Iceland · Cruise & Sailing

Whale Watching & Northern lights Combo Cruise from Reykjavik

6 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Easy pace

Northern Lights and whale watching adventure from Reykjavík, Iceland

Humpback whale sighting during a Reykjavík whale watching tour

Watching the Northern Lights from a boat in Reykjavík

Humpback whale diving in Icelandic waters

Magical Northern Lights over Reykjavík and the ocean

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Combine whale watching and a Northern Lights cruise in one day
02 Search for humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises
03 Sail through Faxaflói Bay with views of Reykjavík’s mountains and islands
04 Enjoy time ashore in Reykjavík between the two cruises
05 Head away from city lights for a better chance to see the Aurora Borealis
06 Stay comfortable with warm overalls and heated indoor cabins
07 Free onboard WiFi and complimentary seasickness tablets available
08 Complimentary return ticket if no northern lights or whales are seen

Combine two of Iceland’s most memorable experiences in one day with this combo cruise from Reykjavík. Head out into Faxaflói Bay on a whale watching adventure in search of humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises, while enjoying views of the mountains, islands and bird life around the capital.

After time ashore in Reykjavík, return to the water for an evening Northern Lights cruise. Sail away from the city lights for the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis over the bay, with warm overalls, heated indoor cabins and onboard amenities helping keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

This experience is ideal for travellers who want to pair Iceland’s marine wildlife with one of its most iconic natural phenomena in a single unforgettable outing.

Keep an eye out for Humpback whales, Minke whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and other incredible marine wildlife while enjoying spectacular views of Reykjavík’s mountains, islands, and vibrant bird life.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

City Reykjavik

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Whale Watching & Northern lights Combo Cruise from Reykjavik

Check Tour Status:

Prior to arrival, please check the tour status in the Daily Diary.

Stay informed about any updates or changes.

Meeting Point:

Arrive at Special Tours ticket office, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík Old Harbour pier.

If you have selected pickup service, please be ready at your designated pickup point 60 minutes before departure.

Boarding:

For guests meeting directly, please arrive at the Special Tours ticket office 30 minutes before departure.

If using pickup service, our team will collect you from your designated pickup location.

Whale Watching Adventure:

Begin your day with an unforgettable Whale Watching tour from Reykjavík Old Harbour. Board our vessel equipped with warm overalls and relax in the heated indoor cabins as we sail into beautiful Faxaflói Bay.

Keep an eye out for Humpback whales, Minke whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and other incredible marine wildlife while enjoying spectacular views of Reykjavík’s mountains, islands, and vibrant bird life.

The Whale Watching tour lasts approximately 2.5–3.5 hours.

Break Between Tours:

After returning to Reykjavík Old Harbour, you will have time ashore to relax, explore Reykjavík, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your evening adventure.

Northern Lights Cruise:

After dark, the second part of your experience begins with a magical Northern Lights Cruise.

Sail away from the city lights and into Faxaflói Bay for the best opportunity to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.

The Northern Lights Cruise lasts approximately 2–3 hours.

Onboard Amenities:

Enjoy complimentary seasickness tablets and stay connected with free WiFi during your tours.

Return to Harbour:

Each tour concludes with a return to Reykjavík Old Harbour.

Optional:

If no whales are seen during the Whale Watching tour or the Northern Lights do not appear during the Northern Lights Cruise, you may have the opportunity to join again for free according to our tour policy.

Please note:

The itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions, sea conditions, whale sightings, and Northern Lights activity to provide the best possible experience.

Combine two of Iceland’s most unforgettable experiences in one amazing adventure — wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and natural wonders all in one unforgettable day.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2–3 hours Northern Lights viewing tour
2.5–3.5 hours Whale Watching tour
Expert and professional guides providing an informative experience
Complimentary return ticket if no northern lights or whales are seen
Warm flotation suits/overalls for comfort and safety
Heated indoor cabins with onboard restroom facilities
Free onboard WiFi
Complimentary seasickness tablets available on board

What's Not Included

Snacks and beverages, available for purchase on board and pickup service, offered at an extra charge.

Know before you go

Some of our boats are wheelchair accessible, but please contact our team in advance for more information and assistance.
Before your arrival, kindly check the tour status on our homepage in the Daily Diary.
Please meet us directly at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik Old Harbour pier, 30 minutes before departure.
Whale Watching Adventure:
Begin your day with an unforgettable Whale Watching tour from Reykjavík Old Harbour. Board our vessel equipped with warm overalls and relax in the heated indoor cabins as we sail into beautiful Faxaflói Bay.
Keep an eye out for Humpback whales, Minke whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and other incredible marine wildlife while enjoying spectacular views of Reykjavík’s mountains, islands, and vibrant bird life.
The Whale Watching tour lasts approximately 2.5–3.5 hours.
Break Between Tours:
After returning to Reykjavík Old Harbour, you will have time ashore to relax, explore Reykjavík, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your evening adventure.
Northern Lights Cruise:
After dark, the second part of your experience begins with a magical Northern Lights Cruise.
Sail away from the city lights and into Faxaflói Bay for the best opportunity to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis dancing across the Arctic sky.
The Northern Lights Cruise lasts approximately 2–3 hours.