From Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour

Exploring Iceland often means chasing two of its most iconic natural phenomena: whales in Faxaflói Bay and the Northern Lights dancing across the winter sky. This combined boat tour offers a rare chance to enjoy both on a single day, making good use of your time in Reykjavik. While it’s not a small or cheap outing, the experience promises memorable encounters with wildlife and celestial magic.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balance—by day, spotting minke whales, harbor porpoises, and even humpbacks from a comfortable boat, and by night, witnessing the Northern Lights away from city lights. A slight downside is that weather can sometimes interfere, especially with the Northern Lights, which aren’t guaranteed. But if you’re looking for an authentic Icelandic experience that combines wildlife and natural phenomena, this tour is well worth considering—especially for those eager to see as much as possible in one trip.

This tour suits travelers who are comfortable spending several hours on the water, who value knowledgeable guides, and who want a flexible, weather-dependent adventure. It’s ideal for those seeking a mix of wildlife and celestial displays, and who don’t mind dressing warmly for potentially chilly conditions.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: Combines whale watching during the day with a Northern Lights cruise at night.
• Wildlife sightings: Likely to see minke whales, harbor porpoises, and even humpback whales with expert guides.
• Comfort features: Warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and free Wi-Fi ensure a cozy journey.
• Flexible and reschedulable: If the Northern Lights aren’t visible, you can try again at no extra cost.
• Ideal for nature lovers: Perfect for travelers wanting authentic Icelandic experiences in one trip.
• Weather dependent: Northern Lights visibility hinges on weather and solar activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary and What to Expect

This 7-hour tour kicks off in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, where you’ll meet at a clearly marked office in a large, dark grey building. We liked that the meeting point is straightforward with visible signs, though parking nearby requires a quick 15-minute head start if you’re driving. Once onboard, you’ll set out across Faxaflói Bay, with the boat’s comfortable indoor heated seating and warm overalls making the roughly 3-hour whale watching cruise quite pleasant—even in winter.

The Day Cruise: Whale Watching and Wildlife

Traveling from the harbor, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the city, mountains, and possibly even glimpses of Snæfells Glacier on clear days. The guide’s commentary on the way out helps set the scene, and once you reach the whale watching area, the fun begins. Expect to look for minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and humpbacks.

According to reviews, guides are very knowledgeable—some guests noted how guides “knew a lot about ocean life” and “flagged every whale position,” making the experience both educational and exciting. The boat’s well-maintained state and reactive captain contribute to a smooth, safe ride, even if the sea gets a bit choppy (which is common in winter).

Some travelers, like one reviewer, enjoyed being close enough to whales to almost touch them, which is a rare gift in whale watching. Others appreciated the expert guidance that made spotting whales more engaging, especially since whales don’t always oblige by sticking around or surfacing in predictable spots.

The Evening Cruise: Northern Lights Viewing

Returning after the whale cruise, the focus shifts to hunting for the Northern Lights. The boat departs again, heading out just outside Reykjavik’s city lights—an important advantage for best aurora viewing.

The tour’s free Wi-Fi is a bonus, allowing you to share your experience or check aurora forecasts in real time. The boat’s outdoor decks and inside viewing areas give you flexibility to stay warm and watch the sky, which is essential, as the Northern Lights are a weather-dependent phenomenon.

Reviews highlight that the location was perfect for aurora viewing, with one guest describing the experience as “unbelievable,” especially when the lights danced wildly across the sky. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are not guaranteed, but the tour offers a full refund if nothing is seen, giving some peace of mind.

The Value of the Experience

At $182 per person, this tour sits on the higher end, but it packs in two major natural attractions—wildlife and celestial displays—which would typically require separate trips. The included gear (warm overalls, Wi-Fi, guides) enhances comfort, especially during colder months, and the option to reschedule if the Northern Lights don’t appear adds flexibility.

The tours are guided by experienced professionals who provide insights that deepen the experience, whether about whale behavior or aurora science. Plus, the small group feel and indoor amenities mean you’re not just a number on a crowded boat, making for a more personalized adventure.

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Why It’s Worth the Price

While $182 may seem steep, consider the value of seeing whales and the Northern Lights in one day—both are bucket-list experiences. The comfort features like heated indoor seating and warm overalls mean you’re prepared for Iceland’s chilly weather, making the long journey more enjoyable. The free rescheduling policy on the Northern Lights adds reassurance that you’ll have a second chance if weather doesn’t cooperate initially.

How the Tour Fits Into Your Iceland Trip

This tour works best for travelers who have a full day available and want to maximize their time in Reykjavik. It’s especially suited to those with an interest in wildlife, natural phenomena, and authentic experiences. Because the tour is weather-dependent, it’s wise to keep your plans flexible and be prepared for potential rescheduling or cancellations.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the combination of daytime and evening activities means you get to experience two different sides of Iceland’s natural beauty without rushing. If your schedule is tight, this is a great way to pack in a lot in one day, but do note that it’s a full, physically engaging day on the water.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This combined tour offers a compelling way to see Iceland’s marine life and celestial phenomena in a single, well-organized outing. The guides’ expertise, comfortable amenities, and strategic location make for a memorable experience, provided the weather cooperates. It’s a good choice for travelers who aren’t just after selfies but want a genuine encounter with Iceland’s most famous natural attractions.

If you’re a fan of wildlife and night skies, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. Expect to share the boat with fellow travelers who value knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences. The possibility of seeing a close-up whale encounter and the magical Aurora Borealis in one day makes this a unique Icelandic adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour begins at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I wear for the tour?
Warm clothing is recommended, and the tour provides warm overalls to keep you comfortable during the cruise, especially at night.

What if the Northern Lights don’t show up?
You can try again on a different night at no extra charge. The tour offers free rescheduling if the auroras are not visible due to weather or solar activity.

How long is each part of the tour?
The whale watching cruise lasts about 3 hours, and the Northern Lights cruise is part of the remaining duration, making the total approximately 7 hours.

Can I see whales from the boat?
Yes, there’s a good chance to see minke whales, harbor porpoises, and humpbacks. Guides are experienced at pointing out wildlife when it surfaces.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and the tour supplies children’s sizes of overalls. Just be prepared for a full day on the water and possibly cold conditions.

If you’re eager to combine two iconic Icelandic experiences—whale watching and Northern Lights viewing—this tour offers an excellent, well-equipped, and guided way to do so. It’s especially valuable for those who want to see the wildlife and natural skies in a comfortable setting, with the flexibility of rescheduling if weather isn’t cooperating. For travelers who appreciate authentic encounters and expert guides, it’s a tour worth considering, offering a memorable day out on Iceland’s waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: