This late-evening cruise turns Reykjavik into a night-time nature show, because Iceland’s midnight sun keeps the sky bright while you’re out searching for whales. You’ll head from the Elding Whale Watching Centre at the Old Harbour, board a sturdy boat, and spend roughly 2.5 hours on the water as humpbacks and other sea life (often dolphins and porpoises too) share the bay.

I love the built-in comfort for cold water and wind: warm coveralls and help from the crew so you can focus on spotting wildlife. I also love that your ticket includes Whale-Watching Centre access, plus an onboard multimedia intro so you understand what you’re looking at.

One thing to plan for: the sea can be choppy and it gets chilly fast, so the cruise may feel rougher than you expect even in summer—bring a plan for motion sickness and dress in layers.

Quick takeaways

• Midnight sun timing: you’re on the water at night when the horizon stays glowing.
• Warm gear included: coveralls (plus you should still bring gloves and a hat).
• Center + narration: Whale-Watching Centre entry and an onboard multimedia show.
• Crew spotting help: the staff works to position you for good views from different angles.
• Nice onboard spaces: heated indoor area plus Wi-Fi in the cabin.
• No food included: you’ll want to eat before you go.

Reykjavik Old Harbour meets the midnight sun

This is a true evening outing, built around Iceland’s extreme summer latitude. In June and July, the sun doesn’t fully drop below the horizon, so the night sky stays bright enough to make whale watching feel like a scene from a sci-fi movie—except it’s real, and it’s cold.

You’ll start at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, then board in the evening from Reykjavik Old Harbour. The cruise is about 3 hours total, with roughly 2.5 hours out on the water and a return around 11 pm. That late finish matters: it gives you a whole evening in Reykjavik without losing your night to a long day tour.

If you’re visiting in peak summer, plan ahead. On average, people book about 34 days in advance, which makes sense for a popular midnight-sun slot.

What’s included (and what you’ll pay for)

The value here is in what the tour covers so you don’t have to second-guess your cold-weather prep. Your ticket includes:

• Professional guide and onboard commentary
• Access to the Whale-Watching Centre
• Warm coveralls for the boat
• Onboard Wi-Fi (in the ship’s cabin)

What’s not included is food and drinks. That’s normal for a 3-hour cruise, but it’s worth saying clearly: eat before you board, and consider bringing a small snack only if your departure rules allow it (the tour itself does not include meals).

Also, you’ll want to budget time for weather. This experience depends on conditions at sea, and the tour needs good weather to operate.

The pre-boarding bonus: Whale-Watching Centre access

One of my favorite parts of this outing is that the ticket isn’t only for the boat. You also get access to the Whale-Watching Centre before you sail. That’s a smart add-on because it helps you link what the guides say on the water to what you see and learn about marine life around Iceland.

If you’re the kind of person who likes understanding the rules of the game, you’ll appreciate the intro setup. You’re not just out there hoping. You’re learning what whales do, how to identify species, and what behaviors are worth watching for once you’re on deck.

Boarding the ship: where comfort meets spotting

Once you’re out of the harbor, you’ll get your first sense of how the crew runs the trip. The ship has both indoor and outdoor areas, and multiple spaces so you can move around as conditions change. Reviews mention heated indoor space, bathrooms, and even a bar for hot drinks—handy when the wind decides it’s time to do its job.

You’ll also get loaner coveralls to stay warm. These aren’t just a nice-to-have. On a boat, wind chills can turn your “I’ll be fine” outfit into a surprise ice sculpture. Add hat and gloves, and you’re much more likely to enjoy standing outside for long enough to get good sightings.

The boat can also feel a bit rocky. Even if you’re experienced, Iceland water can be unpredictable. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take your medication before you feel sick—don’t wait for bravery.

Onboard multimedia and commentary that actually helps

Out at sea, the trip starts with a short onboard multimedia show that sets the stage. After that, you’re guided by a live naturalist or onboard commentator who helps you spot and identify wildlife.

I like how the narration supports your viewing instead of just filling time. You’ll hear what to watch for—breaches, fin slaps, surface blows, and the patterns that can help you know where to look next.

Two guide names show up in the feedback: Alex and Rob (listed as a naturalist). That’s a good sign that the company emphasizes skilled, friendly guides rather than a one-size-fits-all script. Even when everyone is excited, it’s the guide’s job to point you in the right direction fast.

What you might see on the deck

This cruise is built around the species people come for, but it’s still wildlife watching—nature decides. Typical sightings can include:

• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbor porpoises
• Puffins and other sea birds (depending on conditions)

What makes this outing satisfying is that you’re not stuck watching from one spot. The crew helps reposition so you can get wildlife views from different sides of the ship. That approach matters because whales and dolphins move, and your viewing angles change constantly.

Some departures are especially active. Feedback includes sightings of humpbacks breaching and slapping their fins, plus mom-and-calf moments that people describe as rare to see in Iceland waters. Others note dolphin activity in front of the boat and multiple whale encounters within the same evening.

Midnight sun magic: the moment the ship goes quiet

The setting is half the story. As you cruise away, you’ll watch the sky glow near the horizon—like daylight that forgot to clock out. The illuminated sea can look almost unreal, especially when the captain cuts the engine, letting the water and wildlife sounds take over.

That quiet moment is a good time to slow down and just watch. Don’t rush for photos immediately. If you miss one behavior, you might catch the next—whales don’t always perform on your schedule.

Wi-Fi in the cabin: practical, not gimmicky

You’ll have onboard Wi-Fi in the ship’s cabin. That’s useful for quick map checks, sending photos, or messaging your group while you warm up. It also gives you a reason to step inside periodically without feeling like you’re abandoning the experience.

It helps when the weather shifts and you need to reset. You can warm up, check in, then return to deck when you hear the crew’s callouts.

The itinerary, step by step (and what each moment is for)

Even though the total time is short, the trip is paced to keep you engaged:

1) Start at Elding Whale Watching, Old Harbour

You arrive in the evening, access the Whale-Watching Centre, and get ready to board. This is where your first wave of comfort planning happens: you dress in layers, put on the coveralls, and get a quick sense of the evening ahead.

2) Board the boat and catch the intro show

As you leave the harbor, the multimedia intro helps you understand what whales and other marine animals look like from this coast.

3) Roughly 2.5 hours of searching and spotting

Once on the open water, you’ll spend the main part of the cruise scanning for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Crew and guides assist with identification, and the boat’s movement gives you changing views.

If the sea is choppy, expect the deck to feel more intense than you’d guess from a calm harbor. Stay warm and keep your feet stable.

4) Return around 11 pm

The cruise wraps up after about 2.5 hours on the water, so you still get a full late-night Reykjavik evening plan afterward (or at least time to recover with dinner).

Weather realities: when the plan changes

This is the part you should respect. Wildlife and sea conditions are not a video game with predictable outcomes.

If conditions are operable, the captain may still sail to find wildlife even in less-than-perfect weather. One review described choppy water and even warned people about people turning green from motion—so take that seriously if you’re sensitive.

There can also be rare operational hiccups. One person noted a boat/dock issue and a switch to a medium-sized boat after a short delay. It doesn’t seem common, but it does remind you to keep expectations flexible.

If you don’t see whales: what happens next

You’re not guaranteed wildlife, and the feedback reflects that reality. Some departures report whales; a few report none, or only far sightings. When that happens, the operation may offer a second-chance option.

You’ll want to watch the messaging at check-in and follow the crew’s guidance. The goal is to keep the experience fair given that animals move unpredictably.

Price and value: is $105 a good deal?

At about $105 per person for roughly 3 hours, this cruise can feel like a splurge—until you add up what’s included.

You’re getting more than a boat ride:

• Whale-Watching Centre entry
• A professional guide and onboard multimedia intro
• Warm coveralls
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• A crew actively helping you spot wildlife from the best angles

Food and drinks are not included, so plan that budget separately. But you’re also saving money on cold-weather gear you’d otherwise need to buy or rent elsewhere, plus the educational component helps you enjoy the time more once you’re out on the water.

If you’re debating between this and a daytime option, think about what you want most. For sheer atmosphere—bright sky near midnight plus night-time sea life—this one has a clear edge.

Who this tour fits best

This works well if you:

• Want Iceland’s summer nights without giving up whale watching
• Like guided wildlife viewing (not just staring at ocean space)
• Appreciate included cold-weather gear
• Want indoor refuge and practical warmth

It’s also a strong choice for families who can handle a few hours at sea, as long as they dress properly. If you get seasick easily, build your plan around that before you leave the dock.

Before you go: my practical packing checklist

Dress warmly even in June and July. The coveralls help, but the wind still gets you if you’re underprepared.

Bring or plan for:

• Hat and gloves (recommended)
• Layers for warmth if coveralls don’t fully do the job for you
• Motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive
• A camera plan that doesn’t make you freeze your hands off trying to shoot the perfect frame

And if you’re hoping for close encounters, remember: the goal is respectful wildlife viewing. You might get thrilling moments, but always follow the crew’s instructions on where and when to stand.

Should you book this Midnight Sun whale cruise?

I’d book it if you want the midnight-sun factor and you’re okay with the one big truth of whale watching: you’re going for a chance, not a guarantee.

It’s a smart choice for the combination of warm gear, Whale-Watching Centre access, and guided spotting that helps you turn “we’re out on the sea” into an experience with real learning and real moments. The online Wi-Fi cabin and indoor spaces make it easier to stay comfortable for the full ride, especially if you get cold quickly.

Skip it—or think twice—if rough water would ruin the day for you, because the sea can be choppy even in summer. And if the narration system quality is a top concern for you, keep in mind there was at least one complaint about speaker clarity on a past sailing.

If you want my quick decision rule: book this for the atmosphere and the guided marine viewing. Just dress like it’s winter and take motion sickness seriously.

FAQ

How long is the whale-watching cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours total, with around 2.5 hours on the water and a return to the harbour around 11 pm.

What animals can I expect to see?

Commonly spotted wildlife includes humpback whales and minke whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Puffins and other sea birds are also mentioned as possible sightings depending on conditions.

Is whale-watching centre access included?

Yes. Access to the Whale-Watching Centre is included as an added bonus along with the cruise.

What should I wear on board?

Dress warmly. Warm coveralls are provided, but a hat and gloves are recommended. Layers help, since wind and chill can build even in summer.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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