Reykjavik: 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun

The sea changes after nine. This 2.5-hour evening cruise trades bright daytime water for the soft gold and blue of Iceland’s Arctic summer, sailing from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay in search of humpback and minke whales. I like the unusual timing and the chance to see Iceland’s wildlife under a lingering sunset rather than ordinary midday light.

I also like the practical safety net: if no whales appear, you receive a free ticket to try again. The main drawback is simple but important: wildlife is wild. You may see only a back, fin, or brief blow, and puffins can appear far off. At $106 per person, the trip offers a fair experience if the evening atmosphere matters to you, but it is not a guaranteed close-up whale encounter.

Key points to know before booking

• The 9pm departure creates a special light show: In Iceland’s summer, the late hour can still bring sunset colors and a bright Arctic sky.
• The cruise searches Faxaflói Bay: The main wildlife targets are humpback and minke whales, with puffins also possible.
• Sightings may be brief: Expect a blow, back, fin, or tail rather than a whale posing beside the boat.
• You can rebook after a blank trip: A free return ticket gives you another chance if no whales are seen.
• Plan for cold and motion: Warm clothing, binoculars, and motion sickness prevention are sensible choices.
• The boat returns around midnight: This late finish suits a relaxed Reykjavik evening, but not an early-morning schedule.

Meeting the Arctic Sun at Geirsgata 11

Your evening begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, in central Reykjavik’s harbor area. You should arrive 30 minutes before the 9pm departure, giving yourself time to find the office, check in, and get ready without a last-minute dash to the boat.

The late starting time is the defining feature here. Most whale cruises run during the day, when the water is bright and the harbor feels active. This trip heads out as the city settles down. You get a quieter sense of departure, followed by the gradual change from daylight to evening color.

The tour lasts about two to two and a half hours. You should expect to return to Reykjavik harbor close to midnight. That timing is useful for a full day of sightseeing, since you can visit museums, walk the waterfront, or take a city tour before heading to the meeting point.

It also requires a little planning. You will want dinner before the cruise or use the snacks and drinks sold aboard. Do not count on the boat trip itself as a full evening meal.

Sailing into Faxaflói Bay

After leaving the harbor, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, the broad body of water between Reykjavik and Iceland’s western coast. This is the main search area for humpback whales and minke whales, and the guide works from current conditions and reported wildlife activity to give the boat its best chance.

The trip is not a point-to-point sightseeing cruise with several fixed stops. Its purpose is to look for moving animals. That means the route can feel flexible, and some stretches may involve watching open water while the crew scans for signs of life.

This is where expectations matter. A whale sighting may last only seconds. You might see a blow, the curve of a back, a dorsal fin, or a tail as the animal goes down. A whale does not perform on command, and the best moments can be quick enough that you miss them if you are looking at your phone.

I recommend keeping your camera ready, but do not spend the whole trip behind it. A photograph of a distant fin is rarely as satisfying as seeing the movement with your own eyes. Binoculars can help, especially when an animal surfaces farther from the boat.

Humpback and minke whales in open water

Humpback whales are the larger and more dramatic possibility on this cruise. Their size can be impressive even when only part of the animal breaks the surface. A humpback may show its back, blow air, or slip below the water before returning later.

Minke whales are smaller and often harder to spot. Their appearances may be quicker, so you need to keep scanning instead of waiting for one large, obvious shape. The guide’s commentary helps you understand what to watch for and why a small disturbance in the water may matter.

The experience is best if you value the whole search, not just a perfect photograph. The boat ride, changing sky, open sea, and anticipation all form part of the evening. If your only goal is a close whale encounter, the uncertainty may frustrate you.

The free return ticket softens that risk. If no sightings occur, you can join another trip without paying for a second ticket. This does not guarantee success on the next outing, but it is a meaningful policy for a wildlife tour priced at $106.

The late Arctic light is part of the experience

The appeal of this cruise is not only the animals. At 9pm, Iceland’s summer light can linger for hours, creating an unusual mix of sunset color and open-water calm. The stated return time, around midnight, places the voyage in that long transition from day to night.

The atmosphere can feel more memorable than a standard daytime ride. Golden light may give way to cooler tones, and the bay takes on a quieter look as the evening progresses. I like this option for people who want a distinctive setting rather than another daytime activity.

Keep in mind that the exact light depends on the season and weather. The tour description emphasizes the Arctic Sun, but it does not promise clear skies or a visible sunset. Clouds, wind, or rain can change the mood completely. Iceland weather has a talent for ignoring your plans.

The late hour may also be a drawback for families with young children or anyone who needs an early start the next day. The cruise is not especially long, but returning near midnight can make it feel like a full evening commitment.

What the guides add on board

An English-speaking guide provides commentary about the wildlife and helps you understand what is happening on the water. That guidance matters because whale watching can otherwise become a long session of staring at waves and asking yourself if that was a fin.

