A whale call under the midnight sun. This 9 pm trip pairs Iceland’s rare summer light with real whale-spotting time on Faxaflói Bay.

What I like most is that you are not just cruising for vibes, you are actively searching with a guide who can help you read animal behavior. The other big win is the free try-again ticket if your first night is quiet.

I also like the comfort touches that matter when you are on the water after dark, especially the heated indoor seating and thermal overalls (including kids sizes). One caution: boats can vary in crowding and visibility, and if you end up without the right warm layers, it can feel chilly or even wet.

Key things to notice before you go

• Faxaflói Bay search: you head out where wildlife viewing chances are better
• Free repeat night: a no-sighting outcome on the first trip can turn into a second shot
• Thermal overalls plus heated seating: you can stay outside longer and still warm up
• Smallish maximum group size: capped at 65 travelers, so spotting efforts feel focused
• Onboard help for feeling seasick: complimentary sea sickness tablets are included

Old Harbour at 9 pm: where the night still glows

Reykjavik looks different at 9 pm in the midnight sun months. The sky stays bright enough that you can actually watch, not just squint. You start at Geirsgata 11 and the trip ends back at the meeting point, which keeps things simple after your tour.

Your first stop is the Old Harbour area, where you get the right mood fast. If you have ever done winter whale watching, you know how much darkness limits spotting. Here, the light helps you see birds, spouts, and surf more clearly.

One practical perk: since this starts late, it fits well into a day of sightseeing. You can do the Golden Circle style sights earlier, then switch to sea time when other tours are winding down.

Faxaflói Bay whale hunting: how the route supports your odds

The heart of this tour is the push into Faxaflói Bay to look for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. That matters, because sightings do not happen evenly along a whole coast line. Going out into the bay gives you a better chance to connect with where animals surface and move through.

When you are out there, the guide’s job is not just pointing. The best moments come when you learn what to look for, like the pattern of surfacing, the way birds react over water, and how dolphins or porpoises can signal activity nearby. The tour also includes wildlife info about what you are seeing and the surrounding areas.

From the sightings people often describe, you may encounter larger whales such as humpback and smaller types such as minke. Dolphins can show up too, sometimes swimming close enough for you to feel like you are in the story. You might also see lots of seabirds while you wait for that first spout.

What you actually do on the water, from deck time to indoor warmth

This is about timing and comfort. You will want to stand on the deck for viewing, but you also need a place to warm up between scans. The tour includes heated indoor seating plus a way to get back out on deck when you spot activity.

Thermal overalls are a big deal here, and you should treat them as part of your whale-spotting equipment, not just a nice extra. People who stayed warm could keep watching longer, even on the open deck. If you are someone who runs cold, this is one of the smartest inclusions on any night tour like this.

Also included is free WiFi. You likely will not be posting every moment, but it is useful for checking photos, reading your notes, or just killing time while the group is watching the same horizon.

If you end up on a RIB-style option in place of a regular boat (it can happen if a departure is unavailable), it can be fast and fun. But the front can feel like a rollercoaster ride, so if you have back or knee issues, sit toward the back where things are calmer.

The guide makes a difference: reading spouts and behavior

The tour is led by an onboard guide, and the value comes from how they translate what you are seeing. People mention guides by name, including Daniel, Sophie, and Tom, and the common thread is that they explain whale and dolphin behavior in a way that helps you spot what matters.

This is where you get more than a checklist of animals. A good guide helps you understand the difference between an empty patch of water and one that might become action in the next few minutes. They also keep eyes up for animal activity and call it out so everyone has time to look.

One reason the tour works well is that the crew actively manages viewing. In the best moments, you feel like the boat is in the right place, not just randomly drifting around. If someone says they had great service from the captains, that usually lines up with this same idea: attentive spotting and clear pointing when an animal appears.

Stop details: Old Harbour to Special Tours, then out to Faxaflói Bay

You have two named stops: Old Harbour and Special Tours. The way this usually plays out is simple. You meet at the starting point, get set up, then you check in at the second stop before heading to sea.

Why this matters to you: it helps you show up calm. When a tour has a clear sequence, you do not waste viewing time waiting at the dock in confusion. You also get a smoother handoff between the land meeting and the boarding phase.

Because the activity ends back at the meeting point, you can plan your night without a long transfer. That is a quiet quality-of-life win in Reykjavik, where getting around after dark is mostly easy, but not always fast if you rely on taxis only.

Thermal overalls, sea sickness tablets, and staying out longer

Iceland water can surprise you. Even in the midnight sun season, wind plus spray can make you feel cold if you are underdressed. This tour includes thermal overalls and they come in children’s sizes, so kids do not get left out of the warmth equation.

You also get complimentary sea sickness tablets. That does not mean you will feel sick, but it removes one source of stress. On a whale trip, you want to focus on spotting, not on guessing how your stomach will react.

Heated indoor seating is another underrated inclusion. It gives you a reset. You can move between deck spotting and warm indoor time without missing the key moments for long stretches.

One caution from real experiences: in busier departures, boats can feel crowded and visibility can be harder. If you want the best chance of spotting, plan to stand where you can see clearly and swap positions when the boat shifts.

What the Special Tours app adds on a bright midnight

A “new” element here is the Special Tours App, offered in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. I like having an app for tours like this because it can help you connect animal sightings to what you are being told on deck.

The trip also includes free WiFi, so you can access the app during the ride if you need it. Even if you do not use it nonstop, it is useful for staying oriented and staying engaged while waiting for the first whale sign.

Think of the app as a support layer. The real viewing happens outside, but it can help you turn spouts, birds, and movement into a clearer picture of what is happening in the bay.

The free retry if you see nothing: a real value boost

This is the feature that can make the difference between a good trip and an expensive disappointment. If you do not see anything on your tour night, you get a free ticket to try again. That turns the whole outing into a two-shot mission instead of a one-and-done gamble.

You should still accept the obvious truth: wildlife viewing depends on real conditions. But a retry policy changes your risk level. You are not paying full price for a single roll of the dice.

For best odds, treat your second outing as part of your schedule, not an optional extra. If you can, plan a flexible window so you are ready to go again on the next available night.

Weather and what happens if the sea is not cooperating

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not workable and the tour is canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. It is a standard reality of Iceland sea tours, but it matters here because your whale spotting depends on the same weather that allows safe, comfortable sailing.

There is also a minimum number of travelers for the tour to run. If the minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund.

In practice, this means you should book with a plan for flexibility. Iceland is great, but the ocean is in charge.

Price and value: why $109.34 can make sense

At $109.34 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, this is not a bargain price. But it is also not just paying for a boat ride.

You are paying for:

• A targeted bay search for whales, dolphins, and porpoises
• Thermal overalls (including kids sizes)
• Heated indoor seating
• Sea sickness tablets
• Free WiFi
• The free try-again ticket if nothing is seen

If you compare what you would otherwise spend on warm gear rentals or extra comfort items, the included equipment starts to look more reasonable. The retry feature is the real heavyweight value, because it can protect you from a bad viewing night.

Also, this tour runs in English, which helps a lot if you want the guide’s info without guessing. The tour is capped at 65 people, so it should feel manageable rather than like a giant cattle boat.

Finally, tours like this often sell ahead of time. Booking is listed as averaging 57 days in advance, so if you are traveling in peak weeks, you will want to lock it in early.

Who this midnight sun whale watch is best for

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want whales and dolphins without committing to a full day at sea
• Prefer late-night touring that still feels bright
• Want meaningful guidance on what you are seeing, not just a silent ride
• Like the idea of a second chance if the first night is quiet

It also helps if you are traveling with family, because thermal overalls are available in children’s sizes. If someone in your group gets cold fast, the warm gear plus heated seating makes the difference between tolerating the trip and enjoying it.

If you have mobility issues or limited balance, you should still use caution. The tour says most people can participate, but it does not promise a fully easy ride for everyone. If you have concerns, it is worth asking the operator what boat type you will use.

Should you book this midnight sun whale watching tour?

Yes, I think you should book it if you want a classic Iceland experience with real viewing time and a plan to reduce the risk of a blank night. The combination of midnight sun, a Faxaflói Bay search, and the free try-again ticket is exactly what makes this tour feel like more than a basic add-on.

Book with your eyes open: weather rules the sea, boat crowding can affect viewing, and the best results come when you dress for spray and wind. If you show up ready with your thermal overalls and a calm, patient mindset, you stand a real chance of getting memorable whale and dolphin moments under that glowing Reykjavik sky.

FAQ

What time does the midnight sun whale watching tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 pm.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the main area you sail to for whale watching?

You sail to Faxaflói Bay to maximize your chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

What animals can you see on this tour?

The tour focuses on spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included features are thermal overalls (children’s sizes available), free WiFi, heated indoor seating areas, complimentary sea sickness tablets, and a Special Tours App in multiple languages, plus a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink can be purchased on board.

Does the tour offer a refund if it is canceled due to weather?

Yes. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English. The Special Tours App is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.