Can I do both whale watching and Northern Lights on the same day?

Yes, you can combine both tours in a single day, or split them across different dates depending on your schedule and preferences.

How long is the whale watching tour and how far do we travel?

The whale watching tour lasts approximately 3 hours total. It takes 30–45 minutes to reach the whale grounds from Reykjavík's old harbour; the guide provides historical commentary and wildlife facts during the crossing.

What whales and marine animals might we see?

Common sightings include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Humpback whales appear occasionally. Actual sightings depend on seasonal migration patterns and sea conditions.

Are Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Aurora sightings are weather-dependent and never guaranteed. This is an aurora hunt with experienced guides who use local knowledge and forecasts to maximize your chances, but clear skies and geomagnetic activity are required.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear waterproof jackets, heavy thermal layers, warm hat, insulated gloves, and thermal underwear. Sea exposure is significant, and winter temperatures in Iceland are cold and windy. Bring a camera if you plan to photograph wildlife or auroras.

When do these tours operate?

Whale watching operates year-round during winter months. Northern Lights tours run September through March, with the longest dark hours and best aurora potential in winter (November–January).

Top Deal1 / 10

Top Deal

1 / 10

Whales & Auroras

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Whale WatchingBoat ToursNature Tours

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Combine Iceland's most iconic winter experiences—whale watching and Northern Lights hunting—in a single day or split across multiple days to suit your schedule. This 6-hour combo departs from Reykjavík's historic old harbour, taking you to sea for close encounters with Arctic marine life and, weather permitting, the dancing aurora borealis.

We offer you Iceland´s favorites combo - whale watching & northern lights package! You can join both tours on the same day, or split them up between days - whatever is convenient for you! Whale Watching: We sail out for whale watching all winter long and the tour takes about 3 hours, departing from the old harbour in Reykjavik. You will see the city from the seaside, perfect for photography and the surrounding areas, mountains are beautiful. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to Snæfells-glacier in the west of Iceland. It takes us about 30-45 minutes to reach the whale watching grounds and on the way your guide on board will tell you all about the history of the area, facts, stories and answer any questions you might have. When we reach the whale watching grounds you will hear more about the whales and help the guide spot them out, they can come close to the boat or be further away and usually we see one of these, or sometimes all; Minke Whales, White-Beaked Dolphins, Harbour Porpoises and the great Humpback Whale from time to time. Northern Lights: In the winter months, and even as early as September, the most magical displays of auroras will often appear in the skies of Iceland! We will take you out on sea, just outside Reykjavik city, away from the lights so that you can enjoy every moment of it. This is a hunt for the Northern Lights, and the sightings can never be guaranteed - but after years of experience and with a little luck we try our very best to give our passengers get the best possible chance and we put great effort into making the on board experience unique and memorable! The night sky and is beautiful as well as seeing the city lights from sea, and on the boat you can roam around, inside our outside as you please - and the bar is always open! We offer our passengers warm overalls for the tour and this has proven to be very popular and quite necessary in the winter months!

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

Highlights

✓3-hour whale watching voyage with expert guides narrating Arctic wildlife and regional history
✓Spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
✓Panoramic views of Reykjavík coastline and distant Snæfells glacier from the water
✓Northern Lights hunt on open sea, away from city light pollution
✓Flexible booking: combine both tours same day or split across separate dates

Insider tips

★Winter months (September–March) offer the best Northern Lights odds; aurora sightings are never guaranteed, so manage expectations and dress extremely warmly
★The 30–45 minute journey to whale grounds doubles as a scenic photo opportunity—position yourself on deck early for optimal light and angles
★Ask your guide about local maritime history and whale behaviour during the crossing; their storytelling enhances the experience significantly
★If aurora hunting, check weather forecasts before booking; clear skies are essential, so flexible dates improve your chances

Good to know

•Departures from Reykjavík's old harbour; allow time to reach the waterfront meeting point
•Whale watching operates year-round in winter; Northern Lights tours run September–March, weather dependent
•Bring waterproof jacket, warm layers, hat, gloves, and thermal underwear; boat exposure to wind and sea spray is significant
•Tours accommodate mixed-ability guests on stable vessel platforms; confirm accessibility needs when booking if required
•Northern Lights sightings are weather-dependent and never guaranteed—this is an aurora hunt, not a guaranteed display

Who it's for

Winter adventure seekers wanting to maximize Arctic experiences in one tripPhotography enthusiasts capturing marine wildlife and celestial phenomenaNorthern Lights chasers combining sightings with active daytime activitiesCouples and small groups seeking romantic, once-in-a-lifetime moments at sea

Best time to visit

Winter months September through March offer the longest dark hours and highest Northern Lights probability. Whale watching runs throughout winter, though spring and summer are calmer sea conditions; aim for clear, cloudless nights for aurora visibility, and check Icelandic Met Office forecasts before departing.