Whales by day, lights by night. This combo boat tour gives you Faxaflói Bay in daylight and the Northern Lights from the water after dark, starting from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. It’s a clever way to fit two big Iceland hits into one day, but the sky is always a weather-dependent show.

I love how comfortable they make the trip. Warm overalls (including kids’ sizes) and heated indoor seating help when the wind cuts across the water, and the on-board setup lets you hop inside or out without feeling trapped. The whale part also benefits from a real guide, and I especially liked the kind of expert guidance you can get, including examples like Rebekka leading the whale-spotting explanations.

One thing to weigh: conditions can change fast at sea. If the water is rough, you’ll want to take whatever motion-sickness help they offer, and if the weather turns for the evening, the lights run may be affected. In short, you’re paying for the experience and the odds, not a guaranteed aurora.

Key things I’d plan around

• Two cruises, one ticket day: about 3 hours whale watching, then an evening Northern Lights cruise away from city glow
• Whale-spotting with live guidance: minke whales, harbor porpoises, and humpbacks are all part of the search
• Good photo potential while you sail: on clear days you can see views stretching toward Snæfells Glacier
• Cold-weather comfort is built in: warm overalls plus heated indoor seating make a big difference
• Stay connected at sea: free on-board Wi-Fi helps you share while it’s happening
• A try-again safety net: if nothing is seen on your tour, you get a free ticket to try again

Why this combo tour is worth your one day in Reykjavik

I like tours that solve a real problem: Iceland is gorgeous, but you can’t control weather. This one handles that by stacking two nature moments into a single day. You start with whales in Faxaflói Bay while there’s still daylight and visibility, then you pivot to a night cruise focused on the Northern Lights.

That means you’re not betting your whole itinerary on one sky forecast. Even if the lights are shy, the whale part still gives you something active and guide-led in the day. And if the bay wildlife cooperates, it’s genuinely fun to watch the captain and guide react to what they spot.

The other reason I’d pick this style of tour is simple: leaving from the Old Harbour keeps things straightforward. No complicated switching of tours, no split logistics across multiple operators. It’s all tied to one start point and ends back at the same place.

Old Harbour check-in and the whale cruise timing (what to expect)

You meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is large and dark grey, with blue signs showing their name and logo. If you’re driving, set aside extra time to park nearby—parking isn’t available at their premises.

The whale watching portion is about a 3-hour cruise in Faxaflói Bay. You’ll spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes heading toward the whale watching area. During that travel time, your guide explains what you’re likely to see and how to spot it. Then you arrive and the whale-spotting effort ramps up.

This pacing matters. In whale watching, the first few minutes can feel slow if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Having guide talks while you’re still steaming out helps you get your bearings fast—so when sightings happen, you’re ready instead of fumbling with directions.

One practical note: since this is a winter boat day, you’ll be outside at times even if you love warmth. Plan to wear what you’re given immediately. Overalls help because they reduce how much wind hits your clothes underneath.

Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay: who you might spot

Faxaflói Bay has a reputation for consistent marine activity, and this tour is built around that. Your guide leads you through the search, and you’re watching for several species:

• minke whales
• harbor porpoises
• white-beaked dolphins
• humpback whales

In the best-case scenario, you get a close, curious encounter. The vibe on the boat changes when that happens, because the captain and crew are paying attention to movement and where the animals surface. The guide also helps you interpret what you’re seeing—like whether activity looks like feeding or just a pass through the area.

Even if whales don’t put on a show, you still get value from the setting. As you cruise, you can take photos of Reykjavik’s city view and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, the views can even extend as far west as Snæfells Glacier, which is a nice bonus when the daylight part of the trip feels a little short.

What to consider: sea conditions are real. One rider noted the ride can feel rough. If you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and take any sea-sickness tablets offered before the cruise. Also, keep your layers manageable—windproof outer layers help you stay comfortable when the deck gets colder.

The shift from day whales to night auroras at sea

After the whale cruise, you’re back on the boat in the evening for the Northern Lights portion. The goal here is straightforward: get you out on the water where you’re away from artificial lights, so the sky has a better chance to show itself.

On the way out, your crew chooses a position for aurora viewing. That’s not just for drama—it matters because light pollution and cloud cover are the big enemies. Once you’re underway, you can move around the boat. You’ll usually want that freedom because the best aurora view often comes from stepping out, checking the sky, then heading back inside when you need warmth.

The lights can show up throughout winter months, and the tour notes you might even see them as early as September. The key word is might. You’re going for conditions, not a countdown show.

One more thing that makes this part enjoyable: you’re sailing outside Reykjavik’s city center rather than just standing in town. That changes the feel. The sea becomes part of the scene—reflections, horizon framing, and that moment when the sky starts to glow and everyone quiets down to watch.

Warm overalls, heated seating, and how to stay comfortable

This is one of the strongest practical reasons to book. Cold weather on a boat can feel twice as sharp as it does on land, mostly because wind accelerates heat loss. This tour builds comfort into the plan.

Here’s what helps:

• Warm overalls, with children’s sizes included
• Heated indoor seating
• the chance to move inside and outside as you want
• an on-board setup with free Wi-Fi, so you can share while the action is happening

You’ll likely spend some time inside between deck checks. If you’re doing auroras, you don’t want to freeze so hard that you stop looking. The best strategy is to use the heated cabin as your reset button, then step out again when you spot movement in the sky.

Also, the evening cruise includes an always-open bar where you can buy drinks. That’s nice if you want something warm or just a distraction while you wait. Just keep your jacket and overalls on hand—drinks don’t replace gear when the wind picks up.

Snæfells Glacier views and why the sailing day adds value

Not every boat tour has a built-in photo payoff between the main activities. This one does. While you’re headed out for whale watching, you’re cruising past Reykjavik and into a wide bay with dramatic terrain. On clear days, the views can reach toward Snæfells Glacier in the west.

That matters because it fills the “in-between” time. You’re not just waiting for whales to appear. You’re already getting scenery, getting your camera working, and learning how the bay changes as you sail farther from the city.

And since you’re doing both day and night cruises, the combined day-to-night shift becomes part of your memory. Daytime is all about movement and spotting wildlife. Nighttime is about stillness and waiting for the sky to respond.

Price and value: is $182 a good deal?

At about $182 per person, this isn’t a bargain, so I look for what makes it feel fair.

Here’s the value case:

• You get two major experiences in one package: whale watching plus Northern Lights from the water
• You’re provided warm overalls and the boat has heated indoor seating
• There’s an experienced guide on both parts
• You have free on-board Wi-Fi to keep the moment shareable
• There’s a try-again ticket if nothing is seen on your tour

The try-again policy is the big confidence builder. Wildlife and auroras are never guaranteed, and that’s why the “nothing seen” safety net actually matters. It turns the risk of paying for nature into something more manageable.

Is $182 still a lot? Yes. But you’re paying for a two-part boat day, guide support, and winter comfort that would cost extra if you had to assemble it yourself.

Also keep in mind that hotel pickup isn’t included. So if you’re staying near the Old Harbour area, you’ll save time and hassle. If you’re farther out, factor in your own transport to the meeting point.

Who should book this, and who might want a different plan

This tour is a great fit if you:

• want whales and auroras without eating up your whole schedule with separate trips
• like guided nature experiences where you’re not just scanning blindly
• feel more comfortable outdoors when you’re given gear like overalls and have warm indoor space to retreat to

I’d think twice if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to rough water and you don’t handle motion sickness well
• you expect a guaranteed Northern Lights show every night (you’ll be trying for conditions, not certainty)
• you really hate waiting in cold air. Even with heated seating and overalls, the aurora part requires patience

The sweet spot is someone who can bundle a bit of uncertainty with a very high chance of getting at least one unforgettable moment—whales in the day, lights at night, or both.

Final call: should you book this whale and aurora boat tour?

If you have one day in Reykjavik and you want the most iconic nature hits in a single outing, I’d book it. The pairing works because the day whale cruise builds momentum and the evening aurora cruise gives you a better-than-average viewing setup by getting you away from city lights.

Just go in with two realistic expectations: the sea can be rough sometimes, and the Northern Lights are never promised. If you’re okay with that and you want a guided, warm, two-part boat day, this is a strong choice—especially with the try-again safety net and the winter comfort they provide.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 7 hours, with starting times that vary based on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Special Tours office by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The building is large and dark grey, with blue signs and the company’s name and logo.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

How long is the whale watching portion?

The whale watching cruise is approximately 3 hours.

How long does it take to reach the whale watching area?

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the whale watching area.

What animals might you see during whale watching?

You may see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales.

What gear is provided for winter conditions?

You’re provided warm overalls, including children’s sizes, plus heated indoor seating on the boat.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

Yes. The boat offers free on-board Wi-Fi.

What if you don’t see anything?

The tour includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.