A whale spout in daylight is a warm-up. This 7-hour tour strings Faxaflói Bay whale watching together with a Northern Lights cruise at night, so you get two of Iceland’s headline nature shows in one go. I like that it’s built for comfort, with heated indoor seating plus warm overalls, because the weather in Reykjavik has opinions. The one drawback to keep in mind: the Northern Lights and whales are never guaranteed, and rougher seas can make some people feel it.

You’ll start in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and head out into Faxaflói Bay for about 3 hours of whale time, then return and go back out after dark when the lights are more likely to show. I also like the small “extra” touches that help you actually enjoy it, like onboard Wi‑Fi to share your photos and a guide who keeps the search moving. Still, if conditions turn bad, the evening portion can get canceled, and rescheduling may not be possible on the spot.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice

• Two iconic targets in one day: whales by day, Northern Lights after dark.
• A search with a plan: you head to the whale area using the guide’s and crew’s guidance, then scan together.
• Warm overalls and heated seating: you’re not just freezing on deck waiting for wonder.
• Move around the boat at night: you can go inside or outside to chase the best viewing angle.
• Free on-board Wi‑Fi: upload messages while you’re still in the moment.
• Free re-try if nothing is seen: a built-in safety net for day-to-day nature randomness.

How This Reykjavik Combo Tour Fits a Real Winter Schedule

If you’re in Reykjavik for a short time, it’s smart to stack your big nature moments. This tour is designed around a simple idea: spend the day on the water looking for whales, then shift gears after sunset to look for the Northern Lights from the bay. That means you’re not burning extra evenings on separate bookings.

You also get a single “base” operation. You meet at the same spot, return to it, and the crew handles the hard part: getting you out far enough and in position for viewing. It’s efficient without feeling rushed.

The best part is that it’s not just one attraction. You’re witnessing two different sides of Iceland’s winter wildlife and sky show. Daytime ocean life is one kind of magic. Night lights are another kind entirely.

Old Harbour Start: The Easy Part (and Why It Matters)

You begin at the Special Tours office near Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, in a large dark grey building marked with blue signs and the company name/logo. If you’re driving, plan for extra time because there’s no parking at their premises. Arriving a bit early also helps you get oriented before boarding when it’s busy.

This start location is practical. Old Harbour is one of the most convenient areas to be near, and you’ll usually find it easier to get to than more out-of-the-way docks. Plus, you’re in Reykjavik already, not fighting transfers.

From there, you cruise out past Reykjavik’s city views and surrounding mountains while you’re heading to the whale area. On a clear day, the scenery can stretch far enough that you might catch views toward Snæfells Glacier in the west. That scenic ride isn’t the main act, but it sets the mood fast.

Whale Watching on Faxaflói Bay: What the Day Portion Feels Like

Expect an approximately 3-hour whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay, with the transfer to the likely whale zone taking about 30 to 45 minutes. During that sail-out, your guide explains what to watch for and how whale behavior shows up from a boat. It turns the waiting time into part of the show, not empty hours of scanning.

When you reach the area, the hunt gets focused. You’ll look for wildlife with your guide’s help, and if a whale comes closer or behaves curiously, the whole boat tends to lean in. One reason this day portion gets high marks is that you’re not just “hoping for the best.” You’re doing a real search with guidance.

The cruise targets several species, including minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and the possibility of a humpback whale. Not every trip hits every species, but knowing what they’re actively scanning for makes your eyes less random and your chances better.

The Guide and Captain Factor

The day portion tends to shine when the guide is sharp and the captain is responsive. For example, guides like Rebekka are known for spotting positions and using that information to keep the group where the action is. When the captain reacts quickly to whale movement, sightings can feel unusually close and immediate.

That matters to you because whale watching is a “timing sport.” You’re watching animals, not doing a checklist. The better the crew reads the water, the less you feel like you’re stuck watching waves.

Photo Moments on the Water (Without Turning It Into Work)

You will get plenty of photo chances during the sail out. Reykjavik’s coastline and mountains look good from the sea, and Faxaflói Bay has that “so close, yet wild” feeling. You’ll also spend time scanning the horizon, so it helps to keep your camera accessible.

That said, don’t force photography over actually watching. The best moments happen when you stop trying to capture every frame and just notice the shape and timing: a spout, a back breaking the surface, a quick swim line.

If you’re also traveling with someone, this tour does well for sharing. The onboard Wi‑Fi makes it easier to text family or post updates while the scene is still unfolding.

Evening Northern Lights Cruise: The Sky Show, Done From the Water

After the whale cruise, you head back and then re-board in the evening for the Northern Lights portion. This is the part where it helps to understand the goal. The crew takes you out to sea just outside the city center so you can see the lights away from artificial glow.

You’ll get outfitted with warm overalls again (they provide sizes for children too) and then cruise out after dark. You can move both inside and outside the boat, so you’re not stuck in one spot if conditions change. That flexibility is underrated. Sometimes you’ll catch the lights best from the deck; other times the interior keeps you warmer while you still track what’s happening above.

Northern Lights visibility depends on conditions, of course. The tour notes they can be seen during the winter months and even as early as September. That’s useful context because you might be traveling outside the peak “everyone talks about it” window.

Expect the Real Thing, Not a Guaranteed Show

Nobody can promise the lights will appear on cue. The operator includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour, which is a nice practical safety net. It doesn’t remove the uncertainty, but it reduces the risk that you’ll feel completely shut out.

One thing to prepare mentally: weather can change plans. There’s a real chance the Northern Lights segment could be canceled when conditions are rough. If that happens to you, the tour may not be automatically reschedulable due to scheduling limits. This is simply part of Northern Iceland in winter.

Comfort That Makes the Difference: Overalls, Heated Seating, and Drinks

This is one of those tours where comfort isn’t a luxury. The boat experience happens in wind, spray, and night cold. The good news: you get warm overalls and access to heated indoor seating.

That means you can do two things without drama: go outside to watch the sky, then warm up inside when you need it. You’ll also be able to feel more “present” instead of distracted by cold legs and numb hands.

Inside, you can also use the free on-board Wi‑Fi to share photos and updates. It’s a small feature, but it changes the vibe. Instead of waiting until later to show everyone what you saw, you can send it immediately while the emotions are high.

On the drinks side, there’s an always-open bar where you can purchase refreshments. It’s not listed as included, so I’d treat it as a pay-as-you-go perk.

If You Get Motion Sickness

The boat ride can be choppy at times. Some people mention it feels rough, especially when the sea is moving. On the brighter side, sea sickness support can be offered before cruising, so ask if that’s available when you check in.

If you’re sensitive, don’t “tough it out.” Bring your own plan too, because the cold plus nausea is a bad combo.

Price and Value: Is $182 Worth It?

At $182 per person for a roughly 7-hour outing, you’re paying for two cruises in one package: a dedicated whale watching session and a separate Northern Lights night cruise. The value isn’t only the time. It’s what’s included that reduces your own hassle and expense.

You’re getting heated indoor seating, warm overalls, a live English-speaking guide on both tours, and on-board Wi‑Fi. You’re also getting that free re-try ticket if nothing is seen, which helps when nature doesn’t cooperate.

If you tried to DIY this by booking separately, you’d likely spend more time coordinating and potentially lose the simplicity of having one operator manage both halves of the outing. The “two big things, one trip day” logic is where the price starts to make sense.

Is it expensive compared to a simple city tour? Yes. But this is Reykjavik’s signature winter pair: whales in the daytime and the lights at night from open water.

Weather Reality Check: How to Plan So You Don’t Feel Burned

I always tell people to treat Northern Lights tours as “nature-based,” not “schedule-based.” The operator can only do what the conditions allow, and winter weather can shut things down. If you’re flexible, that’s your best protection.

Here are the practical ways you can stack the deck in your favor:

• Dress for wind and wet conditions even with overalls.
• Give yourself time to board without rushing.
• If the night segment gets canceled, stay mentally ready for a refund or a backup plan rather than expecting an automatic reschedule.

The refund process has been described as easy in cases where the Northern Lights portion didn’t run. That matters because it reduces the stress when nature changes the plan.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is a great fit if you want maximum Reykjavik nature time without adding more logistics. You’ll probably enjoy it most if you’re:

• Interested in both whales and the Northern Lights, not just one
• Comfortable being outside during winter but want strong comfort backups inside
• Traveling with limited time and want one combined outing instead of two separate nights

If you’re extremely motion-sensitive, the ocean ride could be a consideration, especially on rougher sea conditions. It’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s smart to go in prepared.

Also, if seeing the Northern Lights is your absolute only goal, remember that sightings depend on weather and sky conditions. The free re-try ticket helps, but you still need to accept the uncertainty.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour?

My take: yes, if you want a packed day of real Icelandic nature from the water. The whale cruise gives you a guided search for multiple species in Faxaflói Bay, and the evening cruise is built around getting away from city lights so your chances improve. I especially like the practical comfort setup: warm overalls, heated seating, and the option to move around while you watch.

Book it confidently if you’re okay with nature unpredictability. It’s exactly the kind of outing where, when it clicks, the day feels like two different masterpieces in a single timeline. Just go in with the right expectations, bring a plan for motion sickness if you need one, and dress for wet cold even with the provided overalls.

FAQ

How long is the From Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour?

The tour runs for about 7 hours total. The exact start time depends on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is large and dark grey, with blue signs and the company name/logo.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included with the tour?

Warm overalls (including children’s sizes), heated indoor seating, free on-board Wi‑Fi, and an experienced guide on both the whale watching and Northern Lights parts are included.

Do I get a chance to go again if nothing is seen?

Yes. There is a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.

What languages is the tour available in?

The live tour guide is in English. There is also an app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

What if the Northern Lights or whale sightings are affected by weather?

The experience depends on conditions, and if the Northern Lights cruise is canceled due to bad weather, it may not be rescheduled because of scheduling conflicts. In that situation, refunds have been reported as handled easily.