Midnight sun whale hunting is a whole different game.

This small-group tour (max 12) runs in Reykjavík’s evening light, so you get that rare mix of wide-open ocean searching and city landmark views like Harpa and the Old Harbour area. I like that you also get practical protection for the water, not just big promises, with overalls, gloves, and goggles built into the package.

I love the way this outing keeps the focus on spotting wildlife while still treating comfort seriously, with high quality suspension seats and a capped headcount that makes it easier to hear your guide and react quickly. You are also likely to see the “Reykjavík trio,” whales and dolphins plus puffins, because the route includes classic hunting areas such as Lundey and Faxaflói. One consideration: the boat ride can be bumpy, and if you get sea sick easily, plan carefully because there is nowhere to really escape the motion.

Key highlights I’d plan my night around

• Max 12 people for a calmer, more attentive experience on the water
• Weather-ready clothing included, so you do not have to guess what to wear
• Harpa and Old Harbour views as the sun stays up late
• Stops built around whale odds, including Lundey, Faxaflói, and nearby passes
• Puffins are a major target, not a side note
• Free Classic tour if you miss whales or dolphins on this outing

Midnight sun in Reykjavík: why it changes whale watching

In Iceland, the ocean does not care about your schedule. But when the sun barely sets, it changes the whole feel of going offshore. You are out longer in daylight-like conditions, so you can stay alert for surface activity without feeling like you are hunting in darkness.

That extra visibility matters. Whales and dolphins can surface quickly and move fast, and puffins can pop into view near the areas the boat visits. In one experience like this, the sightings included minke whales breaching and humpbacks showing up in the mix, plus big puffin activity. Even when weather is not perfect, the boat can still put you in the right zones.

And then there is Reykjavík itself. Before you ever reach the pier, Harpa and the Old Harbour area bring that “I am really here” feeling. It is not just a transfer to the water, it is part of the night.

Price and timing: what $203.50 buys you

At $203.50 per person for about 2 hours, this is not the cheapest option in Reykjavík. The value comes from the combination: you get a small group experience plus safety gear and a comfort-minded seat setup. You are also paying for a guided hunt, not just a boat rental.

One detail I pay attention to when I compare tours is how far in advance they tend to sell out. This one is commonly booked about 36 days ahead on average, which tells me summer nights can fill up. If you want a specific date, I’d book early rather than hoping for last-minute availability.

Also, the tour has a practical “retry” built in. If your trip does not turn up whales or dolphins, you can try their Classic tour for free. That matters because wildlife watching is wildlife watching. You are not paying as if success is guaranteed.

Meeting at Ægisgarður 5d: get there with time to spare

Your meeting point is Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back there. Pickup and drop-off are not part of the deal, so you should plan to handle your own way to the start area.

Arrive early. The plan starts with gear prep and a safety briefing, and the schedule expects you to be at the Old Harbour area no later than 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late, you can lose the part of the tour that helps you feel ready once you are on the pier.

Since this is close to public transportation, you can keep your day flexible. If you are staying in central Reykjavík, it is usually a manageable walk or short ride, and that makes it easier to pair this with dinner nearby before you head out.

Gear and safety: overalls, goggles, and suspension seats

This tour includes the stuff that usually makes or breaks the experience: overalls, a safety vest, goggles, and gloves. If you have ever been on a cold, spray-heavy boat ride with only a hoodie, you know why this matters. You do not have to guess what will keep you comfortable long enough to enjoy the hunt.

The company also provides high quality suspension seats. That does not make the ocean gentle, but it can reduce the jolt and help you stay steady. In rougher conditions, the difference between being tense in every lurch and sitting more comfortably can be huge, especially if you have knee or back issues.

Still, I want you to be honest with yourself about motion. In one account, the ride was described as rough, and the person noted it was difficult on their knees and back. The guides were great, and the whale payoff was real, but you should treat the physical side as part of the planning.

Stop by stop: Old Harbour, Harpa, Lundey, Faxaflói, Sun Voyager

Here is how the route typically unfolds, and why each piece is worth your attention.

Stop 1: Old Harbour, the pre-boat reality check

Old Harbour is where the night turns from city evening into ocean mission. This is your first stop, with restaurants and people nearby, so it feels like Reykjavík rather than a random pier area. You also get your gearing up moment and the safety talk before heading down to the water.

This is the best time to double-check your layers and secure gear. If you are going to be outside in wind and spray, do not save your comfort for later.

Stop 2: Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre views

Next, you get magical Harpa views in evening light. Harpa is one of Reykjavík’s most photogenic landmarks, and seeing it around the water-side areas gives you that “wow, this city is real” feeling. You are not just passing by, you are building context for where you are and what you are leaving behind.

This stop is also a nice reset. After the gear portion, your brain is ready for scenery, and Harpa delivers.

Stops 3 and 4: Lundey and Faxaflói, the hunting ground

Once you are out there, the names start to matter. Lundey and Faxaflói are areas your boat targets for wildlife. These are not sightseeing stops where you hop off and stroll. They are passes and zones, where you scan for movement and listen for your guide’s cues.

You should treat this as active watching time. Wildlife can appear at any moment, and the boat may reposition quickly. If you are the type who thinks you will take photos later, this is where you remind yourself to look first.

Stop 5: Sun Voyager, a final Reykjavík postcard

The Sun Voyager stop adds a last look at the city from the water-side perspective. It is a small moment, but it helps tie the whole outing together. You end up with more than just boat time, you get a sequence of Reykjavík landmarks that makes the trip feel complete even if the sea is choppy.

What you can realistically spot: minke, humpbacks, dolphins, and puffins

Whale watching is never a guaranteed show, but this itinerary is built for odds. You are hunting whales, dolphins, and puffins, and when conditions line up, the results can be impressive.

Based on what people have reported, minke whales are a standout possibility. One account included three minke whales breaching during a rough seas ride. Another described humpback whales and a harbor porpoise sighting, along with puffins that were in the thousands.

Puffins deserve special attention here. This tour explicitly aims for puffins, and the reports back that up with lots of sightings. Even if a whale stay is short, puffins can keep your eyes busy, because they show up near the boat’s route in steady bursts.

Dolphins can also appear during active searching. In one experience, the boat was chasing dolphins and other wildlife farther out from shore, and the group still managed to see everything they came for: dolphins, whales, and puffins.

Two practical tips for your spotting:

• Stay ready to look where your guide points, not where you are holding your camera.
• Expect the best views to come in moments, not long sittings.

The rough-water reality: what to do if you get sea sick

Let’s talk about the thing that can ruin an otherwise perfect whale watch. Multiple accounts point to bumpy conditions, with one person describing rough seas and difficulty on back and knees. Another called out that the ride is a bit bumpy and you will get wet.

If you are prone to sea sickness, take that seriously. One account included a child who became sea sick and had to endure the trip because there was nowhere to go. That is not just discomfort, it is a sign the boat experience can be physically tough for some people.

So what can you do?

• Wear the gear you are given, because staying warm helps with nausea for many people.
• Bring any motion-sickness plan you already trust, like medication you have used before.
• If you are highly sensitive, consider whether you truly want a fast small boat style outing.

Comfort-minded seats can help with jarring, but they cannot stop motion. If you know you react strongly to waves, plan accordingly.

What is included, and what to bring on your own

This is where the tour stays practical.

Included:

• A 2-hour small group tour (up to 12 passengers)
• Overalls, safety vest, goggles, and gloves
• Reykjavík sightseeing views from Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall areas
• High quality suspension seats for extra safety and comfort
• A free Classic tour if you do not see whales or dolphins

Not included:

• Restroom on board
• Pickup and drop-off
• Snacks or food

No snacks can sound minor until you are standing around with wind in your face for a couple hours. I recommend you eat earlier, and if you snack easily, bring your own food to tide you over before you meet. Also plan water intake before you head out, because you will not have an on-board restroom listed as part of the setup.

Who this tour is perfect for (and who might want a different option)

This is a strong fit if you want an intimate whale watching outing in Reykjavík with serious landmark time. The capped group size of 12 helps you feel like you are part of the search, not a numbered spot on a big boat.

It also fits families and older kids more than many boat tours, because the minimum age is 10 and the minimum height is 145 cm. That said, the sea sickness warning is real. If your child gets motion sick easily, I would rethink the plan or talk to a clinician about prevention.

It also works well if you are comfortable with moderate physical fitness. You will likely be moving around the boarding area and standing or shifting in wind and cold. If that sounds fine, you will enjoy the ride.

If you are someone who wants a calm, slow, sightseeing-only cruise, this might feel too active. The focus is on finding wildlife, including fast searching passes near the target zones.

Should you book this midnight-sun whale watch with Whale Safari?

I’d book it if your top priority is an intimate, guided wildlife hunt that also gives you Reykjavík landmark views while the sun stays up late. The fact that it includes spray-protection gear and aims for puffins adds extra payoff beyond the whales-only version of the experience.

I would hesitate if sea conditions make you miserable quickly. This tour can be bumpy, and there is a real note from experience accounts that sea sickness can hit hard, with limited ability to escape the motion. If you know you are sensitive, protect yourself early or choose a calmer alternative.

If you can handle some chop, this is the kind of night outing that feels like it belongs in Iceland. It is not just a boat trip. It is a Reykjavík-to-ocean adventure with real chances at whales and plenty of puffin energy.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?

It runs about 2 hours.

What is the group size for this tour?

The tour is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Ægisgarður 5d, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What time should I arrive before departure?

You should arrive no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled tour departure.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What protective clothing is included?

Overalls, a safety vest, goggles, and gloves are provided.

Is there food or snacks included?

No. Snacks are not provided.

Is there a restroom on board?

No. There is no restroom on board.

Is pickup or drop-off provided?

No. Pickup and drop-off is not available for this tour.

What are the age and height limits?

The minimum age is 10 years, and the minimum height is 145 cm.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cancellations due to poor weather are handled with an alternate date or a full refund.