Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The sky can change everything. This Reykjavik boat trip takes you into Faxaflói Bay to search for the aurora, with warm overalls and Wi-Fi making the wait easier. I like the free return ticket when conditions fail, and I like the backup visit to Whales of Iceland, which gives you a real alternative instead of a wasted evening. The main drawback is space: the boat can feel crowded, especially when everyone heads outside at once.

I also like the helpful staff and the free photos taken during each sailing. Guides such as Anika and Patrick have been praised for their clear advice and good humor, while Andrea has also been part of the evening crew. But remember, a boat cannot order the northern lights to appear, and rough water can make viewing less comfortable.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two plans in one evening: Sail for the aurora when conditions allow, or visit Whales of Iceland if the boat cannot go out.
• A free second chance: If the weather prevents a suitable outing, you receive a ticket for the next available boat date.
• Warmth is built in: Overalls, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar help during the two-hour search.
• Aurora photography help: The backup visit includes a short northern lights photography workshop.
• Crowding can affect comfort: The tour can hold up to 198 people, and indoor seating or deck space may feel tight.
• A central Reykjavik departure: Meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, close to public transportation.

Sailing from Geirsgata 11 into Faxaflói Bay

The evening begins at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The location is near public transportation, and the tour returns to this same meeting point after roughly two hours on the water. With check-in and boarding included in the overall outing, plan for about two to three hours from start to finish.

The route heads into Faxaflói Bay, away from some of Reykjavik’s city glow. That matters because darkness is the raw material of an aurora trip. From the boat, you get a broad view in several directions, rather than a fixed view from a city street or hotel terrace.

Still, the sea adds its own conditions. Calm water can make the ride feel peaceful, but rough water may cause a bumpy crossing. One practical choice is to use the indoor area when you need a break, then head outside when staff spot activity in the sky. The boat has restrooms, Wi-Fi, warm overalls, and a snack bar, so you do not need to remain exposed to the cold for the whole outing.

The snack bar is not included in the price. You can buy food and drinks onboard, but bring this cost into your evening budget. A Northern Lights search can involve long stretches of waiting, and a hot drink may be worth paying for when the temperature drops.

What the two-hour search is really like

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a set collection of sights. The purpose is to find a dark enough area and wait for the aurora to appear. The crew watches the sky and gives directions about when to move onto the upper deck or where to look.

That guidance can make a big difference. During one particularly successful outing, the lights began as people were boarding, and the crew quickly advised everyone to go upstairs. On another, the display became stronger and more active near the end of the trip. You need some patience, since the best moment may arrive early, late, or not at all.

The boat setting gives the night a special character. You are surrounded by open water and sky, with no need to drive outside Reykjavik. When the aurora appears, the moving boat can make the scene feel wonderfully remote. Staff members have been praised for being friendly, upbeat, and clear when explaining how to locate and photograph the lights.

The limits are just as clear. A boat carries a large group, with a maximum capacity of 198 people. If the sailing is full, the upper deck may become tight when the aurora appears. Indoor seating can also be limited, so you may spend part of the trip standing or sharing space with other passengers.

For the best chance at a comfortable view, arrive ready to board promptly and listen when the crew directs you upstairs. Keep your phone and camera easy to reach, but do not spend the whole night staring at a screen. The lights are far better in person than on a rushed phone image.

Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, and the practical side of the boat

The included overalls are one of the most useful features. Icelandic nights can be cold even when the sea is calm, and standing outside for an extended period can quickly become uncomfortable. The overalls let you focus more on the sky and less on how long your fingers can last.

You should still dress warmly underneath. The provided clothing helps, but it does not turn a winter boat deck into a heated room. Layers, gloves, and a hat remain sensible choices. Use the indoor space as a refuge, not as a sign that the outdoor deck is optional.

Free Wi-Fi is handy for sending a quick message or sharing a first photo, while the onboard restrooms remove another worry during a long wait. The snack bar adds convenience, though food and drinks cost extra.

The boat is described as well maintained and comfortable, but comfort depends on the sea and the crowd. One evening included rough water, while another felt too busy for the available seating. If you dislike boats, motion, or standing in a packed viewing area, this may not be your ideal aurora outing.

The backup plan at Whales of Iceland

The strongest feature here is the backup arrangement. If conditions are unsuitable for a northern lights sailing, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland. This is more useful than simply being told to try again, since you still receive a planned evening activity.

The backup includes entry to the museum, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. It also includes a short photography workshop focused on capturing the aurora. That workshop is a smart addition because many people struggle to photograph the lights, even when the sky cooperates.

The museum visit is not a substitute for seeing the aurora over the bay. You will not get the same open-sky drama or the surprise of a real display. But it gives you context and keeps a weather-canceled night from becoming empty time in Reykjavik.

If the boat cannot sail because conditions are poor, you also receive a free ticket for the next available boat date. That makes the backup plan more than a consolation prize. It gives you a museum activity now and another chance at the water later.

A practical point: some outings have been canceled on the first night and operated successfully on the second. If your schedule allows several nights in Reykjavik, place this tour early in your stay. A canceled sailing then leaves room for the museum visit and a later return trip.

Staff guidance can shape the whole evening

The crew is an important part of this outing. Anika has been praised for being gracious and informative, while Patrick has been singled out for combining useful explanations with humor. Andrea has also received warm praise during repeated attempts to catch the lights, and the staff at check-in have helped make boarding straightforward.

That personal guidance matters because aurora viewing is not always obvious. A faint glow can be easy to miss, and bright activity may begin in a different part of the sky than you expect. A staff member who tells you where to look, when to move, and how to set up a camera can turn a vague search into an active experience.

The crew cannot control the weather, cloud cover, sea conditions, or solar activity. Some outings return without a sighting, even when the staff has done everything properly. The free return ticket helps, but it only helps if your itinerary gives you another available evening.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $83.88 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for an organized aurora outing, especially because the price includes more than a simple boat ride. You receive the two-hour search, overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, staff assistance, free photos, and a backup visit with a drink, film, guided tour, and photography workshop when sailing is not suitable.

The value depends on your priorities. If you want a small, quiet trip with plenty of personal space, the possible crowd of up to 198 people is a serious concern. If you mainly want a practical way to search from Reykjavik without arranging transport outside the city, the price is easier to justify.

Free photos are a pleasant extra. The boat takes pictures during each sailing, and you can download them at no additional charge. These images may be more useful as a record of the night than as professional portraits, but they save you from worrying about capturing every moment yourself.

Hotel transfers are not included. You can add them for an additional cost directly through the supplier. That option may help if you are staying far from the harbor or prefer not to use public transportation, but the central meeting point makes independent arrival possible.

The tour is often booked about 54 days in advance. That figure suggests you should not leave it until the final night of a short Reykjavik visit, especially during a busy season. Booking early also gives you more room to use the free return option if weather interrupts the first attempt.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a straightforward aurora search with staff support and a built-in fallback. It suits first-time visitors who do not want to plan a self-drive outing, families who value restrooms and onboard warmth, and photographers who want basic help with night-sky images.

It also works well for anyone staying several nights in Reykjavik. You have a better chance of using the free return ticket, and a canceled first sailing will not ruin the whole plan.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, intimate boat ride. The high capacity means the deck may feel crowded during a strong display, and the inside seating may not be enough for everyone to sit comfortably. I would also think twice if you are prone to seasickness, since the water can be rough.

The experience is best approached as a weather-dependent search, not a guaranteed show. The most successful outings described clear skies, calm water, and strong activity that continued until the boat returned. Those conditions can produce a memorable night, but they are never promised.

Booking, cancellation, and timing advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Poor weather can cause the boat trip to be canceled. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund, and the backup arrangement provides the Whales of Iceland activity when conditions are unsuitable for the planned sailing. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the operator offers another date or activity, or a full refund.

The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking. Since the outing returns to its starting point, you do not need to arrange a separate ride back to your hotel unless you add hotel transfer.

Should you book the Northern Lights boat tour?

Book it if you value flexibility, staff support, and a useful backup plan more than a small-group atmosphere. The free second sailing, Whales of Iceland visit, photography workshop, warm overalls, and free photos give the $83.88 price real substance.

I would schedule it early in your Reykjavik stay and keep another evening available. That way, a canceled trip becomes a change of plans rather than a lost opportunity. If you see the aurora on a calm night, with the crew sending you to the upper deck at just the right moment, the boat can provide a memorable way to watch the sky.

If your priority is space and silence, look for a smaller outing. For everyone else, this is a sensible choice for a weather-dependent Iceland night, as long as you accept that the sea may be bumpy and the deck may be busy.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights boat tour begin?

It begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The location is near public transportation.

Where does the tour end?

The activity returns to the same meeting point at Geirsgata 11.

How long does the tour last?

The boat outing lasts about two hours. Allow roughly two to three hours for the full experience.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

You are automatically signed up for the backup activity at Whales of Iceland. You also receive a free ticket for the next available boat tour date when conditions prevent a suitable sailing.

What is included in the Whales of Iceland backup activity?

The backup includes museum entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, a guided tour, and a short northern lights photography workshop.

Are food and drinks included on the boat?

No. The boat has a snack bar, but snacks, food, and drinks must be purchased separately.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price, but they can be added for an extra cost directly with the supplier.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.