Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The best part of this tour is the chance to watch the northern lights from Faxaflói Bay, away from some of Reykjavik’s city glow. You sail for about two hours, and the crew keeps watch for changes in the sky. I like the free return ticket if conditions fail, and I like that a canceled sailing turns into a real backup activity rather than a wasted evening.

I also like the practical comforts: warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, a snack bar, and free photos after the boat trip. The main drawback is space. A boat carrying up to 198 people can feel tight, especially when everyone heads to the deck at once. Rough water can also make the ride bumpy and limit your best viewing position.

Key points to know before you sail

• The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay: You search for the aurora from the water, with open views in several directions.
• A genuine backup plan is included: Poor conditions can mean a Whales of Iceland visit, a northern lights drink, a short film, a guided tour, and a photography workshop.
• You can sail again for free: If the boat cannot operate or conditions are unsuitable, you receive a ticket for the next available sailing.
• Warm overalls are provided: This matters when you spend time outside watching a sky that may or may not perform.
• The crew gives photography help: Guides such as Anika and Patrick have offered practical advice on finding and photographing the lights.
• Crowding is the main caution: The boat can become busy, with limited indoor seating and a tight upper deck.

Sailing into Faxaflói Bay after dark

The tour begins at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11, close to central Reykjavik and public transportation. You check in there, board the northern lights boat, and return to the same meeting point at the end.

The sailing itself takes about two hours, though you should allow two to three hours for the full activity. That extra time is useful for boarding, leaving the harbor, watching the sky, and returning to Reykjavik. Hotel transfers are not part of the standard price, but you can add them for an extra charge through the operator.

Once the boat moves out into Faxaflói Bay, the purpose becomes clear. You are not heading to a fixed attraction with a guaranteed show. You are giving yourself a wider view of the sky and letting the crew choose the best available area based on conditions.

That distinction matters. The aurora is natural and changeable. You may see a strong display soon after boarding, as happened on one sailing, or wait much of the evening for a faint glow. The boat gives you a different setting from a land-based lookout, but it cannot control cloud, wind, or the strength of the lights.

When activity begins, the crew may send you straight to the upper deck. That is a useful tip: do not linger below if the staff tells you the sky has started to move. The best moment can arrive while the boat is still boarding or while you are making your way out of the harbor.

What the boat provides for a cold Icelandic night

The included warm overalls are one of the tour’s most useful features. You still need sensible clothing, but the extra layer makes it easier to stay outside for longer. That is important because aurora watching involves patience, and a short burst of activity can happen after a quiet spell.

Inside, you have Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar. Food and drinks are not included, so budget for anything you want to purchase onboard. The indoor area gives you a place to warm up, though seating may be limited when the boat is full.

I would treat the indoor space as a useful shelter, not as your main viewing room. The reason to book this outing is the open-air view, and you will likely spend the most important moments outside. The upper deck can get crowded, especially when the lights appear or when the sea is rough and people gather in the most stable spots.

The boat is described as comfortable and well maintained, but comfort depends partly on the night. Calm water makes the experience easy. Rough water can turn the ride into a bumpy one, and a moving boat is not ideal for everyone trying to hold a camera steady.

Guides, timing, and the human side of the trip

The crew can make a large difference on an uncertain night. Guides including Anika and Patrick have helped with aurora spotting, camera tips, and general explanations. Patrick has also been praised for bringing humor to the evening, while Anika has been described as warm and informative.

That combination suits this type of outing. You need practical guidance, but you also need someone to keep the mood steady during a long wait. A good guide cannot produce the lights, yet the right advice helps you notice a faint display and make better use of the few minutes when it strengthens.

You may be told where to look, when to move to the top deck, and how to try photographing the aurora. The tour also provides photos taken during every boat trip, which you can download free after the outing. This is a valuable extra because night photography can be difficult, especially on a moving boat.

The tour starts and ends promptly according to the supplied details. That makes it easier to fit into a Reykjavik evening, though you should avoid scheduling something immediately afterward. Weather changes and harbor movements can affect the pace, and you do not want to spend the return journey watching the clock.

The backup plan at Whales of Iceland

The backup arrangement is the strongest reason to consider this tour if you want more than a simple all-or-nothing boat trip. If the weather is not suitable for the northern lights sailing, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity.

That alternative takes place at Whales of Iceland. It includes entry to the exhibit, a northern lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. You also receive a short northern lights photography workshop, which keeps the evening connected to the original theme.

This is not the same experience as seeing the aurora over the bay. You should book with that expectation. Still, it gives you a structured indoor evening instead of sending you back to your hotel with nothing to do. The museum visit has been particularly useful on nights when wind or weather canceled the boat.

