Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The northern lights start at sea. This Reykjavik boat outing pairs a comfortable ride with warm overalls and a plan B that keeps your evening fun even when the sky stays cloudy.

I especially like the guaranteed alternative activity if conditions are not suitable, plus the little touches like free Wi-Fi onboard and photo downloads after. My one main caution is simple: boats can feel crowded and the deck can get tight, so your viewing spot may depend on how busy it is that night.

Key Things You Should Know Before You Go

• Warm overalls on board so you can focus on the sky, not your comfort
• Free Wi-Fi and a snack bar to help pass time during the search
• A guaranteed backup if the northern lights do not cooperate
• Whales of Iceland includes more than a museum stop, with a film, guided visit, and a short photo workshop
• Go up top fast when the lights start. One guide’s instruction makes a real difference
• Free photos after your tour so you are not stuck guessing how your pictures turned out

Why Chasing Aurora by Boat From Reykjavik Feels Different

Reykjavik is one of the best bases in Iceland, and Faxaflói Bay gives you that classic “open water” feeling that helps the aurora hunt. This tour takes you out for roughly 2 to 3 hours, giving the lights time to appear as conditions change.

What makes this outing more interesting than a plain bus or land viewing is the flexibility built into the evening. If the weather makes aurora viewing unlikely, you are not left with a sad, short scramble. Instead, you get redirected into a real activity.

On Board Comfort Kit: Overalls, Wi-Fi, Restrooms, and Snacks

The ride itself is designed to keep you comfortable while you wait for the sky to show off. You get warm overalls plus access to restrooms, and there is Wi-Fi onboard, which is handy if you want to check camera settings or message friends while you wait.

There is also a snack bar, but snacks and food are not included. So if you tend to snack when you are cold, plan to buy something onboard. It is not a huge deal, but it does affect your total cost.

One thing I like about the setup is the promise that someone is thinking about the full experience, not just the hunt. That includes photos after the tour, which is great when the lights appear fast and you are fumbling with gloves and a phone.

Where You Meet at Geirsgata 11 and How the Tour Ends

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, in central Reykjavik, and the tour ends back at the same spot. It is near public transportation, so you can usually avoid building your whole evening around a taxi.

Check in is described as easy in the feedback, and the tours are structured to run promptly. That matters because northern lights are not patient, and neither are tour schedules.

If you want hotel pickup, it is an optional extra you can add when you book. If you do not add transfers, you should expect to make your own way to the dock area for the start.

When the Sky Cooperates: Sail Out and Find the Lights

If the aurora starts early, the best advice is to act quickly. In feedback, I saw a clear theme: when the northern lights begin, the team encourages you to head up to the top deck right away.

That matters because your first window can be the best one. The lights can intensify quickly, and you want to be in the right spot to see them clearly rather than stuck halfway down the boat.

This is also where you should be realistic about sea conditions. Some people found the ride a bit bumpy, and that is not shocking in a bay. If you get seasick easily, this is the part to consider carefully.

If Aurora Does Not Work: The Whales of Iceland Backup Plan

This tour’s strongest feature is the backup plan. If the conditions are not suitable for viewing the northern lights, you automatically switch to an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

That alternative is not just a random stop. It includes:

• entry to the Whales of Iceland experience
• a Northern Lights drink
• a short film
• a guided tour

Even better, the backup plan includes a short northern lights photography workshop. The goal is to make the evening feel productive, not like you just paid for a weather cancellation.

So you still end your night with story, guidance, and something to do indoors while the aurora hunt takes a break. It is also a nice choice if you travel with people who get grumpy when plans change, because everyone can agree that whales plus a lights-themed workshop is still fun.

The Real-World Reality: Crowds, Deck Space, and Viewing Tips

This tour is popular, and there can be a lot of people on board. The maximum group size is listed at 198 travelers, which helps explain why some reviewers described it as crowded and tight, especially on the deck.

In plain terms, if you hate feeling packed in, choose your expectations carefully. You may not have your own space to set up a perfect viewing angle, and you might end up inside at some point even if you want more open-air views.

My practical advice: follow the staff instructions quickly and prioritize being on the deck when lights are spotted. In the feedback, that fast move helped people see more. Also, wear the overalls correctly and keep layers on, because even a short wait can feel long when the wind is up.

How the Guides Make or Break the Experience

The team approach matters a lot on aurora tours, and this one seems to lean on guidance and enthusiasm. Feedback specifically highlighted guides such as Lilja and Andrea, and others like Anika and Patrick, with high praise for being upbeat, informed, and funny.

You can feel the difference when the staff are not just herding people, but actively telling you what to look for. In one account, the guide’s timing advice about going to the top deck at the right moment was a big part of the success.

If you want photos, pay attention to the photo workshop during the backup plan, and also listen to any onboard photography guidance. The better you understand what the team is asking you to do, the less time you waste fiddling.

Value for Money: Why This $83.88 Price Can Still Feel Fair

At $83.88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to chase aurora, but it can be good value because the tour is built to handle failure gracefully.

You are paying for:

• the boat outing, including warm overalls, Wi-Fi, and restrooms
• a snack bar option
• photo coverage with free downloads
• a backup activity at Whales of Iceland if aurora viewing is not suitable
• a short photography workshop during the backup

And there is an additional perk: if conditions are not suitable and you miss the lights that night, you receive a free ticket to sail again on the next available date. That single point changes the risk level. You are not starting from zero on your next attempt.

One more cost note: snacks and food are not included. If you buy drinks or snacks onboard, that adds to the total, but it is your choice.

Scheduling, Chances, and Booking Timing

On average, this tour is booked about 54 days in advance, which tells me it is high-demand during the aurora season. If you are set on a boat outing, booking earlier helps.

Also, remember that this experience is weather-dependent. The tour is designed with contingency plans, but it still depends on the sky and conditions to deliver what you want most.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Might Not Love It)

This is a strong option for most visitors because it is built around comfort and a backup plan. If you like activities that feel organized and you want your evening to keep moving even if the lights are shy, you will likely enjoy it.

It may be less ideal if you are very sensitive to crowds or tight spaces. Some people found the boat crowded with limited room inside and on deck, and that can be a real factor on a night when you are hoping to stay outside for the best views.

If you get motion sickness, consider whether a bumpy ride is going to be your deal breaker. Some feedback mentioned rougher conditions, so you should plan accordingly.

If you are traveling with someone who wants both the chase and a guaranteed indoor alternative, this is the setup that makes that possible.

Should You Book Northern Lights by Boat With a Backup Plan?

I would book it if you want a Northern Lights outing that refuses to end in disappointment. The combination of warm overalls, staff guidance, free photo downloads, and the Whales of Iceland backup plan is what makes this feel like a thoughtful evening plan rather than a gamble with only one outcome.

I would think twice if you hate crowded spaces or you get seasick easily. In those cases, the “backup indoors” part helps, but you still have to handle the boat portion.

If you are flexible, follow the team’s instructions quickly, and dress for cold wind, this tour can turn a cloudy night into a genuinely memorable Iceland evening.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Northern Lights by Boat tour?

The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes use of warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar on board the boat, plus a guaranteed alternative activity if northern lights conditions are not suitable.

What is the backup plan if the northern lights are not visible?

You are signed up for a Northern Lights backup experience at Whales of Iceland, including entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour, plus a short northern lights photography workshop.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every boat tour and you can download them for free after.

Is food included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be added as an optional extra directly with the supplier.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. There is also a backup plan during the tour if conditions are not suitable.