Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

Seeing the northern lights from Faxaflói Bay gives you a different view of Iceland’s most famous natural show. The city lights fade behind you, the boat moves into darker water, and you have open sky in every direction. The aurora may appear as a faint glow or a full, fast-moving display, so patience matters.

I like two things here: the built-in backup plan and the free chance to sail again when conditions do not cooperate. You also get warm overalls, a snack bar, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and free photos from the boat, which makes a cold night at sea easier to manage.

The main drawback is space. The boat can feel crowded, especially after weather cancellations lead to several groups being rescheduled on the same evening. If the sea is rough, the ride can also be bumpy, and deck space may be tight.

Key points to know before sailing

• A boat-based aurora search: You sail from Geirsgata 11 into Faxaflói Bay for roughly two hours, with the full experience taking about 2 to 3 hours.
• A real backup plan: If the boat cannot sail, you visit Whales of Iceland for a short film, guided tour, northern lights drink, and photography workshop.
• A free second chance: If conditions prevent the boat trip, you receive a ticket for the next available sailing date.
• Warmth without extra packing: Overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar are available on board.
• Free photos afterward: Pictures taken during the boat trip can be downloaded at no extra cost.
• A lively but potentially crowded boat: The maximum group size is listed as 198 people, so do not expect a private cruise.

Setting out from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay

The tour begins at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11, close to public transportation in central Reykjavík. You return to the same meeting point after the outing, so the simple route works well if you are staying in town and plan to walk or use local transport.

The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, where the goal is to get away from the strongest city glare and find a clearer view of the sky. This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a guaranteed route. The crew is searching for the aurora, and the evening’s path depends on cloud cover, wind, sea conditions, and solar activity.

That uncertainty is part of the experience. You might spend much of the trip looking at a dark sky before a pale green arc appears. You might also get lucky early. On one particularly strong evening, the lights began as people were boarding, and the crew told everyone to head to the top deck at once. That is useful advice: keep your coat ready, listen for announcements, and do not linger below if the aurora starts.

The boat ride lasts about two hours, while the full activity is generally 2 to 3 hours. That gives you enough time to look in several directions, wait for changing conditions, and try photography without the rushed feeling of a short stop.

What the boat provides on a cold Icelandic night

The included warm overalls are one of the tour’s practical strengths. You can still bring your own warm layers, but the overalls make a difference when you are standing outside for a long stretch. Northern lights tours are often less comfortable than the photos suggest. The real work involves waiting in wind and cold, sometimes without much visual reward. Extra insulation lets you stay on deck longer.

There are restrooms and Wi-Fi on board, along with a snack bar. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but you can buy them during the trip. This is handy, though you should not treat the snack bar as a full meal stop. Eat beforehand if you need dinner rather than a small purchase on the boat.

The indoor areas give you a place to warm up between checks of the sky. Still, the amount of seating can vary with the crowd. A full boat may leave limited room inside, and the outside deck can feel tight when many people move up at the same time. I would treat the boat as a working aurora platform rather than a quiet lounge cruise.

The listed maximum is 198 people. That number helps explain the mixed comfort reports. Some evenings may feel manageable, while a rescheduled sailing can bring a much larger crowd together. If personal space and a calm setting are high priorities, this is worth considering before you book.

Searching for the aurora with the crew

The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. Guides watch the sky, explain what to look for, and offer practical help with photographs. That matters because the aurora is not always obvious to the naked eye. A pale band can look like a cloud until it shifts or strengthens.

The guides have also been praised for their friendly energy. Anika has been singled out for clear information, while Patrick has been remembered for combining humor with useful guidance. Names and staff assignments can change, but the tour’s format gives you access to people who are actively watching the sky rather than leaving you to guess.

If the lights appear, move quickly but calmly. Head to the top deck when the crew directs you, find a safe viewing position, and give your eyes time to adjust. The strongest displays can brighten late in the trip, so do not assume that a weak start means the night is over.

The boat itself gives you a broad view, but it does not guarantee a perfect viewing position for everyone. You may be sharing the rail with other people, and a crowded deck makes it harder to frame a photograph or stand still. Rough water can add another challenge. One outing was described as comfortable and well maintained despite a rough sea, while another found the movement unpleasant.

The free photo service and taking your own pictures

Photos are taken on every boat tour and made available for free download afterward. This is a welcome extra because aurora photography can be difficult, especially when you are also trying to keep warm and watch the sky.

Do not expect the free images to replace every photo you want for yourself. They are a useful record of the outing, but your own camera or phone may capture a more personal view of the boat, the bay, or the people with you. The crew also offers advice on locating and photographing the lights, which can help if you have never tried night photography.

A simple practical tip is to keep your phone or camera accessible before the aurora appears. If your equipment is buried under clothing or stored in a bag below deck, you may miss the best moment. You should also listen to the guide’s advice rather than repeatedly checking your screen. The real point of the trip is to watch the sky, not spend the whole evening adjusting settings.

When the boat cannot sail: Whales of Iceland

The backup plan is stronger than a standard cancellation voucher. If weather makes the boat unsuitable, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

The alternative includes entry to the exhibit, a northern lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. You also receive a short northern lights photography workshop. This gives you something structured to do instead of losing an evening to a last-minute weather decision.

The museum option is particularly useful when wind or sea conditions make sailing uncomfortable or unsafe. The visit is not the same as seeing the aurora outdoors, of course, but it turns a failed boat departure into a worthwhile Reykjavík activity. The short film and guided portion add context, while the drink gives the substitute plan a pleasant seasonal touch.

Hotel pickup and return have also been available for the museum alternative on some bookings, but hotel transfers are not included as standard. Transfer service can be added for an extra cost directly through the supplier. If you need transport, arrange it rather than assuming it comes with the basic ticket.

The free repeat sailing and what it really means

If conditions are not suitable for the northern lights boat trip, you receive a free ticket for the next available date. This is important because cloudy skies and poor sea conditions are normal risks, not rare exceptions.

The repeat ticket protects the value of your purchase, but it does not guarantee that you will see the aurora on the second attempt. You need enough time in Reykjavík to use it. Someone staying for only one night cannot benefit as easily as someone with several evenings available.

One person needed six nights before catching a glimpse of the lights. That story shows both the value and the limit of the policy. A flexible schedule can give you several chances, but nature still controls the result.

If seeing the aurora is your top Iceland goal, book this early in your stay rather than on your final night. That leaves room for a free repeat sailing or a weather-related schedule change. The tour is booked, on average, 54 days ahead, so early planning also helps during busy periods.

Price, group size, and overall value

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an evening in Reykjavík, but the price covers more than a simple boat ride. You receive the sailing, warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, access to the snack bar, free photo downloads, and a backup museum activity if the boat cannot operate.

The free repeat ticket improves the value considerably. You are not paying again just because weather prevents a safe departure. The alternative at Whales of Iceland also means you are not left with an empty evening.

The tradeoff is capacity. With up to 198 people, this is a large-group tour. You are paying for organized access to the bay, a crew watching conditions, and a practical safety net, not for silence or a private viewing point. I see the price as fair for a first-time visitor who wants a straightforward plan and several protections against bad weather.

Food and drinks cost extra, and hotel transfers cost extra. Those additions are easy to overlook when comparing prices. Add them to your budget if you need pickup or want to eat on board.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy introduction to northern lights hunting without renting a car or arranging a remote excursion. The central meeting point, English-language operation, onboard facilities, and backup plan keep the logistics simple.

It also suits anyone staying in Reykjavík for several nights. The repeat sailing gives you a better chance to try again, and the museum alternative has value even if conditions cancel the boat.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the restrooms, indoor space, warm overalls, and clear structure. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation.

You may want another option if you strongly dislike boats, motion, crowds, or waiting outdoors. The sea can be rough, and deck space can be limited. A private tour could offer a quieter setting, but that is not what this experience provides.

Booking details and cancellation rules

You receive confirmation at the time of booking. The tour is offered in English and returns to the original meeting point.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date, another activity, or a full refund.

Because the experience depends on good weather, leave flexibility in your schedule. The best booking position is early in your Reykjavík stay, not at the end when a repeat sailing may be impossible.

Should you book Northern Lights by Boat?

Book this tour if you want a well-organized first attempt with a genuine backup plan. The boat takes you away from Reykjavík’s brightest streets, the crew helps you watch and photograph the sky, and the free repeat ticket removes some of the risk. The Whales of Iceland alternative is a useful fallback, not just a vague promise to reschedule.

Skip it if you need a quiet, uncrowded experience or if boat motion will spoil your night. With up to 198 people, tight deck space is possible, and no tour can promise an aurora.

For most visitors with two or more nights in Reykjavík, I think the combination of bay views, onboard warmth, free photos, and a second chance makes the $83.88 price reasonable. Just keep your expectations realistic: you are buying a well-planned search, not a guaranteed show.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights by Boat tour start?

The tour starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Reykjavík.

How long does the boat tour last?

The boat portion lasts about two hours, and the full experience takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable for sailing?

You are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland. It includes entry, a northern lights drink, a short film, a guided tour, and a short photography workshop.

Do I receive another boat ticket if conditions are poor?

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

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are available for use on board. Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar are also provided.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, but you can purchase them at the onboard snack bar. The northern lights drink is included with the Whales of Iceland backup activity.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price. 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 experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.