Winter Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise | Combo from Reykjavik

If you’re headed to Reykjavik between late fall and early spring, this Winter Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise offers a unique way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders. For just $170 per person, you’ll spend about five hours on two separate boat tours—one to spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxafloi Bay, and another to chase the elusive aurora borealis away from city lights.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see wildlife in action—especially the whales breaching and fluke dives—that makes your trip feel authentic and exciting. Plus, the opportunity to hunt for the northern lights on a boat rather than on land offers a fresh perspective and a better chance of clear skies. The sighting guarantee is also reassuring, meaning that if you don’t see whales or the lights, you get to try again for free—something that adds value and peace of mind.

One possible consideration is the weather dependency—Iceland’s winter can be unpredictable, and rain or wind might affect your plans. Still, the tour provides warm overalls and blankets to keep you comfortable. This experience suits travelers who appreciate wildlife, stunning scenery, and the chance to combine two iconic Icelandic activities in one day—and who are prepared for the possibility of rescheduling due to weather. It’s especially ideal for those looking for a balanced, well-organized tour that mixes adventure with comfort.

Key Points

• Wildlife sightings are guaranteed or you can reattempt for free, adding confidence to your experience.
• The combination of whale watching and northern lights maximizes your day with two iconic Icelandic activities.
• The guided commentary provides enriching insights about local wildlife and the aurora, making the trip educational as well as scenic.
• Warm overalls and blankets ensure comfort during cold winter outings.
• Optional pick-up and drop-off service in Reykjavik adds convenience, especially if you prefer a hassle-free experience.
• The tour’s small group size (up to 150 travelers) maintains an intimate feel, allowing for better viewing and interaction.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, where you’ll meet your crew—most likely a knowledgeable guide with a name you might hear as “Lara” or “Jon.” The tour lasts about five hours, split into a 3-hour whale watching trip in Faxafloi Bay in the afternoon, followed by a 2-hour northern lights cruise in the evening. The schedule is designed for flexibility, with a natural flow from day to night, maximizing your chances to see wildlife and the aurora.

Whale Watching in Faxafloi Bay

Your first stop is the classic whale watching tour. The boat departs from the harbor, and you’ll quickly find yourself out on the open water, away from the city’s lights. The crew, praised for their knowledgeable and helpful approach, will share details about the whales and local marine life. Expect to see humpback and minke whales, which are common in this region, along with playful dolphins and porpoises.

Many travelers, like Nelly_M, have expressed amazement at seeing whales breach and perform fluke dives, which are moments of pure wonder. The sighting guarantee means that if you don’t see whales, you can try again without extra cost—adding a layer of security to your adventure.

The experience of watching a whale surface, exhale, and slip back into the water is unforgettable. Some reviews mention that spotting whales close to the harbor made the trip even more special, with David_D noting, “We managed to spot a whale not far from the harbor, and it was fantastic to see it in its natural environment.”

Northern Lights Cruise

As evening falls, the focus shifts to hunting for the aurora borealis. Your boat heads away from Reykjavik’s light pollution, offering a clearer sky. Even if the lights don’t appear immediately, the crew’s live commentary keeps you informed about the science behind the aurora and how best to spot it.

While some travelers, like Orion_M, didn’t catch the lights on their first try, they appreciated the voucher for a future trip—a thoughtful touch that acknowledges the unpredictability of northern lights viewing. Others, like Erika_F, were lucky enough to see a green streak shimmering across the sky, a truly magical sight in the quiet winter night.

Comfort and Convenience

The tour provides warm overalls and blankets, making the cold manageable. Given Iceland’s winter weather, this detail is especially important—many reviewers mentioned how these extras kept them cozy throughout the excursions. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, so you don’t need to worry if you get hungry or thirsty during the cruise.

For added ease, optional pick-up and drop-off services can be arranged directly with the operator. This is particularly useful if you prefer not to navigate public transportation after a long day or if you’re staying outside the city center.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife viewing and atmospheric scenery. It appeals to those who don’t mind the cold and are eager to experience Iceland’s marine life and aurora borealis in one day. Families with children over 13 will appreciate the family-friendly nature, especially since children under 13 are required to wear life vests.

Travelers who value guided commentary and a small-group atmosphere will find this tour rewarding. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer to maximize their time with two iconic activities, especially when trying to catch the northern lights, which are as much about luck as they are about timing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Wildlife Encounters: Watching whales breach or see dolphins leap is a bucket-list moment. The sighting guarantee provides confidence that you’ll get at least one unforgettable moment.

Unique Aurora Experience: Viewing the northern lights from a boat offers a less light-polluted environment, increasing your chances of seeing the green glow dancing across the sky—something land-based trips may not always provide.

Value for Price: Combining two excursions for $170 makes this cost-effective compared to booking separately. The inclusion of warm gear and a wildlife exhibition adds extra value, especially in winter.

Guided Education and Comfort: Expect helpful guides who will share insights about the environment and wildlife, making the experience both fun and educational. Warm overalls and blankets ensure you stay comfortable despite Iceland’s chill.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Experience?

This tour offers an excellent blend of adventure, comfort, and value for those eager to see whales and the northern lights without spending a fortune or trying to coordinate multiple bookings. It’s especially suited for nature lovers, curious travelers, and families prepared for winter weather. If you’re looking to maximize your Icelandic wildlife experiences in a single day, this trip will not disappoint.

However, keep in mind the weather dependency—clear skies are essential for the aurora, and ocean conditions can impact whale sightings. But with the sighting guarantee and warm gear, your chances of a memorable adventure are high.

Ultimately, whether you get to see the whales breach or the northern lights shimmer, you’ll come away with lasting memories of Iceland’s wild beauty—a true highlight of any winter visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children under 13 are required to wear life vests during the tour. The experience is family-friendly and educational.

Can I upgrade for transportation?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are available for an additional fee, making it easier if you’re staying outside the city center.

What if I don’t see whales or the northern lights?
You are guaranteed sightings or a free attempt to try again, providing peace of mind for this nature-based experience.

How long are each part of the tour?
The whale watching lasts about 3 hours, and the northern lights cruise is approximately 2 hours, making a total of around 5 hours.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, including the provided overalls and blankets, is recommended. Layers are advised since temperatures can be quite cold, especially at night.

Are food and drinks available?
Yes, you can purchase snacks and beverages on board, but they are not included in the price.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes. If the weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s best to have flexible plans on the day.

What’s the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 150 travelers, but the booking size often feels more intimate, especially on the smaller boats.

This combo tour from Reykjavik combines the best of Iceland’s marine life and celestial displays, offering a genuinely memorable, value-packed day for those ready to embrace the winter magic.