Reykjavik: 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun

The midnight return is part of the magic. This 9pm whale-watching cruise takes you into Faxaflói Bay as daylight fades, giving you a quieter, more unusual way to look for humpback and minke whales. I like the late timing and the chance to see Iceland under the soft glow of the Arctic sun.

I also like the practical safety net: if no whales appear, you receive a free ticket to try again. The main drawback is that whale watching is never guaranteed, and sightings may be brief. You may see only a back, fin, or spout before the animal slips below the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Late-night sailing: The boat leaves at 9pm and returns to Reykjavik around midnight, making this easy to pair with a full day in the city.
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife: The cruise focuses on humpback and minke whales, with a chance to see puffins during the right season.
• Sunset atmosphere: The changing light gives the trip a different mood from a standard daytime cruise.
• Free return ticket: If there are no sightings, you can join again without paying for another ticket.
• Practical onboard support: English-speaking guides provide commentary, and complimentary seasickness tablets are available.
• Price and duration: At $106 per person for about 2.5 hours, the trip is best value for people who care about the setting as much as the wildlife.

Meeting the Arctic Sun at Reykjavik harbor

Your meeting point is the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. Arrive 30 minutes early. That gives you time to find the office, check in, and get to the boat without beginning the evening in a panic.

The departure time is 9pm, which changes the feel of the trip right away. You are not squeezing this cruise into the middle of a busy sightseeing day. Instead, you can spend the afternoon seeing Reykjavik, have an early meal, and then head for the harbor as the city moves toward night.

The boat used for this trip is the Arctic Sun. The cruise lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, with a return to the harbor at about midnight. The schedule is long enough to give the crew time to search for wildlife, but short enough that it does not take over an entire day.

At certain times of year, environmental efforts may mean that the trip uses a shared boat with another activity partner. That is worth knowing if you expect a boat reserved only for this tour. The reason is sensible: fewer boats on the water help limit pressure on the bay.

Sailing into Faxaflói Bay after 9pm

Once the Arctic Sun leaves the harbor, the focus shifts to Faxaflói Bay. The crew searches for humpback whales and minke whales in their natural setting, while the guide explains the local wildlife and helps you understand what to watch for.

This is not a show with guaranteed appearances or animals trained to approach a boat. You need patience. A whale may surface several times, or it may appear only as a quick rise and reappearance. Keep your eyes moving and listen closely to the guide, since a useful sighting can happen on either side of the boat.

The strongest part of the outing is the sense of open space. You are not simply looking for whales in bright afternoon light. You are watching the bay change as the sun lowers, with the water taking on a softer color. Even if the wildlife keeps its distance, the timing gives the cruise a mood that a standard daytime trip cannot copy.

Still, it is important to keep expectations realistic. A whale sighting does not always mean seeing the whole animal. One verified account from July described whales appearing and quickly submerging, with puffins visible only at a distance. That is normal wildlife viewing, not a flaw in the operation, but it may surprise anyone expecting a close, full-body view.

Watching humpback and minke whales

Humpback and minke whales are the main wildlife targets. The tour does not promise that you will see both, or that either species will surface close to the boat. Your best chance comes from paying attention to the guide and being ready with your camera before the animal appears.

Humpbacks can make a strong impression when they surface, but the sighting may be limited to a back, blow, or tail. Minke whales can be quicker and less dramatic, so you may need to watch carefully. The point is not to collect a perfect photograph at all costs. It is to see wild animals behaving on their own terms.

I recommend bringing binoculars if you have them. They are especially helpful when a whale stays farther away or when small seabirds appear across the water. A camera is useful too, but do not spend the whole cruise staring through a screen. The light may be beautiful, and the best moment may last only a few seconds.

Puffins are also possible, though the information for this cruise does not promise them. The July sighting noted puffins at a distance. Treat them as an extra, not the main reason to pay for the cruise.

The free return ticket matters here. If the crew records no sightings, you can join again. It does not guarantee a whale on your second attempt, but it reduces the financial risk of choosing a wildlife trip where nature controls the result.

The Arctic sun and the late-evening light

The evening setting is the cruise’s main point of difference. Iceland’s late light creates a gentler atmosphere than a bright midday departure. The sun may be low over the water, and the transition toward night can make the bay feel calm and otherworldly without needing any special effects.

