Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

Watching the Northern Lights shimmer across Iceland’s night sky remains one of the most coveted experiences for travelers, and this Reykjavik Northern Lights Boat Tour offers a unique way to catch this celestial show. Operating from the city’s old harbour, it takes you out into the North Atlantic, away from the light pollution, in hopes of witnessing the auroras dance overhead.

What makes this experience appealing? First, you get to sail into the ocean for an unobstructed view of the sky. Second, the comfortable, heated indoor seating means you won’t freeze while waiting for the lights to appear—especially important during Iceland’s chilly evenings. Third, the flexibility offered with a second trip free if no lights are seen means you’re not just paying for a gamble, but for a genuine chance to see the auroras.

On the flip side, weather conditions heavily influence this tour’s success. Wind, cloud cover, or rough seas can prevent the boat from heading out, or obscure the view. So, this adventure is best suited for those open to a bit of weather-dependent magic—and with a flexible attitude. If you’re after a cozy, scenic, and potentially unforgettable experience, this tour could be just right.

Good To Know

• Unbeatable Water Views: Sail into the North Atlantic to escape city lights and find a prime spot for the Northern Lights.
• Weather Dependent: Success hinges on favorable conditions; backup plans include land-based tours or rescheduling.
• Inclusive Comfort: Warm overalls, heated indoor seating, and hot drinks keep you comfortable.
• Expert Guidance & Photos: Guides are knowledgeable and photos are provided for free to help you remember the night.
• Flexible Booking: Full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance, and a second free trip if no lights are seen.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, and crew members go out of their way to accommodate special needs.

Watching the Northern Lights from the water provides a sense of adventure and intimacy that land-based viewing might lack. Sailing just 15-30 minutes offshore, away from the glow of Reykjavik, maximizes your chances of catching the auroras in their full glory. Plus, the experience isn’t just about the lights; the stunning views of mountains and city lights on the horizon add a magical backdrop, making it a multifaceted scenic outing.

The tour’s cost of around $102 per person is reasonable considering the inclusions: warm gear, WiFi, photos, and the possibility of a second attempt. For travelers who want more than just a land-based chase, the boat adds a layer of excitement and exclusivity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect on the Tour

Departure & Navigation

The trip kicks off from Reykjavik’s old harbor, a convenient location just five minutes from the city center, making it easy to access on foot or via public transport. You’ll board a luxurious boat, either the Rósin or Andrea, both designed for comfort and stability. The boat’s indoor heated seating is perfect for those wary of Iceland’s cold evenings, ensuring you stay cozy while waiting for the lights.

The Cruise & Scenic Views

Once underway, you’ll cruise along the coast, enjoying fantastic views of Reykjavik’s skyline, the surrounding mountains, and the shimmering city lights. The scenery alone makes this a worthwhile outing, even if the auroras decide to play hard to get.

The Northern Lights Hunt

The main event? Watching the sky for the elusive green ribbons of the aurora borealis. The best viewing spot is typically 15-30 minutes away from the coast, where city lights fade and the dark sky takes over. Guides like Hanna and Sarah are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, providing insightful commentary and answering questions, which enriches the experience.

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If the Aurora Remains Elusive

The tour is highly dependent on weather conditions—wind, clouds, or rough seas can prevent heading out or hinder visibility. If the trip is canceled due to weather, guests are offered a full refund or a reschedule on land, which often means a bus trip to hunt for the lights instead. Several reviewers, including Meredith, and Allison, appreciated the flexibility and professionalism of the team.

The Experience on Board

Guests frequently comment on the warm overalls provided, which are a thoughtful inclusion considering the Icelandic climate. The WiFi and onboard photos allow you to share your experience instantly, and the hot drinks and snacks add to the comfort. Some reviewers, like Lauryn, mentioned how the crew’s attentiveness and honesty about the unpredictable nature of Aurora viewing made the trip more enjoyable.

Additional Perks

• The option to reserve and pay later enhances flexibility, especially for last-minute travelers.
• The multilingual app (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese) allows for better understanding of the phenomenon and tour details.
• If the Northern Lights don’t show, you can redeem a free ticket for another attempt, which many appreciated as a sign of the tour’s confidence in their success.

Authentic Guest Experiences & Practical Insights

Many travelers have had mixed results, which is the reality of chasing nature’s most unpredictable light show. Simone shared that her first attempt was unsuccessful, but she appreciated being able to rebook and try again. Nick simply called it a “fantastic trip” when the lights appeared, while Emma highlighted the extra thrill of combining whale watching and Aurora chasing in one night.

Some reviews specifically mention how knowledgeable guides like Hanna and Sarah made the trip memorable even if the auroras were faint or absent. Elizabeth praised the friendly staff for their honesty about the lights’ unpredictability, which sets realistic expectations.

Seasickness is a potential concern, especially in winter, but many reviewers appreciated the sea sickness tablets and warm suits provided, which helped make the experience more comfortable. A few guests, like Louis, enjoyed the poetry and peaceful atmosphere, even when the lights were just a faint glow.

Pricing & Value

At $102 per person, this tour offers a good value considering the inclusions—warmth, WiFi, photos, and the chance to see the auroras from a premium perspective. Compared to land-based options, the water-based experience provides unobstructed views and a sense of adventure that many find worth the extra expense. Plus, the second trip free policy acts as a safety net, making it less of a gamble.

Ultimately, the value depends heavily on weather conditions. If the auroras appear, the experience becomes priceless; if not, the tour’s flexible rebooking policy and included amenities still make it a worthwhile part of your Iceland itinerary.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy being out on the water and are comfortable with the inherent unpredictability of Northern Lights viewing. It works well for those who want to combine scenic sea views with aurora hunting and appreciate a comfortable, well-organized trip. If you’re traveling with a wheelchair or need special accommodations, the accessible design is a plus.

However, it might not be ideal if you’re seeking a guaranteed spectacle or are highly sensitive to seasickness or cold. For families, the warm gear and indoor space make it family-friendly, but always gauge your crew’s comfort with boat rides at night.

This Reykjavik Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour delivers a richly layered experience that balances adventure with comfort. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to see the auroras from a different perspective—out on the water, away from city lights, with a knowledgeable team guiding the way. The inclusions like warm overalls, free photos, and the flexibility to reschedule or rebook add to its appeal, especially considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

While success depends on conditions, the overall value, scenic views, and professional crew make this a compelling option. It’s best suited for travelers who are patient, flexible, and excited about a memorable, atmospheric night on the Atlantic.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and crew members go out of their way to accommodate special needs, making it a good choice for travelers with mobility concerns.

What’s included in the price?
For $102, you get warm overalls (including children’s sizes), WiFi, heated indoor seating, photos of the tour, an experienced guide, and a ticket for a second trip if no lights are seen.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. If weather causes cancellation, you’ll be contacted, and options for rescheduling or a second trip are available.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather is unsuitable—like high winds or poor visibility—the tour may be canceled or rerouted to land-based Aurora hunting. Many guests find the alternative land tours memorable too.

How long is the tour?
The boat trip lasts about 2.5 hours, including departure, sailing, and tracking the Northern Lights. Check current availability for specific departure times.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential. The tour provides warm overalls, but layers, thermal wear, and waterproof gear are recommended, especially if seasickness is a concern.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While many do, the auroras are unpredictable. If the lights are not visible, you’ll be given a free ticket to try again on a future date.

Does the tour include food and drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, but hot drinks and snacks are available on board.

What if I get seasick?
Sea sickness tablets are provided, and the boat’s stability helps reduce discomfort. Many reviewers found this helpful, especially in winter conditions.

In summary, this boat tour offers a comfortable, scenic, and flexible way to chase the Northern Lights from Reykjavik’s coast. Its success largely depends on weather, but with thoughtful amenities, expert guides, and a chance at a second try, it remains a compelling choice for aurora enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: