A cold sky over Reykjavik can feel magical fast. This Northern Lights boat trip turns the hunt into a real outing: you sail out into Faxaflói Bay, get support from the crew, and you’re not stuck if conditions are poor. I liked the warm overalls and the on-board comfort, and I really appreciated the backup plan that keeps your evening full even when the aurora hides. One thing to consider is that the boat can feel crowded, especially on popular nights or if schedules get reshuffled.

Here’s what makes this one practical: you’re guided on what to do the moment you step aboard, and you get extra chances at the lights. When the aurora starts early, the staff’s advice to head to the top deck quickly can make a big difference. The ride can also be a bit bumpy depending on sea conditions, so it’s worth dressing for wind and motion, not just cold.

If you want the best shot at seeing the aurora and you like having a plan B, this is a solid way to spend a Reykjavik night—without gambling your whole evening.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Faxaflói Bay sailing: you’re out on the water where the sky can look clearer and the view feels more open
• Warm overalls + onboard basics: restrooms, Wi‑Fi, and a snack bar help you stay comfortable
• Backup at Whales of Iceland: short film, guided tour, and a Northern Lights drink if aurora conditions aren’t right
• Free re-sail ticket: if the lights aren’t suitable on your sailing night, you can join again on the next available date
• Free photos and a photo workshop: you get downloads after the tour, plus a quick photography workshop as part of the backup plan

Aurora on the water: why Faxaflói Bay beats just standing on land

Reykjavik’s night skies are famous, but the aurora is still a weather-and-timing game. The big advantage of a boat tour is simple: you get away from city light sources and you gain that wide-open sense of horizon. The experience is also more “event-like” than a short stop outside—your night has a start time, a route, and a team working with you.

On this trip, you sail out from Reykjavik toward Faxaflói Bay to search for the aurora borealis. That matters because the sky can shift quickly, and the crew keeps moving through the best windows they can find during the outing. If you’re chasing a once-in-a-trip show, having a dedicated team making the hunt feel active helps.

What’s included on board: overalls, Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and snack bar

I like tours that don’t make you improvise once you’re already cold. Here, you get warm overalls for the time on the deck, plus restrooms onboard, and Wi‑Fi. That sounds small, but it changes your experience: you can check the sky and stay in touch without feeling trapped below deck.

There’s also a snack bar on board. Food and drink aren’t included, but you can purchase what you want, which is helpful if you get hungry during the 2–3 hour experience. The tour also includes pictures taken during boat tours, with free downloads after, which is one less thing to figure out in the cold.

A practical note: if you want your photos to look good, plan to spend time on the deck. Overalls help, but you still need to be ready for wind and cold air at night.

The actual hunt: how the 2–3 hour outing usually plays out

This is a short outing by design—about 2 hours according to the activity flow, with total time often running closer to 2–3 hours. That’s good because you’re not tying up your entire evening, and you can still eat or explore after.

The rhythm is usually this: check in, board, then get positioned. One detail I’d treat like advice for your own success: when the aurora starts, the crew may tell you to go to the top deck immediately. The goal is simple—don’t miss the early show just because you’re settling in.

Crew support also matters. On tours like this, you’re not only looking up; you’re learning how to aim and how to think like the sky. Guidance on locating the lights and tips for capturing them with photography are part of what the team does, and it can help you move from hoping to actually photographing the scene.

If conditions are calmer, viewing feels easier. If conditions are rougher, you’ll still get the experience, but you may find it harder to hold a steady frame for photos and harder to stay in one spot on deck.

Backup plan at Whales of Iceland: when the aurora doesn’t show

The most reassuring part of this tour is that your night doesn’t end when the sky goes gray. If aurora conditions aren’t suitable, you get an automatic alternative activity rather than a plain cancellation.

Your backup stop is Whales of Iceland, where you’ll get entry plus a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. As part of the back-up plan, you also get a short Northern Lights photography workshop. That’s a smart use of time: you leave the water situation with real skills and a better chance to try again, even if your boat night doesn’t turn into the full show.

Another key detail: if weather or conditions prevent sailing, you’re also set up with a free ticket to sail again on the next available date. That removes a lot of stress. Instead of asking yourself whether you should book again, the tour already gives you another go-round if the aurora doesn’t cooperate.

Comfort and crowd reality: deck space can get tight

Let’s talk logistics that matter after you’ve paid. This tour has a maximum of 198 travelers, and it’s weather-dependent, which means the boat can run full on popular nights. Reviews reflect two common patterns: you can see the lights, but the boat can feel tight—especially around seating and indoor space.

My advice is practical: assume you’ll spend the better part of the experience on deck for viewing. If you want a calmer experience, show up ready to move quickly and be okay with less time inside. In choppy conditions, that bumpy boat feeling can reduce your patience, so bring the right mindset (and dress for wind).

The upside is that you’re not left without options. Even if you don’t love crowding, the combination of onboard comfort (warm overalls, restrooms) and the backup plan keeps the night from turning into a disappointment.

Price and value in Reykjavik: what you’re really paying for

At $83.88 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to chase the aurora—but it’s also not priced like a private charter. The value comes from what you’re buying beyond a boat ride: included gear (overalls), onboard conveniences (restrooms and Wi‑Fi), and the strong backup structure with Whales of Iceland.

If the aurora doesn’t cooperate, the tour still delivers an organized alternative: guided museum time, film, a Northern Lights drink, and a photo workshop. On top of that, the free re-sail ticket is a real part of the deal. In practice, that means you’re paying for at least one outing and getting a chance at a second if the first isn’t suitable.

You should still know what’s not included. Snacks and drinks are optional purchases onboard, and hotel transfers aren’t included by default (though they can be added as an extra). If you’re traveling from downtown on public transport, the good news is the meeting point is near transit.

Who this Northern Lights boat tour suits best

This tour fits best if you want:

• A structured aurora hunt rather than waiting and hoping on your own
• A plan that protects your evening with a real alternative activity
• A team that helps you find the lights and think about photography, not just watch passively

It’s also a good choice if you’re short on time in Reykjavik. With a quick 2–3 hour window, you can still do dinner, bars, or daytime sightseeing without losing your whole schedule to the weather gamble.

If you’re extremely sensitive to crowds or tight quarters, you might prefer a smaller format tour. If you’re okay with a lively group and you’re ready to move outside for viewing, this one can be a great value.

Practical tips before you go (so the cold doesn’t win)

You’ll get warm overalls, but your job is to show up prepared. Dress in layers you can move in, and plan for wind on the deck. Bring your phone or camera, but also accept that aurora photography is tricky—clouds, motion, and camera settings all affect results.

One more tip: if you hear the crew say the lights have started, act fast. The experience tends to be time-sensitive, and you want to be in position when the sky decides to perform. Being ready to head to the top deck right away is a simple move that can pay off.

Finally, don’t treat this as a one-night guarantee. The tour is built for weather reality, including the option to try again if conditions aren’t suitable.

The bottom line: should you book this Reykjavik Northern Lights boat tour?

Book it if you want the aurora hunt with a safety net. The combination of Faxaflói Bay sailing, onboard comfort, and a genuinely useful backup plan at Whales of Iceland makes this feel less like gambling and more like smart planning. The free re-sail ticket is the big confidence booster.

Skip it if you hate crowds or if you know boat motion will ruin your night. For those folks, a different format (often land-based viewing or a smaller group option) may feel better.

If you’re flexible, dress for the deck, and follow the crew’s cue to get into position quickly, you’ll give yourself a strong shot at that magical moving sky.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights by Boat tour from Reykjavik?

It runs about 2 hours, with the overall experience commonly listed as approximately 2 to 3 hours.

What’s included on the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar on board. Pictures are also taken during the tour and you can download them for free afterward.

What happens if the aurora isn’t visible?

If conditions aren’t suitable for seeing the Northern Lights, you’re automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

What’s included in the Whales of Iceland backup activity?

The backup includes admission to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour, plus a short Northern Lights photography workshop.

Do I get a chance to go again if the night doesn’t work?

Yes. If conditions aren’t suitable to sail, you receive a free ticket to join the boat tour again on the next available date.

Is food and drink included?

No. Snacks and food are not included, but you can purchase items onboard.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel transfers are not included but can be added for an additional cost directly with the supplier.

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