Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights in all their glowing glory, this boat tour off Reykjavik’s coast might just be the adventure you’re after. We haven’t personally been on it, but after digging into reviews and details, it’s clear this experience offers a unique way to see the aurora borealis—away from city lights and right in the heart of the North Atlantic.

What we love about this tour? First, the beautiful setting—sailing on a luxurious boat with mountain and city lights in the background sets a peaceful, almost cinematic scene. Second, the flexibility and backup plans—the tour offers a second chance if weather conditions aren’t ideal, which is thoughtful given Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

But there’s a key consideration: seeing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather conditions. Wind, clouds, or moonlight can all limit your chances. Still, for those who want a more adventurous, water-based approach to aurora hunting, it’s worth considering. This tour is particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate comfort, enjoy being on the water, and are flexible with their plans—especially during Iceland’s winter months.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines a scenic boat ride with aurora viewing, making it ideal for those wanting a different perspective.
• Weather-dependent: Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour offers a second attempt if needed.
• Comfortable and inclusive: Warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and free photos mean you stay cozy and capture memories.
• Location advantage: Leaves from a handy spot just 5 minutes from Reykjavik’s city center.
• Family-friendly options: Includes children’s sizes for the warm overalls, making it accessible for families.
• Informative guides: Guides are experienced and well-versed in the Northern Lights, enhancing your understanding and experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Northern Lights Boat Tour

This tour is designed to give you a memorable experience of Iceland’s most famous natural light show. Starting from Reykjavik’s old harbor, you’ll step aboard a luxurious vessel—either the Rósin or Andrea—and set sail into the North Atlantic. The journey typically lasts around 2.5 hours, with the primary goal of hunting the elusive auroras on the open water.

The Departure and the Boat

The boat departs from Reykjavik’s old harbor, a convenient spot close to the city center. This proximity means you’re not stuck with a long transfer; just a quick walk and you’re ready to go. The boats are described as luxurious, offering heated indoor seating and WiFi, so even if the weather turns wild, you’re comfortably sheltered.

One of the standout features? The warm overalls provided. These include children’s sizes, which is considerate for families or anyone sensitive to cold. The crew also supplies sea sickness tablets, a thoughtful touch for those worried about boat sickness or chilly, windy nights.

The Journey Out

Once underway, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Reykjavik’s coastline, mountains, and city lights. This scenery alone is worth the trip, offering a different perspective of Iceland’s landscape. The guides will point out interesting sights along the way—so even if you’re not lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, you get a beautiful cruise.

The Prime Viewing Spot

About 15-30 minutes into the cruise, you’ll reach a spot far enough from the city lights to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras. The movement away from the city glow is crucial because light pollution can diminish the glow of the Northern Lights, making them harder to see from land.

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The Aurora Hunt

Depending on weather and aurora forecasts, you’ll stay out on the water, scanning the skies. Some nights, the lights dance vividly, creating a stunning display of green ribbons flickering overhead. On other nights, the spectacle might be faint or only a light dusting, which is a common caveat with aurora viewing.

A big plus: if no lights are seen, you’re given a complimentary ticket to try again, sometimes with an option to reschedule on a different night. As one reviewer pointed out, “If you don’t catch the lights during your tour, you’ll receive a free ticket to try again.” That’s reassurance for those worried about paying for an experience that’s ultimately weather-dependent.

The Experience on Board

The onboard environment helps make the best of a potentially unpredictable night. The heated indoor seating ensures you stay warm even if the sky isn’t cooperating. Photos are freely available for download afterward, helping you preserve the memory, especially since capturing auroras on camera can be tricky.

Guides are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing insights about the Northern Lights, Icelandic nature, and local legends, making the experience both fun and informative. Several reviews mention the crew’s professionalism and eagerness to answer questions, which adds a nice personal touch.

The Unexpected Hiccups

Like any outdoor adventure in Iceland, weather is unpredictable. The tour might be canceled if conditions are too windy or cloudy. One review recounts that the boat lost an engine control early on, forcing a return to harbor—yet, the company was quick to reschedule or offer alternative options. This is typical of Icelandic tours, where safety always comes first.

Some guests mentioned that the moonlight or haze could obscure the view. For example, “Stars were barely visible,” but still, the experience of being out on the water with Iceland’s night sky around you is special regardless.

Value for Money

At $102 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavik, but considering it includes luxury amenities, warm gear, a second viewing ticket, and professional guides, many find it reasonable. It’s a memorable way to spend an evening, especially if you’re keen on combining a scenic cruise with aurora hunting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is suited for travelers who appreciate a comfortable, well-organized outing and are okay with the possibility that the Northern Lights may not appear. It’s great for those who want a different vantage point—out on the water—away from the land-based light pollution. Also, families with children can enjoy the warm gear options, but keep in mind the boat ride might be less suitable for those prone to seasickness or very young kids.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Dress warmly—layers are essential, even with the provided overalls. Winters in Iceland can be cold, and boat rides can be windy.
• Book in advance, especially during peak aurora season, to secure your spot.
• Check the weather forecast before your scheduled night, but remember that even with good conditions, sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling. The tour offers a second try if conditions aren’t right.
• Bring your camera, but don’t expect to get perfect shots—photos can be provided afterward, and guides often assist with photography tips.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions beforehand.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or food, so plan to arrive at the harbor just before your departure time.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour is an adventure that balances comfort with an extraordinary natural spectacle. It offers a different way to see the auroras—floating on the North Atlantic, surrounded by Icelandic mountain scenery, with the city lights fading behind you. The onboard amenities, knowledgeable guides, and flexible options make it a solid choice for those looking to make the most of their Iceland trip, as long as you’re prepared for the unpredictability of nature.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a memorable, water-based vantage point and are comfortable with the weather-dependent nature of aurora viewing. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy cozy environments, insightful guides, and the chance to try again if luck isn’t on your side the first night.

If your trip to Reykjavik includes some evenings open for aurora hunting, this tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable, and scenic way to chase the Northern Lights—making some of Iceland’s most spectacular skies even more unforgettable.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour includes warm overalls with children’s sizes, making it accessible for families. However, keep in mind the boat ride may be less comfortable for very young children or those sensitive to seasickness.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the sky is cloudy or conditions aren’t right, you might not see the auroras. But the tour offers a second attempt with a free ticket, so you can try again on another night.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including boarding, cruising, and aurora hunting.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, just 5 minutes from the city center, making it convenient to access.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drink are not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to get something afterward.

Are guide services available in different languages?
The guided commentary is primarily in English, and the app is available in multiple languages including German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, and use the provided overalls to stay extra cozy. Windy evenings can get quite cold, especially on the water.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always good to check with the provider beforehand for specific needs.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
You will be contacted if the tour is canceled, and you can reschedule or get a full refund if you prefer.

How are the photos handled?
Photos taken during the tour are available for free download afterward, capturing your experience even if the lights were faint or missed.

This boat tour offers a scenic, flexible, and comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights from Reykjavik. It’s a good pick for those who value a well-organized outing with the chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, with options to try again if luck isn’t on your side.

You can check availability for your dates here: