Where to Go: the 7 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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4.24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 46 reviews · 1 day · from $1,179

Join Norwegian Travel’s overnight MV Quest cruise from Tromsø for whale watching, Northern Lights viewing, and Arctic scenery. You’ll sleep in an ocean-facing cabin, eat three meals on board, hear talks on auroras and whale biology, and spend a full morning near Skjervøy looking for orcas, humpbacks, and sea eagles. Sightings depend on nature, but the ship gives you time and comfort to wait.

“Ein ganz tolle Reise mit super Eindrücken in die Natur. Essen war auch hervorragend! Beste Option um Nordlichter und Wale zu sehen. Kein langweiliges sitzen auf einem Boot ohne wirklich was zu sehen, wie bei den Tagestouren!”

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5.Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $176Best value

Spend 2 to 3.5 hours watching for humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises from Reykjavik, then return in the evening for a 2 to 3 hour northern lights cruise. Guides such as Jonathan help with cameras, stars, and aurora viewing. Heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, warm overalls, and seasickness tablets are included.

“Was lucky enough to visit Iceland March 2024 with 4 other family members. We had a great time on this tour and were right next to a humpback whale! When we came back for part 2 of the tour we were also able to see the Northern Lights! Definitely a Bucket List worthy trip, would love to go back and see the country side when it's a lush green.”

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6.Iceland Super Saver: Northern Lights Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 31 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $186

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll take a 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay and a separate 2.5-hour Northern Lights cruise. Look for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises, then sail after dark with an expert guide explaining the lights, myths, and science. Tours can run on the same day or separate days.

“Whale watching Brilliant saw 5 minki whales unfortunatley didnt get to do the northern lights part of the tour as it was rough sea or cloudy all the time we were there.”

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7.Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $198

Spend about three hours looking for whales from Reykjavik, then return for a two-hour evening cruise in search of the aurora. Elding provides warm overalls, blankets, live English commentary, wildlife exhibition access, and a sighting guarantee. Pickups cost extra, and bad weather can change the plan.

“We set off on 3hr whale watching trip and we managed to spot a whale not far from the harbour. We spent about an hour watching the whale dive and surface and it was fantastic to experience the sighting in the whale’s nature environment. unfortunately the northern lights evening excursion was cancelled due to bad weather. Highly recommend this operator for a whale watching excursion ❤️”

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