A cold dark sky plus a boat ride is a pretty good combo. This northern lights trip from Reykjavik adds a smart twist: if the aurora gods don’t cooperate, you still get a real plan. I like that you’re not left stranded in the cold, and the team keeps things moving fast when the sky starts acting interesting.

What I like most are the practical comforts and the solid backup. You get warm overalls, Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar aboard, so you’re not fighting the elements just to stand there and hope. I also really value the human touch—guides like Lilja, Andrea, Anika, and Patrick were described as upbeat and helpful, and I like that you can get guidance for spotting and even photographing the aurora.

One thing to consider: it can be crowded, and the viewing can feel tight on deck, especially if the sea is a bit choppy. That’s not the company’s fault—it’s winter boating reality, and this tour can draw a lot of people on good nights.

Key Things I Think Matter Most

• Warm overalls and onboard basics: You stay comfortable with gear, restrooms, and Wi‑Fi—useful when you’re doing quick photo checks between waves.
• A true backup plan: If conditions don’t work for aurora viewing, you automatically shift to a whales experience instead of an awkward refund game.
• Free return ticket if the lights don’t show: If the aurora isn’t suitable, you get another chance on the next available date.
• Whales of Iceland adds value fast: You get admission plus a short film and guided tour, not just a quick look around.
• Free photos and a short photography workshop: You can download pictures after the tour, and the backup includes a brief photo-focused session.
• Group size can run large: The maximum is 198 people, so expect a bigger crowd on popular evenings.

Chasing Aurora From the Water: Why Faxaflói Bay Works

Iceland’s northern lights are partly luck. But they’re also partly strategy—and sailing out helps you by getting you farther from city light and closer to open sky. From Reykjavik, the trip heads into Faxaflói Bay to search for the aurora borealis, which is exactly where you want to be when the sky finally flips the switch.

What I find compelling here is the tone of the whole experience. The tour is built around motion and timing. If the aurora starts while you’re still boarding, the staff will guide you to the right place quickly—one review described being told to go up top immediately. That kind of fast instruction matters. In aurora season, the sky can change in minutes.

Onboard Comfort That Actually Helps You Wait

The boat ride is only part of it. The other part is waiting outside in cold air long enough to have a decent shot at seeing something. This is where the included gear and comfort package earns its keep.

You get warm overalls on board, plus Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar. Food and drink aren’t included, but the snack bar is there if you want a hot drink or something small to tide you over. That matters because on winter nights you can feel cold even when you’re dressed for it—being able to warm up without ending the trip is a quality-of-life win.

Now, here’s the honest tradeoff. The tour can be crowded. One review called out limited inside seating and a tight feeling on deck. With a maximum of 198 travelers, you should expect a lively atmosphere, not a private cruise. If you’re the type who hates shoulder-to-shoulder situations in winter gear, plan to spend more time outdoors on the deck and less time inside.

The Deck Reality: Bumpy Water, Better Views

On a boat tour, the sea is part of the experience. Some nights are calm and magical. Other nights add motion, and that can affect how comfortable you are and how stable your phone or camera is.

One review described the ride as bumpy and the viewing spot as not ideal. Another mentioned rougher conditions but praised the boat as comfortable. So I’d go in expecting that the boat can move, especially if the weather isn’t perfect. The good news is that you’ll be wearing warm gear either way, and staff are there to keep the night on track.

For viewing, the best plan is simple: be ready to move. If the aurora lights up, you’ll want to be in the place the team recommends. One review specifically noted guidance to go to the top deck right away once lights began. That’s the practical move: follow instructions first, then adjust your angle to keep the sky framed.

When the Lights Don’t Cooperate: The Whales of Iceland Backup Plan

This is the tour’s biggest advantage: you’re not just gambling on one outcome. If aurora viewing conditions aren’t suitable, you get an alternative activity automatically. That means your evening still has structure and a destination, instead of turning into a long, cold pause.

The backup plan centers on Whales of Iceland. You’ll get entry plus a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour of the exhibit. In other words, you’re not swapping the aurora for something unrelated—you’re still in the same theme zone, and you’re still learning while the evening continues.

One reason I like this setup is that it keeps morale up. If you arrive hoping for the sky show and the weather doesn’t allow it, you’ll at least leave with a story and a visit that feels like part of the same night. Even better, the trip includes a short northern lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland as part of the backup plan.

The Staff Energy: What Guide Names Tell You

I like to travel with people who can make a complicated situation feel manageable. In aurora season, you deal with shifting conditions, changing visibility, and lots of people trying to photograph in the cold.

The reviews gave standout examples of guide names: Lilja, Andrea, Anika, and Patrick. What matters more than the names, though, is the pattern. The guides are described as enthusiastic, informative, and ready to give guidance fast—especially when the lights start. That fits what you want from a winter night crew: clear instructions, quick problem-solving, and a sense that they’ve done this enough times to keep you calm.

If you’re hoping to get better photos, this matters too. One review mentioned advice on locating the lights and tips to view and capture them through photography. Even if you’re not a photo nerd, that kind of coaching helps you avoid common mistakes like aiming too low, messing up exposure, or missing the moment because you’re still setting up.

Free Photos and a Small Workshop That Makes You Feel Smarter

A lot of aurora tours promise photos. This one includes a concrete benefit: pictures are taken on every boat tour, and you can download them free of charge afterward. That’s a big deal if you don’t want to spend the whole time fumbling with camera settings while the sky is doing its thing.

And if the aurora doesn’t happen in that window, the backup plan still gives you something hands-on. There’s a short photography workshop at Whales of Iceland included as part of the backup. I like that the workshop is tied to the same theme and place. Instead of a generic talk, it’s aimed at helping you understand how to photograph the northern lights.

Also, free photos reduce risk. In winter, gear fails. Batteries die faster in cold weather. If your photos come out blurry or dark, you still get something usable—especially helpful for sharing with friends back home.

How Long It Is—and Why That’s the Right Length

The tour runs about 2 hours (with a typical range of 2 to 3 hours). For aurora hunting, this timing makes sense. You’re focused on searching and staying flexible, not turning it into an all-night marathon.

A shorter duration also lowers the “endurance tax.” If the sky doesn’t cooperate, you can get the backup experience instead of having the evening dragged out. That rhythm—search first, pivot quickly—matches how aurora opportunities actually work.

Price and Value: $83.88 With Real Redundancy

The price is $83.88 per person. On paper, that’s not “cheap.” But I look at what you’re buying.

You’re getting:

• Boat time on Faxaflói Bay to hunt for the aurora
• Warm overalls, Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar aboard
• An automatic alternative activity if conditions aren’t right
• Whales of Iceland entry, a short film, and a guided exhibit tour (plus a Northern Lights drink)
• A free ticket to sail again on the next available date if the conditions aren’t suitable
• Free downloadable photos from the tour
• A short northern lights photography workshop in the backup plan

That combination—comfort plus backup plus a return ticket—turns the price from a gamble into a more balanced bet. You’re not paying only for the lights; you’re paying for the whole organized evening.

Getting There: Reykjavik Start Point and the Transfer Choice

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back there. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to add extra costs or wait for a pickup.

Hotel transfers can be added for an additional cost, arranged directly with the supplier. That’s worth considering if your hotel is out of the center or you don’t want to navigate in winter dark and wind.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want an organized aurora hunt with warm gear
• Like structure and hate the idea of a plan that collapses with bad weather
• Care about getting photos, or at least want free photos without stress
• Enjoy a guided museum-style backup so your evening still feels full

It might be less ideal if you:

• Get irritated by crowds and tight deck space
• Are very sensitive to motion on the water
• Prefer a quieter, more private experience

Quick Booking Strategy That Actually Helps

Because aurora conditions are weather-dependent, I’d think of this tour as a night package, not a single event. If you’re in Reykjavik for multiple nights, planning around the tour’s flexibility is smart. The included free return ticket if conditions aren’t suitable is designed for exactly that.

Also, the tour is offered in English, and it runs with a maximum of 198 travelers. Book early enough to match your schedule, especially if you’re traveling during peak season—this tour is often booked around 54 days in advance on average.

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

If you want the simplest answer: yes, book it if you’re visiting Reykjavik for aurora season and you want real redundancy built in.

Here’s my decision checklist:

• You’ll appreciate warm overalls and onboard comfort while you wait.
• You like the idea that a bad weather night still gives you a meaningful activity at Whales of Iceland.
• You value free photos and a small photography lesson if the lights don’t show.
• You’re okay with a bigger group and potentially tight conditions on deck.

If the sky cooperates, you get a proper northern lights boat hunt. If it doesn’t, you still leave with a guided exhibit, a film, and photo coaching. That’s the kind of planning that makes winter travel feel less like gambling and more like doing something worthwhile on purpose.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights by Boat tour?

The tour runs approximately 2 to 3 hours, with the main activity listed at around 2 hours.

What do I get included with the ticket?

You get warm overalls, free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar on board. The price also includes an admission ticket to the alternative activity if needed, plus free photos after the tour.

What happens if the northern lights aren’t visible?

If conditions aren’t suitable for viewing the aurora, you are automatically set up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland. You also receive a free ticket to join the boat tour again on the next available date.

What is included in the Whales of Iceland backup activity?

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

Do I have to pay extra for food and drinks?

Snacks, food, and drink are not included, but you can purchase them on board the boat.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is there an option for hotel transfers?

Yes. Hotel transfers are not included in the base price, but they can be added for an additional cost directly with the supplier.