From Reykjavik: Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour

This 7-hour tour from Reykjavik promises an unforgettable experience. Travelers will first cruise Faxaflói Bay, spotting minke whales, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales with expert guides. Then, they’ll embark on a night cruise to search for the breathtaking Northern Lights. With comfortable gear, heated seating, and free Wi-Fi, this tour offers convenience and incredible sights. But what surprises might be in store for those who take the plunge?

Key Points

• This 7-hour tour departs from Reykjavik and offers a whale watching cruise followed by a Northern Lights viewing experience.
• The whale watching portion includes sightings of minke whales, harbor porpoises, and humpback whales, with commentary from expert guides.
• Warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and free Wi-Fi are provided for comfort during both the whale watching and Northern Lights segments.
• A free return ticket is offered if no whales are spotted or the Northern Lights are not visible.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour departs from Reykjavik and is priced from $174.01 per person.

The 7-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Included are warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and free Wi-Fi.

Experienced guides lead the whale watching and Northern Lights segments. If no sightings occur, guests receive a free ticket to try again.

The tour earns a 4.2/5 rating, with high marks for guide knowledge and transportation, though value for money could be improved.

Whale Watching Experience

During the approximately 3-hour whale watching cruise, guests scan the waters of Faxaflói Bay in search of minke whales, harbor porpoises, and the majestic humpback whales.

Experienced guides provide expert commentary, helping guests spot and identify the different species. The boats are equipped with heated indoor seating and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Many past guests have raved about the incredible proximity to the whales, with one reviewer describing "brilliant guide and plenty of humpback whale sightings."

The tour includes a free ticket to try again if no whales are spotted, offering great value.

Northern Lights Viewing

Following the night’s whale watching cruise, guests embark on a separate night tour to witness the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights.

This night cruise allows them to search the skies for the elusive aurora borealis. Warm overalls are provided to keep everyone cozy as they gaze upwards, waiting for the ethereal lights to dance across the dark sky.

With experienced guides leading the way, guests have the best chance of seeing this natural wonder. If the lights don’t show, they can try again on another night at no extra cost, ensuring a memorable experience.

Tour Inclusions

This tour includes several features to enhance the experience.

Participants receive warm overalls, including children’s sizes, to stay cozy during the outing. The boat has heated indoor seating and free on-board Wi-Fi, so guests can comfortably view the natural wonders.

Experienced guides lead both the whale watching and Northern Lights portions, sharing their extensive knowledge. If no sightings occur, guests can return for another try at no additional cost.

Experienced guides share their extensive knowledge on the whale watching and Northern Lights portions of the tour. Complimentary return trip if no sightings occur.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour offers an immersive and memorable adventure exploring Iceland’s wildlife and natural phenomena.

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Meeting Point and Parking

The meeting point for this tour is the Special Tours office located by the Old Harbour, marked with blue signs.

Parking is available nearby, but visitors should allot an extra 15 minutes to find a spot.

The office is conveniently situated, allowing easy access to the tour’s departure point:

• The office is just a short walk from the Old Harbour, making it simple to reach the meeting location.

• Nearby parking options are available, though an extra 15 minutes should be reserved to find a suitable spot.

• The blue signage makes the office easy to identify and locate, ensuring a smooth arrival for tour participants.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars for this tour, based on 53 reviews.

Guests raved about the knowledgeable guides, rating them 5 out of 5. They also praised the comfortable transportation, which received 4.4 out of 5.

However, some felt the tour was slightly pricey, giving it a 3.9 for value.

Reviewers highlighted incredible whale sightings and stunning Northern Lights as highlights.

One traveler from Singapore described "unbelievable auroras and close whale encounters," while a guest from Slovakia noted the "fantastic guide with extensive ocean knowledge."

Highlights From Reviews

According to reviewers, the knowledgeable guides were a highlight of the tour, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating.

The tour experience was praised for:

• Close encounters with whales, including humpbacks, that left a lasting impression

• Breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, with one reviewer describing the auroras as "unbelievable"

• Excellent value for money, despite the tour’s reasonable pricing

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour is easy and flexible. You can reserve your spot now and pay later.

Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This free cancellation policy provides peace of mind if your plans change.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence even if your plans change.

The tour is priced at $174.01 per person, which is a competitive rate for a 7-hour combined whale watching and Northern Lights experience.

With the option to try again for free if no sightings occur, you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth, whether you spot whales, the aurora, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. This can help save costs, as onboard refreshments are not included in the tour price. However, keep in mind any restrictions on items allowed on the boat.

What Should I Wear for the Best Experience?

The tour provides warm overalls, but you’ll want to dress in layers and wear sturdy, weatherproof shoes. Bringing gloves, a hat, and scarf can also help you stay comfortable during the boat tour and Northern Lights viewing.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome, and the provided warm overalls come in children’s sizes. Families can enjoy the whale watching and Northern Lights viewing together.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Guests are encouraged to take photos during the tour. The warm overalls provided allow for comfortable photography, and the free onboard Wi-Fi enables easy photo-sharing. With experienced guides, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to capture the whales, northern lights, and stunning scenery.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour boat is wheelchair accessible. Guests can easily board using a ramp, and the indoor seating area has plenty of space for wheelchair users. Special accommodations are available upon request.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of both whales and the Northern Lights. With expert guides, comfortable amenities, and positive customer reviews, it’s an ideal choice for adventurous travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. The affordable price and convenient booking make it a budget-friendly way to make the most of your time in Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here: