Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan
2-3 Hours · Very Easy · From ISK 10.490 per person
About This Tour
Set sail from Reykjavík in search of the magical Northern Lights and experience Iceland’s dark winter skies from the sea. Within just 10–15 minutes of leaving the harbour, you’ll escape much of Reykjavík’s light pollution and head into Faxaflói Bay.
Away from the city lights, enjoy wide-open views of the night sky while an experienced guide searches for the aurora. Along the way, your guide will explain the science behind the Northern Lights and share fascinating stories and myths surrounding this incredible natural phenomenon.
The boats offer heated indoor seating as well as spacious outdoor viewing decks. Warm overalls are also available free of charge, so you can stay comfortable while waiting for the aurora to appear.
Free Photos & Photography Assistance
Bring your camera and capture the experience from the water. The friendly crew can help with camera settings and Northern Lights photography when needed.
Photos are also taken during every tour and are available to download free of charge.
What If You Don’t See the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
If the boat tour operates but no Northern Lights are seen, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to join another Northern Lights boat tour.
A Backup Plan If the Boat Cannot Sail
Icelandic weather can sometimes prevent the boat from leaving the harbour. That’s why this tour comes with a special backup experience: Auroras at Whales of Iceland.
If the boat tour is cancelled, you’ll visit the Whales of Iceland Exhibition near Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. The experience includes a guided visit among 23 life-sized whale models, followed by a 25-minute Northern Lights documentary displayed on an impressive 8-metre screen beneath a life-sized fin whale.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask your guide questions, take part in a short Northern Lights photography workshop and enjoy a complimentary themed drink.
Best of all, you still keep your Northern Lights boat tour ticket and can reschedule the cruise for the next available date.
Tour Highlights
- Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavík
- Escape Reykjavík’s light pollution in just 10–15 minutes
- Northern Lights viewing from Faxaflói Bay
- Experienced Northern Lights guide
- Spacious outdoor viewing decks
- Free use of warm overalls
- Free downloadable tour photos
- Photography and camera assistance
- Free retry if no Northern Lights are seen
- Guaranteed Auroras at Whales of Iceland backup plan if the boat tour is cancelled
What’s Included
- 2–3 hour Northern Lights boat tour
- Experienced guide
- Warm overalls
- Heated indoor seating
- Outdoor viewing decks
- WiFi and WC facilities on board
- Snack bar on board
- Free downloadable photos from the tour
- Photography and camera-setting assistance
- Complimentary retry ticket if no Northern Lights are seen
- Auroras at Whales of Iceland backup experience if the boat tour is cancelled
- Complimentary boat-tour rescheduling after the backup experience
Quick Facts
Availability: September – April
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Difficulty: Very Easy
Pickup: At additional cost
Minimum Age: None
Price: From ISK 10.490 per person
Important Information
- Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon.
- If the boat tour operates but no Northern Lights are seen, you will receive a complimentary ticket to join another Northern Lights boat tour.
- If the boat tour is cancelled due to unsuitable conditions, the Auroras at Whales of Iceland backup experience will be offered instead.
- After attending the backup experience, you can still reschedule your Northern Lights boat tour for the next available date.
- Hotel transfers are not included but can be added for an additional cost.
- Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. A snack bar is available on board.
What Do I Need to Bring?
- Warm clothing suitable for Icelandic winter conditions.
- Sturdy shoes.
- Your camera.
Cancellation Policy
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you guarantee that I will see the Northern Lights?
No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The tour is operated when conditions are considered suitable for searching for the aurora.
What happens if we sail but don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the boat tour operates but no Northern Lights are seen, you will receive a complimentary ticket to join another Northern Lights boat tour.
What happens if the boat tour is cancelled?
If conditions prevent the boat from sailing, you’ll be offered the Auroras at Whales of Iceland backup experience. You can still reschedule your Northern Lights boat tour for the next available date.
Are photos included?
Yes. Photos are taken on every tour and are available to download free of charge. The crew can also assist with camera settings and Northern Lights photography.
Will I be warm on the boat?
Warm overalls are available free of charge, including children’s sizes. The boat also has heated indoor seating areas where you can warm up during the tour.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel transfers can be added for an additional cost.
Is food included?
Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. There is a snack bar on board.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel your tour 24 hours prior to departure we will fully refund your ticket.