Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The sky can change your whole evening. This Reykjavik boat trip gives you a fresh chance to see the aurora from Faxaflói Bay, with warm overalls and onboard facilities making the wait easier. I like the free return ticket if sailing conditions fail, and I also like the backup visit to Whales of Iceland instead of simply sending you home. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, especially after cancellations and rescheduled departures.

You meet at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11 and spend about two hours on the water, with the whole outing usually lasting two to three hours. You might see a spectacular display, as some departures have, but rough water, cloud, and limited deck space can make the night less comfortable. Hotel pickup is available only as an added extra.

Key points to know before you go

• You get two chances built into one booking: If the boat cannot sail because of conditions, you receive a free ticket for the next available boat date.
• The backup plan is a real activity: You visit Whales of Iceland for entry, a short film, a guided tour, a Northern Lights drink, and a short photography workshop.
• The best viewing can happen quickly: One departure had the lights appear while people were boarding, and staff sent everyone straight to the top deck.
• The boat has useful comforts: Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar help during a cold wait at sea.
• The group may be large: Capacity can reach 198 people, so deck space and indoor seating may feel tight on a busy night.
• You can download photos afterward: Pictures taken during each boat trip are available free of charge.

Sailing from Geirsgata into Faxaflói Bay

You begin at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11, close to public transportation in central Reykjavik. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point, which keeps the evening simple if you are staying in the city center.

The boat heads out into Faxaflói Bay to search for the aurora borealis. This gives you a different setting from a land-based bus tour. Instead of stopping beside a road or walking across dark ground, you watch the sky from the water, with the city behind you and open darkness ahead.

That change of setting is the main reason to choose this trip. The aurora is not tied to a particular viewpoint, and the boat lets you look in several directions as conditions change. If the lights appear near the start, staff can quickly direct you to the best available deck area.

The ride itself is not always calm. One outing had rough seas, and the motion made viewing less comfortable. If you are sensitive to boat movement, this is worth considering before you book. The boat is described as comfortable and well maintained, but comfort at sea still depends on the weather.

The experience normally takes two hours on the water, with the full activity lasting about two to three hours. That leaves room for a late dinner or another evening plan, though you should avoid booking anything that cannot tolerate a small timing change.

Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, and a practical onboard setup

I like the practical design of this tour. You can borrow warm overalls, a small but important benefit when you are standing outside under an Icelandic night sky. Even with warm clothing, the open deck can feel cold, so the overalls give you an extra layer without requiring you to pack bulky winter gear.

There are restrooms and free Wi-Fi onboard. The Wi-Fi will not make the aurora appear, of course, but it is useful for checking messages, sharing a quick update, or looking at the forecast while you wait.

A snack bar sells food and drinks, but these cost extra. That means you should not treat the advertised onboard comforts as an included meal. Bring your expectations down to coffee, snacks, or a drink purchased during the trip, rather than a full food service.

The boat also has indoor areas, though available seating can become an issue. A busy departure may leave little room to sit inside, and the deck can feel tight when many people want the same view. The maximum capacity is 198 people, so this is not an intimate private cruise.

That number matters. The larger the group, the more important it becomes to move promptly when staff call people outside. If the aurora begins during boarding, as happened on one particularly successful evening, you will want to follow instructions quickly instead of lingering inside.

When the Northern Lights appear at their best

The strongest part of the experience is the moment the lights finally show themselves. On one outing, staff spotted the aurora as people were boarding and advised everyone to go upstairs at once. The display continued during the return to the dock, giving the group a full show rather than a brief glimpse.

Another departure had clear skies and calm water. The lights grew brighter and more active toward the end of the trip. That is a useful reminder that patience matters. A weak glow at the beginning can become a much clearer display later, so leaving the deck too soon may mean missing the best part.

The guides help you locate the lights and offer tips for seeing and photographing them. Staff members Anika and Patrick received especially warm praise for being informative, friendly, and entertaining. Their role is useful because the aurora may begin as a faint patch that is hard to separate from cloud or distant light.

The crew also takes pictures during every boat trip. You can download these images free afterward. That is a welcome extra, especially if your own phone struggles with night photography. It also means you can spend more time watching the sky instead of trying to hold a camera perfectly still.

Still, no guide can control the weather or guarantee a display. One well-organized outing had rough seas but no visible aurora. The boat tour can improve your setting and your chances, but it cannot manufacture clear skies or solar activity.

The backup plan at Whales of Iceland

The backup arrangement is the strongest practical feature of this experience. If weather prevents the boat from sailing, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity rather than losing the evening entirely.

That alternative takes place at Whales of Iceland. It includes admission, a short film, a guided tour, a Northern Lights drink, and a brief photography workshop focused on capturing the aurora. This makes the plan more useful than a simple indoor wait.

The museum visit also gives you something to do when the conditions are poor. You can learn about Iceland’s whales while still keeping the night connected to the original theme. The short film and guided visit add structure, and the drink is a pleasant touch.

You should understand one important distinction. The museum activity is not the same as seeing the Northern Lights in person. If your main goal is the aurora, you will still want to use the free ticket for the next available boat date.

This is where the backup plan earns its value. A cancelled departure does not become a wasted booking, and you have another chance to sail. One couple had the boat cancelled on the first night, visited the museum, and later sailed successfully. The added hotel pickup and return made that particular evening easier, but transfers are not part of the standard price.

What the $83.88 price really buys

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Reykjavik. You are paying for a boat setting, staff support, warm overalls, onboard facilities, free photographs, and a protection plan when conditions go wrong.

The price becomes easier to justify if you value the setting. Seeing the aurora from the sea can feel special, especially when the water is calm and the sky opens up around you. You also avoid paying again immediately if the first sailing is cancelled, since the next boat ticket is included.

The value is less clear if you mainly want the lowest possible price or the smallest group. A boat that can carry up to 198 people may feel busy, and tight deck space can reduce the sense of freedom you hoped for. A private outing would offer more room, but this experience is not priced like one.

Food and drinks are extra, and hotel transfers cost more. If you need pickup from your accommodation, arrange it through the supplier while booking or contact the ticket office at least two hours before departure. Without that add-on, you need to reach Geirsgata 11 yourself.

I see the tour as a reasonable middle ground. You get a purpose-built evening activity with a useful fallback, but you should not confuse the price with a guarantee of the aurora itself.

Crowding, sea conditions, and the best way to manage them

Crowding is the most consistent concern to keep in mind. One busy boat had almost no indoor seating and limited room on deck. Cancellations can add to this problem because people may be moved to the same later departure.

You can make the situation easier by arriving ready to board and following the crew’s directions. If the lights begin suddenly, the people who reach the top deck first will have more choice about where to stand. If you need frequent access to a seat or prefer a quiet, spacious setting, this may not be your ideal aurora outing.

The sea is another variable. Calm water can make the trip feel smooth and peaceful. Rough water can make it harder to stand still, look through a camera, or enjoy a long period outside. The boat remains a sensible choice for people who like being on the water, but you should be realistic about motion.

The crew’s attitude helps. Reports of the staff describe them as friendly, professional, enthusiastic, and quick to give viewing advice. That matters on a weather-dependent trip, since clear communication can make a sudden sighting far less confusing.

Who should book this Reykjavik aurora cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want the aurora search to be part of an evening outing rather than a simple drive into the countryside. It suits you if you like boats, want access to warm clothing, and appreciate having an indoor alternative if the sea conditions turn bad.

It also works well for people with several nights in Reykjavik. If you have time to use the free return ticket, a cancelled first attempt is frustrating but not final. One person needed six nights before catching a glimpse, which shows how much patience the aurora can demand.

Families and first-time aurora watchers may appreciate the guided help, the snack bar, restrooms, and backup museum visit. The free photographs are useful if you do not want to manage camera settings in the dark.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded group activities, get seasick, or have only one free evening. In that case, the backup plan helps, but it cannot replace the main sight you came to see. Hotel transfers also need advance attention if walking or public transportation is inconvenient.

Booking, cancellations, and small practical details

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and most people can participate. The activity is offered in English and has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If the minimum number is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Because the trip is often booked around 54 days ahead, popular dates can fill well before an Iceland visit. I would reserve early if your schedule is fixed, then keep at least one spare evening available in case you want to use the return ticket.

Should you book it?

Book this Northern Lights by Boat experience if you want a well-supported search from the water and value a backup plan that includes Whales of Iceland, a drink, a film, a guided visit, and a photography workshop. The free return ticket gives you real protection against a cancelled sailing, while the overalls and onboard facilities make the waiting period easier.

Skip it if your priority is privacy, guaranteed seating, or the lowest price. The boat can be crowded, the sea can be rough, and the aurora remains entirely dependent on nature.

For most visitors with enough time in Reykjavik, I think the backup plan makes this a sensible choice. Go in hoping for a magical sky, but judge the booking by the complete package: boat access, practical comforts, free photos, and another chance if Iceland’s weather says not tonight.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights boat tour start and finish?

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The boat portion lasts about two hours, and the full activity takes approximately two to three hours.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable for sailing?

You are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland. You also receive a free ticket for the boat tour on the next available date.

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.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price, but they can be added for an additional cost through the supplier. You can arrange this while booking or contact the ticket office at least two hours before the tour.

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 time are not refunded or accepted.