Experience the magic of Iceland’s natural world with a tour that brings together two unforgettable highlights: Whale Watching and the Northern Lights . These specially curated tours allow you to explore Iceland's rich marine life by day and witness the awe-inspiring aurora borealis by night. Ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers, this combination offers the best of both sea and sky during the winter season.
With departures available from Reykjavík and other coastal towns, you’ll enjoy expert-guided boat trips to see humpback whales, dolphins, and minke whales in their natural habitat. As night falls, you’ll head out again—by bus, boat, or Super Jeep—to chase the mystical green and violet lights dancing in Iceland ’s Arctic skies. The result is a full-day itinerary packed with wonder, exploration, and unforgettable memories.
Iceland’s winter season presents a rare opportunity to experience the best of land and sea. While whale watching is available year-round, winter offers quieter waters, fewer crowds, and increased chances of seeing certain species. At night, the long Arctic darkness becomes the perfect canvas for viewing the aurora borealis . By combining both into a single tour package, travelers enjoy a richer, more complete Icelandic adventure in a limited timeframe..
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Benefits of combining both tours:
Most combination tours begin with a morning whale watching cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour or other ports like Akureyri or Húsavík (in summer). Winter tours usually use larger, stable vessels to ensure comfort on choppy seas. Guests are equipped with warm overalls and guided by marine biologists or naturalists who interpret whale behaviors and patterns. The cruise lasts 2.5–3.5 hours depending on sightings and weather.
After a break in the afternoon for rest or exploration, the evening tour heads away from city lights in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide uses live aurora forecasts to determine the best location, increasing the chances of a successful sighting. These evening tours range from classic buses to Super Jeep adventures and even night cruises.
While orcas and blue whales are more commonly seen in the summer months, winter whale watching still offers excellent sightings, particularly in Faxaflói Bay off Reykjavik’s coast.
In winter, travelers can choose between Northern Lights tours by land or by sea. Each has its own appeal:
If weather conditions are poor for boating, most providers allow you to reschedule or switch to a land-based alternative.
The best months for a Northern Lights & Whale Watching tour are from October to March. During this period, auroras are active, and certain whale species are still visible near the coast.
Key timing tips:
For the highest chance of success, aim to stay in Iceland at least 3 nights to accommodate weather variability and potential tour rescheduling.
Most whale watching companies provide thermal overalls and rain gear to wear over your clothes.
All whale watching tours in Iceland follow strict ethical guidelines to ensure marine life is not disturbed. Boats keep a respectful distance and never chase or feed whales. Guides use hydrophones to listen to whale sounds and educate guests about Iceland’s conservation efforts.
At Iceland Holiday Packages, we offer top-rated Northern Lights and Whale Watching tours with trusted partners known for safety, sustainability, and excellent customer service. Our packages are flexible and can be tailored to suit short or long stays in Iceland.
Why travelers choose us:
Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises are commonly seen during winter whale watching tours near Reykjavik.
Yes, many tour operators offer full-day combo packages starting with a morning whale cruise and an evening aurora excursion from Reykjavik.
Most providers offer a free rescheduling policy or discounted return if wildlife is not spotted. Visibility is weather-dependent for both tours.
Yes, both tours are family-friendly. Children are often fascinated by whales and auroras, but warm clothing and patience are essential.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially in peak seasons (Dec–Feb), to secure seats and get the best tour time slots.
From the icy depths of the North Atlantic to the star-lit Arctic skies, Iceland offers a magical blend of marine and celestial wonders. A Northern Lights & Whale Watching Tour is the perfect way to make the most of your winter stay in Iceland, offering double the adventure and double the awe. Join us for a guided journey into the world of whales and auroras—an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Book your adventure today with Iceland Holiday Packages.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
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A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
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