Iceland · Whale Watching

Reykjavík Whales & Northern Lights

5 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Combine whale watching and a Northern Lights cruise in one day
  • 02 Cruise Faxaflói bay in search of whales, dolphins and porpoises
  • 03 Enjoy free time to explore downtown Reykjavík between tours
  • 04 Sail away from the city lights for better aurora viewing conditions
  • 05 Take in winter coastal views and Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline
  • 06 Expert guidance provided on board
  • 07 Complimentary return ticket if no wildlife or auroras are seen

Experience two of Iceland’s most memorable natural wonders in one day with this Reykjavík combo tour. Begin with a classic whale watching cruise in Faxaflói bay, where you may spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises while taking in beautiful winter views from the water.

Later, enjoy free time in downtown Reykjavík before returning to the Old Harbour for an evening Northern Lights cruise. Sailing away from the city lights gives you a better chance to search for the aurora beneath a starry sky, with Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline adding to the atmosphere.

With expert guidance, comfortable onboard facilities and complimentary return tickets offered if there are no sightings on either tour, this is a great way to combine wildlife and night-sky viewing in a single experience.

Sailing away from the city lights gives you a better chance to search for the aurora beneath a starry sky, with Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline adding to the atmosphere.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Check-in

Meet us at our ticket office by the Old Harbour in Reykjavík where you will check in for the tours at least 15 min. before your whale watching tour is scheduled to depart. Do keep in mind that both tours are weather-dependent for your safety and enjoyment, so always check for updates and dress accordingly.

Classic Whale Watching (3 hours)

Start your adventure by joining the whale watching tour at the Old Harbour. Enjoy an approximately 3-hour tour in Faxaflói bay, where you can spot minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and even humpback whales. The winter landscape, illuminated by the low sun, creates breathtaking views over the horizon. If no wildlife is spotted, you'll receive a free ticket to join another tour on a different day.

Free time in Reykjavík

After your whale watching tour, you will have a few hours to explore downtown Reykjavík at your leisure. Use this time to stroll through the city center, visit local shops, or enjoy a cozy meal at one of Reykjavík's many restaurants. This break provides the perfect opportunity to relax and prepare for the evening adventure.

Northern Lights Cruise (2 hours)

Return to the Old Harbour for an evening cruise into the Southern part of Faxaflói bay. Sail away from the city lights under a vast, starry sky to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The tour is operated on most nights, where there is a chance we will see the auroras, as we know Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, and the skies can clear up within minutes. If the Northern Lights don’t appear, you’ll receive a free ticket to try again on another night.

Disembarking

Once the evening cruise is back in port, you are welcome to make your own way back to your hotel. If you have booked drop off, please get on one of our white buses that will be waiting for you outside the boat. Need a ride back to your hotel? Feel free to book a transfer by contacting a member of the crew.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 3 hr. Classic Whale Watching tour
  • 2 hr. Northern Lights Cruise
  • Excellent guidance
  • Use of overalls onboard
  • Free WiFi on board
  • Entry to Wildlife Exhibition
  • Large viewing windows
  • Heated indoor saloon
  • Cafeteria & Bar on board

What's Not Included

  • Pick up / Drop off (available at request)
  • Refreshments (can be purchased on board)

Know before you go

The total duration of the tours varies depending on tour start times you choose, but keep in mind that in between the two tours, you will have several hours of free time. Upon booking, you will receive an email with information on the exact duration and departure times for each tour.

Note that if you select hotel pick-up or drop-off, you will only be collected at your preferred meeting point before the Whale Watching tour and returned only after the Northern Lights Cruise. Extra transfers can be arranged upon request.

The tours are subject to suitable sea conditions and therefore one or both could get cancelled on short notice. We will do our best to notify you in good time in this case, but please check for updates!

While Reykjavík offers the ideal conditions for aurora viewing and whale watching, they are both highly unpredictable. If no sightings are reported on your tour(s), you will be offered a complimentary return ticket, which is valid for two years.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Reykjavík, IS
Tour start
Reykjavík, IS
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Reykjavík.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

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