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

Yes—the tour is designed to be flexible. You can book both activities on the same day (whale watching in daytime, aurora hunt in evening/night) or split them across separate days based on your schedule and preferences.

What types of whales and marine animals might I see?

Common sightings include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Humpback whales appear periodically. Actual sightings vary by season, location, and animal migration patterns.

Are Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?

No—Northern Lights sightings depend entirely on atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity. The operator uses years of experience and forecasting to maximize chances, but aurora displays cannot be promised.

How long is the journey to the whale watching grounds?

The boat departs from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and takes approximately 30–45 minutes to reach the whale watching zone. During the journey, the guide provides historical and educational commentary.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring waterproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves, hat, and warm socks. A camera or smartphone with a full battery is recommended for photography. The tours operate in winter conditions, so dressing warmly is essential.

When is the best time to book this activity?

Whale watching runs all winter; Northern Lights are typically visible September–April with peak activity November–February during the longest, darkest nights. Book at least a few days in advance to secure availability.

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Whales & Auroras

(3)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Whale WatchingBoat ToursNature Tours

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About this activity

Combine Iceland's two most iconic winter experiences—whale watching and Northern Lights hunting—in a flexible 6-hour package departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Book both tours on the same day or spread them across separate days to maximize your chances of encountering Arctic wildlife and celestial displays.

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 cruise with expert guide narration on regional history and marine life
✓Spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
✓Panoramic views of Reykjavík's coastline, mountains, and Snæfells glacier (weather permitting)
✓Northern Lights aurora hunt from the sea, away from city light pollution
✓Flexible itinerary—combine tours in one day or split across multiple days

Insider tips

★Book the whale watching tour first thing in the day, then the Northern Lights hunt at night—this maximizes aurora visibility after darker hours arrive (late afternoon/evening in winter)
★Check weather forecasts before booking; clear, dark skies are essential for both activities, especially aurora viewing
★Dress in waterproof, thermal layers even on 'mild' Icelandic days—wind on the water significantly increases perceived cold
★Arrive early at Old Harbour to secure deck spots with better sightlines for photography

Good to know

•Winter operation: whale watching runs all winter; Northern Lights visible from September through early spring depending on solar activity and weather
•Travel time to whale grounds: 30–45 minutes by sea from Old Harbour
•Northern Lights are never guaranteed—sightings depend on atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity
•Bring warm waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, and thermal layers; bring camera/phone with good battery life for night photography
•Tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour; exact meeting point and check-in time confirmed upon booking

Who it's for

Nature and wildlife photographers seeking Arctic fauna and sky phenomenaCouples and families wanting a signature Icelandic winter adventureSolo travellers comfortable on small group boat tours with flexible schedulingTravellers with limited Iceland time who want to maximize sightings in one flexible package

Best time to visit

November through February offers the longest, darkest nights for Northern Lights hunting; September and early spring (March–April) can also produce auroras with shorter wait times. Whale watching is active all winter, though January–March typically sees higher marine life activity due to feeding patterns.