This timing suits photographers who want warm light and changing colors. It also suits anyone who has already spent the day touring Reykjavik or driving around the region. You get a separate evening activity instead of losing a prime sightseeing block during daylight.

The late departure can be less convenient for some people. You return around midnight, so this may not fit well if you have an early airport transfer, a morning excursion, or young children who struggle with late nights. The cruise itself is only about 2.5 hours, but you should include the early meeting time and your return to your accommodation when planning the evening.

Bring warm clothing. The supplied information specifically recommends it, along with a camera, binoculars, and motion sickness prevention. The boat provides complimentary seasickness tablets, which is helpful, but you may prefer to bring your own familiar remedy if you already use one.

What the guide adds to the trip

An English-speaking guide provides live commentary throughout the cruise. The guide’s role is not only to point toward a whale. Good commentary helps you understand what you are seeing, why the boat is slowing or changing direction, and how to tell a proper sighting from a false alarm.

That guidance has real value on a wildlife trip. Without it, you might miss a distant back or mistake a seabird for something larger. The guide also keeps the outing connected to the local setting, rather than turning it into a simple boat ride with occasional wildlife.

The information provided does not name individual guides, so you should not book expecting a particular person. The team is described as experienced and professional, and the tour is conducted in English.

Snacks and drinks are not included, but they are sold onboard. You may want to eat before arriving, especially because the evening runs from 9pm until close to midnight. The tour does not list a meal as part of the price.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap harbor ride. You are paying for a specialist wildlife outing, a professional crew, guide commentary, and the chance to return for free if there are no sightings.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. If your priority is a guaranteed close whale encounter, no price can fully solve the problem. Wildlife remains unpredictable. If you value the late light, the open-water setting, and the chance to see humpback or minke whales without paying for a second trip after a blank sailing, the price becomes easier to justify.

The return-ticket policy is important when comparing this with other options. A no-sighting trip is disappointing, but the free retry gives you another chance during your visit. Check how much time you have in Reykjavik before booking. The policy helps only if you can fit another sailing into your schedule.

The trip is also a better match for people who enjoy the process of wildlife watching. You may spend much of the cruise scanning the water, then get a short, rewarding sighting. If you need constant action, the price may feel high.

Practical advice for a comfortable cruise

Arrive at Geirsgata 11 half an hour before departure. The meeting point is the Special Tours ticket office, and arriving early gives you a calmer start.

Wear warm clothing in layers and bring a camera. Binoculars can help with distant wildlife, especially when puffins or whales remain far from the boat. Do not count on your phone camera to capture a sharp image of a fast-moving animal at a distance.

If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Complimentary tablets are available, and motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended. The bay can look calm from the harbor while feeling different once you are out on open water.

Smoking and pets are not allowed. Snacks and beverages can be purchased onboard, but they are not part of the tour price.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Iceland schedule is still changing, but you should still check the current availability and departure details before you finalize plans.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This outing suits you if you like wildlife, photography, and slower sightseeing. It is also a good choice if you want to use an evening in Reykjavik for something beyond restaurants and bars.

The late start works well for people with a full daytime schedule. You can visit museums or explore the city before heading to the harbor. The trip may also appeal to repeat visitors who have already seen the main sights and want a different look at the bay.

Families can enjoy it, but the 9pm departure and midnight return deserve careful thought. The same is true for anyone with an early start the next morning. The tour data does not provide a minimum age or accessibility details, so ask the operator directly if either point affects your booking.

This is less suitable if you want a short, guaranteed sightseeing stop. A wildlife cruise requires patience, warm clothing, and some acceptance that nature may offer only a brief view.

Should you book the Arctic Sun whale cruise?

Book it if you like the idea of watching for wild whales beneath Iceland’s late evening light. The combination of a 9pm departure, Faxaflói Bay, English commentary, and a free return ticket after a no-sighting trip gives this outing a clear purpose.

Go in with sensible expectations. You may see humpback or minke whales only briefly, and puffins may be distant. If you can accept that, the cruise offers a memorable way to spend an Icelandic evening and a fair safety net if the bay stays quiet.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise meet?

Meet at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the 9pm departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The whale-watching trip lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and returns to Reykjavik harbor around midnight.

Which whales might I see?

The cruise searches for humpback whales and minke whales in Faxaflói Bay.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. If there are no sightings, you receive a free ticket to join again.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are not included, but they are sold onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, binoculars, and motion sickness prevention. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available onboard.