Where to Go: the 3 Best Whale Watching Trips Under the Northern Lights

1.Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 127 reviews · 6 hours · from $205Our pick

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours seeking minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds in Faxaflói Bay, then return at night for a 2-hour Northern Lights cruise. Guides such as Rebekka, Lucas, and Daniel have drawn praise for their energy and clear explanations. Warm overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, and free rebooking are included.

“Was an excellent guide and we saw 2 whales. Very expensive but as is Iceland generally.”

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2.24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 22 hours to 1 day (approx.) · from $1,214Top rated

Join Norwegian Travel for a 24-hour cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøya, with a three-course dinner, breakfast, lunch, a cabin night, Northern Lights viewing, whale watching, and talks in the Panorama lounge. The small group is limited to 52 people, with English service throughout.

“Knowledgable guides gave informative talks on Northern Lights and whales, food good, cabins comfortable. Unfortunately overcast so no northern lights, but whale watching for 3.5hrs was exceptional. So so many orcas, as well as humpback and fin whales. We went for the whales so we were thrilled.”

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3.Whales and Northern Lights Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 55 reviews · 7 hours · from $212

Spend about seven hours with Special Tours Iceland, starting with a three-hour whale watch on Faxaflói Bay and returning at night for an aurora cruise. Look for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises, with English-speaking guides, heated seating, warm overalls, WiFi, and a free retry if nothing is seen.

“The boat was comfortable and a good size. We saw both hump back and minke whales and our guide was very knowledgeable.”

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