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Our naturalist guides share highlights from our whale watching and northern lights tours in a collective report we call the diaries. From encounters with majestic marine life to nights under the dancing aurora, the diaries capture the magic of Iceland's seas and skies through real experiences, photos, and daily updates!

Few natural phenomena are as mesmerising as the aurora borealis. These shifting curtains of colour sweep across the polar skies, painting them in hues of green, pink, and violet. While their appearance may seem unpredictable, scientists have developed ways to understand when and where they might occur and by studying the activity levels, we can estimate the likelihood of seeing them.

Here you will find today’s timetable with up to date information on all our tours scheduled for the day. The page is refreshed at least 1-2 hours before each departure to give you the latest updates, with tours listed as either CONFIRMED, PENDING or CANCELLED, so you can easily check the status of your tour before arrival.

So you've seen the peaceful Viðey and are ready for your next adventure? Perfect timing. You’ve already soaked in the calm of the island - now it’s time to feel the thrill of the open sea. As a valued visitor, you get an exclusive discount on our whale watching and other sea adventure tours.

Viðey Island is a peaceful oasis just off the coast of Reykjavík - a place where nature, art, and history meet. Whether you're looking for scenic walks, panoramic views, birdlife, or cultural landmarks like the Imagine Peace Tower, Viðey is just a short ferry ride away.

Just a short distance from Reykjavík’s coast are three small islands: Akurey, Lundey, and Engey. They play a crucial role in the survival of the Atlantic Puffin and many other seabird species in the region. Each island provides a natural sanctuary, making them ideal nesting grounds.

Experience the Imagine Peace Tower, a powerful work of art by Yoko Ono dedicated to John Lennon’s legacy and vision for world peace. Located on Viðey Island and lit annually from 9 October to 8 December, the tower’s striking light beam symbolises unity, remembrance, and hope. Join Elding on a special evening tour to witness this moving tribute in one of Iceland’s most serene settings.

Book here to get a discount!

Every summer, Iceland becomes a haven for Atlantic Puffins, with millions of these charming seabirds flocking to coastal cliffs and offshore islands to breed. With so many incredible locations across the country to spot them, it can be hard to know where to go - but if you're in Reykjavík, you're already in one of the very best places to see puffins in Iceland.

Can you believe it’s been 25 years since we first set sail? We started with a single boat, a big dream, and a deep love for the ocean and its wildlife. We couldn’t have imagined how far this journey would take us or the milestones we’d celebrate together. From humble beginnings to becoming Iceland’s leading whale watching company, Elding’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and community. Over the years, we’ve grown - not just in size, but in knowledge, purpose, and commitment to sustainable adventures at sea.

In 2023, Elding was selected for the CE4RT programme, a European initiative supporting sustainable tourism SMEs. Elding received training, coaching, certification opportunities, and funding to boost sustainability practices. Key projects included implementing a green procurement policy for our souvenir shop and pioneering upcycled souvenirs from recycled textiles.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness whales in their natural habitat. But despite the success of whale watching and the global support for conservation, commercial whaling still takes place in Icelandic waters. While most Icelanders don’t eat whale meat, some tourists try it out of curiosity, unintentionally fuelling demand. We believe education and responsible tourism are key to ending this practice.

Elding helped establish Iceland’s first Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching as a founding member of IceWhale. In the absence of formal regulations, we created voluntary guidelines to ensure respectful wildlife encounters and reduce disturbance to whales and dolphins. We continue to collaborate with local operators and advocate for stronger protections for Iceland’s marine life.

First introduced in 2008 to document wildlife sightings, our online diaries have grown into a comprehensive resource that now also includes updates on the northern lights during winter. The diaries offer much more than just a glimpse into our tours - they provide you with tour status updates, detailed accounts of recent sightings, and a chance to relive the magic of your adventure with us.