The backup plan also includes a free ticket for the next available boat date if conditions are not suitable for sailing. That gives you two possible benefits: something to do that evening and another chance to go out on the water.

If your schedule allows several nights in Reykjavik, this arrangement becomes more valuable. One evening can serve as the museum visit, followed by another attempt on the boat. If you have only one night in town, you should understand that the alternative activity may replace the sailing rather than guarantee a same-night aurora sighting.

How much value do you get for $83.88?

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Reykjavik, but the price includes more than a boat ride. You receive the sailing, warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, onboard photos, and the chance to return on another date if conditions are unsuitable.

The Whales of Iceland backup adds real value. Entry, a drink, film, guided tour, and photography workshop would otherwise be separate parts of your evening. The package reduces the risk of paying for a canceled activity and receiving little in return.

The value depends on what you want from an aurora outing. If you only care about seeing the lights at the lowest possible cost, a boat tour may not be your best choice. You are paying for transport onto the bay, a crew that monitors conditions, onboard facilities, and a fallback arrangement.

I think the price makes more sense for visitors who appreciate convenience and a planned evening. It is also a reasonable fit if you want a second chance built into the booking. Keep in mind that snacks and drinks are extra, and hotel pickup is not included unless you arrange and pay for it separately.

Crowding, seating, and rough water

The most important caution is capacity. The activity can carry as many as 198 people, and some departures may feel crowded. When the lights appear, many people will want the same upper-deck positions, while indoor seating may be nearly full.

This does not make the tour unusable, but it changes the character of the experience. You should expect a shared group outing, not a quiet private search. If personal space and an unobstructed viewing position matter greatly to you, ask yourself how comfortable you are with a busy boat.

The viewing position can also be less perfect than you imagine. On a rough night, the boat moves, the deck can feel tight, and photography becomes harder. The open bay offers broad sky views, but the best spot may not always be available when you reach the deck.

I would dress for the deck even if you plan to spend time inside. The supplied overalls help, but warm personal layers remain sensible. If you are prone to motion sickness, the bumpy conditions noted during some outings are worth taking seriously.

How to make the most of your night

Arrive ready to board and listen closely to the crew once you are onboard. If the staff tells you to head upstairs because the lights have appeared, go promptly. Waiting below for the perfect moment can mean missing the strongest part of the display.

Keep your camera expectations realistic. The supplied photography workshop helps, and the downloadable tour photos are a welcome safety net. A phone may capture something, but results can vary with movement, darkness, and the strength of the aurora.

Use the indoor area as a warm-up point rather than staying there all night. You can purchase something from the snack bar, check messages using the Wi-Fi, and then return outside when the crew gives an update.

Plan your booking around flexibility. The operator can offer another date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the experience, and a minimum number of participants is also required. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want an organized northern lights search with a useful safety net. It suits first-time visitors who prefer a scheduled outing, families or couples who value indoor facilities, and anyone staying in Reykjavik long enough to use a second sailing date.

It is also a good choice if you like the idea of seeing the city from the water and want free photos afterward. The crew’s practical help can make a difference when the sky changes quickly.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowded group activities, rough water, or uncertain results. The aurora may be spectacular, but the tour cannot promise a display. Even with a clear sky, the lights may remain faint or appear only briefly.

Should you book the Northern Lights by Boat?

Book this tour if you want the adventure of an evening at sea and value protection against a poor-weather cancellation. The free return ticket and Whales of Iceland alternative make the $83.88 price easier to justify, especially on a multi-night Reykjavik stay.

Skip it if your main goal is a quiet, uncrowded viewing spot or if you need a guaranteed northern lights show. For most people, the sensible way to approach this outing is as a well-organized search, not a promise. Go prepared for cold, movement, and a crowd, and you may come away with a memorable sky, useful photos, and a second chance if Iceland keeps its lights hidden.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights by Boat tour depart?

The tour departs from Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. It returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the boat tour last?

The boat portion lasts about two hours. Allow roughly two to three hours for the full activity, including boarding and returning to the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

You are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland. This includes entry, a northern lights drink, a short film, a guided tour, and a short northern lights photography workshop.

Do I receive another chance to take the boat?

Yes. If conditions are unsuitable for the sailing, you receive a free ticket for the next available boat tour date.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are available for use during the boat tour. You should still bring suitable personal clothing for a cold evening outside.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them at the onboard snack bar. The alternative Whales of Iceland activity includes a northern lights drink.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price. You can add transfers for an extra charge directly through the supplier.

Are photos included?

Photos taken during every boat tour are available for free download after the experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.