Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise

The best part of this outing is the contrast: in daylight, you scan the sea for a humpback whale; after dark, you scan the sky for green light. Both parts leave you at the mercy of weather and wildlife, but that uncertainty is also the point. You are watching Iceland happen rather than ticking off a fixed display.

I like the two-part format, since it lets you see Faxaflói Bay in changing light. I also like the practical touches: heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, warm flotation overalls, and free seasickness tablets. The main drawback is the price, $205 per person, and the long break between cruises. This is not a quick harbor trip. It can occupy most of your day.

Key points before you book

• Two separate cruises in one day: A 2.5 to 3-hour whale-watching trip is followed by a 2-hour Northern Lights cruise after dark.
• Faxaflói is the setting: You may see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, harbor porpoises, seals, seabirds, mountains, and offshore islands.
• Wildlife and auroras are never guaranteed: The operator offers a free chance to join again if sightings do not happen, and a Northern Lights cruise can be cancelled or rescheduled in poor weather.
• A five-hour pause splits the day: You return to Reykjavik between trips, giving you time for a meal or more sightseeing.
• Warmth is handled well: You can sit in heated indoor areas or wear provided flotation overalls on deck.
• Plan for sea conditions: One January departure was moved because the water was choppy, and the next day produced a much better outing.

Faxaflói Bay in daylight

The morning or daytime cruise begins at Geirsgata 11, where you check in at the Special Tours office on the corner. Arrive 30 minutes early. The harbor location is easy to reach from central Reykjavik, and one past booking found it a straightforward walk from Center Hotels Plaza and bus stop number 4.

Once aboard, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. The bay gives you broad views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik, along with plenty of birdlife. The scenery matters because whale watching is built around waiting. When the sea stays quiet, you still have something to look at.

The crew searches for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and other marine life. A seal is also possible, as one especially lucky outing showed. The guides provide live English commentary, explaining what you are seeing and helping you understand where to look.

Your best approach is to stay patient and keep scanning. Sightings can happen quickly. One January trip spotted humpback whales within five minutes, while another found four whales playing in the water. That kind of luck cannot be promised, but it shows why the first part deserves your full attention instead of a quick glance from the cabin door.

The experience is not a zoo visit. You may see a whale’s back, blow, fin, or tail before it disappears. Dolphins can be fast and difficult to photograph. A humpback may appear close enough to create a powerful moment, then leave you staring at empty water. That unpredictability is exciting, but it can frustrate anyone expecting constant action.

The boat provides heated indoor cabins and toilets, so you do not have to remain outside for the full cruise. Warm flotation overalls are supplied for deck viewing. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing, since Icelandic wind can make an outdoor wait feel much colder than the temperature suggests.

What the guides add to the cruise

A good guide makes the waiting easier, and this cruise places real emphasis on commentary. Guides such as Rebekka, Lucas, and Daniel have been singled out for their friendly help and enthusiasm during past trips. Rebekka, in particular, was described as being as excited as the group when dolphins and humpback whales appeared.

That matters because whale watching involves more than pointing at a distant fin. A guide can direct your eyes, explain the difference between species, and keep the mood upbeat when nothing is visible. The crew also manages the practical side of the trip, from outdoor viewing to changing conditions.

The commentary is in English. If you enjoy learning as you go, this is more rewarding than simply taking a boat ride and hoping something surfaces. If you prefer a quiet, private wildlife experience, the shared boat and live commentary may feel more social than you want.

The five-hour Reykjavik break

After the whale cruise, you return to Reykjavik for a break of about five hours before the Northern Lights outing. This is both a strength and a weakness.

The good news is that you are not trapped on a boat all day. You can warm up, eat, charge your phone, and explore central Reykjavik. Food and drinks are not included, but they can be purchased onboard, and the long pause gives you time to arrange a proper meal in town.

The less convenient part is the scheduling. The combo is described as a six-hour activity, yet the five-hour break means the full experience is spread across much of the day. Check the starting times carefully before booking, especially if you have a museum visit, restaurant reservation, airport transfer, or evening plan.

I would use the break as a reset. Have something warm to eat, bring extra layers, and charge every camera and phone battery you have. One person had a phone battery die during the Northern Lights outing after getting only a few photos. That is an avoidable disappointment in a place where the sky may give you only a short show.

Chasing the Northern Lights from the bay

The second cruise heads back into Faxaflói after dark for about two hours. The goal is to move away from Reykjavik’s city lights and find a darker view of the sky.

You can watch from the outdoor deck in provided warm overalls or stay in the heated indoor bar. The choice is useful. If the wind picks up, you can warm yourself indoors without giving up the entire trip. When the sky begins to glow, you can step outside for a clearer view.

The Northern Lights are not guaranteed. Clouds, wind, and solar activity all matter, and the cruise can be cancelled when the weather is too poor. In that case, you may request a refund or reschedule for another night. If the lights do not appear, the operator also provides a free ticket to join again, according to the conditions of the activity.

The best cases can be dramatic. One outing saw the lights shortly after leaving the dock, while another group saw them on a second night after missing them the first time. These examples show both sides of the experience: sometimes the sky cooperates immediately, and sometimes you need another attempt.

Do not judge the Northern Lights only by photographs. Phone cameras can capture more color than your eyes, but a faint display may look subtle in person. The real pleasure is standing on a dark deck, watching the sky change while the city fades behind you. At other times, the lights may be strong enough to make the whole boat stop and stare.

Weather is part of the bargain

Iceland’s weather can change the plan. A January departure was moved by one day because the water was very choppy. The change paid off, with playful whales and a seal appearing on the calmer outing. That is a good reason to keep your schedule flexible if possible.

The Northern Lights cruise faces a different problem. Bad weather can block the sky even when auroral activity is present, so a cancellation or rescheduling option is valuable. The free repeat ticket also reduces the risk of paying for a single unsuccessful attempt, provided your schedule allows another trip.

Still, you should not book this combo on the assumption that both sightings will happen. You are paying for two well-organized chances, not a guarantee. The most sensible plan is to place the cruise early in your Reykjavik stay, leaving room to repeat the Northern Lights portion if conditions are poor.

Is $205 a fair price?

At $205 per person, this is expensive. One person called it very expensive even after enjoying the trip, while also noting that Iceland itself is costly. That is a fair warning for anyone watching a tight budget.

The value improves if you already want to do both activities. Separate whale-watching and Northern Lights trips can take up two different days, while this package combines them into one organized plan. You also get heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, warm flotation overalls, professional guides, and complimentary seasickness tablets.

The value drops if you care deeply about only one part. If whale watching is your priority, a dedicated daytime cruise may be enough. If the Northern Lights are your main goal, you may prefer a shorter evening outing that you can repeat on several nights. The combo works best for someone who wants both experiences and likes the convenience of one booking.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to Geirsgata 11, so include that in your planning. The central meeting point keeps the price from covering a private transfer, but it also means you need to organize your own transport.

Comfort, access, and what to pack

The boat has heated indoor cabins and toilets, which are important on a long outing. Warm flotation overalls are supplied, and complimentary seasickness tablets are available. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing, including warm layers suitable for standing outside.

The boat has free WiFi, though you should not depend on it for charging your phone. Charge your devices before leaving Reykjavik and carry a portable battery if you have one. Northern Lights photos can use power quickly, especially in cold conditions.

The activity is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited. The boat may sometimes be shared with one of the supplier’s partners for environmental reasons, with fewer boats operating on the water. That may mean a different vessel or shared operation, but the purpose is to reduce the number of boats in the bay.

Who should book this combination?

I would choose this for a first Iceland visit when you want two classic outdoor experiences without arranging separate bookings. Families, couples, and small groups can all find something to enjoy, especially if some people prefer watching from the heated cabin while others spend more time on deck.

It also suits anyone who values the guides and the chance to try again. The free repeat option matters more for the Northern Lights than for whale watching, since clear skies may require a second night.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or have a packed Reykjavik schedule. The day is split by a long break, the sea can be choppy, and neither whales nor auroras follow a timetable. The included seasickness tablets help, but they do not change the nature of the trip.

Should you book it?

Book this combo if you want the convenience of whale watching by day and an aurora search by night, and you can accept that nature makes the final decision. The strongest reasons are the broad range of possible wildlife, the warm onboard facilities, the informed English commentary, and the option to try again when weather or sightings fail.

Skip it if $205 feels too high for two activities with uncertain results, or if you would rather spread your chances across several separate evenings. For the right visitor, though, the combination creates a memorable Reykjavik day: humpbacks or dolphins in Faxaflói, a warm break in town, then a dark sea and a sky that may suddenly begin to glow.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik. Check in at the Special Tours office on the corner and arrive 30 minutes early.

How long is the whale-watching cruise?

The whale-watching portion lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours.

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The Northern Lights portion lasts about 2 hours.

What animals might I see?

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

What is provided to keep me warm?

Warm flotation overalls are provided. The boat also has heated indoor cabins and toilets.

What happens if I do not see whales or the Northern Lights?

You receive a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. The Northern Lights trip can also be cancelled or rescheduled because of bad weather, with a refund or another night available according to the activity conditions.