
Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour worth booking?
Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour is a 6-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $97 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (44)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $97 per person
We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbor porpoises and Killer whales. On this tour you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as
What you get
About this experience
We sail into Faxaflói bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbor porpoises and Killer whales. On this tour you will also experience the spectacular views of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik as well as the wonderful bird life. On board we have warm overalls, heated spacious indoor cabins, a nice bar and free WiFi. After that you’ll have time ashore to get yourself ready for the Northern Lights frenzy. Experience the Northern Lights Like Never Before. You would like to head out on an adventure that will leave you feeling breathless, and we want to give you the opportunity to do just that. We would like to take you on an experience that you will remember forever, guiding you on a Northern Lights tour by sea in Iceland. It’s a unique experience to see the Northern lights from sea. You can relax in a nice atmosphere in our warm overalls and enjoy snacks and refreshments available on board. Magnify your experience with a combo tour!
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip ,but people not so nice
Whale was cool. Cab drop us off wrong place had to walk 30 minutes to find right place
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the wildlife sighting, but we’re sorry to hear about the inconvenience with your drop-off. As transport is handled by third-party providers, issues like this can occasionally occur, but we understand how frustrating it must have been. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Best regards, Reykjavik Sailors Team
via Tripadvisor
Whale/ northern lights tour
The Tour was lovely and we saw a humphback whale and some seals. Our guide was really friendly and had alot of knowledge :)
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so pleased you had a great time on the water and were able to spot wildlife along the way. It’s also wonderful to hear that the guiding made the trip even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback. Best regards, Reykjavik Sailors Team
via Viator
Average
I personally wouldnt return but it was very busy and popular. They say on advertisment you see lots but personally we didnt feel we did and could hear lots of people saying its expensive for what it is. It was that busy we couldnt get a spot on the top deck. But staff were lovely. Great cafe and clean x
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry the tour didn’t meet all your expectations, especially regarding viewing space and sightings, and we appreciate you letting us know. We're glad our team and facilities made a positive impression, and your comments will help us improve. Best regards, Reykjavik Sailors Team
via Tripadvisor
Trip #13
The excursion was really good they try their best to have us see the whales, but they just did not want to show up. I would definitely recommend this excursion.
Response from the operator: Hi there, We deeply appreciate your kind words and wonderful feedback. If you didn't see whales on your tour, you may rebook the tour free of charge. Simply contact us whenever you are back in Iceland, and we will be happy to arrange another exciting journey on the sea for you. Warm regards, Reykjavik Sailors Team
via Tripadvisor
Whale watching great, northern lights not worth it use a coach tour instead, expensive transfers
This trip was one of the most difficult I booked. The website I booked it on said transfers were included but Reykjavik sailors said they weren't so we had to pay extra (£90!!!!!) for transfers from the hotel to the harbour (3.4km drive). I had may conversations back and forwards as the tour is split into whale watching in the morning and then northern lights at night, so we requested pick up in the morning with a view to explore the city centre in between tours, and then a drop off after the northern lights. The guides were amazing and had plenty of knowledge. We were lucky to view 3 humpback whales and 2 dolphins which was amazing. We didn't get to see the northern lights but we didn't go out of the harbour so there was still a lot of light pollution. They do a revisit promise, but our have to pay for transfers again! Which at £90 makes things very expensive. I would recommend the whale watching tour but I would book a coach tour (which I have done previously) for northern lights as they take you completely away from all light pollution and when you rebook after unsuccessful viewings they pick you up from your hotel.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and kind words regarding our tour. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed both the whale watching tour and northern lights tour in Reykjavik! Regarding the pick-up service, we regret to inform you that it is not included in the tour and incurs an additional fee. We are sorry to hear that you faced some difficulties with the pick-up. Please know that we are continuously working to improve our services, and your feedback means a great deal to us. If you ever find yourself back in Iceland and wish to embark on another exciting journey at sea, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to arrange another tour for you. Warm regards, Reykjavik Sailors Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour cost?
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Prices start at $97 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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