Whale Watching and Northern Lights Combo Tour from Akureyri
Two of Iceland's most iconic winter experiences, combined into one remarkable day.
This whale watching and northern lights combo tour brings together two of Iceland's most sought-after natural encounters, giving travellers the chance to explore Eyjafjordur by sea in the afternoon and chase the Aurora Borealis across the dark countryside after nightfall.
Departing from Akureyri harbour, the afternoon whale watching excursion takes guests into Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland and one of the country's most productive whale habitats. Onboard guides with specialist training share insights into local whale species and marine life throughout the journey.
After returning to the harbour, travellers enjoy free time before the evening northern lights tour begins. A small convoy heads out beyond the city's light pollution, guided by real-time aurora activity monitoring and cloud forecast data to maximise sighting opportunities.
Both vessels and vehicles are equipped for cold Icelandic weather, with indoor spaces and warm drinks available on the whale watching boat. The combined experience spans approximately six hours and is available from October through November and again from February through mid-April.
Tour Highlights
Sail through Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, on a dedicated whale watching voyage lasting up to 3.5 hours.
Chase the Aurora Borealis after dark on a small-group northern lights tour with a maximum of 19 passengers for a personal experience.
Trained onboard naturalist guides explain whale behaviour and answer questions throughout the whale watching portion.
Aurora guides monitor cloud cover, sky conditions, and local observer networks in real time to find the clearest viewing locations.
Warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate available onboard the whale watching vessel during the fjord excursion.
Free repeat trip offered on both tours if whales are not spotted or northern lights are not seen during the operated excursion.
Available across two winter seasons: October to November and February to mid-April, covering peak aurora and whale activity periods.
What to Expect
Board the whale watching vessel at Akureyri harbour and set out into Eyjafjordur. The fjord's sheltered waters are home to a variety of whale species alongside numerous seabird populations.
Spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring Iceland's longest fjord with specialist guides on board. Both indoor and outdoor deck areas provide comfortable viewing options regardless of weather conditions.
After the whale watching tour concludes, guests return to Akureyri harbour and have free time to relax, eat, or explore the town before the evening activity begins.
Between 17:30 and 18:00, guides assess aurora activity levels, cloud forecasts, and reports from local observers to determine the best route for the evening tour.
The small group departs by vehicle into the dark countryside surrounding Akureyri, moving away from city light pollution to locations with the highest probability of clear skies and active aurora displays.
After approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of aurora hunting, the group returns to the meeting point in Akureyri, concluding the combined six-hour experience.
What Is Included
Included
- Classic Whale Watching tour in Eyjafjordur (2.5 to 3.5 hours)
- Northern Lights tour by vehicle (2.5 to 3 hours)
- Specialist onboard whale watching guide
- Aurora activity and weather monitoring throughout the evening
- Indoor areas and warm drinks available on the whale watching boat
- Free repeat whale watching trip if no whales are spotted
- Free repeat northern lights trip if aurora is not seen on an operated tour
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Food and beverages beyond onboard drinks
- Photography equipment
Important Information
Both tours are subject to weather and natural conditions. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed even when the tour operates. A minimum of 10 passengers is required for the whale watching departure and a minimum of 2 passengers for the northern lights tour.
Book Your Combo Adventure
Secure your place on this iconic Icelandic winter experience and combine the best of the sea and the sky in a single day from Akureyri.
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