From Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour

Two big Iceland moments, from the same boat.

This Reykjavík outing strings together Faxaflói Bay whale watching in the daylight and a Northern Lights cruise after dark, with the staff working to get you out past the city glow. I love how it keeps the day moving, so you’re not choosing between wildlife and the aurora. One more thing I really like is the practical winter comfort: warm overalls, heated seating, and time to roam inside or out.

The setup also means you’re not stuck in a bus all day. You’ll start near Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, cruise out during a guided whale search, then return and go back out again once the sky has a chance to deliver the lights. The main drawback to keep in mind is simple: a whale sighting and aurora sightings are never guaranteed, and winter weather can change plans (the tour does offer a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen).

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Faxaflói Bay by day and night: two cruises, one continuous adventure
• Guided wildlife spotting: watch for species like minke whales and harbor porpoises
• Warm overalls and heated indoor seating: real help in Iceland’s cold
• Northern Lights away from city light: the boat heads out just outside central Reykjavík
• Free onboard Wi‑Fi and an English live guide: stay connected while you wait for nature to perform
• Warm-bar comfort with drinks available: you can stay out on deck without abandoning heat

Reykjavík’s Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay: the whale-watching part

Your day starts at the Special Tours office by Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, a large dark-grey building marked with blue signs and the company’s logo. Plan to arrive early enough to find it without stress. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’re on your own for getting there, and if you drive, you’ll want extra time since parking isn’t available at the office.

Once you’re aboard, the tour heads out for an approximately 3-hour whale-watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay. Getting to the main spotting area takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and that transit time matters because the guide uses it to set you up for what you’re about to look for. Even if you’re not a “wildlife expert,” you get a mental checklist instead of wandering around guessing.

This is also when the scenery can do its thing. On a clear day, you may catch views that extend as far as Snæfells Glacier in the west, which adds a bonus layer to a cruise that’s already about wildlife. The bay also gives you constant “Reykjavík-from-the-water” photo opportunities while you sail out and back.

What you’re likely to see: whales, dolphins, and how to spot them

The whale-watching focus is wide enough to keep things interesting, but specific enough to help you pay attention. In Faxaflói Bay, you can look out for minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales, depending on what’s in the water that day.

What I’d emphasize for you: the guide’s job isn’t just reciting facts. A good guide helps you understand where to look and what counts as a clue. So you’re watching for surfacing patterns, movement direction, and the small “tells” that whales are near even before you get the full view.

One name that shows up often in this kind of work is guide Rebekka. When you get a guide like that, you tend to get a smoother search because the team can respond quickly when animals move. You’re not stuck staring at the same patch of ocean for an hour, and that matters in a bay where wildlife can appear, then shift locations.

And if a whale comes curious close, that’s when the whole boat goes quiet for a second and you realize you’re not just watching nature. You’re watching animals that are simply doing whale business at sea. Those are the moments you remember after the photos fade.

Winter comfort that actually helps: overalls, heated seating, and Wi‑Fi

This tour treats winter like winter, not like a cute aesthetic. You’re provided warm overalls, including children’s sizes, which is a big deal if you’re traveling with kids or if your warm clothes aren’t quite up to Iceland wind and spray.

The boat also has heated indoor seating, and you can move between inside and outside without giving up the hunt. That “switch” capability is the secret to staying comfortable enough to last through two departures in one day. You’ll likely appreciate it most when the air gets harsher later, especially once you’re out at night.

The tour also includes free onboard Wi‑Fi. That sounds like a convenience feature, but it changes how you experience the waiting. Instead of staring at your phone with no service, you can share your location, post an update, or message home while you wait for whales to surface—or for the aurora to show up later.

There’s also an app available in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese). Even if you don’t use it much, it’s a sign that the experience is designed for real-life communication, not just a one-language script.

Northern Lights cruise from the water: why the boat matters

After the whale portion, you return to the starting area and then go out again for the Northern Lights part. Expect the evening cruise to take place outside the Reykjavik city center, specifically to get you away from artificial lights. That detail is crucial: aurora viewing is partly about sky physics, but a lot is also about optical cleanliness.

Once you’re outfitted again with warm overalls, you cruise out to sea and look for the Northern Lights in the sky. In winter months, aurora sightings are the main goal, and the lights can also happen as early as September depending on conditions. Your guide and crew are essentially doing “light hunting,” trying to place the boat under better chances of seeing what’s overhead.

This is also where the ability to move around the boat pays off. You can go inside and out as needed, instead of being trapped in one cold corner. The tour experience includes time to enjoy the lights as they appear, and you can stay out longer because there’s heated indoor space when you need a reset.

And yes, drinks are available for purchase from the always-open bar. That doesn’t replace warm layers, but it can make a long aurora watching session feel less like you’re waiting and more like you’re hanging out with the weather.

How the full 7 hours plays out (and where it can feel rough)

This is a full half-day commitment: the total duration is about 7 hours, with starting times varying by availability. The “two-cruise” format is efficient, but it also means you’ll want to treat the day like a winter stamina test.

The whale cruise is around 3 hours, then you have the evening aurora cruise. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll likely spend a bit of time walking or navigating to the Old Harbour first, and you’ll want to build buffer time into your plans. Because this all ends back at the meeting point, you’ll also plan your dinner or next stop around that return time.

One thing to be honest about: the sea can be choppy in Iceland, and boat rides can feel rough even when the boat is well-maintained. If you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously before you head out. In at least one experience with this kind of tour format, sea-sickness tablets were provided beforehand, which is exactly what you want if the weather kicks up.

Even with that, you’ll be most comfortable if you dress in layers under the overalls and keep a dry mindset. The tour gives you the overalls and heated indoor seating, but you still have to manage wind, spray, and cold air once you’re outside.

Price and value: is $182 worth it for a whale-and-lights combo?

At $182 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to do Iceland’s icons. But it’s also not a bundle of “two separate things with two separate headaches.” You’re combining whale watching and an aurora cruise in one day, with warm gear, a live guide for both parts, and the boat time built into the price.

Here’s where the value comes from for you:

• You’re paying for guided whale spotting, not just sitting on a boat and hoping.
• You’re paying for an evening aurora attempt that actively uses the boat to get you away from Reykjavík’s light.
• Warm overalls and heated seating reduce the hidden cost of buying or renting extra winter gear.
• Free Wi‑Fi and an app option help you stay connected without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re short on time in Reykjavík, the biggest value is the “no extra planning” benefit. Instead of fitting together two independent tours, you’re handling one schedule and one meeting point. That matters when winter daylight is limited and you’re trying to see as much as possible without turning the trip into logistics homework.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you want nature-focused Reykjavík time without switching modes. It’s ideal for people who enjoy wildlife and can handle winter conditions, since you’ll be on deck and around open water.

It’s also a good match for families because overalls include children’s sizes. If you’re traveling with kids, warm provided gear can be the difference between a fun outing and a miserable one.

Where you should think twice is if you’re very prone to seasickness or dislike being outside for any length of time. This is a boat tour with movement, wind, and cold. You can duck inside, and heated seating is part of the deal, but you’ll still have to be comfortable enough to do some outdoor viewing when the guide calls out activity.

And one more reality check: because wildlife and aurora are nature-driven, sightings can’t be guaranteed. The good news is that the tour includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. That doesn’t erase the disappointment if you’re unlucky, but it does lower the risk if you’re on a short trip.

Should you book this whale-and-northern-lights boat tour?

I’d book it if you want the simplest, most efficient combo day in Reykjavík: whales in the daylight, aurora at night, with real winter comfort built in. If your schedule is tight and you don’t want to juggle two separate bookings, this format is exactly the kind of value that makes Iceland trips feel smooth.

I’d reconsider if motion sickness is a major issue for you, or if you’re the type who hates “wait and see” outcomes. This is a nature tour, so the sky and the sea make the final call.

If you’re unsure, pick the right mindset: you’re paying for the search effort, the expert help, the warm gear, and the chance to see two iconic sights from the best possible vantage point—open water. That’s the kind of gamble Iceland asks you to take, and this tour is built to help you take it comfortably.

FAQ

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

The tour duration is 7 hours total. Specific starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the day you’re visiting.

Where do I meet for the tour, and where does it end?

You start at the Special Tours office by Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What warm clothing and comfort items are included?

You get warm overalls (including children’s sizes), plus heated indoor seating on the boat.

Is there Wi‑Fi on board and is the tour guided?

Yes, free onboard Wi‑Fi is included. The tour has an experienced live guide, and the tour is listed as English for the live guided portion.

What happens if I don’t see whales or the Northern Lights?

The tour includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.