Elding - 25 years at sea

Year 2000:

Elding was founded by a family passionate about boats, wildlife, and people. Their journey began on 12 May 2000 with the maiden voyage of their first vessel, Elding, sailing from Kópavogur to Sandgerði - where they operated tours for the first year.

Here's a look back at our very first brochure - proudly featuring our original dolphin logo! This was the beginning of our journey in sharing Iceland’s incredible marine life with the world.

Year 2001:

Elding relocated its operations to Hafnarfjörður, where it sailed during the summer of 2001, offering wildlife tours from the charming harbour town.

Year 2002:

Elding relocates its operations once again, this time to Reykjavík, offering much easier access to wildlife tours and improved services for visitors to the capital. In addition to whale watching, we even rented out jet-skis! The tours were seasonal, operating only during summer.

Year 2003:

We continued operating our whale watching tours from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík, up to 5 times daily from April-October, in addition to offering evening cruises and sea-angling tours. It was a much quieter place back then, compared to today, with the area having been transformed with new buildings, businesses, and bustling life.

Elding was a founding member of IceWhale - The Icelandic Whale Watching Association, a nonprofit formed by local operators to promote responsible whale watching, support whale conservation, and represent members' interests in Iceland and internationally.

Recognising the need to adapt in an increasingly digital world, we introduced online booking early on - making it easier and more convenient for travellers to plan their experience, while continuing to offer personal and reliable service.

In August 2003, Elding was hired by international media to follow a whaling vessel - the first hunt since Iceland halted whaling in 1989. For days, we tracked the boat at sea until a minke whale was finally harpooned. It was a deeply emotional and controversial moment. Aboard Elding II, the crew stood in silence, many with tears in their eyes.

Among them was journalist John Clancy, who not only captured the event but made broadcast history with the first live satellite transmission from open sea. Two decades later, he called it "probably the most memorable experience of my journalistic career".

Year 2004:

Early on, it was evident that Faxaflói bay was one of the best places in the world to get up close and personal with whales and other wildlife. An impressive achievement - we maintained a 98% sighting success rate on our Reykjavík tours over multiple summers.

Year 2005:

Elding celebrated 5 years at sea - our first big milestone! Some of our most iconic photos come from our early days - including this one with a humpback whale in front of our lovely boat, Elding!

Year 2006:

Elding was the first whale watching company in Iceland to be awarded the Blue Flag pennant. In 2015, new Blue Flag criteria for sustainable boating tourism operators were introduced, and in 2016 Elding was one of the first whale watching companies worldwide to receive the Blue Flag Certificate for sustainable boating tourism operators.

Elding also began its participation in EarthCheck (then called GreenGlobe) in 2006. After an extensive onsite audit in 2008, Elding received SILVER Certification, GOLD in 2013, and finally PLATINUM in 2018!

Year 2007:

In March, Elding merged with Hafsúlan Whale Watching, strengthening our operations and expanding the fleet in Reykjavík. Additionally, we acquired the Whale Watching Centre, a one-of-a-kind floating museum that we still use today.

Elding took over the Viðey ferry operations, expanding services to meet growing demand and provide a more reliable and accessible connection to the island. This transition has allowed for a more comprehensive schedule, and improved visitor experience for both locals and tourists.

As part of our commitment to reduce oil consumption, we joined the SMART-H2 demonstration project, which tested hydrogen-powered vehicles and vessels. This initiative led to the installation of a hydrogen generator on our flagship vessel, Elding, the following year. Although the trial concluded in 2010, it sparked a lasting dedication to pursuing cleaner energy solutions and experimenting with locally sourced alternative fuels.

Researchers from the University of Iceland began conducting wildlife research on board our tours - a collaboration that would provide valuable insight into the lives of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Year 2008:

Elding introduced the "Whale Diary" - a blog where sightings from every whale watching tour are documented. It serves as an important tool for our research efforts, helping us monitor wildlife over time, while also offering guests a transparent and insightful look into what was seen on each tour.

This year, we took an exciting step toward year-round operations by trialling weekend whale watching tours during the winter. The move was not only well received by our guests, but it also strengthened our foundation for future growth - helping us navigate changing times with greater confidence.

Year 2009:

We continued on with our weekend whale watching during winter, which proved really successful! The tours offered a unique chance to experience Faxaflói bay in a whole new light - crisp air, and stunning snowy landscapes. Even during the colder months, we encountered some incredible wildlife, from playful dolphins to majestic humpbacks. The success of these winter sailings laid the groundwork for expanding our seasonal operations in the years to follow.

Year 2010:

Elding celebrates 10 years at sea! In March 2010, Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, sending a massive ash plume into the atmosphere and disrupting air travel across Europe for days. While the ash caused inconveniences both locally and internationally, it also brought global attention to our little island, and subsequently, interest in Iceland as a travel destination surged.

Our online guestbook was filled with kind comments from our guests. This one mentioned that the crew was just as excited to see the wildlife as the passengers were - we can confirm that this is still true to this day!

Year 2011:

We joined Planet Whale, a global initiative aimed at promoting responsible whale and dolphin watching. The project brought together tour operators, researchers, and conservationists to raise industry standards and connect people through a shared commitment to marine protection.

Our team participated in The Wild North - a joint Nordic project between Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland aimed at developing unified guidelines for wildlife interactions. The project focused on creating coherent standards for respectful wildlife encounters across the three countries. The outcomes of this initiative laid the foundation for the Code of Conduct established by the Icelandic Whale Watching Association (IceWhale).

During the summer, we were fortunate to welcome Mark Carwardine - zoologist, environmentalist, and one of the world’s leading whale and dolphin experts - on board one of our tours. His visit was both an honour and a meaningful endorsement of our dedication to responsible whale watching. We were pleased to reconnect with him later that year at Whale Fest, an event dedicated to inspiring people to become ambassadors for whales, dolphins, and ocean conservation.

Reflecting on his experience with us, Mark said: “Elding is far and away the best Whale-Watch operator in Reykjavik. Outstanding naturalist guides, very friendly and professional staff, comfortable and stable boats and Marine Biologists working on board… Brilliant!”

After a decade of operating only during the summer months, and testing the waters with weekend whale watching in the winter, we finally took a bold step forward and began offering daily tours all year-round. By operating whale watching tours during winter, our guests now had the chance to experience the unique beauty of Faxaflói bay and its marine life in all seasons.

Year 2012:

In the summer, Elding opened a welcoming bistro at the Old Harbour, serving light meals and lunch bags, and offering a cosy place for guests to relax before or after their tour. As the seasons changed, so did the space - in autumn, the bistro evolved into a full-service seafood restaurant called MAR, offering fresh local dishes in a warm and stylish setting by the sea.

Elding was the first company in Iceland to undergo the Vakinn certification process - the official quality and environmental system for Icelandic tourism - and was awarded both the gold environmental label and the quality label in 2012.

Year 2013:

Elding accepted the Fjörusteinn Environmental Award for our ongoing commitment to sustainability in Faxaflói Harbour. From responsible operations on land and sea to raising awareness about marine life, environmental care has been at the heart of our work from the beginning - making this recognition a proud milestone in our journey.

We started operating the Northern Lights Cruise after seeing strong demand from visitors looking to experience the aurora borealis in a unique and peaceful setting - away from city lights and surrounded by the stillness of the sea.

Year 2014:

Having started our research aboard the tours in 2007, we gradually increased our efforts and eventually took full responsibility for it, while maintaining close cooperation with the University of Iceland.

Year 2015:

Elding celebrated 15 years at sea - a meaningful milestone that reflected our growth, dedication, and continued passion for responsible whale watching. What began as a small, family-run venture had, by this point, evolved into one of Iceland’s leading tour operators. The occasion called for something special, and what better way to mark the moment than by expanding our fleet?

We welcomed Eldey, a modern and spacious vessel built to enhance the comfort and experience of our guests. To celebrate, we hosted a joyful gathering with our partners, colleagues, and friends on board the new vessel. It was a special moment to reflect on how far we’d come and to toast to the exciting journey ahead, surrounded by the people who helped make it all possible.

As interest in more intimate wildlife encounters continued to rise, Sea Safari became a part of our growing family and rebranded as Whale Safari. This move allowed us to cater to a broader audience seeking smaller group tours and closer experiences with nature. With fast RIB boats and expert guides, Whale Safari offered a new kind of sea adventure - one that complemented our classic tours while delivering the thrill and flexibility that many travellers were looking for.

In March, the Iceland Tourism Cluster (Íslenski Ferðaklasinn) was formally established to strengthen the competitiveness of Icelandic tourism through increased collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary dialogue. It was the first cluster of its kind in Iceland, built upon groundwork from 2012–2014. Rannveig, CEO and owner of Elding, played a key role in the early development of the cluster and continues to be an active member, contributing to its strategic growth and mission.

As part of our expanding research efforts, we began fine-scale telemetry studies in the summer of 2015 in collaboration with U.S. marine biologist Jacob Levenson. With his expert guidance, we’ve been able to gain deeper insight into whale behaviour and habitat use in our area. By tracking movement patterns over time, we would gain a better understanding of why these remarkable animals return to the same feeding grounds year after year.

As a founding member of IceWhale, Elding played a key role in creating the Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching in Iceland. Building on The Wild North project, the guidelines were developed to ensure respectful and sustainable encounters with marine life. Today, the code stands as the national standard, shaping how whale watching is practiced across the country.

Year 2016:

Elding and Whale Safari joined forces to establish Whale Watching Akureyri, bringing their expertise and passion for marine wildlife to North Iceland. Located in the heart of Eyjafjörður, this new venture allowed visitors to enjoy whale watching in one of the country’s most scenic and sheltered fjords. The first tour set sail in May - and we’ve been going strong ever since, welcoming curious travellers and nature enthusiasts aboard each season.

In the beginning, we greeted our guests right on the harbour - the old fashioned way. But later that summer, we were excited to move into our newly completed ticket office. The spacious setup featured "drive through" ticket windows, a large cloakroom, a welcoming open area for guests, and a comfortable outdoor space - all conveniently located just steps from our boats!

Year 2017:

Since 2006, Elding has made environmental care a core part of its operations by implementing EarthCheck standards. In 2017, our efforts were recognised with the Kuðungurinn award from the Environmental Agency of Iceland - a proud moment that continues to inspire us to do better and lead by example.

In May, we welcomed Hólmasól to our fleet in Akureyri - a 192 passenger vessel uniquely designed for whale watching. What makes this ship truly special is that it was envisioned by one of Elding's owners, captain Vignir. With years of experience at sea, he imagined the ideal whale watching vessel - complete with cinema style viewing platforms, panoramic decks, spacious indoor saloons, and excellent facilities. That vision came to life in Hólmasól, making it one of the most comfortable and purpose built whale watching ships in Iceland!

After 15+ years with the same look, we decided it was time to update. Our whale tail logo - a symbol of our connection to the sea - was thoughtfully redesigned to better reflect who we are today: still rooted in respect for nature, but evolving with the times. Alongside it, our marketing materials also received a modern update.

Year 2018:

President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson presented Elding with the very first Model Company of Responsible Tourism award. The recognition highlighted our efforts to balance environmental, economic, and social responsibility - setting an example for others in the industry.

Elding was proud to be nominated for the Nordic Council Environment Prize for our longstanding efforts to protect the marine environment. This meaningful recognition reflects our deep-rooted environmental values and encourages us to keep improving, evolving, and doing more for nature.

Whale Watching Akureyri merged with Ambassador Whale Watching to operate under one management as Akureyri Whale Watching, expanding services for year-round travellers in the North.

Later that summer, a rare visitor was spotted - a North Atlantic Right Whale was seen on a tour from Reykjavík on 23rd July 2018, marking a first in Elding’s history!

Year 2019:

In June 2019, we had unusual visitors in Faxaflói Bay - two blue whales, likely a mother and her calf, were spotted in the area for the first time in over 20 years! We used to encounter these gentle giants more often when departing from Grindavík, where the waters are deeper, so seeing them in the shallow bay came as a complete surprise.

Year 2020:

Elding celebrated 20 years at sea in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. With international travel restrictions in place, our operations were largely on hold for most of the year, with a few exceptions.

During this time, we stayed connected with our community by sharing stories from past tours and milestones. We even brought the ocean to our audience through virtual whale watching - broadcasting live from our boats to viewers around the world.

We continued our involvement with World Cetacean Alliance (previously Planet Whale), and deepened our commitment to sustainable practices. In early 2020, we became one of the first whale watching companies in the world to receive the WCA’s Responsible Whale Watching Certification. This recognition reflects our long-standing dedication to responsible tourism and our efforts to protect the incredible marine life that draws people to Iceland’s shores.

Year 2021:

In March, a volcanic fissure opened in Geldingadalir, just south of Fagradalsfjall mountain - marking the first eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 815 years. Due to its accessible location and relatively safe conditions, it quickly became known as a “tourist eruption,” drawing global attention. The eruption continued intermittently until September.

Our office was relocated further down the road, following major renovations in the Old Harbour area that began in 2019. By mid-2021, we were finally able to settle into our new space. While we’ll always have fond memories of our little old ticket office, the new location is much better suited to our growing needs and allows us to serve guests even more comfortably.

Year 2022:

Thanks to our research team extensively logging wildlife encounters over the past couple of decades, we were able to produce fascinating maps showing where animals are most often sighted in the bay. One area in particular stood out as especially active!

Year 2023:

We started to see humpback whales coming closer to land during winter. This allowed us to sail in nearly all weather conditions and spend more time with the wildlife. We also enjoyed sightings of grey seals and harbour seals resting on ice floats - right near the city!

In April, Markaðsstofa Höfuðborgarsvæðisins (Marketing Office of the Capital Area) was officially founded. The office serves as the official Destination Management Organisation for the capital region, promoting sustainable tourism that aligns with the values of local residents. Rannveig, CEO and owner of Elding, is the appointed Vice Chair of the Board, helping to shape the office’s direction and ensure meaningful cooperation between public and private sectors.

In May, over one hundred volunteers participated in the Faxa 23 rescue drill, which simulated mass evacuation of passengers from a whale watching vessel off the coast of Reykjavík. The exercise was organised by Elding, in collaboration with emergency response teams. It was a great privilege to be a part of such a large training scheme and a fantastic opportunity for our crew to gain further knowledge of rescue at sea!

Year 2024:

With an overall 91% success rate in 2024, our tours continued to deliver unforgettable encounters with the majestic marine life of Faxaflói bay. Even better, our success was remarkably consistent across the seasons, with 94% in winter and 90% in summer, proving that whale watching is truly a year-round adventure in Iceland. The colder months - January, February, November, and December - were standout periods for sightings!

In 2024, our ticket office in Akureyri received a much-needed overhaul, transforming the space into a more welcoming and versatile hub. The renovated office now features a larger reception area to better accommodate guests, along with a flexible upstairs space designed with future possibilities in mind - whether for a cozy café, community meet-ups, or special events. One of our favourite additions is the stairs overlooking the harbour, offering the perfect spot to relax and take in the beautiful views of "Pollurinn."

Year 2025:

Elding celebrates 25 years at sea! The year began with our engineering team working on modernising the fleet with hybrid propulsion systems to reduce emissions and noise. This upgrade enhances sustainability and improves the experience near wildlife, continuing our commitment to cleaner, quieter operations at sea.

This spring, Elding's research team took an exciting new step in our data collection efforts by introducing a hydrophone - an underwater microphone that allows us to listen in on the fascinating world beneath the surface. With this new tool, we aim to gain deeper insight into the behaviour and communication of whales and other marine life, while also understanding the impacts of underwater noise.

In summer 2025, Elding will begin offering scenic boat tours from Neskaupstaður in East Iceland, in partnership with Hildibrand Hotel and Beituskúrinn Restaurant. The tours will explore the stunning nature of the area from sea - a fresh and exciting venture for all involved.

What began as a small family venture driven by a love for wildlife, boats, and people has grown into one of Iceland’s leading tour operators. Three generations - together with an amazing team - have shaped Elding into what it is today. And we’re just getting started. Thank you for being part of our journey - we can't wait to welcome you aboard in the future!