Two Iceland dreams, one boat ride. I love the whale-spotting focus in Faxaflói Bay, and I like that the evening Northern Lights viewing comes with serious warmth and comfort, not just hope. This is a practical way to pack two big natural shows into one day, with an experienced guide steering you toward the action.

One thing to think about up front is the weather. You cannot control clouds and wind, and if conditions turn rough, you may end up with a changed experience even though the tour is set up to try again when possible.

Key things to know before you board

• Faxaflói Bay in daylight and at night, so you get two completely different Iceland vibes from the same water route
• Warm overalls and heated indoor seating, plus children’s sizes included, which matters once evening air hits
• Guides actively help you spot wildlife, including minke whales, harbor porpoises, and the possibility of humpbacks
• Northern Lights hunting from the water, away from city lights, with space to move inside and outside
• Free on-board Wi-Fi, so you can share photos while you are still on the boat

Why This Reykjavik Whales-and-Auroras Combo Makes Sense

If you only have a few days in Reykjavik, this combo tour is a smart use of time. You start with a whale-watching cruise that also gives you scenic sailing views, then you return for a dark-sky night cruise to chase the aurora.

The value is not just that it bundles two themes. It is that the tour keeps you moving through the day the way Iceland really works, light shifting, conditions changing, and your best chance improving when you are on the water instead of stuck on land. You also get an experienced guide for both parts, which helps you understand what you are seeing instead of just scanning for movement.

The downside is the nature of the product. Whale sightings and Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, and the biggest wildcard is weather, which can affect what the captain can safely do.

Daytime Whale Watching Out of Old Harbour

You meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is large and dark grey, and the office is marked with blue signs showing the company name and logo. If you drive, plan for about an extra 15 minutes to park nearby, since parking is not available at their premises.

The day segment runs roughly three hours on the water for whale watching, after you depart Old Harbour. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the main whale-watching area, and that travel time is not wasted. Your guide uses the cruise time to set up what you should look for and where.

On a clear day, the scenery can reach far, with views that may extend as west as Snæfells Glacier. Even if you are focused on wildlife, this is one of those cruises where the route itself is part of the payoff, with mountains and the city sliding past as you head out.

What Wildlife to Spot in Faxaflói Bay (and How the Crew Helps)

Faxaflói Bay is the star. This tour is designed for you to actively search for whales, not just sit and hope.

Your guide will help you spot species such as minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. The route can also include the chance of a great humpback whale, and some sightings can get close enough that you notice the movement before you see the blow.

I like that the operation is run like a hunt, not a sightseeing stroll. In real terms, that means the captain and crew watch the water and respond to what is happening, and your guide calls out what is likely in the moment. One guide experience highlighted how a guide like Rebekka can flag where whales surface, which makes scanning faster and less tiring.

Also, don’t ignore the smaller details. You might spot wildlife first as motion near the surface or as changes in how the water behaves, and then the full shape appears. Having a guide give you that timing is exactly what turns a normal boat ride into a real wildlife encounter.

Evening Northern Lights Cruise: How to Improve Your Odds

After the whale cruise, you return for the Northern Lights part in the evening. You get outfitted in warm overalls again for the night, then head out onto the bay just outside the Reykjavik city center.

The key advantage here is light control. Being farther from artificial lights makes the aurora easier to see, and it is part of why getting out on the water matters. On dark nights, you can often see the lights throughout the winter months, and the tour notes they can even appear as early as September, depending on conditions.

What makes this segment comfortable is that you are not stuck indoors the whole time. You can move around the boat, including outside, so you can chase the best viewing angle and change with the sky. When the lights are active, that flexibility pays off.

There is also an always-open bar, so you can grab a warm drink or something stronger while you watch. It is not the main reason to go, but it helps you stay relaxed when you are waiting for the sky to deliver.

Warm Overalls, Heated Seating, and Free Wi-Fi That Actually Helps

This is one of the tours where the included gear is not an afterthought. Warm overalls are provided, including children’s sizes, and there is heated indoor seating on board. That combination matters because Iceland weather can swing fast, and night cruises can feel colder than you expect once you are on open water.

Here’s the practical move: dress in layers under the overalls if you run cold, and keep your gloves and hat handy. Even with overalls, the wind off the water can make your hands and face feel it first, and you will want full comfort if you are outside taking photos.

The tour also includes free WiFi on board. That is genuinely useful in the moment, since you can send a photo or message while the memory is still fresh. It is also helpful for basic trip planning on your phone between sightings, without hunting for signal later.

For languages, your live guide operates in English, and the tour includes an app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. That means you have a second layer of explanation if you want it during the day or while you are waiting at night.

Price and Practical Value for a 7-Hour Day

At $182 per person, this is not a budget activity. But it is also not just one cruise. You are paying for a full-day experience that combines whale watching and Northern Lights viewing, with warm gear, a guide for both sections, and on-board comfort features that reduce friction.

The big value driver is the time efficiency. Instead of splitting whales and aurora into separate tours on separate days, you get a single 7-hour block where the day’s wildlife search naturally transitions into night-sky viewing. If your Iceland schedule is tight, that saves you money indirectly by reducing the need for extra logistics and extra time away from other plans.

You also get a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. That does not erase the reality that sightings depend on nature, but it is a meaningful support mechanism that adds trust to the experience.

One more practical note: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you need to plan how you get to and from Old Harbour. If you are already staying nearby, this becomes easier, and the overall cost feels more justified.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and the Most Likely Headaches

Iceland boat days can be rough, even when everything is working as planned. One real caution from the experience is that the boat ride can feel choppy, and sea sickness can be an issue for some people. The good news is that sea sickness tablets may be provided beforehand, so it’s worth asking or paying attention when you check in.

Cold and wet are also real factors. Overalls help a lot, but you still want to pack a mindset that night air plus wind is not the same as sitting indoors. Bring the warmest layer you can tolerate, and avoid bulky clothing that prevents the overalls from fitting well.

The other major wildcard is Northern Lights visibility. The tour promises the chase, not certainty. You will be in the right general environment, away from city lights, and you can move around the boat, but cloud cover and wind can still limit what you see.

If the aurora portion gets canceled due to weather, it is a risk you should consider when deciding whether you have flexible plans. The tour includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen, and some situations can be handled with refunds, but you should still build your day assuming conditions might change.

Should You Book This Tour?

I think you should book this if you want a high-effort, guided day that targets two top Iceland experiences in one go. It is especially appealing when you value comfort and want gear included, because the warm overalls and heated seating make a big difference on night cruises.

You should also book it if you prefer active guidance. The best whale-watching moments tend to happen when someone helps you read the water, not when you blindly stare into the distance. With a strong captain and guide team, you spend less time guessing and more time watching.

Skip it or choose a different option if you know you are very sensitive to rough water or you cannot handle the possibility of weather affecting the aurora segment. This tour is built for the sea and the sky, and neither is predictable.

If your goal is to maximize Reykjavik time with real nature moments, this one is a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 7 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Where do I meet for the Reykjavik tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The office is in a large dark grey building with blue signs showing the company name and logo. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What wildlife can I look for during the whale watching cruise?

You may see minke whales, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and there is also a chance of a great humpback whale.

What should I wear, and is anything provided?

Warm overalls are provided, including children’s sizes. There is also heated indoor seating on board.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. The boat offers free on-board Wi-Fi, and you can also purchase drinks from the always-open bar.