Whales by day, auroras by night. This Reykjavik combo tour strings together a daytime search for wildlife in Faxaflói Bay and an evening cruise where you chase the Northern Lights from darker waters. I love that the ship setup includes heated indoor seating and warm overalls, so you’re not just toughing it out in cold wind.

My other favorite is the way the guides and crew help you make sense of what you’re seeing. Expect close-up efforts to spot species like minke whales, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and even humpbacks, with an experienced guide talking you through the sea. One drawback to plan for: the aurora part depends on conditions, and weather can throw a wrench into the night cruise.

Key points before you go

• Two boat adventures in one day: whales in the bay, then Northern Lights from the water
• Warm overalls + heated seating: comfort matters when you’re standing around for sightings
• Species-focused guiding: you’re coached on what to look for, not just hoping for luck
• Night cruise away from city glow: better odds when artificial light is reduced
• Free retry if nothing is seen: a nice safety net for a “wildlife depends” activity

Faxaflói Bay by day: what the whale cruise really gives you

This tour is built around a straightforward idea that works in Iceland: do the wildlife part when the sky is clear and visibility is best, then switch gears at night for the lights. In the day, you cruise out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and head toward the Faxaflói Bay whale-watching area.

The timing is part of the value. You’re on the water for about three hours of whale watching, and you don’t rush straight to the search zone. There’s roughly 30–45 minutes of travel where the guide fills you in and helps you get oriented—so when you reach the area, you already know what you’re looking for. On a clear day, you may even get wide views that stretch toward Snæfells Glacier to the west.

What I like here is that this isn’t just a boat ride with a lecture. You’re actively in the right place at the right time, and the crew’s job is to keep adjusting when the water and whales move. One practical tip: be ready to move your attention quickly—from skyline views back to the water—because whales can appear fast and then disappear again.

Reykjavik Old Harbour check-in and getting ready for the cold

You’ll meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is described as large and dark grey, with blue signs and the company’s name and logo, so it’s not meant to be a scavenger hunt—still, arrive a touch early so you’re not juggling cold air and luggage.

There’s no hotel pickup. That’s common for Reykjavík, but it also means you should plan a clean, no-stress trip from wherever you’re staying to the Old Harbour. If you’re driving, you’ll want extra time to park nearby since parking isn’t available at their premises.

On the ship, warmth is handled in a sensible way. You get warm overalls (including children’s sizes) plus heated indoor seating. That matters because whale watching and aurora chasing both involve waiting—sometimes for long stretches—while you look for movement on the horizon.

What you’re likely to spot: minke, humpback, dolphins, and porpoises

The whale-watching portion focuses on real, specific targets. You might see minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Humpback whales are also on the watch list, and those can be an especially exciting sight if you’re lucky enough for one to pass through.

Here’s why that focus is valuable for you. In Iceland, whales aren’t in a theme-park grid. They show up when they want. A good guide helps you interpret what you’re seeing: spouts at a distance, surfacing timing, and the general behavior that suggests you’re close.

Even if you’re not a whale expert, you’re not left guessing. The tour format uses an experienced guide, and the crew’s approach is designed to bring you into the right area. One of the most praised parts of this experience is how the guide can point out whale positions clearly, so you spend less time staring and more time actually tracking.

The evening switch: Northern Lights from the water, not just from shore

After the daytime cruise, the tour shifts into the aurora phase. You’ll return to the boat, get into your warm gear, and head out again—this time just outside Reykjavík city center.

That detail is more important than it sounds. Northern Lights work best when you reduce artificial light. A night cruise like this helps you get away from the glow that can wash out the sky, and you’re higher than shore-level distractions, so you get a cleaner look in many conditions.

You’re also not locked into one spot. The tour experience includes time where you can move around the boat both inside and outside. That flexibility is handy because sometimes the lights are subtle and you want to step out for darker views, and other times you’ll want to duck back inside when wind picks up.

When can you see the Northern Lights? The tour states you can see them throughout the winter months, with possibilities even as early as September. The honest takeaway: the lights are not guaranteed. But getting on the water does improve your odds compared with a fixed point under city lighting.

Warmth, Wi‑Fi, and the little comfort wins that matter

This tour includes a handful of practical perks that make a long day feel more manageable.

