Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavík outing is the chance to watch the Northern Lights from Faxaflói Bay, with the city lights behind you and open sky ahead. When the aurora appears, staff can send you straight to the upper deck, as happened for several guests who caught a full display soon after boarding.

I like the backup plan, which gives you an actual indoor activity instead of a vague promise to try again. I also like the free return ticket if the boat cannot sail or the conditions are poor. The drawback is simple: the boat can feel crowded, and rough water may make it harder to hold a steady position outside.

Key points to know before you book

• The boat sails for about two hours from Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavík and returns to the same meeting point.
• Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar make the outing easier in Iceland’s cold night air.
• Poor conditions trigger a real alternative: entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, short film, guided tour, and photography workshop.
• You can sail again for free on the next available date if conditions prevent a useful boat trip.
• Free tour photos are available to download after every boat outing.
• The boat can hold up to 198 people, so expect a popular group experience rather than a quiet private cruise.

Sailing out from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay

The meeting point is Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The tour ends back there, which keeps the evening fairly simple if you are staying in the city center or near public transportation. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price, though you can add them for an extra charge through the operator.

Once aboard, you head into Faxaflói Bay for a roughly two-hour search. This is not a short ride just outside the harbor. The point is to get away from some of Reykjavík’s street lighting and give yourself a wider view of the sky.

Northern Lights trips require patience. The aurora may appear early, late, or not at all. Staff watch the sky and can direct you upstairs quickly when activity begins. That advice matters. If the lights start while you are still finding a seat or buying a drink, you do not want to miss the first bright movement.

The boat offers warm overalls, which are useful even if you bring your own coat. You also have access to indoor seating, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar. Food and drinks are extra, so plan to pay onboard if you want refreshments. One special Northern Lights drink is included only with the Whales of Iceland backup activity.

What the boat is like after dark

The boat is comfortable enough for a two-hour outing, but it is not a private viewing platform. The maximum capacity is 198 people, and the boat can feel tight when everyone moves outside at once. Indoor seating may be limited, while the deck can become crowded during an active display.

That is the main tradeoff for this experience. A larger boat gives you shelter, toilets, warm clothing, and a better chance of sailing when conditions allow. In exchange, you give up some peace and personal space. If your priority is an intimate, silent night under the stars, this may not be the right format.

The sea can also be rough. A boat ride is not always the smoothest way to view the aurora, and movement makes photography harder. Bring a steady grip for your phone or camera, and use the staff’s advice rather than wandering from one viewing spot to another.

The free Wi-Fi is a small but useful touch. You can stay in contact with your hotel or tour group, though I would keep your attention on the sky once the lights begin. Free photos taken during the boat trip are available to download later, which means you do not have to spend the whole outing trying to photograph yourself.

The backup plan at Whales of Iceland

The strongest feature here is the weather policy. If the boat cannot sail because conditions are unsuitable, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity. That alternative takes you to Whales of Iceland, where you receive entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour.

You also get a short Northern Lights photography workshop. This gives you something practical to do with your camera or phone instead of simply waiting indoors for the weather to improve. The museum visit is not the same as seeing the aurora over the bay, but it keeps the evening from becoming a total loss.

If conditions are not suitable for seeing the lights, you also receive a free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date. This two-part solution is valuable in Iceland, where weather can change quickly and aurora forecasts never guarantee a display.

There is an important distinction here. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can be offered another date or a full refund. If you accept the alternative activity, you may still have the chance to sail later with the free return ticket. Ask the staff how your particular cancellation is being handled before you leave the ticket office.

When the Northern Lights actually appear

The best moments can happen with very little warning. On one successful outing, the lights began as people were boarding, and the staff immediately told everyone to go to the top deck. On another, the display grew brighter and more active near the end of the trip.

That pattern explains why you should not judge the tour during its first half hour. A quiet departure does not mean the night is finished. You may see only a faint glow at first, then a stronger display later. Guides can help you locate the lights and offer tips for viewing and photography.

The experience is especially powerful when the water is calm and the sky is clear. At other times, rough water or cloud cover can work against you. The crew can search for better conditions, but nobody can control the aurora itself.

