Whales by day, auroras at night. What makes this Reykjavik combo appealing is the northern lights safety net, so one cloudy/quiet night doesn’t have to ruin the whole plan. I also like that you’re not choosing between two iconic Iceland experiences—you’re doing both in one block of time.

I love how well they prepare you for the sea part: warm overalls plus heated indoor cabins, toilets on board, and complimentary seasickness tablets if you want them. The one downside to plan for is practical, not dramatic: deck space can be tight for whale viewing, so you may need to move around to find clear sightlines.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two-part experience in one ticket: whale watching in the day, then a northern lights session in the evening.
• Heated comfort onboard: indoor cabins and toilets help you stay functional when the weather turns.
• Warm flotation overalls are provided, in various sizes.
• Aurora backup plan: if you don’t see the northern lights, you can reschedule or join again for free.
• You’re hunting real marine life, not just hoping—think humpbacks plus seals, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.

Why this whale-and-aurora combo works in Reykjavik

This isn’t just a tour bundle. It’s a smart use of your limited Reykjavik time. You get the daytime wildlife search when conditions are usually better for spotting, then you shift your focus to auroras when the sky has a chance to cooperate. That rhythm matters because both whales and the northern lights are weather-dependent in their own ways.

I also like that the tour design admits reality: you can’t control the sky, and you can’t control what the ocean brings. The big difference here is that the northern lights part comes with a redo option—you’re not left thinking you paid only to “miss out.” That helps you book with confidence, even when Iceland weather has other ideas.

If you’re visiting from abroad and you want one “main event” day, this combo is a strong fit. It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to spend your evening on a bus route just to stand around hoping.

Geirsgata 11: where you start and how early to arrive

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the activity ends back at the same place. It’s close to public transportation, so you’re not forced into a taxi plan just to reach the dock.

Also, arrive early. The guidance is clear: schedule to be at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. With Iceland tours, that buffer is your friend. It gives you time to check in, get your bearings, and get dressed before you’re pushed onto a moving deck in the cold.

Since this is a combo, the timing matters even more. You’ll want to be ready to board smoothly for the whale portion, then handle your own plans between the day and evening legs.

Whale watching on the water: what to expect from the boat setup

The whale watching portion runs about 2 to 3.5 hours. This is the time you’re actually out in search of whales and other marine animals. Depending on the day, the route can deliver humpbacks, seals, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Even when the sightings aren’t constant, the guides use the time to keep you on the move toward activity.

What I’d call the “comfort backbone” here is the boat. You’ll have heated indoor cabins and toilets on board, plus warm flotation overalls if you want them. That matters because whale watching in Iceland isn’t just about watching—it’s about staying warm enough to keep your eyes up and your camera ready.

They also offer complimentary seasickness tablets. If you’re sensitive to motion, don’t tough it out on an open ocean trip. Take the tablet when offered, then dress for warmth so you’re not fighting cold air on top of nausea risk.

One small practical truth: your best viewing depends on where you position yourself. The deck can feel crowded at times, so don’t assume you’ll stay in the same exact spot for the whole trip. I’d treat finding a sightline as a fluid process—move when the guide calls attention to something, and be ready to give your eyes a fresh angle.

The gap between trips: timing your evening so you’re not starving

After the whale watching part, you get time ashore to get ready for the northern lights session. In real terms, there’s a gap of a few hours between the two halves. Some people wish they’d planned ahead for this, because you might want dinner, a warm drink, or even a quick reset before the evening cruise.

Here’s the practical move: plan a meal before you’re hungry and dressed for the cold. This is Iceland, so weather can shift fast, and you don’t want to lose your evening window searching for food.

Also, keep an eye on your email and daily updates before you go. The tour notes that important daily information is shared that way. For auroras especially, conditions can change what happens in the evening, so you’ll feel better if you’re already in the loop.

Northern lights session: how the night hunt is handled

The northern lights portion runs about 2 to 3 hours in the evening, and it focuses on spotting auroras when the sky allows. The key point: northern lights are never guaranteed, but this tour gives you a practical safety net. If you don’t see them, you can reschedule or join again for free if there are no sightings.

What’s especially useful is the guidance style. You’re not just thrown outside and told to stare. During the lights portion, the guide helps interpret what you’re seeing and can point out constellations and different aurora variations. In at least one account, the guide named Jonathan also gave camera help—so if you’re trying to shoot stars or auroras, you’ll feel less lost.

You can also expect that auroras might be subtle. Sometimes they show up as a light green glow rather than dramatic color. Even then, it’s still meaningful—especially when you can see faint activity building, then fading, in the same night.

When aurora activity is slower, you’ll likely spend time stepping back into warmth and waiting. Since snacks and beverages are sold onboard (they’re not included), think of the warmth as your reset button—warm cabin time, then out again when the guide calls activity.

What’s included (and what you’ll likely buy)

Here’s what you can count on, based on the tour details:

Included:

• Experienced, professional guides
• Free ticket to join again if there are no sightings
• Warm flotation overalls
• Heated indoor cabins and toilets on board
• Free WiFi on board
• Complimentary seasickness tablets available
• Free admission ticket (there’s also mention of a museum ticket being usable when you want)

Not included:

• Snacks and beverages (available for purchase on board)
• Pickup is available, but only for an extra charge

That list affects your packing choices. Since overalls are provided, you don’t need to bring big bulky flotation gear. But you should still wear warm layers and bring good footwear, because you’ll move between the dock, the boat, and the cold air during waiting periods.

And bring your camera. The tour specifically recommends it, and the night portion is exactly where you’ll want it ready. If you’re traveling with a phone camera only, you’ll still have chances for photos, but having a plan for settings and timing makes the whole experience easier.

Group size and deck reality: how to get a good whale view

This combo has a maximum of 198 travelers. That doesn’t mean it will feel like a football stadium on the water every time, but it does suggest you should expect some crowding—especially on the exterior deck during whale scanning.

One review noted that the boat can be packed on deck, making it difficult to find a space for clear viewing. That’s the biggest practical “heads up” I’d give you. If you want the best possible sightlines, treat the deck like a moving workspace: step up when whales are spotted, and don’t be afraid to shift positions.

Another factor that affects whale viewing is how the boat maneuvers in response to sightings. On some trips, the boat might turn while searching, which can interrupt a continuous sighting moment. You can’t control that, and it doesn’t necessarily mean a bad trip—it’s often part of trying to position for the best angle safely.

In other words: keep your expectations flexible. If you arrive thinking you’ll get one uninterrupted show, you might feel frustrated. If you arrive ready for short bursts of action and quick repositioning, you’ll enjoy the ride more.

Price and value: is $176 worth it for this combo?

At $176 per person, you’re paying for more than two generic outings. You’re paying for a coordinated day that includes:

• Whale watching during the day
• Northern lights spotting in the evening
• Heated indoor space on the boat
• Warm overalls
• Seasickness support
• Guides who work the sightings search and aurora interpretation
• A free rebooking option if you miss northern lights

On an Iceland trip, that combination can be valuable because it reduces planning stress. Instead of coordinating separate companies, separate schedules, and separate “what if the weather ruins it” plans, you get one framework that’s designed to recover from poor luck—especially for auroras.

Is it premium pricing? Yes. But when you add up the comfort elements (heated cabins, overalls), the guide time, and the aurora backup, it starts to feel less like paying for hope and more like paying for a structured experience with safety nets.

If you’re already spending money on winter activities in Reykjavik, this is the kind of “one-day anchor” that can justify the cost—especially if you value both marine wildlife and auroras and don’t want to stretch your schedule across multiple nights.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

This combo fits best if you’re:

• Short on time and want whales plus auroras in one day
• Interested in marine life beyond just whale headlines (harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are part of the search)
• Traveling with a camera and want guidance for the night sky
• Sensitive to cold or motion sickness, since heated cabins, overalls, and tablets are part of the package

You might think twice if:

• You’re extremely picky about staying in one viewing spot on a boat deck
• You get frustrated easily when wildlife sighting angles change quickly

That’s not a reason to skip the tour—it’s a heads up on expectations. Iceland tours are built around moving conditions. The best results come when you treat it like a hunt, not a theater show.

Should you book this tour? My take

I think you should book this whale watching and northern lights combo if you want a single, efficient day that still respects Iceland’s unpredictability. The backup plan for northern lights is the big confidence booster, and the onboard comfort (heated cabins, overalls, toilets, WiFi) makes the day feel workable rather than miserable.

If you book, do two things right away: plan your evening meal around that multi-hour break, and dress like you’ll be outdoors waiting—even with overalls provided. Then arrive early at Geirsgata 11 so you’re not rushed.

For me, the value comes from structure. You’re paying to be guided through two different kinds of wild phenomena, with enough warmth and support that you can focus on the moment instead of the discomfort.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching and northern lights combo tour?

The tour is about 6 hours total (approx.). The whale watching portion lasts roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, and the northern lights portion lasts roughly 2 to 3 hours.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear good footwear and warm clothing. The tour recommends bringing your camera to take photos. Warm flotation overalls are provided.

Are seasickness tablets provided?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available, and you can take them if you would like.

What happens if the northern lights aren’t seen?

The tour offers a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings, and there’s also an option to reschedule your visit if you need to.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup is available for an extra charge. The meeting point is near public transportation.