• Heated indoor seating keeps you from going numb during slower stretches
• Warm overalls mean you’re not constantly layering, then re-layering when you get wet
• Free on-board Wi‑Fi lets you share what you’re seeing in real time
• There’s also an always-open bar, so you can grab a drink while you wait for either whales or aurora moments

There’s also a helpful app available in multiple languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Even if you don’t use it constantly, it can be nice for context while you’re out there.

One more comfort note worth taking seriously: the sea can get choppy. At least one experience described the ride as a bit rough. In cases like that, it helps that the operator can provide sea-sickness support before you head out (sea-sickness tablets were mentioned in one instance). If you’re sensitive to motion, plan ahead and consider bringing your own remedy too.

Price and value: is $182 a good deal for whales plus auroras?

At $182 per person, you’re paying for a rare Iceland combo: one guided whale cruise plus a second nighttime aurora cruise, all tied into a single long day. You’re not just buying two activities—you’re also buying the “comfort layer” (overalls, heated seating), plus live guidance for both parts.

What pushes the value up is the inclusion list. You get an experienced guide for both the day and night segments, and you get gear that makes the cold easier to handle. You also get a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen. Wildlife and auroras are weather-dependent, so having a built-in retry option is a meaningful part of the deal.

One caution on value: hotel pickup isn’t included. If you have to budget extra time or transport to reach the Old Harbour, that’s worth factoring in. Still, for many people staying in Reykjavík, the location is convenient enough that the logistics stay manageable.

Also remember: starting times vary. Since it’s about a 7-hour total outing, your day plan needs room for the timing of your departure. If your evening is already packed, you may want to avoid scheduling something right after—especially when aurora conditions can affect the schedule.

Who this tour suits best (and who might prefer a simpler plan)

This tour is best for you if you want maximum Iceland in one day without hopping between separate operators. You get whales in the bay during daylight, then the aurora attempt at night, and the crew and guides are set up for both.

It’s also a strong fit if you don’t want to play logistics roulette. The tour provides warm gear, indoor warmth, and experienced guidance—so you can focus on the experience rather than coordinating gear and timing.

On the other hand, it may not be ideal if you want total control over the night. Since the Northern Lights portion depends on weather and conditions, you might not get the outcome you’re hoping for on a specific evening. You’re still on a ship, still having a seaworthy adventure, but the aurora part can’t be forced.

Potential downsides: rough water and aurora uncertainty

Let’s talk about what can go wrong, because Iceland weather is not polite.

First: the sea ride can be rough. Even with warm gear, cold wind plus rocking motion can test your comfort. If you’re prone to seasickness, take it seriously—consider motion meds ahead of time and dress for both warmth and wet spray.

Second: the Northern Lights segment can be affected by bad weather. There was an example of the aurora boat tour being cancelled due to weather conditions. In that case, rescheduling was not possible because of scheduling conflicts, even though the refund process was described as easy. The practical takeaway for you is simple: build your Reykjavík schedule with flexibility on the day you book this.

Third: wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tour includes a free retry ticket if nothing is seen, which helps. Still, you should go in with the right mindset: you’re chasing nature, and nature makes the rules.

Should you book the Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a high-effort, guided day that combines two of Iceland’s biggest “wow” targets—whales and auroras—without spending extra time planning separate outings. The heated seating, warm overalls, free on-board Wi‑Fi, and a guide who helps you track real whale species make it feel prepared rather than hopeful.

Skip it or consider a backup plan if you’re extremely sea-sensitive, or if your schedule is too tight for a possible aurora change. Since the lights depend on conditions, you’ll get the best experience if you’re comfortable with the idea that this is a natural-world gamble.

If you’re okay with that—and you want one strong boat day in Reykjavík—this combo tour is a solid way to do it.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Whales and Northern Lights boat tour?

The tour duration is 7 hours total. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for the time that fits your plans.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is described as large and dark grey, with blue signs showing the office name and logo. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included for comfort on the boat?

Warm overalls are included (including children’s sizes), along with heated indoor seating. The tour also includes free on-board Wi‑Fi.

What whale species might I see in Faxaflói Bay?

The tour mentions minke whales, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and the great humpback whale.

When can you see the Northern Lights on this tour?

Northern Lights may be seen throughout the winter months depending on conditions, and it’s even possible as early as September.

Is there a live guide?

Yes. The tour includes an experienced live guide on both tours, and live guide language listed is English.

What languages are available on the tour app?

The app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.