Scenic Ride

After your wildlife adventure, the tour concludes by returning along Reykjavik’s shoreline. This unique ride back offers fantastic views of landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture and the Harpa Concert Hall, with city lights twinkling in the background. This part of the experience adds a tranquil, scenic ending to what has been an active evening on the water.

Is It Worth the Price?

While $187 per person might seem a bit high for a two-hour tour, many travelers find the personalized nature of the experience and the chance to see wildlife up close make it worthwhile. The small group size means fewer crowds, more personal attention, and better chances of wildlife sightings, all of which add value.

The tour includes warm clothing and safety gear, so you won’t need to spend extra on those essentials. Plus, if you happen not to see whales or puffins, the guide will offer a complimentary ticket for another ride on larger boats, giving you a second shot without additional cost.

Practical Considerations

• This tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or back issues.
• Be prepared with warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes, considering the cooler evening breezes.
• Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and get suited up.
• The seasonality matters—puffin sightings are seasonal, mostly from mid-May to late August.

The Authentic Voice of Travelers

Reviews from recent travelers back up what you might expect: knowledgeable guides, stunning wildlife, and a fun, exhilarating ride. One reviewer noted, “Boat tour was so much fun! Our guide and captain were great. Being out on the boat at night was exhilarating and we got to see puffins, whales, porpoises and dolphins.” Another shared, “Dolphins were everywhere, even approaching and interacting with the boat. We saw Minke and humpback whales and lots of puffins. The guides’ expertise made all the difference.”

People also appreciate that the boats are stable and cushioned, making rougher wakes less of an issue, and that the warm gear is plentiful, so even chilly evenings are manageable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a good pick for anyone interested in wildlife and seeking a more intimate, adventure-style boat trip. It’s particularly suited for those who want to make the most of Iceland’s midnight sun and are comfortable in small boats. If you’re traveling with family, note that children must be over 10, and those with certain health concerns should consider their suitability.

If your main goal is a relaxing daytime cruise, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re open to a more active, close-up wildlife adventure during Iceland’s long summer evenings, it’s a memorable choice.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik: Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour offers a compelling way to experience Iceland’s abundant marine life in a setting that’s both intimate and exhilarating. The small boat size, combined with expert guidance, means you’re set up for some of the best wildlife viewing just off Reykjavik’s coast.

While it’s priced higher than some other tours, the personalized experience, high success rate for sightings, and the chance to enjoy the midnight sun from a boat make it a worthwhile investment for nature lovers. The scenic return along the shoreline seals the deal for many travelers, providing beautiful city views after your aquatic adventure.

If you’re looking for a small-group wildlife tour during Iceland’s endless summer nights, this one deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just remember to dress warmly and be ready for some fast-paced, close encounters with the natural beauty of Iceland’s waters.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
It lasts about 2 hours. Check the availability for specific starting times.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for kids over 10 and at least 145 centimeters tall. It’s not recommended for younger children.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. The tour provides warm overalls and safety equipment.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You might encounter whales like minke and humpback, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins during the season from May to August.

Is the boat ride rough?
The boats are stable and cushioned, designed to handle wakes comfortably, but check your comfort level with small boat rides.

Will I see whales on every trip?
While sightings are highly probable—over 95% during summer—nothing is guaranteed. If you don’t see whales, you get a complimentary ticket for another trip.

What makes this tour special?
The small group size, the evening timing, and the high wildlife encounter rate make it a more personal, memorable experience.

Can I combine this with other tours?
Yes, there are similar experiences available, such as whale and puffin combo tours or daytime whale watching, which might suit different interests.

Is it worth the price?
If you value close-up wildlife encounters, expert guides, and a more intimate boat experience, many find it well worth it.

If you’re eager for an adventure that pairs wildlife viewing with Iceland’s stunning summer nights, this tour stands out as a fantastic choice. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive prepared, and enjoy the chance to see some of Iceland’s most iconic creatures in their natural setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: