Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Reykjavik and looking to tick off two of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders—whales and the northern lights—this half-day combo tour might just be what you need. It’s designed to give you a taste of both marine life and celestial magic, all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat. We haven’t been on this tour ourselves, but based on reviews and details, it seems like a solid choice for travelers who want an efficient, memorable experience without dedicating multiple full days.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of daytime and evening activities, which means you get to see marine animals—and hopefully the lights—all in one trip. Plus, the boat’s amenities, like heated cabins, free Wi-Fi, and warm overalls, make it a comfortable outing even in Iceland’s unpredictable weather. That said, a potential downside is the uncertainty of sightings; whales and northern lights cannot be guaranteed, although rebooking is an option if conditions aren’t ideal.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences with knowledgeable crew and prefers the flexibility of rescheduling, this tour could suit you well. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a mix of adventure and comfort, and aren’t too worried about the possibility of missing out on sightings.

Key Points

• Combines two of Iceland’s top natural attractions: whales and the northern lights in a single trip.
• Can be rescheduled if sightings are not successful, offering some peace of mind.
• Comfort is prioritized with heated cabins, warm overalls, and Wi-Fi onboard.
• Group size is capped at 198, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere.
• A good value considering all inclusions and the chance to experience both day and night activities.
• Limited snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your crew and board the boat. It’s a well-organized trip, with most travelers booking around 63 days in advance, which speaks to its popularity.

The Daytime Whale Watching

The first stage is the whale watching segment, lasting about 2 to 3.5 hours. The boat departs from Reykjavik Harbor, heading into calmer waters where whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins are often spotted. According to reviews, the chances of seeing whales are pretty good, with some guests lucky enough to witness close encounters, like a whale breach—a rare and exciting sight.

The boat is equipped with viewing platforms and indoor cabins, so you can enjoy the scenery whether the weather is clear or rough. Passengers have noted the crew’s expert commentary, which adds depth to the experience, making it more than just watching animals. A standout point is the provision of free seasickness tablets, which helps keep everyone comfortable on sometimes choppy waters.

Time Ashore

After the whale tour, you’ll have a break ashore—time to grab a quick snack, warm up, and get ready for the evening northern lights part. Since Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, this break is also a chance to dress warmly and plan your evening viewing.

The Evening Northern Lights Chase

The second segment starts after sunset, lasting about 2 to 3 hours. The boat heads out again, this time targeting the elusive northern lights. Unfortunately, as one reviewer noted, the lights aren’t always visible; auroras are a natural phenomenon and can be shy, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate. If the lights don’t show, the tour can be rebooked without extra charge, which is a big plus.

The boat’s indoor bar and heated cabins make it easy to relax while waiting for the lights to dance across the sky. Most guests who do see the auroras describe it as a magical experience—an ethereal green hue, sometimes with faint other colors, but even a light green glow is enough to leave a lasting impression. The crew is known for being helpful with camera settings, ensuring you capture the moment.

The Overall Experience

The reviews are generally very positive, with many mentioning friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the trip enjoyable. Several guests highlighted how lucky they felt to see whales and the lights, emphasizing the unpredictability but also the value of the experience. The boat’s amenities, such as Wi-Fi and heated cabins, are appreciated, especially during Iceland’s colder months.

Some critiques focus on the deck space during whale watching, which can feel a bit crowded, and the fact that sightings are not guaranteed. A few guests experienced the trip being canceled or limited due to weather, which is perfectly understandable given Iceland’s climate. One reviewer noted a communication hiccup where they found out the tour was full only upon arrival—something to keep in mind when planning.

The Value for Money

At $176 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and flexibility. The price includes guides, warm overalls, Wi-Fi, heated cabins, and free rebooking if sightings aren’t made. When you consider the chance to see whales—an experience many consider a highlight of Iceland—and the possibility of witnessing the northern lights, it feels like a fair deal.

While additional snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard, the essentials are covered, and the overall organization seems smooth. For those who want the convenience of combining two major attractions into one trip, this tour packs a lot into a short period.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a multi-faceted encounter with Iceland’s natural beauty without spending multiple days. It’s suitable for those comfortable with boat trips and prepared for some element of chance, since sightings aren’t guaranteed. If you enjoy guided tours with friendly staff and value comfortable amenities, you’ll likely be satisfied.

It’s also a good pick for those who want a more relaxed, social experience—since the group size can be nearly 200 people, it can feel lively but not overwhelming. If you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or even solo but with a sense of adventure, this tour offers a solid, engaging outing.

However, if you’re set on guaranteed sightings or traveling with very young children, you might want to consider whether you’re comfortable with the outdoor nature of the trip and the possibility of rescheduling.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, including both the whale watching and northern lights segments, with ashore time in between.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers guides, warm flotation overalls, Wi-Fi onboard, heated cabins, toilets, and free rebooking if sightings are missed. Snacks and drinks are sold separately.

Can I rebook if I don’t see whales or the lights?
Yes, the tour allows for rebooking at no extra cost if you don’t get to see the whales or northern lights during your trip.

Is this tour suitable for anyone?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable on boats and prepared for cold weather. Check your health if you have mobility or health concerns related to boat trips.

How should I dress?
Wear good footwear and warm, layered clothing. The boat provides warm overalls, but extra layers are always wise.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?
If weather conditions prevent the trip, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience some of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. It combines the thrill of spotting whales in calmer daytime waters with the awe of catching a glimpse of the northern lights at night. The onboard amenities and flexible rebooking policy make it a user-friendly choice for many travelers.

If you’re someone who values guided experiences, comfort during outdoor adventures, and the chance to see two major Icelandic spectacles in one go, this tour is worth considering. Just remember, the success of the trip depends on weather and luck, so keep expectations flexible and enjoy the journey.

Final Words

This tour strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort, making it a solid pick for those eager to see marine life and the northern skies without dedicating multiple days. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the knowledgeable guides, well-equipped boat, and flexibility in rescheduling make it an experience worth trying. For anyone visiting Reykjavik and craving a taste of Iceland’s wild side with the promise of some celestial magic, it’s likely to be a memorable part of your trip.