Winter Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise | Combo from Reykjavik

Travelers heading to Reykjavik during the winter months often seek out the iconic natural spectacles Iceland is known for. This combined tour offers a unique chance to see migratory whales in Faxafloi Bay and chase the elusive Northern Lights, all in one memorable day. Curated by Elding Whale Watching, this package offers two distinct adventures that highlight the best of Iceland’s wildlife and celestial displays.

What we really love about this experience is the value-packed combination—you get the thrill of whale sightings paired with a magical night under the aurora, all for a reasonable price of $170.00. However, it’s worth noting that the weather can be unpredictable, which might lead to rescheduling or cancellations, especially for the Northern Lights cruise. This tour suits those eager for authentic encounters with nature, especially travelers who enjoy a mix of wildlife and night sky magic with a flexible attitude.

Key Points

• Sighting Guarantee: If you don’t see whales or the Northern Lights, you can try again for free.
• Expert Guidance: Guides provide insightful commentary about marine life and auroras, enriching your experience.
• Comfort and Warmth: Warm overalls and blankets are included, essential for Iceland’s chilly winter weather.
• Flexible Options: Pickup and drop-off can be arranged, adding convenience to your day.
• Authentic Encounters: The tours focus on real wildlife sightings and celestial phenomena, not staged or overly commercialized moments.
• Ideal for Nature Lovers: Perfect for travelers who enjoy genuine outdoor adventures with a chance to see Iceland’s iconic wildlife and sky.

An In-Depth Look at This Winter Combo Tour

Starting Point and Group Size

Your adventure begins at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, where you’ll meet your crew from Elding Whale Watching. The group size is capped at 150 travelers, striking a good balance between a lively atmosphere and a manageable experience. If you prefer to avoid hauling your own gear through the cold, options for pickup and drop-off are available with an extra fee, making the logistics smoother.

The Whale Watching Experience

The afternoon whale watching trip lasts about 3 hours, taking you into Faxafloi Bay—a prime location for spotting humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The reviews speak volumes about the quality of the sightings: one traveler described the experience as “fantastic to see whales breaching and do fluke dives,” with the crew being highly knowledgeable and helpful. Another appreciated how close some whales came, with sightings happening not far from the harbor.

What makes this trip special is the guarantee of sightings—if no whales are seen, you get a free try again voucher. This policy adds confidence for first-timers or those anxious about weather conditions. Reviewers also note the importance of dressing warmly, as the winter sea air can be brisk, but the provided warm overalls and blankets go a long way to keeping everyone comfortable.

The Northern Lights Cruise

As evening falls, the tour switches gears to hunt for the Northern Lights. Unlike land-based aurora chases, this cruise takes you away from the city lights, increasing your chances of a clear view. The 2-hour boat cruise provides a peaceful setting to watch the sky, with guides sharing insights about the aurora borealis and Icelandic folklore.

One reviewer pointed out that even with less-than-ideal weather, seeing “one green streak of the northern lights” was a highlight. The unpredictability of the aurora is part of the thrill, but the tour offers rebooking options or vouchers if conditions don’t cooperate the first time. The experience’s intimacy, away from crowds and city glow, is often more magical than land-based viewing.

Expert Guides and Added Value

Throughout both parts of the tour, guides excel at sharing knowledge about marine wildlife and celestial phenomena. Reviewers often mention the crew’s helpfulness and the informative commentary, which transforms what could be a simple boat ride into an educational experience. Some even mention the pictures taken by crew members, which travelers can request, adding a nice touch of souvenir memorabilia.

Comfort and Practical Details

Given Iceland’s winter weather, the inclusion of warm overalls and blankets is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to focus on the sights instead of shivering. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, so you can stay energized during the longer whale watching trip.

If you choose to add pickup and drop-off services, it simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying outside central Reykjavík. Otherwise, the meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, which is near the harbor.

The Value of This Combo

Pricing at $170 per person covers two major excursions, which individually might be more expensive if booked separately. For anyone interested in maximizing their Iceland experience, this combo offers great value—seeing whales in their natural environment and catching the northern lights in an authentic setting—all in roughly five hours.

Authentic Experiences Based on Real Reviews

Many travelers who’ve taken this tour highlight the knowledge of guides as a standout feature. Nelly_M called the experience “amazing,” especially noting the whales’ breaching and fluke dives, which are truly spectacular moments to witness. Orion_M appreciated the chance to see feeding humpbacks, even though the aurora was elusive in their case; their voucher for a future attempt was a nice reassurance.

Another reviewer, David_D, shared how they spotted a whale close to the harbor, describing it as “fantastic to experience the sighting in the whale’s natural environment.” Despite a weather cancellation for the Northern Lights cruise, they still found the tour worthwhile and appreciated the professional attitude of the crew.

Some travelers mention that it can be cold and rainy, which is typical for Iceland in winter, but the provided gear helps mitigate this. Karimah_L pointed out that even with less-than-ideal weather, being out on the water was still enjoyable, especially for water lovers.

What to Keep in Mind

• Weather conditions can impact the Northern Lights visibility and whale sightings.
• Flexibility with rebooking or vouchers helps accommodate Iceland’s unpredictable winter weather.
• Group size is manageable, but during peak season, expect a lively atmosphere.
• Price reflects a combination of two highly popular excursions, making it good value if you want a well-rounded Icelandic experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those eager to see Iceland’s iconic whales and auroras in one go. It suits people who don’t mind bundling up in winter gear and are comfortable with boat rides in cold weather. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and scenic outing that covers two bucket-list activities, this tour hits the mark.

However, those seeking a guaranteed aurora should be aware that northern lights are subject to weather conditions and solar activity, so patience and flexibility are key.

Final Thoughts

This Winter Whale Watching & Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik offers a compelling combination of Icelandic wildlife and celestial phenomena. It’s a well-organized, value-driven experience with guides who add educational value and a personal touch. The inclusion of warm gear, the sighting guarantee, and the opportunity for authentic encounters make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting to maximize their Iceland trip.

While winter weather can be unpredictable, the chance to see whales breaching and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights—perhaps even both in the same day—is a memorable experience that’s hard to beat. It’s best suited for travelers open to a bit of uncertainty but eager for genuine, awe-inspiring moments close to nature.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children under 13 must wear life vests throughout the tour, which is provided.

Can I include pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup and drop-off services can be arranged directly with the operator for an extra fee, adding convenience if you’re staying outside the city center.

What should I wear for the tour?
Dress warmly in layers. The tour provides warm overalls and blankets, but a thermal underlayer, hat, gloves, and waterproof clothing are recommended.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The whale watching is approximately 3 hours, starting in the afternoon, while the Northern Lights cruise lasts about 2 hours in the evening.

Is there a guarantee of seeing whales or the northern lights?
Yes, sightings are guaranteed or you can come again free of charge. For the aurora, weather conditions can impact visibility, but rebooking options are available.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, so consider bringing snacks or ordering ahead if desired.

What is the group size?
Group sizes are capped at 150 travelers, making it manageable and lively without feeling crowded.

How much does the tour cost?
The combo is priced at $170 per person, offering good value for two major Icelandic experiences.

Do I need prior experience or knowledge?
No, guides provide excellent commentary, making this suitable for beginners and seasoned travelers alike.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
If the weather is too poor, the tour can be rescheduled or you’ll receive a full refund. Flexibility is built into the policy.

In essence, this tour from Reykjavik captures the spirit of Iceland’s wild winter landscape—combining marine wildlife encounters with the magic of the northern sky. It’s an adventure packed with authentic moments that are sure to leave lasting memories.