Aurora hunting from a moving deck.

This Reykjavik Northern Lights by boat trip is built for one thing: getting you out onto Faxaflói Bay fast, with warm overalls and on-board comforts like Wi‑Fi and a snack bar so you’re not just freezing and hoping. I like that the experience has a real backup plan at Whales of Iceland if conditions aren’t suitable, not just a vague shrug. One possible drawback to plan for: the boat can feel crowded, with tight viewing space and limited room to sit inside on busier nights.

You’ll ride for about 2 to 3 hours round-trip, and the action starts early. If the lights begin as you’re boarding, the team will steer you to the right place on the boat right away, because that timing window can matter.

If the sky cooperates, you’ll get that classic “the aurora is moving” feeling—plus you can download free photos from the tour and get a short photography workshop as part of the backup program.

Key things to know before you go

• Warm overalls + restrooms + Wi‑Fi make the waiting and sailing less miserable.
• Free ticket to re-sail if the weather isn’t right.
• Whales of Iceland backup includes entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour.
• Free photo downloads: you’ll get pictures taken during your boat outing.
• Photography coaching happens during the backup plan at Whales of Iceland.
• Max group size 198 means you should expect a packed boat when demand is high.

Setting Sail from Geirsgata: What the 2-Hour Aurora Hunt Really Is

This is a Reykjavik-based boat trip that leaves from Geirsgata 11 and returns to the same spot. You’ll head into Faxaflói Bay, which is the kind of location that gives you open sky views instead of getting boxed in by buildings. The main goal is simple: find the aurora borealis when it’s visible, then stay out long enough to enjoy it.

Plan on a total experience time of roughly 2 to 3 hours. That timing matters because Northern Lights conditions can change quickly. Too short and you miss the good moment; too long and you’ll end up with a sleepy, cold crew. This tour sits in the sweet spot.

One more practical thing: this meeting point is close to public transportation, so you’re not forced into an expensive taxi-only evening. If you want a pickup from your hotel, you can usually add it as an extra, but it’s not part of the base price.

Boat Comfort: Warm Gear, Restrooms, and a Snack Bar at Sea

Cold is the enemy of good aurora viewing. The trip counters that with warm overalls included, which is a big deal in Iceland winters when wind can cut through everything. You also get restrooms on board, plus free Wi‑Fi and a snack bar.

What that really means for you: you can focus on the sky without doing constant “heat management.” If you get cold hands or you need a quick breather from deck time, you’ve got somewhere practical to reset.

Do note the tradeoff. Even with comfort upgrades, the experience depends on demand and weather. On nights when the boat is full, you may find it hard to get a prime spot for viewing, especially if you’re hoping for a lot of space inside or a perfect line of sight from the rail.

When the Sky Won’t Cooperate: The Whales of Iceland Backup Plan

Here’s the part I really appreciate: this tour doesn’t treat “no lights” as the end of the evening. If conditions aren’t suitable for seeing the aurora, you’ll be automatically signed up for an alternative activity.

The backup is Whales of Iceland, and it’s not just sitting in a waiting room. Your alternative includes:

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

There’s also a short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of the backup plan. So even if you miss the boat lights that night, you’re still leaving with something useful—plus you’re in a warm setting while you learn how to shoot auroras when you get another chance.

And you get a second chance that’s genuinely helpful: if conditions aren’t right to sail, you receive a free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date. That turns the weather gamble into a repeatable plan, not a one-off disappointment.

Viewing the Aurora from the Deck: Timing and Where to Stand

The tour has a built-in rhythm: you sail out, scan for aurora activity, and then respond quickly when it starts showing. One thing you should expect is the team directing you to the best place on board right when conditions shift.

This matters because aurora intensity can ramp up fast. If lights begin while you’re still settling in, the team will often push guests to get on deck immediately so you’re not stuck watching through disappointment and glass.

On rougher nights, the sea can make a boat ride bumpy. The important part is that the experience is designed for people to stay outside and look when it matters, while also offering enough inside comfort that you can take breaks if needed.

If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s smart to come prepared (for example, pack what you normally use for nausea). The tour includes the overalls and onboard amenities, but it can’t erase Iceland waves.

Photos and Photography Help: Free Downloads and a Practical Workshop

Getting the aurora in a phone photo is harder than it looks. This is why the tour’s photography support feels like more than a nice extra.

Two photo-related benefits are built in:

• Pictures are taken on every boat tour, and you can download them free of charge afterward.
• If you end up in the Whales of Iceland backup plan, you also get a short Northern Lights photography workshop there.

What I like about this approach is that it covers both outcomes. If you catch the aurora on the water, you still get professional photos. If the sky refuses, you still learn the basics so your next attempt has a better chance of giving you pictures you actually want to keep.

Price and Value Check: What $83.88 Buys You in Iceland

At $83.88 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it isn’t “pay for a seat and wish hard,” either.

Here’s what the price is paying for, based on what’s included:

• Warm overalls
• Free Wi‑Fi
• Restrooms
• Snack bar access (food isn’t included, but you can buy things onboard)
• a guaranteed alternative activity if aurora viewing conditions fail
• the Whales of Iceland package if needed (entry, film, guided tour, and a Northern Lights drink)
• free photo downloads from the tour
• and, as part of the backup system, a free re-sail ticket for another date

For many visitors, the biggest value is the weather backstop. In Iceland, that’s not a minor detail. A tour that fails silently can burn an evening. A tour that gives you a museum experience plus a re-sail chance turns a “maybe” into a plan.

You should still budget extra cash if you want snacks or drinks onboard. Those aren’t included, and the tour doesn’t cover hotel transfers unless you add them as an extra.

Group Size and Crowd Feel: 198 People Means Plan for Tight Space

The tour’s maximum capacity is 198 travelers. That doesn’t automatically mean you’ll feel packed every night, but it does mean you should assume popularity is high.

What this can feel like in practice:

• inside spaces can be tight if everyone tries to warm up at once,
• deck viewing can be more of a “good luck finding your angle” situation,
• and the best viewing moments may depend on getting moving quickly when staff direct you.

The comfort features help you manage it, especially the overalls and restrooms. Still, if you hate crowds or want lots of elbow room, this is worth keeping in mind before you book.

How Long Should You Stay in Reykjavik to Make This Worth It?

This is a weather-dependent experience. The tour itself builds a buffer with the backup activities and the free ticket to sail again if conditions don’t allow aurora viewing, but your planning still matters.

If you only have a single night in Iceland, the odds can be tougher even with the re-sail option. If you have multiple nights, you can ride the ups and downs of forecast changes more comfortably.

Also, a 2-to-3 hour outing can slot nicely on a night when you’re already set up to do something indoor and warm afterward. If the aurora happens, you’ll be full of energy. If it doesn’t, the Whales of Iceland plan helps you avoid ending your night early.

Who This Northern Lights Boat Tour Is Best For

This tour is a strong fit if you want the aurora experience to feel like an outing, not just a cold wait on land. You’ll get:

• a real voyage on the water,
• comfort gear that helps you stay outside when the show starts,
• and a backup plan that keeps the evening going.

I’d especially point it toward:

• first-timers who want a structured introduction to aurora viewing,
• people who don’t want a strict schedule of transfers and private logistics,
• photographers who want free tour photos and a short workshop if you miss the boat night.

If you’re extremely motion-sensitive, you may want to consider whether boat rides on windy nights are your thing. Also, if crowding would stress you out, pick your expectations carefully.

Should You Book This Northern Lights by Boat Tour from Reykjavik?

I’d book it if you want three things: a shot at the aurora from open water, real comfort features, and a backup plan that keeps the evening productive. The combination of warm overalls, free photo downloads, and the Whales of Iceland alternative makes this one of the more “I’m protected from bad luck” aurora outings.

Skip it if you’re hoping for quiet, low-crowd viewing from a roomy deck, or if you’re not comfortable with possible bumpy sailing.

FAQ

FAQ

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

It typically runs about 2 hours, and the overall experience is listed as approximately 2 to 3 hours.

What is the meeting point for the tour?

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

What’s the price per person?

The price is $83.88 per person.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What happens if aurora viewing conditions are not suitable?

You’ll be automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland, and you’ll also receive a free ticket to sail again on the next available date.

What is included on the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and access to the snack bar. Food and drinks are not included.

What is included in the Whales of Iceland backup plan?

The backup plan includes entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour of the Whales of Iceland exhibit. A short Northern Lights photography workshop is also included as part of the backup.

Are photos included?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every boat tour and you can download them free of charge.

Does the price include hotel transfers?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, but they can be added for an extra cost directly with the supplier.

What’s the group size maximum?

This activity has a maximum of 198 travelers.