Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour with Photos

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights while in Reykjavik, a boat tour like this is one of those experiences that sticks with you. This particular tour, run by Katla Whale Watching, promises a chance to see the auroras from the North Atlantic, away from the city’s glow, and it seems to deliver a pretty special perspective. While we haven’t done it ourselves, based on the reviews and details, it’s a solid option worth considering.

One of the things we really like about this tour is its location—just a quick 5-minute trip from Reykjavik’s city center, making it super convenient. Plus, viewing the aurora from the water offers a different experience compared to land-based options; the open sea gives you a wide, unobstructed view of the sky. The second highlight is the guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and friendly, which is always a big plus when you’re out hunting for something as elusive as the Northern Lights.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the dependence on weather conditions. Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and if the sea’s rough or the skies are cloudy, your chances of seeing the lights drop significantly. Luckily, the tour offers a free reschedule or return trip if the lights don’t show up on your first try, which adds a little peace of mind. This tour seems best suited for those who value comfort, convenience, and expert guidance, especially if this is your first aurora hunt.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic, and relatively short experience that offers a different vantage point for the Northern Lights, this could be a good pick. Now, let’s dig into what makes this tour stand out or fall short, so you can see if it fits your Iceland adventure.

Key Points

• Convenient Location: Departure from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour makes it easy to reach and saves time.
• Unique Perspective: Seeing the Northern Lights from the water offers incredible, unobstructed views.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides help enhance the experience and answer questions.
• Comfortable Setup: Luxurious boats (Rósin or Andrea) and warm overalls make the experience cozy.
• Flexible Policy: If the lights don’t appear, you can get a complimentary ticket to try again.
• Limited Duration: At about 2.5 hours, it’s a short but memorable outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The tour begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a spot that’s easy to find and close to the city’s core. From there, you’ll board a comfortable, well-maintained boat—either the Rósin or Andrea—which are described as luxurious vessels. The boats are equipped with Wi-Fi, a small café, and even a Northern Lights video to help pass the time if the sky isn’t cooperating immediately.

Once out on the water, the real magic begins. We loved the way this tour combines the peacefulness of the sea with the thrill of aurora hunting. During the roughly 2.5-hour trip, your guide will take you to a prime spot about 15-30 minutes from shore, away from the light pollution of Reykjavik. This distance is where the auroras are most visible and vibrant, with the vast sky overhead and mountains in the background adding to the visual drama.

The guide’s role is key—based on reviews, they’re praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They’re happy to answer questions and share insights about the Northern Lights, Iceland’s wildlife, and the sea. Some travelers have noted the guides’ professionalism, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Expect to enjoy great views of the coastline, mountains, and city lights, all while waiting for the elusive phenomenon to appear. On a clear night, the auroras can shimmer and dance above the water, creating an almost surreal scene. The experience is enhanced by the chance to take photos, as the tour provides a photographer to help capture those fleeting moments, and you’ll receive a collection of photos afterward.

What’s Included

• Guided tour with an experienced English-speaking guide
• Warm overalls (including children’s sizes) to keep you cozy
• Wi-Fi onboard, so you can share your experience or upload photos
• Northern Lights video and an exhibit entry to the Whales of Iceland
• A complimentary drink to toast the chilly night

What’s Not Included

• Meals or additional beverages outside the provided drink

This setup makes for a comfortable experience, particularly during the colder months, and the warm overalls are a thoughtful touch. You might find, as some reviews suggest, that the guides’ expertise really enhances the trip—”Very good guide,” one reviewer notes—making the wait for the lights more engaging.

The Realities: Weather and the Aurora Chase

While the tour promises a chance to see the Northern Lights, it’s important to acknowledge the nature of aurora hunting. The auroras are a natural display, dependent on solar activity and clear skies. The tour’s policy of offering a free reschedule if you don’t see the lights on your first try** is reassuring, but it’s not foolproof.

One traveler mentioned, “After an attempt where we saw nothing, we returned the next day, but sea conditions didn’t allow us to go out by boat. We were offered to do the excursion by bus,” which shows the flexibility the provider offers when weather disrupts plans. Still, you should keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for the possibility that mother nature might not cooperate.

The tour duration is 2.5 hours, which is relatively short. This is nice if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a quick outing, but it also means that if luck isn’t on your side, you might not get your perfect shot. That said, many reviewers highlight the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the experience—even if the lights dazzle you on only one night out of a few.

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Pricing and Value

At $102 per person, this tour is slightly on the higher side for a 2.5-hour experience, but you’re paying for the convenience, the quality of the boats, and the expertise involved. The inclusion of warm overalls, Wi-Fi, photos, and a free ticket if you don’t see the auroras adds significant value.

Compared to land-based tours, viewing the lights from a boat offers a more expansive sky view and the chance to avoid some light pollution from the city itself. The scenic backdrop of mountains and the coastline, combined with the peaceful sea, creates a memorable atmosphere that’s worth the extra cost for many travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat tour is a great choice if you want a comfortable, guided experience that takes you away from city lights without requiring a long, strenuous trip. It’s ideal for those who appreciate being on the water and want a more immersive, scenic viewing experience. It’s also well-suited for travelers who value expert guidance and don’t mind the unpredictability of the Northern Lights.

If you’re visiting Reykjavik during the aurora season, and weather conditions look promising, this tour offers a convenient and scenic way to chase the Northern Lights with a bit of added comfort and guidance.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a trustworthy, well-organized Northern Lights outing, this boat tour ticks many boxes. The ability to see the auroras from the water, combined with professional guides and a cozy setup, creates a memorable Arctic experience. Of course, it’s dependent on weather and solar activity, but the tour’s flexible policy helps reduce the risk of disappointment.

While it might be pricier than some land-based options, the added comfort, scenic views, and opportunity to take stunning photos make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who want a hassle-free, scenic, and informative adventure hunting for the Northern Lights.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and guided jaunt out on the North Atlantic to chase the auroras, this tour is worth considering—and it could be the highlight of your Iceland trip, weather permitting.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, warm overalls (including children’s sizes), Wi-Fi, a Northern Lights video, an exhibit entry to Whales of Iceland, and a complimentary drink.

Can I reschedule if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Yes, if you don’t catch the lights during your original tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on another date.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Reykjavik Old Harbour and returns to the same spot at the end of the trip.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children’s sizes of warm overalls are available, and the experience is generally family-friendly, especially if your kids are comfortable on boats.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can affect the tour; if conditions prevent safe departure or the lights aren’t visible, you might have your trip rescheduled or offered an alternative like a bus tour.

What’s the main advantage of this tour?
Viewing the Northern Lights from a boat provides an expansive, unobstructed sky view, away from city lights, with the added comfort of a cozy vessel and expert guides.

How much does it cost?
Pricing is $102 per person, which includes most amenities and offers good value considering the experience.

Can I take photos?
Definitely. The tour offers photos of the Northern Lights, and the Wi-Fi makes sharing those moments easy.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

If you’re after a night of Northern Lights viewing that combines comfort, scenic beauty, and expert guidance, this boat tour off Reykjavik fits the bill. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast, be prepared for the cold, and enjoy the adventure—hoping for those magical lights to dance overhead.

You can check availability for your dates here: