Description
Begin on the calm waters of Eyjafjörður, a mountain-framed fjord celebrated for its humpback whales and rich marine life. Warm gear and expert narration make the cruise comfortable while the wide scenery gives every wildlife search a cinematic backdrop.
After free time in Akureyri, the evening continues by minibus beyond the town lights. The guide uses cloud and aurora forecasts to select the clearest available route, with photography assistance ready when the sky begins to glow.
This seasonal combination normally operates from early October to late November and again from February to mid-April, bringing together North Iceland’s wildlife and winter atmosphere in one beautifully varied experience.
Itinerary
Akureyri harbour
Whale watching check-in
Meet at the waterfront office on Oddeyrarbót and prepare for the fjord with warm outerwear supplied. The mountain panorama begins before the boat has even left central Akureyri. The experience adds another vivid perspective to a day shaped by Icelandic wildlife, open water and extraordinary northern scenery.
Eyjafjörður
Search for humpback whales
Cruise through one of Iceland’s most beautiful fjords as the crew follows recent wildlife activity, looking for humpbacks and other cetaceans beneath steep northern mountains. The experience adds another vivid perspective to a day shaped by Icelandic wildlife, open water and extraordinary northern scenery.
Return to Akureyri
Free time between experiences
Come ashore with time to enjoy Akureyri and arrange a meal before the evening minibus departure. The exact interval follows the schedule confirmed on your voucher. The experience adds another vivid perspective to a day shaped by Icelandic wildlife, open water and extraordinary northern scenery.
North Iceland countryside
Into darker winter skies
Leave the town lights behind while the guide studies cloud cover and aurora activity, selecting scenic viewpoints with the strongest available chance of clear northern sky. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere, listen to the guide and capture the changing light across the sea before the journey continues.
Northern Lights hunt
Photography beneath the aurora
Wait beneath the open sky as the guide explains the aurora and helps with camera settings. When conditions align, green light can dance above mountains, snow and broad northern valleys. The experience adds another vivid perspective to a day shaped by Icelandic wildlife, open water and extraordinary northern scenery.
Akureyri return
A complete Arctic day
Travel back to Akureyri after a rewarding combination of marine wildlife, mountain scenery and the excitement of searching the winter sky for one of nature’s greatest displays. The experience adds another vivid perspective to a day shaped by Icelandic wildlife, open water and extraordinary northern scenery.
What is included
- Whale watching cruise in Eyjafjörður
- Warm flotation overalls for the boat
- Expert onboard wildlife narration
- Northern Lights minibus tour
- Evening guide and photography assistance
- Crew photographs from the whale watching when available
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Flat, non-slip footwear
- Camera or phone
- Hat and gloves outside the warmest summer days
Good to know
Meeting point: Whale Watching Office, Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri. Follow the separate evening meeting details on your voucher.
Open in Google Maps
- The two activities are separated by free time in Akureyri.
- Whales and Northern Lights are natural phenomena and cannot be guaranteed.
- The combination is normally scheduled from 1 October–30 November and 1 February–15 April.
Highlights
- Whale watching in Eyjafjörður
- Guided Northern Lights minibus hunt
- Akureyri mountain and fjord scenery
- Photography help beneath the night sky
- Two North Iceland experiences in one booking
Northern Lights Tour 4 – Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide follows the evening forecast and cloud conditions, then chooses the most promising accessible viewing area. The route remains flexible because the best skies can change during the night.
The goal is to leave Reykjavik's bright city lights behind for darker horizons and time outdoors with the guide. Exact stops depend on the conditions on your departure.
Wear warm layers, a windproof outer layer, insulated footwear, gloves and a hat. Standing outside while watching the sky can feel much colder than temperatures in the city.
Yes. The guide explains the evening plan and helps you get comfortable at each stop, making this an easy way to experience Iceland's winter night sky.
Bring a camera or phone with a fully charged battery and enough storage. A small tripod is useful for longer exposures, while the guide can suggest practical viewing and photo tips.
Weather and cloud cover shape the route and timing, so the guide adapts the plan to make the most of the available conditions. Check your booking details for the operator's current rescheduling policy.
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