Elding Hvalaskoðun

Elding is a family owned company operating sea adventure tours daily

we offer the most talked-about boat tours in Iceland and are proud to be the original whale watching operator in Reykjavík

Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching

An unmissable Icelandic experience at sea - this tour is your best chance to observe incredible whales and dolphins in their natural environment.

Season: Jan 01 to Dec 31
Duration: 3:00 hours
Information: Weather at sea is always colder than on land and therefore we recommend dressing appropriately, by wearing warm clothing and good sturdy shoes. You can also borrow one of our warm blankets...

Reykjavík Express Whales & Puffins

A 2 hour express whale watching tour including puffin viewing and city sightseeing of Reykjavík on a RIB boat.

Season: Apr 15 to Oct 31
Duration: 2:00 hours
Information: Check our online Whale Diary for updates on previous sightings. Sighting success is 92%, however the...

Season

Jan 01 to Dec 31

Duration

3:00 hours

Information

Sighting success is 99%, however the cetacean abundance is unpredictable and varies with the food availability of our shores.

Most common species are Humpback whales.

If no whales or dolphins...

Akureyri Classic Whale Watching

Here is your chance to see the incredible Eyjafjord Humpbacks in their natural habitat. The tour departs from the floating pier by Hof Cultural and Conference Center in the heart of down town Akureyri.

Season: May 15 to Aug 15
Duration: 1:00 hours
Information: A fascinating boat trip that takes you up close and personal!

Note that as Puffins are wild animals we cannot control their behaviour or how many we will see.

We...

Reykjavík Classic Puffin Watching

This puffin watching tour is your chance to experience these special birds in their natural environment. A fascinating boat trip that takes you up close.

Season: May 01 to Sep 20
Duration: 3:00 hours
Information: No previous fishing experienced or licence is required. If needed we’ll teach you all the best techniques while sharing our experience and personal insights.

Reykjavík Sea Angling

A Reykjavik fishing tour that's fun for everyone. Visit the bay's best fishing grounds, see some puffins, get expert advice, and even keep your own catch!

Season: Feb 01 to Nov 30
Duration: 10:00 hours
Information: This tour combines two of the most popular attractions in Iceland, the stunning sights of the Golden Circle and whales!

We recommend bringing light lunch as there are no meals...

Reykjavík Whales & Golden Circle Afternoon

This tour combines some of the most popular attractions in Iceland. After exploring the wonders of the whales and seabirds it is ideal to enjoy the stunning sites on the Golden Circle.

Nature and wildlife friendlier tours from Reykjavík & Akureyri

Our Boats

Elding has a wide range of boats that we use on various tours. We also have a Visitor Centre or the Whale Watching Centre, located on board a former fishing boat in Reykjavik Old Harbour, now transformed into an exhibition, souvenir shop and café.

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About us

Elding Whale Watching offers the most talked-about whale watching and sea adventure tours in Iceland. With decades of experience, we provide responsible whale watching tours, year round.

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“Caught loads of fish”

We did the fishing trip in August. First of all the boat and the crew were great (I've read some reviews of other companies where this wan't the case). I had never cuaght a fish in my life but within 10 mins all four of us had caught at least one fish and by the end of the 1h30 fishing we proably caught 30+ fish between us. We kept the bigger ones (Cod and mackerel) and threw loads back. The captain filleted some of the catch on the boat and cooked there in a BBQ on the way back and we took the rest of the catch home

- Cathal M

“Puffin tour”

I had an hour before I had to go back for my flight, and did the puffin cruise. It was great. The naturalist was friendly and knowledgeable, and we got to spend most of the time watching the puffins, because their island was really close to the old wharf. I wish I'd had more time to do the full whale watch (which also includes sea birds), but this was a great last thing to do.

- dakane51

“Brilliant”

We booked a morning Whale watching tour with Elding and it turned out to be very rough seas and no whales or dolphins were spotted, obviously the tour is dependent on the animals themselves so this couldnt be blamed on the company. They were great though, we were offered complimentary tickets to go again and all along the way the staff were great and we were pre warned about the rough weather that caused a lot of people to be sick. We went back two days later for the afternoon trip and this was amazing as we saw many dolphins and also minke whales, was a very successful trip and well worth going again to see the animals in their natural habitat

- Neil1986

“Lucky Northern Lights Night”

We booked a Northern Lights tour with Elding and were really pleased with the experience. The boat was big and comfortably accommodated the group. They provide warm one piece coveralls that help keep you warm while you look for the lights. The guide was friendly and helpful, quickly pointing out where to look as the clouds rolled away and the lights began to play across the sky. She also took pictures that she later posted on Facebook so that those of us without proper cameras could have evidence of our experience...

- Fantajan

“WOW - Northern Lights Cruise”

We saw the Northern Lights last night (6/2/2016) just off Reykjavik with Elding Sea Adventures - fantastic!! We were only 5 minutes in to the 2 hour cruise and there they were! Great service and a night to remember forever!

- Julie H

“Great experience.”

We were very lucky with the weather for whale watching and for searching for the Aurora Borealis. Saw the lights but were fairly static. You can't control nature. Still a good trip. A member of the crew recited some Icelandic poetry. Didn't understand a word but it was FABULOUS. Would love to know where to find poems. Whale watching, unfortunately no whales, but plenty of white beaked dolphins. Long tailed ducks, gannets. A great experience. Can't wait to go again. Would highly recommend both of these tours...

- Gina A

“Fantastic experience - highly recommended.”

We sailed with Elding on 12th December and followed two Orcas in the Bay, which was an amazing experience. The spotter was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the Skipper of the boat respectful of the whales. Although we got fairly close to them, he ensured we gave the Orcas plenty of space and turned off the throttle to reduce the noise level. The company also requested that visitors did not buy whale meat in the City in order to reduce the level of whaling in the area. The flotation suits, which fitted over our coats, are an absolute must as it was naturally very cold. All in all this was an incredible experience with an experienced environmentally friendly company.

- lemonhoops

“Great experience”

We had a great time on this Northern Lights night cruise. We were lucky enough to see some good displays in the sky almost as soon as we set sail. Megan, our guide, was very well informed and great at spotting the signs of emerging displays.
The boat did pitch a little even though the sea was calm so we were glad we had accepted the free sea-sickness tablet offered at the start of the trip so that we could enjoy the journey without feeling off-colour.
A good trip as it incorporates a boat trip, possible sightings, information and a nice hot chocolate and rum drink!

- 123Aqaba

“Great tour-friendly staff and a great tour guide!”

I went on this boat tour with two of my friends. I live close to the harbor and on a Sunday afternoon we decided to book a tour with Elding to go whale watching since we have never gone before. When we came to the boat there was a friendly Elding staff waiting for us and welcomed us to the...

- Wendy B, Denver

Mar restaurant

MAR is an interesting new restaurant in prime location in Reykjavík‘s old harbour. The cuisine and the restaurant designed to deliver fresh and uplifting dining experience, unique to the harbour area.