Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights while in Reykjavik, a guided boat tour offers a unique way to see this natural phenomenon. This 2-hour adventure takes you out into the North Atlantic, away from city lights, with the hope of witnessing the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky. It’s an experience that promises both comfort and spectacular scenery—if the weather cooperates.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines the thrill of sea travel with the chance to see one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. The fact that you’re on the water, away from light pollution, offers a different perspective than land-based tours. Plus, the guides and crew seem genuinely dedicated to making the experience as pleasant and memorable as possible.

However, it’s important to remember that chasing the Northern Lights is highly weather-dependent. Winds, clouds, and even the moon phase can influence your chances of a sighting. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour offers a second chance with a free ticket, which is a thoughtful touch.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, scenic experience with the bonus of potential aurora sightings. It’s also suited to those who want a comfortable, well-equipped boat trip with knowledgeable guides and a focus on safety and convenience.

Key Points

• Ideal for Aurora Viewing: Out on the water, away from city lights, providing a prime spot for the Northern Lights.
• Comfortable Experience: Heated indoor seating, warm overalls, and WiFi keep you cozy and connected.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with options to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff and multilingual apps enhance the experience.
• Value for Money: Includes a second trip ticket if no lights are seen, making it worth the price.
• Authentic, Scenic Views: Enjoy beautiful coastline vistas, mountains, and city lights in the background.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Northern Lights Boat Trip

Arriving at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll board one of two luxurious vessels — Rósin or Andrea. These boats are well-equipped for comfort, with heated indoor seating and WiFi. You’ll start with a brief safety briefing and perhaps some guidance on how to photograph the Northern Lights, which many travelers find helpful.

From there, the boat sets sail into the North Atlantic, roughly 15-30 minutes from the coastline. During the ride, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Reykjavik’s city lights, the surrounding mountains, and the rugged coastline. The sense of leaving the city behind is part of what makes this experience special; it’s a refreshing change from land-based tours.

Once in the open water, the crew and guides keep a close eye on the sky, scanning for aurora activity. They’ll be your source of information and reassurance—especially since the Northern Lights are so unpredictable. We found from reviews that guides like Hanna and Sarah are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging.

The actual aurora viewing depends on weather conditions. If the skies are clear and the forecast looks promising, you’ll have a good chance to see those shimmering green ribbons. Multiple reviews highlight the thrill of catching even faint lights, with some lucky travelers seeing the full spectrum of ribbons and shooting stars.

If the weather turns windy or cloudy, the tour might be canceled or shifted to a land-based trip. However, the company offers a second trip free of charge if no lights are seen, which many reviewers appreciated for the fairness and effort involved.

The return journey offers more scenic views of Reykjavik’s illuminated skyline and the distant mountains, making it a well-rounded experience. The crew often provides photos of the tour, which can be downloaded freely afterward, ensuring you have a keepsake even if the lights weren’t visible.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Experience of Viewing the Northern Lights from the Water

Seeing the Aurora Borealis from a boat has a particular magic. The openness of the ocean, combined with the dark skies and minimal light pollution, creates a perfect setting for aurora hunting. Travelers frequently mention how this perspective feels more immersive than land-based options.

Multiple reviews highlight the authenticity of this experience, with some guests recalling how the crew was more than willing to adjust plans if weather conditions weren’t ideal. For example, one guest shared how their tour was canceled initially due to wind but was rescheduled for a later time, which turned out to be better for viewing.

The Comfort and Convenience

The heated indoor seating and warm overalls are notable perks, especially during Iceland’s chilly winter months. Several reviews mention how well the crew manages comfort — offering sea sickness tablets, hot drinks, and even warm soup to pass the time.

WiFi on board is a nice touch, allowing guests to share live updates or check the aurora forecast during the trip. The availability of multilingual app support in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese is helpful for international travelers.

The Guides and Crew

Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, honesty, and knowledge. Hanna and Sarah, in particular, are remembered for their engaging commentary and genuine enthusiasm, which adds to the overall experience. They’re also attentive to individual needs, like providing access for wheelchair users, which makes the tour more inclusive.

The Value of a Second Chance

One of the most appreciated aspects from reviews is the ticket for a second trip if the Aurora doesn’t appear during your first attempt. Not many tours offer this, but it’s a smart way to manage expectations and ensure travelers aren’t left disappointed.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Booking

At $102 per person, this tour is competitively priced given the experience and inclusions. Considering it lasts around 2.5 hours and includes warm clothing, WiFi, and photographs, it offers good value.

Booking is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful for Iceland’s unpredictable weather. The tours start from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a central and easy-to-access location, so no need for complicated transfers.

Since the trip is wheelchair accessible and offers children’s sizes in the warm overalls, it’s suitable for families and travelers with mobility needs. However, note that sea conditions may vary, so packing some thermal layers and warm clothing is advisable.

Authentic Experiences and Real-World Insights

Many travelers have shared their experiences, giving us more detailed insights. For example, one guest described how their guide recited poetry and sang Icelandic ballads while waiting for the lights, creating a peaceful and cultural atmosphere amid the cold and darkness.

Others mentioned how the crew’s professionalism and honesty left them feeling valued, even when the auroras remained elusive. One guest highlighted the effort made when their boat lost an engine control at the start, but the team’s quick response and offering a later tour showed their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Several reviews also note the importance of being prepared: bringing thermal layers, wearing the provided suits, and possibly taking seasickness tablets if prone to motion sickness. The calm sea conditions experienced by many make the ride comfortable, but the potential for rougher weather means being ready for cold and wind.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat tour offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and potential spectacular sights that appeal to a broad range of travelers. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights from a unique vantage point with a good chance of success, this trip is well worth considering.

It’s especially suitable if you appreciate a relaxed pace, warm indoor facilities, and the opportunity to see Reykjavik’s coastline and mountains at night. The inclusion of a second trip ticket provides peace of mind for those who want to maximize their chances.

While weather can be unpredictable, the professionalism of the crew and the thoughtful inclusions make it a trustworthy choice for Aurora chasers who value comfort and authenticity over high-intensity adventure.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The boat tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, starting from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers warm overalls, 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 the trip is canceled due to weather, you’ll be contacted and given options.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and staff are accommodating — although some areas may have limited access depending on conditions.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly in layers is recommended, especially thermal clothing. The tour provides overalls, but bringing extra warm layers and possibly waterproof gear is sensible.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If conditions aren’t suitable for sailing, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. If the Northern Lights are not visible, you’ll be offered a free second trip.

Will I see the Northern Lights every night?
Not necessarily. The Aurora Borealis depends on weather, solar activity, and atmospheric conditions. The guides will inform you about the forecast.

Can I take photos?
Yes, the tour offers free downloadable photos. Many guests enjoy capturing the Aurora, but remember that long exposure shots require some patience.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drink are not included, but the boat has hot drinks and snacks available for purchase.

This guided boat tour in Reykjavik combines the thrill of ocean travel with the hope of witnessing one of nature’s greatest displays. With its comfort, flexible options, and knowledgeable guides, it’s a compelling choice for anyone eager to chase the Northern Lights from a different perspective.