Iceland Super Saver: Northern Lights Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik at night has a special kind of magic. This combined tour is interesting because you get two goes at two stars of Iceland, the Northern Lights and whale watching, without bouncing between separate companies. I especially like the practical onboard touches, like thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, and sea-sickness tablets, which matter once you’re out on the water. The main drawback to weigh is that sightings are not guaranteed, and rough seas or clouds can mean you see less than you hoped.

What makes the package feel like good value is the structure, you can run both parts on the same night or spread them across your trip. You also have built-in options if nature does not cooperate, including a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen. One more thing to plan for: you’ll need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier so you do not miss the departure window.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel Onboard

• Old Harbour departures for the Northern Lights at either 9pm or 10pm, depending on the season
• 2.5 hours on the Northern Lights cruise, with guide myths and facts while you scan the sky
• 3.5 hours in Faxafloi Bay for whales and dolphins, including humpback and minke whales plus harbor porpoises
• Thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, and sea-sickness tablets so cold and motion feel more manageable
• Free WiFi and a Special Tours app to keep you oriented before and during the trips
• Free ticket to try again if you end up with zero sightings

The Reykjavik Northern Lights and Whales Combo, In Plain Terms

This is a “two icons for one price” setup in Reykjavik. You start with a Northern Lights cruise out of the Old Harbour, then later you head to Faxafloi Bay for a whale-watching outing.

On paper, the whole thing is about 5.5 hours total. In real trip planning, it helps to think of it as a flexible evening plan that you can run on the same day or split across different days during your Iceland vacation.

Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbour (2.5 Hours)

The Northern Lights portion starts from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at either 9pm or 10pm depending on the time of year. If you choose pickup, hotel pickup begins 60 minutes before departure, then you roll into the harbour area and find your boat.

Once you’re underway, the focus shifts from rushing sights to slowing down. You’ll be out on the water scanning the sky, while your guide shares what causes the Northern Lights and the stories Icelanders tell about them. It’s not just narration. It’s timed attention, so you know when to look up and when to listen for patterns in cloud and wind.

You’ll also want to use what the boat provides. The tour includes thermal overalls and heated indoor seating areas, which is a big deal on a winter night when the boat can feel colder than you expect. There’s also free WiFi, so if you want to check your photos or maps between stargazing rounds, it’s there.

The only real caution here is conditions. Northern Lights sightings depend on clear skies, and you’re traveling by sea, so rough water can affect comfort and sometimes even whether the cruise runs smoothly. The experience is designed for comfort, but nature still has the final say.

Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching (3.5 Hours for Marine Life)

After the Northern Lights part, the whale-watching outing is all about Faxaflói Bay. Like the first cruise, pickup can be added for an extra fee, and it also starts 60 minutes prior to departure if you select it.

This section runs about 3.5 hours, which is long enough for the boat crew and your guide to keep searching rather than treating whale spotting like a quick photo stop. You’ll look for humpback and minke whales, plus harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.

And yes, you should bring your camera mindset. The tour specifically encourages you to keep it ready, because sightings can pop up close to the boat and shift quickly.

A couple of practical notes from how the experience typically plays out at sea. First, this is the kind of outing where your guide’s spotting skills can change the whole feel of the trip. When the guide is dialed in, you spend more time tracking behavior, not just hoping for a distant blowhole.

Second, sound matters out on open water. Some groups report that the audio setup was not always perfect on the whale-watching boat. If you know you’re sensitive to audio volume, plan to move closer to where you can hear the guide clearly, especially when something is spotted.

Why This 5.5-Hour Super Saver Often Feels Like Better Value

The headline price is $186.74 per person, and that’s for two separate experiences bundled together. The value comes from the fact that you’re paying once for two big nature moments, then getting onboard support that makes both parts more comfortable.

A smart way to judge value here is to compare it to booking two separate tours. Even if you only care about one item, like whales or the lights, this bundle can still be cost-effective because the provided gear and comfort basics apply to both cruises.

You also get one key risk reducer: a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. That matters most on Iceland nights when weather is doing its own thing. It does not remove the uncertainty, but it softens the sting.

Another value angle is timing. This kind of departure plan is common in Reykjavik, but this specific bundle gives you two chances within your trip rhythm. That’s a big deal when you only have a few evenings and you do not want to gamble everything on one night.

One more planning point: the experience is commonly booked about 55 days in advance. If you’re traveling during peak Northern Lights season, booking earlier tends to help you lock the schedule you want.

Getting There: Meeting Point and Pickup Reality Check

Your starting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at that meeting point.

Hotel and cruise port pickup is not automatically included. It can be added for an additional fee of 1100 ISK per person per trip. If you do add it, pickup begins 60 minutes before departure for each part.

This matters because Reykjavik pickup times can feel early when you’re still planning dinner and sunset. If you prefer to stay flexible and arrive at your own pace, you can plan to meet at the designated location rather than relying on pickup.

Also, the meeting area is near public transportation. So if you’re building your own day around buses and walking, it’s not an impossible starting point.

What’s Included on the Boats (And What You’ll Pay For)

Here’s what this tour bundle includes, and why each item is worth caring about:

• Thermal overalls, available in children’s sizes too
• Heated indoor seating areas, so you can warm up between sightings
• Complimentary sea-sickness tablets, which is a relief if you get motion sensitive
• Free WiFi, useful for quick updates and keeping your phone alive
• A Special Tours app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese
• Free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour

What is not included is also important. You’ll purchase food and drink on board, and there are no transfers included beyond the optional pickup add-on.

If you’re the type who hates making last-minute decisions when your hands are cold, consider eating before you board. Then your focus stays where it should be, scanning sky and water instead of hunting snacks.

When Nature Disrupts the Plan, Here’s How to Stay Ready

This experience is built around one fact: Northern Lights and whales are both wild. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your best chance comes from showing up prepared for changing conditions.

For the Northern Lights cruise, clear skies matter more than anything. For whale watching, animal movement and sea state matter too. If the ocean is rough or visibility is poor, the vibe changes even if the crew keeps working.

That’s why the included comfort items are not just extras. They help you stay outside longer when you want to, and retreat inside when you need to, without turning the cruise into a misery session.

Also, you should reconfirm cruise times with the supplier using your voucher details. The departure time matters, especially for the lights, and the schedule can shift based on seasonal operations.

Who Should Book This Northern Lights and Whale-Watching Super Saver

This bundle fits best if you want a classic Reykjavik evening that targets both of Iceland’s most famous nature moments.

It’s a strong match for:

• First-time visitors who want two big “wow” experiences without building a complex itinerary
• Couples and friends who like being outside and scanning for wildlife
• People who appreciate expert guidance for legends, science, and spotting technique

It’s also designed to be broadly accessible, with most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The boat max is listed as 198 travelers, so it’s not private, but you should have room to circulate on deck when weather allows.

Language-wise, the tour is offered in English.

Should You Book It? My Decision Guide

I’d book this if you’re traveling during the Northern Lights season and you want to maximize your odds with a two-part plan. The comfort setup, especially thermal overalls, heated seating, and sea-sickness tablets, makes the experience feel more “I can do this” and less “I hope I survive the cold.”

I’d think twice if your trip is tight enough that you could not use the free try-again option, or if you get very anxious about uncertain weather. Even with good operators, you still need clouds and ocean conditions to cooperate.

My final take: if you show up dressed for cold and accept that sightings are a bonus, this super saver is a practical way to hunt both lights and whales from Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The combined duration is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and cruise port pickup is not included by default. It can be added for an additional fee of 1100 ISK per person per trip.

What time does the Northern Lights cruise depart?

The Northern Lights cruise departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at either 9pm or 10pm, depending on the time of year.

How long is the Northern Lights part?

The Northern Lights cruise portion is about 2.5 hours.

How long is the whale-watching part?

The whale-watching tour portion is about 3.5 hours.

What’s included on board?

Included items are free WiFi, thermal overalls, heated indoor seating areas, complimentary sea-sickness tablets, and a Special Tours app.

What marine animals might you see?

In Faxaflói Bay, you’ll look out for humpback whales and minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.

Are sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings cannot be guaranteed for either Northern Lights or marine life.

What is the cancellation policy if I change my plans or if weather cancels the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.