Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise

Seeing a humpback whale break the surface in Faxaflói Bay is impressive enough. Seeing the Northern Lights later the same day gives this two-part cruise real appeal, especially if you have only a short stay in Reykjavik. The day begins with marine wildlife and ends offshore beneath Iceland’s dark winter sky.

I like the chance to combine two very different Iceland experiences without arranging separate operators. I also like the practical setup: heated cabins, warm flotation overalls, toilets, WiFi, and seasickness tablets are included. The main catch is simple: whales and auroras follow nature’s timetable, not yours, so a full day on the water does not guarantee either sight.

Key points to know before booking

• Two cruises in one day: You spend about three hours whale watching, then return for a separate two-hour Northern Lights outing.
• Faxaflói Bay scenery: Expect views toward Reykjavik’s mountains and nearby islands, along with seabirds and open water.
• Common sightings: Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises may appear.
• A free retry matters: If the Northern Lights do not show, or a scheduled outing is canceled because of weather, you may be able to reschedule or join again.
• Comfort is built in: Heated indoor cabins, toilets, warm overalls, WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets are provided.
• Budget for a long day: The price is $205 per person, with food and drinks sold separately onboard.

One ticket, two very different cruises

This experience works because the two outings feel distinct. The whale-watching cruise takes place during daylight, when you can study the water, watch for fins and blows, and enjoy the coast around Reykjavik. The evening cruise is quieter and more weather-dependent, with the main goal being a dark sky and a glimpse of green, white, or purple light.

The total duration is listed as six hours, but the day includes a break of about five hours between outings. That pause is useful. You can return to your hotel, eat in town, warm up, or explore more of central Reykjavik before heading back to the harbor.

You check in at the Special Tours office at Geirsgata 11, at the corner. Arrive 30 minutes early. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. This is easiest if you are staying near central Reykjavik. One past booking found the location an easy walk from Center Hotels Plaza and close to bus stop number 4.

Morning on Faxaflói Bay

The first cruise lasts about two and a half to three hours. You sail into Faxaflói Bay, the broad body of water outside Reykjavik, in search of whales and other marine life.

The bay offers more than a wildlife checklist. You get views back toward Reykjavik and out toward mountains and islands, while seabirds work the water around you. The boat gives you a moving viewpoint that changes from the city shoreline to open Atlantic water.

The main animals to watch for are minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Each creates a different kind of sighting. A minke whale may surface quickly and vanish. A humpback is larger and can offer a more dramatic blow or back. Dolphins may appear in groups, sometimes moving fast alongside the boat.

Past outings have included close and memorable sightings. One January trip saw four playful whales and a seal. Other trips recorded humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins on the same cruise. One booking reported seeing humpback whales within five minutes, though you should treat that as good luck rather than a normal promise.

The guides add useful context while you search. Rebekka was praised for her excitement and clear enthusiasm when dolphins and two humpback whales appeared. Lucas and Daniel were also singled out for being helpful and entertaining on earlier trips. Your guide will vary, but the tour is led in English by an experienced professional.

What whale watching is really like

Whale watching involves long stretches of looking at empty water. That is not a flaw in this particular cruise. It is simply how wildlife watching works. You may see a whale within minutes, or spend much longer scanning for a blow.

I recommend bringing patience and warm clothing even though flotation overalls are supplied. The outdoor deck gives you the best chance to look in every direction, but the wind can make the air feel colder than it does on land. Use the heated indoor cabin to warm up, then step outside when the crew spots activity.

The whale cruise is a good match for families, couples, photographers, and anyone who wants nature rather than a fixed sightseeing route. It is less ideal if you need a guaranteed schedule of constant action. The boat may travel to areas where conditions and sightings change during the day.

The supplied flotation overalls are especially useful for anyone who does not own serious cold-weather gear. Still, bring weather-appropriate clothes underneath. Gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes are sensible choices, even if the tour supplies the main outer layer.

The five-hour pause in Reykjavik

After the whale cruise, you have roughly five hours before the Northern Lights outing. This break is one of the better features of the arrangement because you are not trapped onboard all day.

Use the time for lunch, a rest, or a walk around central Reykjavik. Food and drinks are not included in the cruise price, though you can buy refreshments onboard. I would not rely on the boat as your main meal plan. Eat during the break if you can, especially since the evening cruise may run for another two hours.

The pause also gives you a chance to charge your phone. This matters more than it sounds. One January booking ended with only a few Northern Lights photos because the phone battery died. Cold weather drains batteries quickly, and a day that includes whales, dolphins, scenery, and auroras gives you plenty of chances to take pictures.

Hunting the Northern Lights after dark

The evening cruise lasts about two hours and heads back into Faxaflói Bay to get away from the city lights. You can watch from the heated indoor bar or put on the supplied warm overalls and spend time outside under the stars.

The goal is not simply to sail around Reykjavik. The crew is looking for a darker viewing area and clearer conditions. That means the route and experience depend heavily on cloud cover, wind, and aurora activity.

There is no guarantee of a display. One trip saw the lights almost immediately after leaving the dock, while another had to be canceled because of bad weather. On a separate outing, the whale cruise went ahead but the Northern Lights portion was canceled, with the option to request a refund or reschedule for another night.

That flexibility improves the value of the package. If you miss the aurora because conditions fail, you receive a free ticket to join again according to the tour terms. It does not remove the risk of bad weather during a short visit, but it gives you another chance if your schedule allows.

The best attitude is to treat this as a guided search, not a guaranteed show. When the sky cooperates, the experience can be remarkably moving. When clouds close in, you still have a warm cabin, a night cruise, and the option to try again.

How much value do you get for $205?

At $205 per person, this is not a cheap outing. Iceland is expensive, and the price reflects two boat trips, guides, safety equipment, onboard facilities, and the chance to retry missed sightings.

The value is strongest if you planned to book whale watching and a Northern Lights cruise separately. Combining them saves you from arranging two different operators and makes the day easy to organize. It is also useful if your stay in Reykjavik is short and you want to give yourself two major nature experiences without using two full days.

The value is weaker if your budget is tight, or if you already have a separate aurora plan. You may prefer to book only the whale cruise and watch for the lights from land. The combo makes most sense for someone who wants convenience and is willing to pay for a second chance when weather causes trouble.

Food and drinks are extra. Hotel transportation is also extra because pickup and drop-off are not included. Add those costs before deciding if the package fits your budget.

Weather, seasickness, and comfort

Weather is the main factor in this experience. Choppy water caused one group to move its booking to the following day, a decision that led to a better whale-watching outing. That is a good reminder that changing your date can be worthwhile when the operator advises it.

You receive complimentary seasickness tablets, and the boat has heated indoor cabins and toilets. These features matter on a six-hour plan with time at sea in both daylight and darkness.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take the sea conditions seriously. Stay inside when needed, use the available tablets as appropriate, and follow the crew’s advice. You can still enjoy the trip without spending every minute on the outdoor deck.

The activity is wheelchair accessible. Pets and smoking are not allowed. English is the tour language, and the live guide provides commentary during the outings.

Who will enjoy this combo most?

I would choose this tour if you want a practical introduction to Iceland’s coastal wildlife and night sky in one booking. It suits couples, families, first-time visitors, and anyone with limited time in Reykjavik.

It is also a good pick for people who enjoy guided trips. The crew watches the water, explains what you are seeing, and helps you understand why the boat may pause or change direction. Guides such as Rebekka, Lucas, and Daniel have helped create warm, enthusiastic outings, though you should not expect a particular guide on your date.

Photographers will appreciate the variety, but you need to prepare your equipment. Keep your phone or camera warm when possible, bring a charged battery, and do not assume you will have another chance to capture the aurora.

I would think twice if you dislike cold, moving boats, or uncertain wildlife sightings. The tour can be excellent, but no ethical operator can promise whales or Northern Lights on demand.

Practical details for a smoother day

Check in at Geirsgata 11 at least 30 minutes before departure. Since hotel pickup is not provided, allow time to walk or use local transport.

Wear layers under the provided flotation overalls. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, and keep your phone fully charged. A portable charger is a sensible addition, although it is not listed as included.

You can use free WiFi onboard, and food and drinks are available for purchase. Still, plan around the five-hour break and have a proper meal in Reykjavik if possible.

The tour may sometimes operate on a shared boat with one of the supplier’s partners. This is done to reduce the number of boats on the water during certain times of year. It may change the exact boat or crew arrangement, but the stated aim is to limit pressure on the marine environment.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this combo if you want two strong Iceland experiences, prefer a single easy arrangement, and have enough time to retry the aurora if weather spoils the first attempt. The whale sightings can be excellent, with humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds all possible.

Skip it if $205 feels too high, you already have a Northern Lights plan, or you need guaranteed results. The best reason to book is not certainty. It is the chance to spend one well-organized day at sea, with real wildlife in daylight and a second chance at the sky after dark.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik. Check in at the Special Tours office on the corner.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 minutes before departure for check-in.

How long does the full experience last?

The experience lasts about six hours, including the whale-watching cruise, the break in Reykjavik, and the Northern Lights cruise.

How long is the whale-watching cruise?

The whale-watching portion lasts about two and a half to three hours.

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The evening Northern Lights cruise lasts about two hours.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, seals, and birdlife.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm flotation overalls are provided. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing to wear underneath.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included, but they can be purchased onboard.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

You receive a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. A Northern Lights outing can also be canceled because of bad weather, with the option to reschedule or request a refund according to the booking terms.