Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise

The unusual appeal is that one booking joins two very different Icelandic outings: a daytime search for whales in Faxaflói Bay and an evening cruise away from Reykjavik’s lights. If conditions cooperate, you could see humpbacks and minke whales, then watch the Northern Lights appear over the water.

I like the chance to see marine life in its natural setting, and the practical comforts: warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, and toilets aboard. The main drawback is the long gap between cruises, and neither whales nor auroras can be promised.

Key points

• Two trips, one booking: Whale watching takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, followed by a separate 2 to 3-hour Northern Lights cruise.
• Wildlife is the main daytime draw: Possible sightings include minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.
• The schedule needs checking: The stated duration is 6 hours, but the planned five-hour break can make the full day span much longer.
• A second chance helps: A free ticket to join again is included in case there are no sightings.
• Practical comforts are covered: Warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilets, WiFi, and seasickness tablets are available.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough seas may prompt a move to another day, and bad weather can cancel the evening trip.

Two Reykjavik cruises, with a long pause between

This combo is less one continuous excursion than two sea trips with a substantial break in between. First, you head out into Faxaflói Bay to look for whales and other marine life. Later, you board again for a search for the Northern Lights.

The whale-watching portion lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. The evening cruise is listed at 2 to 3 hours, and the schedule includes a five-hour break in Reykjavik. That makes the day’s timing important: although the experience is described as six hours, the listed break plus both cruises could keep you occupied for roughly ten hours from first departure to final return.

Check the start times and exact schedule before booking, especially if you have dinner plans, a short stay in Reykjavik, or an early start the next day. The long pause may be useful if you want to rest or explore the city between trips, but it is not a quick, back-to-back combo.

Setting out from Geirsgata 11

Both cruises begin and end at Geirsgata 11, with check-in at the Special Tours office on the corner. Arrive 30 minutes before departure, as requested, rather than cutting it close. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the harbor.

That central meeting point can be handy if you’re staying nearby. One person who stayed at Center Hotels Plaza described the walk as easy, but your route will depend on where you’re based. The activity is marked wheelchair accessible, though it’s sensible to confirm any specific access needs with the operator before booking.

Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay

The daytime cruise takes you into Faxaflói Bay, where the crew searches for whales and other wildlife. Possible sightings include minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. The appeal is not just the chance of a close encounter: you also get views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik and the bay’s birdlife.

Keep your expectations flexible. Wildlife is free to move about, and no sighting is guaranteed on a particular trip. Reports of playful humpbacks, dolphins, seals, and feeding behavior show what a lucky outing can bring, but they are possibilities, not a promise.

Conditions at sea matter, too. One group was offered a move to the following day because the water was very choppy, and the change paid off with several whales. If the operator suggests rescheduling for safety or comfort, it may be worth considering if your plans allow it.

Guides who add context to the sightings

The cruise includes live English commentary from experienced guides. That matters most when the animals are not immediately visible: a good guide can keep you informed about what the crew is watching for and help you understand the wildlife you do encounter.

Several guides have been singled out for their warm, enthusiastic manner. Rebekka was described as sharing the group’s excitement over dolphins and humpbacks; Lucas and Daniel were also praised for being helpful and engaging. Your guide may be someone else, of course, but the guided format gives the outing more substance than simply watching the horizon in silence.

A sighting can be brief, so listen to instructions and keep your camera ready without letting it take over the trip. One useful reminder from a visitor: charge your phone before setting out. Cold conditions and taking lots of photos can leave you with a flat battery just when the aurora appears.

The five-hour break is part of the experience

After the whale cruise, you return to Reykjavik for a break before the evening departure. This pause is the combo’s most important practical wrinkle. It gives you time to warm up, eat, and rest, but it also means you should treat the booking as a large part of the day rather than a neat six-hour block.

Food and drinks are not included, though you can buy them onboard. Plan for a meal or snack during the break, and bring weather-appropriate clothing for both outings. The boats have heated indoor cabins and toilets, but you’ll still want layers for time outside.

If you prefer not to spend the gap in town, check the exact departure times and nearby options before booking. The tour information does not specify what to do during the break, so avoid assuming the operator provides a lounge or organized activity.

A second search for the Northern Lights

In the evening, you head back out to sea for a 2 to 3-hour search for the Northern Lights. The aim is to get away from city lights and find a suitable viewing spot. The experience is weather-dependent, and seeing the aurora is never certain, even on a dedicated cruise.

You can keep warm in the heated indoor bar or head onto the outdoor deck in the provided warm overalls. The deck gives you a chance to watch the sky directly, while the cabin offers a more comfortable place to wait between checks. Bring clothing that suits the weather either way; the overalls are a useful extra, not a substitute for dressing sensibly.

Sometimes the lights show early. One outing saw them shortly after leaving the dock, while another evening had to be cancelled because of bad weather. These contrasting outcomes capture the bargain: the sea offers a darker viewing area, but clouds and conditions still have the final say.

What happens if sightings fail

A free ticket to join again is included in case there are no sightings. That offers some reassurance, particularly if you have several nights in Reykjavik and can fit in another attempt. It is less useful if this is your only evening in town or your schedule is already full, so consider your flexibility before paying for a combo.

Bad weather can also disrupt plans. An evening Northern Lights trip has been cancelled in poor conditions, with the option in that instance to reschedule or request a refund. Confirm the operator’s current arrangements for weather cancellations, since the general free-cancellation terms apply to cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance and are a separate matter from a same-day weather decision.

The best approach is to view both activities as searches, not guaranteed performances. The free repeat ticket softens the risk of no sightings, but it cannot make the weather cooperate or create more time in a tight itinerary.

Comforts, seasickness, and what to bring

Warm flotation overalls are included, along with heated indoor cabins and toilets. WiFi is also available onboard, and complimentary seasickness tablets can be requested. If you are prone to motion sickness, the tablets are a practical option, though the information does not specify when to take them or whether they suit everyone. Ask the crew or a medical professional if you are unsure.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing, including layers you can adjust between the heated cabin and outdoor deck. A charged phone is worth prioritizing for photos, but keep enough battery for the full day and evening. Food and drink are available to purchase onboard, but they are not part of the ticket price.

Pets and smoking are not allowed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and English is the stated guide language.

Is $205 good value?

At $205 per person, this is a substantial purchase, especially in a country where outings can be costly. The value comes from combining two guided sea trips, not from a guaranteed whale encounter or aurora display. You also get flotation overalls, indoor shelter, onboard facilities, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a free return ticket if there are no sightings.

If you are keen on both wildlife and the Northern Lights, booking them together can make sense. You have one harbor meeting point and a chance to turn a day and evening into a single planned outing. But the long break means it may feel like a full-day commitment, and the two searches carry separate weather and sighting risks.

If you care mainly about whales, a standalone whale-watching trip may suit you better. If you are in Reykjavik for several nights and can be flexible, the combo’s repeat option becomes more useful. If you have only one evening and would be disappointed by cloudy skies, weigh that risk honestly before booking.

Who should book this combo

I’d consider this tour if you want both marine wildlife and a sea-based aurora search, have room in your schedule for the long pause, and can accept that nature sets the terms. The day can be memorable when conditions line up: some outings have included multiple whale species, dolphins, seals, and Northern Lights on the same date.

It’s also a good fit if you value having guides explain what you are seeing and want somewhere warm to retreat between spells on deck. Families and visitors who appreciate straightforward facilities may find the heated cabins and toilets reassuring, while anyone sensitive to rough water should take the possibility of choppy conditions seriously.

I’d look elsewhere if you want a short, tightly timed activity or cannot return on another night. Before you book, confirm the departure times and how the five-hour break affects your day. That check may matter as much as the forecast.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at Geirsgata 11 and check in at the Special Tours office on the corner. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How long are the cruises?

The whale-watching cruise lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. The Northern Lights cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours.

How much time is there between the cruises?

The schedule includes a five-hour break in Reykjavik. Check the available start times to understand the full span of your day.

Which animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke and humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Seals and other wildlife may also be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What is included to help me stay warm?

Warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins are included. You should still bring weather-appropriate clothing.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks can be purchased onboard.

What happens if there are no sightings?

A free ticket to join again is included in case of no sightings. Weather can also affect departures, so confirm the operator’s arrangements if a trip is cancelled.