Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to book is through our website, where you can see real time availability and secure your spot instantly. We recommend booking online, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred date and time. Keep in mind that many of our tours have a cut off time, which means you can only book online up until 30-60 minutes before departure. In this case you can take advantage of our spot sale option for last-minute bookings.

Yes, you can book multiple tours in a single transaction. Our website allows you to choose from a variety of tours and experiences, which you can add to your cart and check out all at once. Additionally, we offer combo tours, thoughtfully curated by our team, that combine some of our most popular tours into a convenient package deal. For more information and to customise your package, please contact us directly via elding@elding.is, and we’ll help you find the best options for your trip.

Once payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour, including the date, time, and meeting point. Please ensure that you put the correct contact information in the booking process to avoid any delays in communication, especially if we need to notify you of important updates or changes to your tour.

If you don’t receive your confirmation email within a few minutes of booking, please check your spam folder. If it’s still missing, contact us directly at elding@elding.is, with your name and booking details, and we’ll help you from there.

Absolutely. You can change the date of your booking, subject to availability. Please contact us as soon as possible, preferably at least 24-48 hrs. before departure, to make any adjustments, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Yes, we do offer private tours! Private tours can be arranged for groups looking for a more personalised experience, whether it's for whale watching, northern lights, puffin watching, sea angling or any other special occasions. These tours allow flexibility in timing and customisation to suit your group's needs. To arrange a private tour, please contact us directly via email at sales@elding.is for more information, availability, and pricing.

Yes, we offer gift vouchers! They make a perfect gift for friends and family who want to experience genuine Icelandic adventures. Gift vouchers can be customised for any tour and are valid for a specified period. To purchase a voucher, please contact us directly or visit our website for more details.

We may offer promotions from time to time, so keep an eye on our social media for updates! For our current pricing, including special rates for children, please check our current price list. For groups of 10 or more, feel free to contact our sales team at sales@elding.is, and we’ll be happy to provide a tailored offer based on your group size and tour preferences.

This question is not so easily answered as whales and dolphins tend to stay in the vicinity of Iceland all year round, so there really is no specific season that is better than another.

With over two decades of whale-watching experience in the Reykjavík area, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect and have a general idea of what species we are likely to encounter, but keep in mind that these are wild animals and therefore sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

Summer season is when the wildlife is at its most abundant and is also the time we have multiple departures a day, allowing us many chances to get out into the bay an observe the wildlife. Each year the availability of food in our waters change and with that so does the number of whales. Over the last few years, our sighting success throughout each year has been about 90%.

Operating so frequently during the summer months over the past two decades, we have had the chance to research cetacean behaviour, social interactions and frequency of sightings during certain hours of the day. So far, we have found that there is no specific time of day that they are more active.

Whales and dolphins are wild animals and they can move very quickly, so there is no way of knowing if, where and when we will see them. Since they are mammals, they need to come to the surface periodically for air, which is our chance to spot them. Any time of day is therefore as good as any to encounter wildlife in Faxaflói bay!

In Faxaflói bay, you can encounter four fascinating marine species regularly: minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and humpback whales. But that's not all! Our tours have also delighted guests with sightings of orcas (killer whales), fin whales, sei whales and even massive basking sharks, to name a few. Every tour is a chance to encounter a new surprise in these nutrient rich waters!

Year-round, the bay is alive with seabirds such as the striking northern gannet and arctic tern, and in the warmer months (May to August), you can even spot the charming atlantic puffin! The views surrounding the bay are not to be missed either; Reykjavík from the sea offers a perspective like no other. On a clear day, you can catch sight of the rugged Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the north and active volcanoes on the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula to the south - a truly breathtaking landscape that leaves a lasting impression!

Our Classic tour is a 3 hour big boat whale watching adventure, capable of taking up to 196 passengers comfortably at once. On board you will find a heated indoor saloon, multiple viewing platforms, several toilets, a café, complimentary WiFi and free use of overalls and blankets. We focus mainly on the Southern part of Faxaflói bay, just a short sailing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour.

Our Premium tour is an intimate, 2 hour small-group whale watching tour on a fast 12 seater RIB / zodiac. To join you are required to be taller than 145 cm. and not have any health problems that might inhibit you from standing comfortably in your saddle-seat. To stay comfortable, it is necessary that you wear our warm overalls and life vests for the duration of the tour. No toilet facilities or indoor areas are available on board. The Premium tour is likely to go to similar areas as the Classic, but will get you there faster so you can spend less time sailing and more time watching. It is also closer to the water and thus the wildlife. During the summer months, this tour will stop at one of the puffin colonies.

Click here for your preferred adventure and latest prices and schedule. 

Finding the animals is a team effort between the crew and passengers. We look out for indicators like splashes, a blow from the whales, black backs or dorsal fins or flock of feeding birds. No sonars are used finding the whales as it can be harmful to them, besides it can affect their echolocation system. We also work closely with boats and different operators in the area by notifying each other of whale sightings and then take turns watching them - no boat should stay more than 20-30 min. with the same cetacean.

It is entirely up to the whales how close we get. We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching to make sure we do not disturb any natural behaviour. Whales are curious animals and therefore it is not uncommon that the whales swim up to our boats and spy on us and dolphins are often seen bow riding and jumping out of the water next to our boats.

If you're traveling between May and August, there's a good chance you'll spot puffins on our Classic tour. While we don’t stop directly at their nesting grounds, you'll often see them flying, swimming, or hunting for food at sea. On our Premium tour, we do make a stop at the island, either before or after whale watching. If your main interest is birdwatching, we also offer dedicated  puffin watching tours for a closer look at these fascinating birds.

We are an eco-friendly company and prefer that you avoid printing your ticket, in fact, we encourage you to show them on your mobile device instead. This helps us reduce paper waste while making check-in simple and convenient.

Our tours are always conducted in English. For large groups, other languages such as German, Icelandic, Spanish, and French can be requested in advance. During some summers, we may also offer tours in Dutch, Italian, and other languages. Please contact us ahead of time if you require a specific language for your group.

All our boats (except RIB's) feature an onboard café where you can purchase light refreshments during the tour, along with a heated indoor saloon with ample seating, and basic restroom facilities. Most of our vessels also offer free use of warm overalls and blankets, and complimentary Wi-Fi so you can stay connected during the tour, share your experiences in real-time, or simply browse the web while enjoying the scenery.

For our Classic tours, we strongly advise dressing warmly, as it's often chillier out on the water than on land. For added comfort, we offer complimentary warm, floatable overalls, raincoats, and blankets - these are completely optional, but highly recommended. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a hat.

For our Premium tours, wearing weather-proof suits is mandatory to ensure comfort and safety in all conditions. These suits, along with additional safety equipment and goggles, are provided as part of the tour experience.

You’re welcome to bring your own refreshments on board, but we kindly ask that you do so in moderation. Small snacks or beverages are perfectly fine, but we discourage bringing large meals or alcoholic drinks to ensure comfort for all passengers.

All our boats that feature an onboard café will have light refreshments for sale. You can heat up with a warm beverage in hand, enjoy a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, or grab a candy bar for a snack. It's a great way to stay cozy and comfortable while taking in the incredible views!

We’re committed to making reusing rewarding! Bring your own tumbler or cup, and enjoy a discount on your next hot drink!

Our onboard café offers vegetarian options, and we also aim to provide some vegan-friendly snacks. While the selection may be limited, we recommend asking our staff onboard for available options. If you have specific dietary requirements, feel free to bring your own snacks as well.

While most of our boats are somewhat accessible, there are limitations. Each boat has multiple levels connected by steep stairs, and high thresholds between indoor and outdoor areas, which means access to indoor cabins and toilet facilities is limited. We recommend contacting us before your arrival if you are a wheelchair user, so our crew can assist you on board and offer support during the tour. 

Please note that due to the intensity of the Premium tour, it is not recommended for anyone with reduced mobility.

We welcome hard of hearing and deaf guests on our tours, and we can even provide an information leaflet with all the important details to enhance your experience. Please contact us in advance, and we will have this ready for your arrival to ensure you have all the necessary information during the tour. If you're bringing an assistant with you, make sure to let us know in advance so we can ensure they receive a reduced ticket price.

We welcome blind and visually impaired guests on our tours, and our crew is more than happy to assist you during the trip to ensure your safety and comfort. We recommend contacting us in advance to let us know about any specific needs you may have, so we can provide additional support throughout the experience. If you're bringing an assistant with you, make sure to let us know in advance so we can ensure they receive a reduced ticket price.

Service animals are welcome on most of our tours. However, the Premium tour may not be suitable for service animals due to its fast pace and intensity. If you’re unsure which tour is best for you and your service animal, please contact us in advance, and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right option. 

Keep in mind that while service animals are allowed, pets are generally not permitted on our tours. Feel free however to bring your pets on the ferry to Viðey island, but remember to keep them leashed at all times to protect the island's vulnerable vegetation and nesting birds.

Yes, you can join our Classic tour, but we recommend checking the weather and sea conditions beforehand, as pregnancy can sometimes increase sensitivity to motion sickness. For the Premium tour, we advise consulting your healthcare provider prior to booking, especially after the first trimester.

It's entirely up to you. Sea conditions can vary, so we recommend checking the weather forecast and following our Whale Diary for the latest updates. You can also visit our ticket office on the day of your tour, and we’ll be happy to provide advice. If necessary, we can help adjust your travel plans to ensure you join us on a calmer day.

To minimize seasickness, we suggest staying at the back of the boat where the movement is less intense, facing the waves as if you're riding them, and keeping your eyes on the horizon to steady your balance. Be sure to eat a light meal beforehand, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re prone to motion sickness, taking seasickness medication before boarding can also help. We offer free antiemetics (Postafen) as well ginger tablets that are recommended during pregnancy as well as for young children.

If there are no whales or dolphins / northern lights seen on your tour, we do not refund the tour price, but rather give you a complimentary ticket to try again another day. The voucher is valid on a future Classic tour for at least 2 years and for returning passengers only. The tickets are also non-transferrable, meaning they cannot be changed to a different service other than the one it states on the ticket. We recommend trying to schedule your tour in early during your holiday so you have the option to go again another day if sightings fail.

When a tour is cancelled due to unfavourable conditions, we will contact you using the information provided in your booking as soon as possible. However, due to unpredictable weather conditions, cancellations can sometimes happen up to 2 hours before departure.

If you're able to reschedule, we will be happy to assist you in finding a new departure time. Alternatively, we can switch your booking to a different experience or offer you a full refund. Please contact our team via email at elding@elding.is or via tel +3545195000 for further assistance.

Individual bookings can be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours before departure. However, we kindly ask that groups of 10 or more provide at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less notice will not qualify for a refund. If we must cancel a tour due to weather, force majeure, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

For combo tours, if one portion is canceled, the remaining segments of the tour will still be confirmed. You can then reschedule the cancelled tour or receive a partial refund upon request.

If your booking involves a partner-operated tour, or was booked through a third party, please note that other cancellation policies may apply.

For more details, please refer to our full terms and conditions here.

We are committed to staying on schedule, so we kindly ask that all passengers arrive 10-30 minutes before departure to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you’re running a few minutes late, a quick call ahead is always appreciated - the boat may be able to wait briefly.

If you miss a tour due to arriving late, we are unfortunately unable to offer a refund. However, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available tour or help you reschedule, depending on availability.

In the event of unexpected situations, such as accidents or medical emergencies, please contact us as soon as possible with any supporting documentation, and we’ll gladly make an exception to our cancellation policy.

We have two locations in Iceland. Our main office is at the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, located at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. We also operate from Oddeyrarbót harbour in Akureyri, in North Iceland. Both locations are easily accessible by car, foot, or public transportation. If you're driving, parking is available nearby at both harbours. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour departure. Feel free to contact us for specific directions or more information on either location.

Reykjavík's Old Harbour is a compact sector with very limited parking and it is forbidden to park on the street or next to our boats. Keep in mind that Elding does not assume responsibility for any parking fines caused by illegal parking, so make sure to respect the signs at the harbour. We recommend using the designated parking lots or houses in the nearby area that have hourly rates or the free gravel parking lot over at Grandi Harbour. Check our location's 'how to get here' to see more parking options.

Akureyri Harbour is conveniently located in the city centre, within walking distance of most major hotels. There is free parking available at the lot next to our ticket office, with no need for a parking clock, and you can park there all day. However, please note that camper vans are not allowed to stay overnight in the parking lot.

Yes, although we do recommend walking if you are staying within the city centre. We offer pick up and drop off at bus stops near hotels and guesthouses in the greater Reykjavík area for an additional charge. Check our current price list and pick up locations.

During pick up / drop off, it is important that all passengers wear seat belts as required by law. All children under 18 kg. need to wear appropriate car seats while travelling, which we can provide upon request. Please be sure to contact our office via email at elding@elding.is no later than 24 hrs. before departure so we can do our best to accommodate. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transfers from outside the greater Reykjavík area. If you're staying outside of this zone, driving directly to our location is the most convenient option. Our ticket office is easy to find, and parking is available nearby.

We welcome guests of all ages, including babies and toddlers. Our larger boats, used for the Classic tours, have plenty of indoor seating, restrooms, and space for families to comfortably enjoy the experience. We provide life vests for all children, and there is also an onboard café offering snacks and refreshments.

For very young children, we recommend dressing them warmly, as it can get cold out on the water. If you're bringing a stroller, please note that we ask you to leave it in our office during the tour due to limited space on board.

Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to board our boats without supervision, unless we receive explicit authorisation from a parent or legal guardian. For safety reasons, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on Elding premises, and are required by law to wear life vests for the entire duration of the tour. We take these precautions seriously to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Certainly! Feel free to leave your bags in our office throughout the duration of the tour. Although we don't have a locked storage facility, rest assured that our office is continuously staffed, ensuring that your belongings will be under constant supervision and won't be subject to any unauthorised access or disturbance.

Our guides carry DSLR cameras and typically capture photos throughout the tour, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience without missing any encounters. After the tour, we’ll share these photos with passengers free of charge, providing you with beautiful memories of your journey.

You’re also welcome to bring your own equipment to capture the experience from your unique perspective. However, please be mindful that all personal equipment is carried at your own risk.

Due to the negative impact drone flying has on other passengers, and the elaborate UAV regulations in general, we have decided to prohibit drones on our scheduled tours.

In order to operate your drone at sea, you will need to get prior consent from Elding in addition to booking a private tour to accommodate your flight. You may also need to register your drone and apply for a permit from the Icelandic Transport Authority. Note that you are solely responsible for complying with the UAV regulations as well as being liable for your own equipment and any damage caused by your drone during flight.

Keep in mind that:

• It is forbidden to fly drones over crowds of people
• You cannot fly over 120 metres above ground or sea
• Disrupting air traffic or flying over vehicles or ships is prohibited

Please notify a crew member immediately if you realise you've lost something on board. Although our team regularly checks the boats and pockets of overalls, the sooner we are informed of a lost item, the better the chances of recovering it. Any misplaced items found at the end of the day will be placed in our "lost & found" box for safekeeping. You can contact us via email or visit our office to inquire about lost belongings, and we’ll do our best to help you retrieve them.

Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is strictly prohibited on all our premises, both onboard and at our facilities. This policy is in place to ensure the well-being, comfort, and safety of all passengers and crew, as smoke and vapour can be disruptive in shared spaces and pose potential health and safety risks.

We kindly ask that if you wish to smoke, please wait until you’re back on land, where designated smoking areas are available. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a pleasant and safe environment for everyone.