Guided Tours

Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise Combo

Duration

5 hrs

Open today

9:00am - 8:30pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Experience two of Iceland’s signature adventures in one day: a 3-hour whale watching tour and a 2-hour Northern Lights & City Cruise, all at a discounted combo price.

Spot humpback whales, harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and winter seabirds in Faxaflói Bay, guided by an expert marine biologist naturalist.

Enjoy a break between tours to explore Reykjavík or grab dinner before heading back out for an evening cruise beneath the aurora-lit sky.

Stay warm with heated indoor spaces, panoramic viewing decks, and complimentary overalls, with free WiFi available on board.

3-hour whale watching tour

2-hour Northern Lights cruise

Entry to Wildlife Exhibition

Excellent guidance

Use of overalls onboard

Free Wi-Fi on board

Large viewing windows

Heated indoor saloon

Cafeteria & bar on board

Pick up & drop off available at request

Refreshments (can be purchased on board)

TOTAL DURATION5 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Ægisgarður
Get direction
1. Faxafloi Bay
Whale watching
You’ll spend around three hours exploring Faxaflói Bay, watching humpbacks breach, porpoises glide past the boat, and dolphins break the surface.
2. Return to Old Harbour
Free time to explore
3. Faxafloi Bay
Scenic views

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

119 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
49
43
25
2
0
What our guests say
Nov 2025
Just got back from the combo whale watching and northern lights trip and honestly, I’m still BUZZING. Went with my partner (who gets seasick but did fine, thanks to the ginger biscuits they give out!). Saw two whales up close, like literally you could hear them breathe. Crew was suuuper friendly, even offered to lend us extra gloves. Lights were a bit shy at first but then—boom—green streaks all over the sky. Boat has indoor heated seating, so you don’t freeze ur butt off. If you’re on the fence, just go for it.
Nov 2025
We did this trip as a family of four. Mixed feelings tbh. Whale bit was cool (saw a minke whale and dolphins) but the northern lights didn’t show up at all. Staff kept spirits up with stories and hot chocolate, which helped. Bit crowded on deck when the whale appeared, so hard to get good pics. Still, the kids loved it. Would prob do only whale watching next time.
Oct 2025
Went solo because I didn’t wanna miss out and not many people wanted to go out in the cold lol. The boat was cooool, tons of space inside and out. I did get a bit cold so def layer up. Saw a whale tail slap and some seals lying on rocks. Didn’t see the lights, but they gave us a voucher to come back another night, which is nice I guess. Staff was super chill, answered all my questions.
Oct 2025
If you’re even THINKING about doing this, just do it. Went with my sister and we both freaked out when the whale breached right by the boat. The guides were hilarious and knew sooo much about everything (like, did you know whales have fingerprints? Wild). Hot drinks on board and they let you borrow warm overalls if you want. The northern lights were weak at first but then totally EPIC for like 20 mins. 10/10 would freeze again.
Oct 2025
My wife and I did this as part of our honeymoon. Boat is pretty comfy, staff just as friendly as the reviews say. Saw one humpback, lots of birds. Northern lights weren’t very strong but still cool to see. Only downside: felt a bit rushed between trips. Still a great memory.

What to bring

Iceland’s weather shifts quickly, so layer up and bring a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes—especially since you’ll be outdoors before, between, and during both cruises.

If you need extra warmth, thermal overalls are available on board and free to borrow.

What’s not allowed

Only registered service animals are allowed; pets cannot join this tour.

Outside snacks or drinks aren’t permitted on board.

Smoking is strictly forbidden inside the vessel.

Accessibility

This combo experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for guests with limited mobility.

Additional information

The total tour duration depends on the departure times you select. You’ll have a few hours of free time between the whale watching cruise and the Northern Lights sailing. Your confirmation email will outline the exact schedule.

Hotel transfers are optional. If added, you’ll be picked up only before the whale watching tour and dropped off only after the Northern Lights cruise. Additional transfers can be arranged on request.

Both sailings run only in safe sea conditions, and last-minute cancellations can occur. The team will notify you whenever possible, and it’s recommended to check the operator’s website for updates on the day of your tour.

Wildlife and aurora sightings can never be guaranteed. If your tour happens to be a “no-sighting day,” you’ll receive a complimentary return ticket valid for two years.

Onboard amenities include heated seating areas, large viewing windows, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a café/bar where you can purchase refreshments.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.