What whales and marine animals will I see?

The tour most commonly encounters humpback whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and minke whales. Seabird sightings are also frequent. Specific species vary by season and daily conditions; marine biologists provide real-time identification and ecological context.

Are Northern Lights guaranteed on the evening cruise?

No. Aurora visibility depends on clear skies, minimal cloud cover, and active solar activity. The tour maximizes your chances by sailing into darker waters away from city light pollution, but displays are never assured. Many operators offer rescheduling options if clouds obscure the sky.

What time do I need to be at Old Harbour, and how long is the full experience?

Arrive 15–20 minutes before your chosen whale-watching departure (09:00, 13:00, or 17:00). The whale tour lasts 3 hours. You'll have free time to explore Reykjavík and dine before returning for the Northern Lights cruise (21:00 or 22:00, ~2 hours). Total commitment: approximately 5 hours of active touring plus your dinner break.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear thermal underlayers, a waterproof insulated jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. Bring sunscreen for daytime whale watching (reflection off water) and a camera with a sturdy tripod for aurora photography. Heated cabin seating is available on both tours. Motion sickness medication is optional but recommended for sensitive travellers.

Can I book just the whale watching or just the Northern Lights cruise separately?

Yes, both tours are available individually, but this combo package offers a discounted rate compared to separate bookings. Confirm current pricing and availability on the tour calendar.

Are meals or refreshments included?

Meals are not included. Between the whale-watching and Northern Lights cruises, you have time to explore Reykjavík's city centre and enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurant. Hot beverages may be available for purchase onboard; confirm with the operator.

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Reykjavík Whales & Northern Lights

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Whale WatchingSightseeing ToursCity Breaks

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About this activity

Combine Iceland's two most iconic natural spectacles in a single day: a 3-hour morning or afternoon whale-watching expedition in Faxaflói Bay, followed by an evening Northern Lights cruise departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. This bundled tour maximizes your chances of spotting humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises alongside the elusive aurora borealis, all guided by marine biologists.

Book this combo tour and enjoy a Classic Whale Watching tour and Northern Lights Cruise at a discounted rate. This package is the perfect way to experience Iceland’s stunning wildlife and natural wonders - all in one day!

Start your day with a 3 hr. whale watching tour at 09:00, 13:00 or 17:00 (see calendar for availability), departing from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Our expert marine biologist naturalist will guide you through sightings and share fascinating insights about the marine life in Faxaflói bay. During this time of year, we see many seabirds, and the most commonly spotted species include humpback whales and harbour porpoises, in addition to white-beaked dolphins and minke whales. The various wildlife against the winter-lit landscape surrounding the bay makes for a breathtaking experience!

After the incredible marine adventure, you'll have time to explore Reykjavík’s city centre and enjoy a lovely dinner before returning to the harbour for the next part of your journey.

Starting at 21:00 or 22:00 (depending on the season), we set sail again for an approximately 2 hr. Northern Lights & City Cruise into the southern part of Faxaflói bay. As we depart the harbour, enjoy views of Reykjavík’s glittering shoreline and illuminated landmarks, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church. When the Imagine Peace Tower is lit, we sail by to admire its radiant beam before turning our gaze to the northern skies in search of the auroras. Watching the vast, starry sky from the sea is an unforgettable experience, and with Iceland’s unpredictable weather, we aim to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights by operating the tour whenever conditions allow.

Highlights

✓3-hour whale watching tour with expert marine biologist narration
✓High probability of humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and harbour porpoises
✓Evening Northern Lights cruise with views of Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church
✓Passage by the illuminated Imagine Peace Tower en route to aurora viewing
✓Flexible departure times (whale tours at 09:00, 13:00, or 17:00; lights cruises at 21:00 or 22:00)
✓Discounted combo rate vs. booking tours separately

Insider tips

★Book the afternoon whale tour (17:00) to maximize daylight for photography, then rest before the late-night lights cruise
★Layer clothing heavily for evening northern lights cruises—the bay exposure amplifies cold, even in heated cabins
★Check real-time aurora forecasts on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website the night before; cloud cover often blocks visibility
★Arrive early at Old Harbour to secure outdoor deck spots on the lights cruise for unobstructed sky viewing

Good to know

•Whale-watching tour duration: 3 hours; Northern Lights cruise: approximately 2 hours. Total day commitment is ~5 hours active time plus meal break in between.
•All tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour; no additional transfers required
•Availability varies by season; check calendar for your preferred whale-watching departure time
•Warm waterproof jackets, gloves, and thermal underlayers essential; heated cabin seating available on both tours
•Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed due to weather and solar activity; clear skies and aurora activity required

Who it's for

First-time Iceland visitors seeking wildlife and natural phenomena in one itineraryAurora hunters willing to combine daytime activity with evening aurora chasingNature photographers valuing expert guidance and multiple sighting opportunitiesCouples and small groups looking for memorable combination experiences

Best time to visit

September to March offers the longest night hours critical for Northern Lights visibility, though whale sightings peak year-round with humpbacks most frequent in winter. Book during new moon phases (minimal light pollution) and check weather forecasts 24–48 hours ahead for clear skies.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Grace J.

Feb 2026

our guide Marco really knew their stuff and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight ... Went last tuesday so it wasnt too busy. Over easter break, and handy if youre short on time, and 6 stops in about 3 hours. Would book again no question, no joke

Toni S.

May 2025

our guide Pedro sorted everything for us and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. Did it on our first morning so it wasnt too busy. Ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and ran the full 4 hours promised, and good as a half-day option, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question.

Carlos D.

Mar 2025

our guide Luca sorted everything for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and used it for our summer trip.

from€175.53/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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