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
As whale watching in Iceland continues to grow, so does the need for ethical practices that protect marine life. At Elding, we follow a strict code of conduct and have developed our own enhanced guidelines to ensure safe, respectful encounters with whales. In a country with few formal regulations, we lead by example to promote sustainable, science based whale watching for the future.
Elding is a proud founding member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Association of Whale Watchers. Since 2003, we’ve worked alongside other operators to promote ethical whale watching, support marine research, and advocate for protected whale sanctuaries. Through IceWhale, Elding continues to lead by example, helping shape a sustainable future for Iceland’s growing whale watching industry.
At Elding, we actively campaign against whaling and encourage visitors to choose ethical experiences, avoid whale meat, and help raise awareness. Whale watching offers a sustainable alternative to whaling and plays a vital role in protecting Iceland’s marine life and global reputation. By supporting responsible tourism, you’re helping secure a better future for whales in Icelandic waters.
At Elding, whale watching supports vital marine research aimed at understanding and protecting ocean life. Using photo-identification techniques, we track individual whales through dorsal fins and fluke patterns, gaining insights into migration, social behaviour, and population trends. Every tour contributes to our growing database - helping preserve Iceland’s marine environment for future generations.
Elding offers eco-friendly and educational whale watching tours from Reykjavík and Akureyri, designed to inspire care for the ocean and its inhabitants. Passengers observe whales in their natural habitat while learning about marine life, conservation, and responsible tourism. Our commitment to sustainability makes us a top choice for those seeking ethical and meaningful wildlife experiences in Iceland.