Elding adventures at sea is a tour company that has been leading the environmental & sustainable path in tourism for years. The company uses 3 different environmental certification programs that all give great tools to the employees in becoming responsible and environmentally friendly.
Elding has been recognized both nationally and internationally for its outstanding work. The company received the environmental award of the Icelandic Tourist Board in 2008, the environmental award "Fjörusteinn" of the Associated Icelandic Ports, the environmental award "Kuðungurinn" from the Embassy of Environmental and Natural Resources 2017 and was nominated to the Nordic Council "Norðurlandaráðið" Environmental Award 2018.
It is Elding's mission to minimize the impact it has on the environment with its operation while delivering an unforgettable experience at sea!
The program Responsible Tourism involves setting goals in four key elements, which are that we recycle all waste that comes from our boats and offices and encourage our guests to do the same and have ecofriendly purchasing. Elding is a member of Vakinn, an Icelandic quality and environmental system as well as being certified by Blueflag and Earth Check
Whale watching has been one of Iceland's top tourist activities since the mid 90's and has been subjected to remarkable growth in the last few years. The increase in boat traffic has raised concerns about the potential detrimental effects on cetaceans, mirroring concerns in wildlife destinations globally. Due to minimal comprehensive regulations governing whale encounters in Iceland, we at Elding take pride in our commitment to abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, as well constructing and following our own stricter guidelines!
IceWhale is the Icelandic Association of Whale Watchers, dedicated to fostering responsible and unforgettable encounters with cetaceans. Formed in collaboration with other Icelandic whale watching operators in 2003, IceWhale's mission extends to promoting responsible whale watching, supporting vital research on whales around Iceland and advocating for the creation of whale sanctuaries in prime whale watching areas while preserving marine life and the industry's sustainable growth.
Iceland has become an important destination for whale watching, offering a sustainable way to appreciate these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Learn about the stark contrast between whale watching and whaling, and why choosing the former is crucial for protecting whales and Iceland's global image. Join Elding in the fight against whaling, and help make a difference through knowledge, conscious dining, and supporting responsible tourism. Visit Iceland, avoid eating whale meat, and go whale watching to support a brighter future for these incredible marine mammals.
Discover the vital role of marine research with Elding. Our commitment to understanding the marine environment goes beyond the thrill of whale watching - it's about preserving the planet. A single photograph is a treasure trove of information and a series of photos can provide critical insights into migration, habitat choices, social associations, population growth and more. We use distinctive features, such as dorsal fin notches and fluke patterns as 'fingerprints' for individual identification, expanding our catalog with every tour.
Elding offers eco-friendly and educational tours that allow passengers to observe whales in their natural habitat while promoting marine conservation and environmental awareness. Our dedication to sustainable practices makes Elding a leading choice for anyone seeking an ethical whale watching adventure in Reykjavík or Akureyri.