Whale watching

Whale Watching

Our classic puffin tours offer an intimate and enjoyable adventure on a small boat, providing a unique opportunity to observe puffins, often referred to as the "clowns of the sea," in their natural habitat from late April to mid-August.

The tour takes you to one of three islands (Engey, Akurey or Lundey) known for their abundant birdlife depending on the tides and conditions. While we don’t land on the islands, the captains expertly navigate close to the shores, allowing for an up-close experience with the puffins without disturbing their nesting areas. In addition to puffins, you’ll have the chance to see other bird species, such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots and cormorants.

Additionally, there's a possibility of spotting other wildlife, such as seals, adding to the excitement of the tour. The rocky shores of the islands provide the perfect backdrop as our knowledgeable crew shares interesting facts and stories about the puffins and the surrounding environment. If the weather allows, the engines might be turned off, enhancing your experience by letting you fully immerse yourself in the natural sounds of the birds and the environment. This tour is designed to offer a comfortable and memorable way to enjoy Iceland’s stunning wildlife, only a few minutes away from the city centre of Reykjavík.

Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching

Venture into Faxaflói bay with our expert crew and specially trained marine biologist guides. Under the excellent guidance of our passionate naturalists, you'll explore the whales of Reykjavík and learn about the incredible [**wildlife**](http://elding.is/wildlife) that call Iceland their home. Encounter a variety of whale species, such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic killer whales, fin whales, or long-finned pilot whales!

The bay is even full of [**birdlife**](https://elding.is/birds), from charming puffins to northern gannets and arctic terns, the skies are teeming with life. Watch as these incredible birds dive and feast on the abundant fish that thrive in the bay. Surrounding landscapes offer a beautiful contrast to the vast sea, with stunning mountains on the horizon creating a picturesque backdrop.

While summer brings an abundance of life to the bay, each winter continues to surprise us with its own unique encounters. Our ongoing [**research**](https://www.eldingresearch.com/)shows that numerous whales inhabit the area all year round, making every season an ideal time to explore these nutrient rich waters!

_Make the most of your day by combining this activity with_ [_**Puffin Watching**_](https://elding.is/whales-puffins)_in the summer, or_ [_**Northern Lights Cruise**_ ](https://elding.is/reykjavik-whales-northern-lights)_in winter! Alternatively, you can book our_ [_**Premium Whale Watching**_](http://elding.is/premium)_for a more exclusive experience, or explore our_ [_**combo tours**_](https://elding.is/tours?type=combo)_if you're seeking even more adventures!_

Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching 

On this 2 hour guided walking tour, you will learn all about the Imagine Peace Tower, a striking light installation created by Yoko Ono, in memory of her late husband John Lennon, and their ongoing campaign for world peace. You'll also discover the island's important trading history, artwork, and nature. The Reykjavík skyline and its surrounding area is not to be missed, and if you're lucky, you might even get a chance to see the northern lights!

**What is the Imagine Peace Tower?**

The Imagine Peace Tower is more than a work of art; it's a testament to human aspiration and it symbolises John Lennon and Yoko Ono's continuing campaign for world peace. Designed in the form of a tranquil wishing well, its sides are adorned with the inscription "IMAGINE PEACE" in 24 languages and stands as a powerful reminder that peace knows no borders. When darkness descends, the tower comes alive with a mesmerising display of light. The beams, stemming from several lights, are ingeniously guided through mirrored corridors. They then ascend to meet the ever‑changing Icelandic elements in a unique way!

The environmental sustainability of the Imagine Peace Tower is in perfect harmony with the principles it embodies. All the power to illuminate this radiant beacon is provided by Reykjavik Energy, harnessing geothermal energy which is a clean, renewable source of power. Collaboration was key to the tower's creation, with Yoko Ono, the City of Reykjavik, Reykjavik Art Museum, and Reykjavik Energy all playing a role in its inception. It's a testament to the power of collective action in the pursuit of a shared dream.

**When is the Imagine Peace Tower lit?**

The tower is illuminated from 9 October until 8 December which marks John Lennon's birthday and day of demise. From Winter Solstice the beam can be seen lighting up the night sky into the morning of the New Year, as well as on Yoko Ono's birthday and during the week of Spring Equinox. The ever-changing weather conditions on the island impact the strength, intensity and brilliance of the tower, making every experience unique.

Watch a [**live stream**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-kB91uo9ks-ufV-oLGqEHA/live)of the Imagine Peace Tower as seen from Skarfabakki pier in Reykjavík.

_Feel free to contact us directly for group bookings via tel: +354 519 5000 or at_ [_**sales@elding.is**_](mailto:sales@elding.is)_._

Reykjavík Imagine Peace Tower Tour

Experience the wildlife and nature **adventure** of a lifetime on this small group - **personal whale watching tour**. The custom made RIB boats allow you to get **closer** to the whales and puffins than any boats can offer. On this fun tour the fast, stable and safe boats also allow us to cover more area as we search for the wild life, thus increasing your chances of spotting **whales, dolphins and bird-life.**   
  
This great whale watching tour starts from the Old Harbour of Reykjavík and during the puffin season (early May to the end of August) we also **visit the puffins** in their natural habitat. Next we head out in search of the whales. There are very few things that will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can at sea level from our RIB boats.

Our whale watching boats are equipped with high **performance suspension seats.** These shock absorbing seats increase safety and comfort and reduce the risk of injuries. So you can comfortably & securely enjoy your whale watching adventure out on the North Atlantic waters. 

After the whale safari we travel back to **Reykjavík**, where we will take ride along the city's shore line, experiencing a **unique panoramic view of Reykjavík** from the sea (perfect for photos).

Our boats will take you past the **Sun Voyager sculpture** and the harbour side of Iceland's most famous building, the glittering **Harpa Concert Hall**.

This tour has an age limit of 10 years & height limit of 145 CM and we recommend the [The Classic Tour](http://www.whalesafari.is/whalewatchingclassictour/) on the larger boats for families with younger children. Due to the design of our suspension seats, we also have a maximum weight limit of 140 kg.

Whales, Puffins & Reykjavík

During Icelandic summer nights the daylight just seems endless. This unique whale watching tour departs in the evening from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Experience the wildlife and nature **adventure** of a lifetime on our **most personal whale watching tour**. Our custom made RIB boats are specially designed to get you **closer** to the whales and puffins than any boats can offer. These fast, stable and safe boats also allow us to cover more area as we search for the wildlife, thus increasing your chances of spotting **whales, dolphins and birdlife.** 
  
When possible we switch the engines off completely to give the wildlife (and you) the serenity to fully enjoy the nature under the colorful hues of the evening sky.   
  
What better way to fully experience the uniqueness of those **bright Icelandic summer nights.** This adventurous evening tour is the ideal way to make the most of your day in Reykjavík. As the whales never fully sleep we can expect encountering the same wildlife on this premium whale watching tour as on our regular day tours. 

This great whale watching tour starts from the **Old Harbour of Reykjavík** and we first visit the puffins in their natural habitat on the islands in the bay. Then we speed up for the thrilling ride and head out to Faxaflói bay in search of the whales. During these bright summer nights few things will beat the experience of seeing the whales and dolphins as up close as you can from our RIB boats. After our whale safari we travel back to Reykjavík, where we will take ride along the **city's shore line**, viewing it from the sea. Including a stop at the harbour side of Iceland's most famous building, the glittering Harpa Concert Hall.

Premium Whales & Midnight Sun

Leaving from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, this is **the ultimate puffin adventure** tour operated on our RIB speedboats. 

The summer is the best time to experience the birds and wildlife of the bay and islands **just outside Reykjavík City**. Puffins, auks, gannets and an incredible variety of other sea birds dominate the skies and sea cliffs just a few minutes sailing from the Old Harbour. 

But that is not all: this tour is operated in our custom made RIB boats. Each boat can only seat 12 passengers so this is a **personal tour** where you travel with a small group. 

The boats are specially designed to get you as close as possible to the islands and when possible we can switch the engines completely off to give the birds (and you) some **peace and quiet to enjoy nature**. During the tour your guide and captain will tell you interesting facts and tales about the puffins and the surroundings. 

On this up close & personal tour each boat **only seats 12 passengers** so you have plenty of time to ask your guide any question you have about the charismatic puffins and the other Icelandic sea birds. 

Our RIBs are also **the fastest boats in the harbour**, meaning that on a short tour you will spend the majority of you time with the birds.