Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour

Faxaflói Bay gives you two very different views of Iceland in one long day: whales surfacing under the pale daylight, then the Northern Lights flickering over dark water. I like the smart pairing of a three-hour whale cruise with a separate evening aurora outing, and I like that warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and Wi-Fi take some of the sting out of Iceland’s cold. The $212 price is fair only if you want both experiences and have room in your schedule for seven hours.

The big catch is nature’s lack of cooperation. You could see humpback and minke whales close to the boat, as some outings have, or find that the whales stay distant and the aurora never appears. The free retry ticket helps with the Northern Lights, but you still need another evening available and must return to the harbor yourself.

Key points to know before booking

• Two cruises in one day: Watch for whales by daylight, then sail again after dark to look for the Northern Lights.
• Faxaflói Bay wildlife: Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
• Warmth is built in: You get overalls in children’s sizes, heated indoor seating, and the option to move outside for a better view.
• The city makes a fine backdrop: On clear days, you may see Reykjavik, surrounding mountains, and even Snæfells Glacier.
• The aurora is never guaranteed: Conditions determine what you see, but a free ticket lets you try the Northern Lights cruise again if nothing appears.
• No hotel transportation: You meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and arrange your own way there and back.

Why this combined Reykjavik tour makes sense

I like this tour because it solves a common Iceland planning problem. Whale watching and Northern Lights hunting are both weather-dependent, and fitting them into separate days can take up a large part of a short Reykjavik visit. This package puts both on the same day, using Faxaflói Bay as your setting from afternoon into night.

The arrangement also gives you two distinct moods. The whale cruise is active and observational. You scan the water, listen for the guide to call out a fin or blow, and keep your camera ready. The night cruise is quieter and more patient. You watch the sky rather than the sea, with the city lights behind you and open water ahead.

At $212 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. It can be good value if you already plan to pay for both a whale trip and an aurora cruise. It is less attractive if you are mainly interested in one of the two, or if you prefer a land-based Northern Lights outing. The seven-hour commitment also matters. You will need to protect much of one day and evening for the experience.

Meeting at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

The tour begins at the Special Tours office near the Old Harbour. Look for the large, dark-gray building with blue signs showing the company name and logo. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the harbor under your own arrangements.

If you drive, allow an extra 15 minutes to find nearby parking. Parking is not available at the company’s own premises. This is a small detail, but it can prevent a rushed arrival, especially when you are carrying winter layers and camera gear.

Check the exact departure time when booking. The activity lasts about seven hours, but the available start times can vary. You should arrive ready for a full day of changing weather, with clothing that works both on deck and during the time between cruises.

The guide service is in English. The crew includes a guide on both outings, and the company provides free Wi-Fi aboard the boat. Wi-Fi is useful for sharing a photo or checking messages, but your main job will be watching the water and sky.

The first cruise: three hours on Faxaflói Bay

The whale-watching trip leaves Reykjavik by day and runs for about three hours. The first 30 to 45 minutes take you toward the main whale-watching area, giving you time to settle in and take pictures.

This opening stretch has value even before you reach the wildlife area. From the bay, you get views back toward Reykjavik and out toward Iceland’s mountains. On a clear day, visibility may extend as far as Snæfells Glacier to the west. Clear weather makes a real difference here, so do not judge the trip only by whether a whale appears.

The guide explains the bay and the animals as you travel. Once the boat reaches the viewing area, the pace changes. You will scan the surface for a blow, a curved back, a dorsal fin, or a quick movement beside the boat. The guide helps direct your attention, which matters because a whale can surface and disappear before you have found it.

The possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. These animals behave differently, so the trip does not have one fixed pattern. A minke may surface briefly, while a humpback can make a much larger impression with its size and movement. Dolphins and porpoises may appear in quick bursts.

Recent outings have included both humpback and minke whales, with some animals coming very close to the boat. That is the sort of encounter that makes the trip memorable. Still, no crew can promise a close approach. Wildlife is the point, and wildlife follows its own schedule.

One particularly useful strength is the guide’s role. During one whale cruise, guide Rebekka was praised for spotting whale positions and explaining ocean life while the captain adjusted to the animals’ movements. That combination matters. A good guide helps you see what is happening, while a responsive captain can position the boat without turning the viewing area into a scramble.

Warm seating, overalls, and time outside

I would not underestimate the cold. Even when the boat has heated indoor seating, you may want to spend time outside for a clearer view and better photographs. Wind across open water can make a mild day feel much colder.

Warm overalls are included, with children’s sizes available. Put them on before you think you need them. It is easier to stay comfortable than to recover after you have become chilled. You can move between indoor and outdoor areas, so you do not have to spend the entire cruise on deck.

The heated cabin is also useful for families and anyone who finds a long stretch outside tiring. You can warm up, have a drink from the bar, and return outside when the guide spots activity. Drinks are available from the always-open bar, though the cost of refreshments is not included in the tour price.

The boat is described as comfortable and well maintained, and one recent outing found it a good size for the experience. That does not mean you should expect a small private vessel. This is a shared boat tour, so your best view may depend on moving around at the right moment and listening closely to the guide.

The break before the Northern Lights

The experience includes a return to Reykjavik before the evening aurora cruise. The supplied schedule does not give a detailed length for this break, so check the day’s timing carefully. You should not assume you have enough time for a long meal, a hotel rest, or a separate activity.

This pause can still be useful. You can warm up, charge your phone, review photos, and add another layer before heading back to the harbor. If you are booking other evening plans, leave plenty of room. The two cruises together last about seven hours, and weather or operating conditions can affect the rhythm of the day.

I would treat this as a dedicated tour day rather than something to squeeze between major Reykjavik appointments. That approach keeps the experience relaxed and leaves you ready for the second departure.

The night cruise and the Northern Lights

The evening boat heads out onto Faxaflói Bay, just beyond Reykjavik’s center, to get away from some artificial light. That gives you a darker setting than you would have in the middle of the city, while keeping the harbor departure simple.

The Northern Lights are visible only when several conditions line up. The sky needs to be dark and sufficiently clear, and aurora activity must be present. The season helps too. The lights may be seen during the winter months and can sometimes appear as early as September, but the date alone cannot guarantee a display.

Once outside the city, you can move between the heated interior and the open deck. The dark water creates a different feeling from the daytime cruise. You may spend periods simply waiting and watching, so bring patience as well as warm clothing.

When the aurora appears strongly, the boat can offer a memorable viewpoint. One February outing produced a sudden, powerful display after a quiet start, with the crew taking the boat to a good viewing position. That kind of change is common to the appeal of aurora hunting: the sky can remain empty, then turn green or bright in a short time.

The crew’s judgment is important here. The captain and guide monitor conditions and choose where to go within the bay. Still, they cannot create an aurora or guarantee clear skies. If nothing appears, the included free retry ticket gives you another chance. Read that benefit realistically: it is valuable only if you remain in Reykjavik long enough to use it and if another departure has space.

What the $212 price really buys you

The price includes both boat trips, an English-speaking guide on each, warm overalls, heated indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and the Northern Lights retry ticket. It does not include hotel transport or drinks from the bar.

The strongest value comes from combining two outings without arranging two separate bookings. You also save time on planning and use the same general departure area. For a short Iceland visit, that convenience can matter as much as the wildlife.

The weaker value is the risk. You are paying for access, crew effort, equipment, and two chances at nature, not for guaranteed sightings. A disappointing day can happen. The free retry improves the package, but it does not fix a tight itinerary.

I would compare the price against the cost of booking separate whale and aurora trips before deciding. If you want both, the combination is sensible. If you are selective, book the activity that matters most to you and keep your schedule flexible for weather.

Who will enjoy this most

This tour suits first-time visitors who want two major Iceland experiences without arranging separate operators. It also works well for families, since the boat has heated seating and children’s overalls.

Wildlife fans will appreciate the chance to look for several species rather than focusing on only one. Photographers should like the changing subjects: Reykjavik and mountain views by day, whales on the water, and a dark sky at night.

It is less suitable if you dislike long outings, get uncomfortable on boats, or need a guaranteed result. The day involves waiting, scanning, and accepting uncertainty. The whale trip may be excellent while the aurora fails, or the sky may light up after a quiet wildlife cruise.

The tour also demands basic schedule discipline. You must reach the Old Harbour yourself, return for the second cruise, and keep enough time free to use a retry ticket if needed. That is manageable, but it is not a casual drop-in activity.

Practical booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Iceland plans are still shifting, though the weather itself will remain unpredictable.

Wear warm layers even though overalls are supplied. Keep your phone or camera protected from cold and moisture, and charge it before the first departure. You can use the free Wi-Fi to stay connected, but you will want battery power for photos.

Arrive at the blue-signed Special Tours office by the Old Harbour with enough time to find it and, if driving, park nearby. Do not count on hotel transportation. Also check the available start time carefully, because the seven-hour duration affects the rest of your day.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want both whale watching and Northern Lights hunting, have one largely free day and evening, and accept that nature may deliver uneven results. The strongest case is the combination of comfortable boat facilities, helpful guides, varied wildlife possibilities, and a free retry for the aurora.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed attraction, a short outing, or a private experience. At $212, the tour earns its price only when you value both cruises. For the right schedule, it is an efficient way to meet Iceland’s sea and sky in one memorable stretch. For a tight itinerary, the seven-hour commitment and uncertain sightings deserve careful thought.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is large and dark gray, with blue signs showing the company name and logo.

How long does the experience last?

The combined activity lasts about seven hours. It includes an approximately three-hour whale-watching cruise and an evening Northern Lights boat trip.

What animals might I see?

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

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are provided, including children’s sizes. The boat also has heated indoor seating, and you can move between indoor and outdoor areas.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

You receive a free ticket to try the Northern Lights cruise again if nothing is seen on your tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to and from the Old Harbour meeting point.