Winter Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise | Combo from Reykjavik

Explore the Unique Icelandic Combo of Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruises

This winter tour from Reykjavik offers a compelling combination: a 3-hour whale watching experience in Faxafloi Bay, renowned for sightings of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, plus a 2-hour Northern Lights cruise that takes you away from city lights to hunt for the aurora borealis. Priced at $170 per person, this 5-hour outing is booked on average 32 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The tour begins in Elding Whale WatchingÆgisgarður 5c, Reykjavik, with options for pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik for an additional fee. Passengers are provided with warm overalls and blankets, ensuring comfort despite the cold weather. The sighting guarantee means that if no whales are spotted, travelers can try again for free—a reassurance for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see these majestic creatures.

While the tour is designed to maximize viewing opportunities of whales and the northern lights, visitors should be aware that food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and weather conditions can affect the Northern Lights viewing. Nonetheless, this combination offers excellent value for those wanting to experience two of Iceland’s most captivating natural phenomena in one day.

Key Points

• Two separate tours included: whale watching (3 hours) and Northern Lights cruise (2 hours)
• Sightings are guaranteed or re-try the tour for free
• Warm overalls and blankets provided for comfort throughout both excursions
• Option to book pickups and drop-offs in Reykjavik for convenience
• Tours depart from Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavik, with the activity ending back at the same point
• Most travelers can participate; children under 13 must wear life vests during the whale tour

Starting Point and Overall Tour Logistics in Reykjavik

The entire experience begins at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavik, where travelers meet for both excursions. The meeting point is easy to access, with nearby public transportation, and the maximum group size is 150 travelers, ensuring a lively yet manageable atmosphere. Optional pickup and drop-off services are available for an extra fee, making logistics simpler for visitors staying in the city.

The tour’s flexible scheduling allows confirmation upon booking, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This policy makes it easier to plan around Iceland’s unpredictable weather, which can impact the Northern Lights visibility.

The Whale Watching Experience in Faxafloi Bay

The whale watching tour departs in the afternoon and lasts approximately 3 hours. The focus is on spotting humpback and minke whales, with dolphins and porpoises often seen during the cruise. The guides are praised for their extensive knowledge of the local wildlife, offering live commentary that enhances the experience.

Guests frequently witness whales breaching and performing fluke dives, with some getting close enough to see the whales surfacing and diving in their natural habitat. One review highlights a sighting of a whale not far from the harbor, which remained visible for about an hour—an experience described as fantastic.

The vessel is equipped with warm clothing and blankets, making the cold weather more bearable. The Wildlife Exhibition included in the package provides additional insights into Icelandic marine life, adding an educational element to the trip.

While dolphins are sometimes seen, they are not guaranteed. Travelers should come prepared for cold and possibly rainy weather. The sighting guarantee ensures a free re-try if no whales are spotted during the initial tour, providing confidence for wildlife enthusiasts.

Evening Northern Lights Cruise — A Boat-Based Aurora Hunt

The Northern Lights cruise takes place in the evening, offering a 2-hour adventure away from the bright city lights. Instead of land-based viewing, the tour hugs the coast on a vessel that allows for unobstructed views of the sky, which some find to be a more immersive experience.

The guides share expert insights into the aurora borealis and Icelandic nature, helping guests understand what they’re seeing. Although sightings depend heavily on weather conditions and solar activity, some travelers report seeing a green streak of the northern lights—a truly magical spectacle.

Since the cruise is conducted on a boat, passengers are advised to dress warmly and stay flexible. The tour’s small group size and comfortable onboard environment contribute to a cozy and focused aurora hunt. If the lights do not appear, the tour provider offers a voucher for a future attempt, ensuring that visitors can return for another chance.

The Sightings Guarantee and What It Means

A standout feature of this tour is the sighting guarantee for the whale watching segment: if no whales are spotted, travelers can join the tour again free of charge. This reassurance is well-liked, especially given the unpredictability of wildlife sightings. It reflects the confidence of Elding Whale Watching in their chances of encountering marine life in Faxafloi Bay.

For the Northern Lights cruise, the unpredictable nature of aurora borealis means sightings are never guaranteed. However, guides are experienced in reading weather patterns and solar activity to increase the chances of a sighting, making the tour a reliable option for aurora enthusiasts.

Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes two distinct tours, warm clothing like overalls and blankets, and access to the Wildlife Exhibition. Photographs taken by the crew may be provided afterward, allowing guests to relive their wildlife moments.

Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard, offering snacks or hot drinks during the cruise. The pickup and drop-off service is optional and incurs an additional fee, giving guests flexibility based on their accommodation arrangements.

Customer Feedback Highlights

The reviews reveal that guides are praised for being knowledgeable and helpful, making the tours both informative and engaging. Witnessing whales breaching or dolphins swimming is described as amazing and memorable.

One traveler mentions that they were happy the Northern Lights were rescheduled, allowing them to see the aurora in an unforgettable display. Others appreciate the warm gear provided, emphasizing the importance of staying comfortable in Iceland’s winter weather.

A few reviews note the cold and rainy conditions, which can affect the overall experience, especially for the aurora viewing. The sighting guarantee and voucher system are clear advantages, offering peace of mind.

The Sum Up: A Strong Choice for Wildlife and Aurora Fans in Reykjavik

This combo tour from Reykjavik offers an efficient way to see Iceland’s marine life and the northern lights in a single day. The sighting guarantee for whales and the boat-based aurora hunt provide memorable experiences that stand out from land-only excursions.

While weather conditions can impact aurora visibility, the expert guides, warm gear, and organized logistics make this a compelling option for adventurers and wildlife lovers alike. The price of $170 for two tours adds excellent value, especially given the high quality of the experiences and the chance to see some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights.

This tour suits those who are comfortable on the water, seeking a flexible, well-organized experience, and eager to combine wildlife encounters with northern lights viewing — all in one memorable Reykjavik outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights cruise guaranteed to see the aurora borealis?
No, sightings depend on weather and solar activity, but guides have experience reading conditions to maximize chances. If the lights aren’t visible, a voucher for a future tour is offered.

Can I book the pickup and drop-off service?
Yes, pickup and drop-off can be arranged directly with the operator for an extra fee, making it easier to access the meeting point in Reykjavik.

What should I wear on the tours?
Warm overalls and blankets are provided, but it’s advisable to dress in layers and bring additional warm clothing for outdoor weather.

What wildlife is most commonly seen during the whale watching tour?
Humpback and minke whales are the primary species, with dolphins and porpoises also frequently observed.

How long is each part of the tour?
The whale watching lasts approximately 3 hours, and the Northern Lights cruise is about 2 hours.

Are children allowed to participate?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children under 13 are required to wear life vests during the whale tour.