You should also keep expectations sensible. A camera can show colors and detail that your eyes do not catch right away, especially when the lights are weak. The included photography advice helps, but it does not guarantee a perfect picture. Think of the photos as a useful extra, not the main reason to book.

The crew and the human side of the trip

The staff receive some of the strongest praise for this experience. Anika is described as gracious and informative, while Patrick is remembered for being funny and helpful. Andrea is also named among the crew appreciated during repeated attempts to see the lights.

That matters because an aurora outing involves a lot of waiting and uncertainty. A friendly, alert crew can turn a quiet night into a pleasant one. Staff enthusiasm is most useful when activity begins, since quick instructions can get you onto the deck at the right time.

The crew also has to manage a busy boat. If many people are rescheduled onto the same evening after earlier cancellations, the group may feel fuller than expected. The operator says it works to keep people comfortable and safe, but you should still expect a shared outing with a large number of people.

Is $83.88 a fair price?

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to hope for the aurora. You are paying for a boat, crew, warm overalls, onboard facilities, free Wi-Fi, photos, and a built-in backup plan. The price makes more sense if you value comfort and want an alternative activity when the boat cannot operate.

The return ticket adds real value. You might need more than one attempt before seeing the lights, and paying for a completely new tour each time can become expensive. This offer does not remove the uncertainty, but it reduces the cost of trying again.

The value is weaker if you want a guaranteed Northern Lights sighting. No boat tour can promise that. You could spend two hours at sea and see nothing, then receive the museum visit or a later sailing instead. The experience is best understood as a well-supported search, not a guaranteed show.

Transfers are another price consideration. Hotel pickup and return are not included in the base cost. You can add them for an extra fee, or make your own way to Geirsgata 11. If you are already near central Reykjavík, going to the meeting point yourself may be the better-value choice.

Timing, cancellation, and practical details

The activity lasts about two to three hours, with the boat portion listed at around two hours. It starts and ends at the same Reykjavík meeting point, so allow extra time before departure for check-in and getting suited up.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refundable, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The cutoff uses local Icelandic time.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can be offered another date, another activity, or a full refund, depending on the situation. Confirmation is provided when you book.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, and it operates near public transportation. Because the boat may be busy, anyone who needs extra room or has difficulty with rough water should think carefully before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat tour most?

I would recommend it to you if you want more than a basic bus ride into the countryside. Sailing gives the night a different feel, and Faxaflói Bay provides an open setting for watching the sky. The combination of warm gear, toilets, a snack bar, and staff support is useful in Iceland’s cold and changeable conditions.

It also suits people who want a safety net. The Whales of Iceland alternative is much better than being sent back to your hotel with nothing to do. The free later sailing is another reason this option works well for visitors with enough time in Reykjavík.

Families and first-time aurora hunters may appreciate the simple setup and the photography workshop. Couples may enjoy the excitement of being on the water when the lights appear, though the large group and crowded deck can reduce the sense of privacy.

I would be more cautious if you have only one night in Reykjavík. A boat tour cannot guarantee success, and bad weather may replace the sailing with the museum activity. If seeing the aurora is the single purpose of your Iceland trip, keep several possible nights open rather than placing all your hopes on one departure.

My call: book it if the backup matters

I think this is a sensible choice for you if you want a comfortable Northern Lights search with a fair response to bad weather. The crew’s quick help when the lights appear, the free photos, and the chance to sail again all add practical value.

Book it with two clear expectations: the boat may be crowded, and the aurora may not show. If you accept those limits, the Whales of Iceland backup keeps the evening worthwhile. If you want a quiet, private outing or need a guaranteed sighting, choose a different plan and give yourself more than one night.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights boat tour leave from?

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

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point on Geirsgata.

How long does the boat tour last?

The boat portion lasts about two hours. The full activity is approximately two to three hours.

What happens if the weather is not suitable?

You are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland if conditions are not suitable for the Northern Lights boat tour.

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.

Can I take the boat tour on another date?

Yes. If conditions are not suitable to sail, you receive a free ticket for the next available date.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls are available for use during the boat tour.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included on the boat, but you can buy snacks and drinks at the onboard snack bar.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price. They can be added for an extra cost directly through the supplier.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.