
Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik worth booking?
Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik is a 5-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $198 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (31)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $198 per person
This magnificent combo tour unites some of the most popular winter attractions in Iceland! You start the day with a 3 hr. whale watching tour at 09:00/13:00 with departure from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. The most common species seen in Faxaflói bay in winter are the minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and humpback whales. The views and landscape on the horizon are not to be missed as they are astonishing in the winter glow! In between the two activities, you will have several hours of free time in the city. We recommend exploring the charming Old Harbour and Grandi areas, filled with cozy restaurants and small shops. The 2 hr. magical evening cruise departs at 21:00/22:00 (depending on the season), taking you into the Southern part of Faxaflói bay, a bit further away from the city. Heading out into the open bay under the vast starry sky is a wonderful experience and the northern lights are something you don't want to miss out on your trip to Iceland!
What you get
About this experience
This magnificent combo tour unites some of the most popular winter attractions in Iceland! You start the day with a 3 hr. whale watching tour at 09:00/13:00 with departure from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. The most common species seen in Faxaflói bay in winter are the minke whales, dolphins, porpoises and humpback whales. The views and landscape on the horizon are not to be missed as they are astonishing in the winter glow! In between the two activities, you will have several hours of free time in the city. We recommend exploring the charming Old Harbour and Grandi areas, filled with cozy restaurants and small shops. The 2 hr. magical evening cruise departs at 21:00/22:00 (depending on the season), taking you into the Southern part of Faxaflói bay, a bit further away from the city. Heading out into the open bay under the vast starry sky is a wonderful experience and the northern lights are something you don't want to miss out on your trip to Iceland!
What's included
Included
- Excellent Live Commentary in English
- Use of Warm Overalls and Blankets
- Pictures taken by crew (if any)
- Sighting guarantee - or try again for FREE
- Two separate tours (3 hr. whale watching & 2 hr. northern lights cruise)
- Access to Wildlife Exhibition
Not included
- Food / Drinks (available for purchase on board)
- Pick up / Drop off (can be arranged with operator directly for a fee)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Elding Whale Watching
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 13 years of age are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration of the tour.
- Please note that our fleet is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are steep stairs between lower and upper decks and high thresholds to get from the decks into the saloon as well as from the saloon to the toilets.
- Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a foldable chair onboard our bigger boats, but if possible, please advise our office prior to departure as we may need to assist with boarding.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip
We went on a winter whale watching trip out of Reykjavik. It was a great trip. Comfortable boat, supportive and informative staff and best of all masses of dolphins, a porpoise, a minke whale and a humpback fluke dive. Magical
via Tripadvisor
It was very disappointed in this trip
Only saw a Minky whale for a second or two a few times then the ship basically turned around because of rough waters and we didn’t get to see anything else
via Tripadvisor
Seeing a humpback whale was amazing
My experience was even better than I imagined it would be. Haven’t seen so many dolphins in a small area and the bonus was seeing the humpback whale and it taking a dive
via Tripadvisor
Hump-tastic
Staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. A bonus was the free sea sickness tablets, photos and overalls. We saw 2 humpback whales and a number of seals.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic whale watching experience.
Great experience with very friendly people. Suits provided for free to keep you warm though didn't take up on this. Great knowledge and photos sent upon request.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $198 to $205
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Elding Whale Watching, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.1.
See everything Elding Whale Watching runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $198 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 Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 31 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 Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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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 Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Around 11 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik 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, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. 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.
What is included in Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Included: Excellent Live Commentary in English; Use of Warm Overalls and Blankets; Pictures taken by crew (if any); Sighting guarantee - or try again for FREE; and Two separate tours (3 hr. whale watching & 2 hr. northern lights cruise). Not included: Food / Drinks (available for purchase on board); and Pick up / Drop off (can be arranged with operator directly for a fee). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Please note that our fleet is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are steep stai; and Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a foldable chair onboard our bigger boats, but if po. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Across 31 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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