Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavík excursion is the chance to watch the Northern Lights from Faxaflói Bay, away from much of the city’s direct glare. When the aurora appears, the crew can send you straight to the upper deck, as happened during one outing when the lights began before the boat had properly left the harbor. The boat gives you a moving viewpoint, warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, and photos to download later.

I like the automatic backup plan, which keeps a poor-weather evening from becoming a total loss. I also like the free return ticket when conditions are not suitable, plus the Whales of Iceland visit with a Northern Lights drink and short photography workshop. The main caution is space: the boat can carry up to 198 people, and the upper deck or indoor seating may feel crowded, especially after cancellations or rescheduled departures.

Key points to know before you book

• You sail for about two hours: The main outing heads into Faxaflói Bay and returns to the same Reykjavík meeting point.
• The backup is more than a waiting room: Bad conditions can lead to a Whales of Iceland visit, guided tour, short film, Northern Lights drink, and photography workshop.
• Warm overalls are supplied: You can spend time outside without bringing a full snowsuit, though proper cold-weather clothing still matters.
• The lights can appear suddenly: If the aurora starts near boarding, follow the crew’s advice and head upstairs quickly.
• Photos are included: Images taken during each boat trip are available to download free of charge.
• Hotel pickup is optional: The meeting point is at Geirsgata 11, while transfers must be added for an extra fee.

Setting out from Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, close to public transportation. The tour ends back at this same point, which makes it easy to fit into an evening in the capital without arranging a second pickup location.

The sailing itself takes about two hours, while the full experience is generally listed as two to three hours. That extra time allows for boarding, returning to the harbor, and handling the practical business of searching the sky. I would keep the rest of your evening fairly open, since the Northern Lights do not follow a timetable.

The boat trip is operated by Special Tours Iceland. The experience is offered in English, and the group can be large, with a stated maximum of 198 people. That size helps keep the price at about $83.88 per person, but it also explains why the boat may not feel like a quiet private expedition.

Why seeing the aurora from the water feels different

A boat gives you a broad view of the sky and the horizon. You are not simply standing on a city street, looking between buildings and streetlights. Out in Faxaflói Bay, you can scan a wider portion of the sky, which matters when the Northern Lights are faint or shifting.

The movement also adds something to the evening. You are sailing into darkness rather than waiting in one fixed spot, and the changing position can help the crew search for better viewing conditions. It is still a weather-dependent outing, not a guarantee of a bright display.

The sea can be rough. One outing was described as comfortable and well maintained even when the water was unsettled, while another found the boat bumpy and the viewing area less than ideal. If you are sensitive to motion, keep that in mind before choosing a boat over a land-based aurora trip.

The most useful advice is simple: listen closely during boarding. On one especially successful evening, the lights appeared as people were getting on, and the team urged everyone to go to the top deck immediately. The aurora may not wait for the formal start of the tour.

What the main boat experience includes

The boat provides warm overalls for use during the trip. This is important because the best viewing is outside, and Icelandic nights can be cold even when the water is calm. I would still wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The supplied overalls are helpful protection, not a reason to dress lightly.

You also have access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but you can buy them on board. That arrangement works well if you want a hot drink or a small snack without leaving your place, though you should budget for purchases if you expect to eat.

Indoor areas offer shelter during the search, but seating may be limited when the boat is full. The upper deck is the key viewing area, and it can become tight when everyone heads outside at once. If the sky begins glowing, I would prioritize your viewing position first and worry about finding a seat later.

The crew’s role matters here. Anika and Patrick were specifically praised for clear explanations, humor, and help during repeated attempts to find the aurora. You should expect practical guidance on where to look and how to use your camera, rather than simply being left to stare at the sky.

The photography help and free pictures

Northern Lights photography is tricky. A phone may show a weaker display than your eyes, and a camera often needs the right settings, a steady position, and patience. The crew offers tips for locating the lights and capturing them, which can make a real difference if this is your first attempt.

Pictures are taken during every boat tour and later made available for free download. That is a useful part of the price, since it gives you a chance to keep a record even if your own camera struggles with the darkness.

Do not treat the included images as a replacement for your own experience. The quality and timing will depend on the conditions, how active the aurora becomes, and where you are positioned. Still, free photos are a welcome extra, especially after paying for a night built around a natural event that may last only a few minutes.

The built-in backup at Whales of Iceland

This tour handles bad conditions better than a standard aurora cruise because the alternative is arranged as part of the experience. If the weather is not suitable for sailing or viewing the lights, you can be signed up for a different date or sent to Whales of Iceland as the backup activity.

The museum option includes entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. It also includes a brief Northern Lights photography workshop. That gives your evening some real content instead of leaving you with a cancellation notice and an empty schedule.

The museum is particularly useful if clouds, wind, or sea conditions make the boat unsafe or unproductive. You will not see the actual aurora inside, of course, but you can learn about the subject and practice the photography basics in a warm setting.

The backup also helps families and mixed groups. One person may be eager to chase the lights, while another may prefer a museum and film. The plan cannot control the weather, but it reduces the risk of losing a full evening in Reykjavík.

The free return ticket and what it really means

If conditions are not suitable for the boat, you receive a free ticket to join the sailing on the next available date. This is valuable because many visitors need more than one attempt to see the aurora, even during a clear-weather trip.

The wording matters: the ticket is for the next available date, not necessarily the exact night you choose. If your Iceland schedule is short, you may not have enough spare evenings to use it. I would book this activity early in your stay rather than on your final night, so you have some room to try again.

The tour may also be canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund. The backup policy is reassuring, but it cannot create an aurora when the sky stays dark.

Crowds, comfort, and the boat’s weak spot

The biggest drawback is crowding. With a maximum of 198 people, this is not a small-group cruise. A full boat can mean limited indoor seating and tight space on deck, particularly when the lights appear and everyone rushes outside.

Cancellations can make that problem worse. When several departures are moved to the same evening, more people may be rescheduled together. The operator has acknowledged that this can affect comfort, even while trying to keep the boat safe and orderly.

I would choose this tour for the backup plan and the chance to view the sky from the bay, not for privacy. If you want a quiet, intimate search with room for a tripod and uninterrupted deck access, a smaller land-based outing may suit you better.

Still, crowding has to be weighed against the price. At $83.88, the tour includes the boat, overalls, onboard facilities, photography help, free photos, and a possible museum alternative. For a first aurora outing, that is a fair package, provided you accept that the experience is shared with a large group.

Hotel transfers and simple evening planning

Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be added for an extra cost through the supplier. Without a transfer, you need to make your own way to Geirsgata 11 and return there at the end.

That is not a serious problem if you are staying in Reykjavík and can use public transportation or walk to the meeting point. It does matter if you are staying farther out, carrying bulky winter clothing, or prefer not to navigate the city late at night.

The check-in process is described as straightforward, and departures and returns have been reported as prompt. I would still arrive with enough time to locate the meeting point, collect your overalls, and listen for instructions before boarding.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of weather or insufficient numbers.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this outing to anyone staying in Reykjavík who wants a simple first attempt at seeing the aurora without arranging a car or driving into the countryside. It is also a good fit if you value a clear fallback plan and like having a museum activity available when nature refuses to cooperate.

It suits people who enjoy being on the water and do not mind a shared, organized setting. Families may appreciate the restrooms, snack bar, indoor shelter, and museum alternative. English-speaking visitors can follow the tour without arranging translation.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed quiet, dislike boat motion, or have only one free night in Iceland. You also need to be comfortable with uncertainty. A clear sky improves your chances, but no responsible aurora company can promise a display.

The strongest part of the experience is the way the crew responds when the sky finally opens. Guides have sent people upstairs at once, explained where to look, and offered camera tips while the lights grew brighter. That quick guidance can turn a faint glow into a memorable sight.

Should you book the Northern Lights by Boat?

Book it if you want the special viewpoint of Faxaflói Bay, practical onboard comforts, and a useful backup instead of a canceled evening. The free return ticket and Whales of Iceland alternative make the $83.88 cost easier to justify.

I would schedule it early in your Reykjavík stay, keep one possible repeat evening free, and bring serious cold-weather layers despite the supplied overalls. If you can accept rough water and a crowded deck, this is a sensible, well-supported way to make your first aurora search.

FAQ

How long does the Northern Lights boat tour last?

The boat portion lasts about two hours, while the full experience is approximately two to three hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price, but you can add them for an extra cost through the supplier.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

You are automatically signed up for an alternative activity or offered another date, depending on the situation. The alternative can include Whales of Iceland.

What is included in the Whales of Iceland backup activity?

The backup includes entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, a guided tour, and a short Northern Lights photography workshop.

Do I receive another boat ticket if the lights cannot be seen?

You receive a free ticket for the boat tour on the next available date if conditions are not suitable to sail.

Are food and drinks included on the boat?

No. Snacks and drinks can be purchased at the onboard snack bar.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.