A single evening, two huge Iceland moments. I like that this Reykjavik package pairs a Northern Lights search with a whale-watching scan, so your night isn’t just waiting around. I also love the practical cold-weather setup: thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, and even sea-sickness tablets help you stay comfortable. The one drawback to plan for is that wildlife and aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, and choppy water can ruin the vibe on the boat.

Think of it as a two-part chance to see Iceland’s showstoppers from Faxaflói Bay: lights overhead, whales (and other marine life) below. You’ll typically depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour around 9pm or 10pm depending on the season, then swap to the whale-watching trip after the first outing (or you can take the tours on different days). If you want hotel pickup, it’s an extra add-on, and if you don’t pick the right gear for cold wind, you’ll feel it.

I’d book this if you want maximum odds and solid comfort for a single price. It’s also capped at 198 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private boat—but it’s not a cattle-car chaos either. Just be realistic: in Iceland, weather drives the schedule, not your wish list.

Key Highlights Worth Planning Around

• Two tours in one ticket: Northern Lights cruise plus a 3.5-hour whale-watching outing
• Warm gear included: thermal overalls (in kids sizes too) and heated indoor seating areas
• Sea-sickness support: complimentary tablets if you need them
• Old Harbour departures: your night starts in Reykjavik’s classic harbor area
• Try-again safety net: free ticket to retry if nothing is seen
• Guides bring the stories: myths and facts on the Lights, and marine info during whale time

What This Reykjavik Northern Lights + Whale Package Really Is

This is a bundled experience sold as a “super saver,” meaning you’re buying two separate ocean experiences—Northern Lights searching and whale watching—under one price umbrella. In practice, it’s designed for people who only have a few days in Iceland and don’t want to guess which night will deliver the best results.

You can do the tours on the same day or spread them across different days during your trip. That flexibility matters because Northern Lights success depends on darkness, cloud cover, and wind; whale activity depends on sea conditions and where the animals are that night. You’re not just chasing one lottery ticket.

Also, this is not a dry lecture. It’s time on the water both times, which is the real point. You’ll feel the boat rocking, you’ll see the bay lighting up against the dark, and you’ll scan for movement instead of relying on a museum-style explanation.

Northern Lights Cruise: Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay (2.5 Hours)

The Northern Lights part starts from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Departure is either 9pm or 10pm, depending on the time of year. If you select hotel pickup, it begins 60 minutes before departure. Either way, you’ll head toward the boat in time for boarding and warm-up.

Once you’re out on the water, the goal is simple: look up. Your guide will share what causes the aurora and the myths that surround it. It’s the kind of storytelling that helps when you’re staring at the sky waiting for that faint green ripple to show up.

What you’ll actually experience on the boat

• Heated indoor seating so you’re not stuck shivering on deck the whole time
• Thermal overalls to keep wind and cold from eating your energy
• A setup meant for searching, not just sightseeing

The big reality check

You can’t count on seeing the Northern Lights. Clouds and rough seas can throw a wrench in the evening. On some outings, you’ll get the best kind of consolation: a chance to try again. The package includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.

Comfort tip that saves the evening

Bring layers you can move in. Thermal overalls are provided, but you still want a warm base layer and something windproof under/over them. Iceland nights can feel colder than you expect the moment the boat picks up speed.

Whale Watching on Faxaflói Bay: 3.5 Hours of Scanning for Movement

The whale-watching portion runs about 3.5 hours. Like the Northern Lights cruise, it includes guidance and time on open water in Faxaflói Bay. If you booked hotel pickup for this part too, it also starts 60 minutes before departure.

Your job as a passenger is half watching the water and half listening to the guide. When the spotting starts, you’ll want your eyes already in scanning mode. The guide’s role is key because whales don’t “stay on schedule.” They surface, breathe, and disappear again.

Marine life you might see

The experience highlights a good chance of marine sightings such as:

• Harbor porpoises
• Humpback whales
• Minke whales
• White-beaked dolphins

What can go wrong (and what the operator does about it)

You might leave the bay with whales, or you might get seals and dolphins instead. That’s not a failure; it’s what ocean wildlife looks like in the real world. Some people also report missing the Northern Lights component on rough or cloudy evenings, and the company’s response—offering a try again—shows up as a recurring theme.

Meeting Point and Timing: Getting There Without Losing the Night

Your meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The tours end back at the meeting point, which is handy after a late night at sea. The big timing issue is that you’ll need to reconfirm cruise times with the supplier because schedules can shift.

That matters because Northern Lights departures are time-sensitive. If you show up thinking the sky will wait for your late coffee, Iceland will teach you humility fast.

Pickup: convenient, but not automatic

Hotel pickup and cruise port pickup are available for an additional fee of 1100 ISK per person per trip. If you’re staying close to the center, you may not need it. If you’re tired after a long day, it can be worth paying for the stress reduction.

Thermal Overalls, Heated Seats, and Sea-Sickness Tablets

This is one of the most practical parts of the package. Many Northern Lights and whale tours sell the dream and then act surprised when people freeze or get sick. Here, you get real gear and support.

Included items:

• Use of thermal overalls (including children’s sizes)
• Heated indoor seating areas
• Complimentary sea sickness tablets
• Free WiFi
• A Special Tours app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese

Why I like this: it reduces the “what if I’m miserable?” factor. You’re still going to be cold at times, but you’re not starting from zero.

A small but important planning note

Thermal overalls help a lot, but they don’t replace smart layering. Wear warm socks and gloves. If you tend to get motion sick, take the sea-sickness tablets exactly as directed before you feel bad—don’t wait until your stomach files a complaint.

Guides, Myths, and How You Actually Enjoy the Sky and Sea

The quality of this kind of tour often comes down to the guide. In this package, you get two styles of guiding:

• Northern Lights: myths and facts while searching the sky
• Whale watching: marine knowledge while scanning the bay

You’ll probably hear the same truth twice in Iceland: patience is part of the product. The guide’s stories make that waiting feel purposeful instead of like standing around hoping.

From the experience feedback I’ve seen associated with Special Tours Iceland, names like Kristoph show up for professional, calm handling and storytelling. Another name that appears often for whale-spotting expertise is Iga, described as having strong spotting skills that led to multiple humpbacks on the water.

Don’t assume you’ll get those exact guides. But it does suggest the operator puts effort into guide quality, not just boat logistics.

Weather, Rough Seas, and Your Best Strategy

Iceland runs on weather. That’s not a slogan; it’s the operating system. On some outings, the sea can be too choppy for comfortable spotting, and cloudy skies can make Northern Lights hard or impossible.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If the sea is rough, the priority becomes staying warm and not letting discomfort ruin your focus.
• If clouds roll in, you’ll still have the boat ride and the storytelling, but the sky might not cooperate.

The package includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen, and you’ll often see people mention it as a key reason they felt the experience was still worth it even when conditions weren’t ideal.

Price and Value: Is $186.74 a Good Deal?

At $186.74 per person, this looks like a bargain because it bundles two activities that are usually sold separately. You’re also getting several items that you’d otherwise pay for or struggle without—thermal overalls, heated seating, and sea-sickness tablets are real savings in Iceland winter terms.

The main “cost” you might not see in the headline price is pickup:

• Hotel and cruise port pickup cost 1100 ISK per person per trip

If you’re staying far from the meeting area, pickup may be worth it. If you’re already in central Reykjavik, you may be able to show up with less hassle and keep the extra fee for something else—like a hot dog and a second round of cinnamon buns.

Also remember: a lot of the value here is the contingency plan. The free try again feature is what turns “chance-based” into “opportunity-based.” You’re not only paying for the hope; you’re paying for the structure around it.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This package fits best if:

• you want maximum chances in one trip window
• you love wildlife but don’t want to gamble on booking whales only once
• you’re comfortable with cold weather and want real ocean time
• you prefer a guided experience with stories, not just silent sightseeing

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to motion and can’t take or tolerate sea-sickness support
• you’re the type who becomes frustrated by weather-driven changes

The cap of 198 travelers suggests it’s social and lively, with enough space to breathe but not a private boat feel.

Should You Book This Iceland Super Saver?

Yes, I think you should book it if your priority is an efficient, warm, guided combo of Northern Lights searching and whale watching. The included comfort kit is a big deal, and the “try again if nothing is seen” approach makes the whole thing feel fairer than many similar cruises.

But book with the right mindset: you’re buying a well-run search on the water, not a guaranteed wildlife or aurora promise. If you dress smart, take the sea-sickness support seriously, and stay flexible with timing, you’ll likely come home with at least one of Iceland’s greatest shows. And sometimes, you get both on the same trip night.

FAQ

How long is this Iceland super saver experience?

The full package is listed as approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, with the Northern Lights cruise running about 2.5 hours and the whale-watching tour running about 3.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and cruise port pickup are not included in the base price. Pickup can be added for an additional fee of 1100 ISK per person per trip.

What time does the Northern Lights part depart from Old Harbour?

Departure is either 9pm or 10pm depending on the time of year.

What’s included to keep you warm and comfortable?

The tour includes use of thermal overalls, heated indoor seating areas, and complimentary sea-sickness tablets if needed.

Is WiFi provided?

Yes, free WiFi is included.

Can I take the tours on the same day?

You can take the tours on the same day or on separate days during your Iceland vacation.

Will I definitely see whales and the Northern Lights?

Sightings cannot be guaranteed. The experience requires good conditions, and nature can be unpredictable.

Is there a second chance if I don’t see anything?

Yes. There is a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour.

What happens if the Northern Lights cruise is canceled due to weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.