Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Two Iceland must-dos in one outing. This combo pairs winter whale watching with an evening Northern Lights cruise, so you are not stuck choosing one dream and hoping for the rest.

I love the clear “package” logic here, it is built as two separate excursions, a 3-hour whale trip followed by a 2-hour aurora hunt. I also like the practical onboard comfort, warm overalls and blankets, plus a ship layout with an inside lounge and viewing space outside. The main thing to consider is the winter weather reality, the Northern Lights portion can get rescheduled or canceled, and a missed departure can feel frustrating if you are not ready for changes.

Key things to know before you go

• Sighting guarantee (free try again): whale spotting is covered if sightings do not happen.
• Two-part timing: 3 hours of whales in the afternoon, then a 2-hour Northern Lights cruise at night.
• Warm gear included: you get warm overalls and blankets for the cold deck time.
• Boats beat the land hunt: you chase the aurora from the water instead of waiting on shore.
• Small-ish max group: up to 150 travelers, so it does not feel like one giant mob.
• English live commentary plus a wildlife stop: you get wildlife context and aurora talk from the guide.

A winter combo tour that pairs whales and auroras in Reykjavik

This is a smart idea for first-time visitors: you get a full wildlife outing and a full night sky outing, back to back, from the same hub in Reykjavik. The tour is run by Elding Whale Watching, with a meeting point at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back where you start.

The biggest value is the structure. You are not just doing one “maybe” activity. You are doing whales first, then shifting your attention to the aurora, and the operators build in a safety net for the whale portion with a sighting guarantee. Reviews also show the Northern Lights experience can come with a second chance, like a voucher or free return, depending on what happens with conditions.

One possible drawback: winter weather can shuffle the plan

In Iceland, the sky does not care about your schedule. If weather is poor, the Northern Lights cruise may be canceled or rescheduled, and you might have to adjust to a new time. One review also points to confusion when weather changes hit, so double-check your confirmation details and be ready for the idea that the evening portion could move.

How the 3-hour whale watching part usually feels

The whale part runs about 3 hours and starts at the Elding Whale Watching dock area in Reykjavik. This is a classic winter sea outing, and that matters because your best chance to see whales is tied to what the sea and currents are doing, not just luck.

What I like about this whale experience is that it is set up to help you actually watch, not just stand outside and hope. The ship has an inside lounge for warmth and an ample outdoor viewing area, so you can move between “cold and wow” and “warm and regroup” as needed.

From the reports you can expect serious wildlife energy when conditions cooperate. People describe seeing humpback whales, plus minke whales, and a few also noted dolphins. One person even shared how a whale was sighted fairly close to the harbor, with a long stretch of time spent watching in the animal’s natural environment. That is the kind of experience you cannot replicate from a viewpoint on land.

The included warm gear is not a small detail

Warm coveralls and blankets are included. That changes the vibe on a winter cruise because you are not burning time and money trying to solve the cold from scratch. You can dress in layers, then rely on the provided gear to make deck time manageable, especially if you get chilled quickly.

If you are prone to getting cold feet and hands, plan for this to be a “keep moving, take breaks” trip. Even with coveralls, wind off the water can cut fast. The comfort setup is why many people come back happy rather than just “survived the trip.”

Whale sightings and the practical meaning of the free-try guarantee

You get a sighting guarantee, meaning if the whale portion does not deliver, you can try again for free. This is one of those features that sounds good on paper, but it is especially valuable in winter when conditions can limit wildlife movement.

It also reduces the pressure on the day. You can enjoy the cruise for what it is, not only as a lottery ticket. And because the whale tour runs first in the combo, it also gives you a strong wildlife memory even if the later aurora hunt gets affected.

One review even notes a person did not catch the aurora on that particular evening, but the operator made good with a voucher for another chance. That does not replace the joy of seeing lights that night, but it does turn a “miss” into a plan.

The Northern Lights cruise: chasing aurora on the water

After the whale cruise, you shift into the evening Northern Lights cruise, about 2 hours long. The highlight here is the premise: you are hunting the aurora on a boat rather than staying on land. That matters because you get a different viewpoint, with open sea space around you and less need to stare over buildings or shore lines.

The aurora part is still weather dependent. One positive detail from reviews is that when the sky cooperates, the show can be very active, with people describing bright, clearly visible lights, including a distinct green streak. Another review mentioned the Northern Lights cruise being rescheduled, and the person was still happy because they got to see the lights after the change.

What to expect during the night sky segment

You should expect live commentary that covers both the aurora and local wildlife. That kind of narration is useful because it gives you something to do besides stare. It also helps you understand what you are seeing, and what conditions are likely to shape the display.

Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, not included. If you want snacks or hot drinks, plan a little spending budget. Even if you do not buy much, it helps to know you can.

Comfort and onboard setup: coveralls, blankets, and where to stand

If you are wondering how this feels in the cold, the practical answer is: you use the ship like a “warm base” with deck time as your reward.

The included warm overalls and blankets are built for the real issue, staying comfortable enough to keep watching. A lot of Northern Lights trips fail because people get too cold to keep their eyes on the sky. Here, the gear is designed to stop that spiral.

The ship also has two zones:

• Inside lounge space for warmth during slow moments
• Outside viewing area so you can actually watch for aurora and scan the sea

One review specifically calls out that the boat was comfortable, with ample outside viewing and a good inside space to warm up. That balance is what makes a 5-hour total outing feel doable rather than exhausting.

Wildlife Exhibition time: why it can be a good warm-up

This combo includes access to a Wildlife Exhibition. Even if you only spend a short time there, it is useful. You learn about local wildlife alongside the aurora theme, so the whole night becomes more than two separate activities.

If you enjoy connecting dots, this kind of pre-activity context helps you interpret what you see on the water. It is also a nice option if you arrive early or if the afternoon portion runs slightly longer than you expected.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $198 per person for roughly 5 hours total, the price looks high until you break down what is included. You are paying for two different guided excursions, whale spotting with a free try again guarantee, gear for cold weather (warm overalls and blankets), plus a wildlife exhibition entry.

It is also a package deal built around one operator, which helps reduce hassle. You do not need to stitch together separate companies and separate schedules. In a place like Reykjavik, where winter weather can change plans quickly, choosing one operator with a combo arrangement can actually save you stress.

So the value question becomes: do you want both whales and the aurora in one go? If yes, this combo is a strong use of a limited winter evening. If you only care about one of them, you might find that splitting your time elsewhere gives you more control.

Who this cruise combo suits best

This is a good match if you want a full winter wildlife and sky night, and you like guided interpretation instead of self-navigating in the dark.

It also fits different comfort levels because the ship design supports “warm inside, watch outside.” If you are traveling with someone who gets cold easily, the coveralls and lounge setup reduce friction.

A key detail for families: children under 13 are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration of the tour. That is simple, and it also means the experience is designed for proper safety gear. If you are traveling with kids, pack patience. Winter trips can involve waiting, scanning, and timing changes.

Who should think twice

If you hate schedule changes, this might not be your favorite kind of tour. Winter cruises can get rescheduled due to weather. One review describes confusion when the Northern Lights portion was canceled and the person was rebooked for later, without receiving what they expected. If that sounds like you, read your booking details carefully and allow flexibility in your evening.

Timing, departures, and how to avoid the most common problems

Because this is a combo tour, the most common issue is not the whales, it is the handoff between activities. You start at the Elding Whale Watching dock and finish back there. That makes the logistics simpler than bouncing across town, but you still need to plan your time and show up with buffer.

A practical approach:

• Build in a little extra time before the afternoon departure
• Stay alert for any updates about the evening cruise time
• Keep your expectations flexible for the Northern Lights segment

This is also a 5-hour outing overall. If you have tight dinner plans or a late airport transfer, you may want to keep some slack. Even though the combo ends at the meeting point, the actual experience can shift if weather forces changes.

Final verdict: should you book this Elding combo?

I think you should book this combo if you are committed to both wildlife and Northern Lights and you want the confidence of a sighting guarantee for the whale portion. The warmth factor is also real value here, warm overalls and blankets plus an inside lounge make it easier to stay out watching.

Skip it or book with extra caution if your schedule is rigid, because the Northern Lights cruise can be canceled or rescheduled. And if you are the type who gets stressed by time changes, plan your evening around flexibility rather than a hard, fixed itinerary.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?

It lasts about 5 hours total, with approximately 3 hours for whale watching and about 2 hours for the Northern Lights cruise.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $198.00 per person.

Is the tour guided, and is it available in English?

Yes. The live commentary is provided in English.

Is the whale sighting guaranteed?

Yes. There is a sighting guarantee for the whale watching part, or you can try again for free.

Do I need to bring warm clothing?

Warm overalls and blankets are provided, which helps a lot in winter. You should still dress for cold and wet conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How does pick up and drop off work?

Pick up and drop-offs in the Reykjavik area can be arranged for a fee with the operator.

Do children need life-vests?

Children under 13 years old are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration of the tour.

What happens if the Northern Lights cruise is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.