The guide’s job is to point out possible sightings, explain the behavior you see, and help the crew focus on useful viewing areas. The tour promises experienced and professional guides, but no individual guide names are provided, so you should not book expecting a particular person.

The commentary is also valuable when sightings are distant. A brief surfacing can make more sense when you know what kind of whale you are watching and why it disappeared so quickly. The Italian review of this experience gives a useful reality check: whales were seen, but only parts of them appeared before they went back underwater.

That is normal for this kind of outing. The guide can improve your chance of noticing wildlife, but cannot control how long an animal stays at the surface.

Puffins may add another wildlife sighting

Although whales are the headline attraction, puffins may also appear during the cruise. You should not expect them to come close to the boat. The available account describes puffins being visible at a distance, so binoculars are especially useful if bird sightings matter to you.

Puffins are small compared with whales, and a distant bird on the water may be easy to miss. Still, they add variety to the trip and give you another reason to keep watching after a whale has disappeared.

Bring a camera with a zoom if you have one, but do not assume you will get a sharp wildlife portrait. The useful goal is to notice the animals in their setting, not to recreate a nature documentary from the upper deck.

Cold, motion, and what to bring

Warm clothing is essential. Even if Reykjavik feels mild before departure, the open bay can feel colder, particularly when the boat is moving. Layers are more useful than one heavy item because you can adjust as the evening changes.

The operator provides complimentary seasickness tablets, and motion sickness prevention is specifically recommended. If you are prone to nausea, it is wise to think about this before boarding rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

Bring:

• Warm layers and a weatherproof outer layer
• A camera
• Binoculars
• Motion sickness prevention if needed

Snacks and beverages are sold on board, but they are not included in the $106 price. Smoking and pets are not allowed. These rules are straightforward, but it is worth knowing them before you arrive, especially if you are planning a long evening on the water.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. Its value depends on what you want from a whale cruise and how much the timing appeals to you.

The price includes a 2 to 2.5-hour whale-watching trip, an English-speaking guide, seasickness tablets, and a free return ticket if no sightings occur. That last point is important. A wildlife cruise always carries risk, and the second-chance policy gives you more protection than a tour that simply ends after an empty search.

The late departure may also help you use your day efficiently. You can fit other Reykjavik activities into daylight hours, then spend the evening on the bay. If you are staying near the harbor, the central meeting point is convenient.

The value is weaker if you need guaranteed wildlife photography, a meal, or a shorter evening. Food and drinks cost extra, and there is no promise of close sightings. Think of the fee as paying for a guided search in a striking setting, with a backup chance if the first trip produces nothing.

An environmental policy may also affect the boat arrangement. At certain times of year, the trip may operate on a shared boat with another activity partner so fewer vessels are on the water. That may mean the boat is not always operated as a completely separate whale-watching experience, but reducing boat traffic is a sensible aim.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this tour if you like wildlife, unusual schedules, and open-water scenery. It works especially well for someone with a full Reykjavik day who wants to save a major activity for the evening.

It is also a good fit if you can accept partial sightings. You may be thrilled by a humpback’s back and blow, while someone expecting a whale beside the boat may feel disappointed. The Italian account is useful here because it describes exactly that difference: whales were seen, but not in full, and puffins were distant.

Families can enjoy it, but the 9pm departure and midnight return deserve thought. Young children may struggle with the late hour, cold, or motion. Couples and adults with flexible schedules may find the timing more appealing.

Photography fans should bring binoculars and a camera, but should keep expectations realistic. This is a wildlife encounter, not a staged photo stop.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

The tour is conducted in English. Check the available starting time when booking, since the stated departure is 9pm but schedules can depend on the date.

Arrive at Geirsgata 11 half an hour early. Since the cruise leaves from the harbor, a late arrival could create unnecessary stress before an activity that already finishes near midnight.

If you see no whales, ask about the free return ticket before leaving the operator’s care. It gives you another opportunity to try, though it still cannot guarantee a sighting.

Should you book the 9pm Arctic Sun cruise?

Book it if you want a calm, atmospheric evening on Faxaflói Bay and you understand that whales may appear only briefly. The combination of late light, expert commentary, possible humpback and minke sightings, and a free second chance gives the tour a solid practical case.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed close encounter, dislike cold boat rides, or have an early morning the next day. At $106, the trip is best for someone who values the setting and the search as much as the final sighting.

My advice is to bring warm clothes, binoculars, and patience. Watch the water instead of chasing a perfect photograph, and treat any whale appearance as a wild moment rather than a scheduled show.

FAQ

Where does the whale-watching cruise begin?

The meeting point is the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive 30 minutes before the 9pm departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and returns to Reykjavik harbor around midnight.

Which whales might I see?

The main species mentioned are humpback whales and minke whales.

Can I see puffins on this cruise?

Puffins may also be seen, but they can appear at a distance.

What happens if no whales are spotted?

You receive a free ticket to join the tour again if there are no sightings.

Is food included in the ticket price?

No. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board but are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide in English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, binoculars, and motion sickness prevention if needed.