Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

A floating aurora hunt beats the couch. This northern lights boat trip from Reykjavik heads into Faxaflói Bay, and you get serious comfort for a night that can change fast, with a backup plan if the sky refuses to cooperate. You’ll also get photo downloads afterward, plus a second-chance ticket if conditions are not suitable.

I like this tour because it feels set up for the real conditions, not just the brochure. You get warm overalls for your time on deck, and you can use onboard free Wi-Fi while you wait and scan the sky.

One drawback to keep in mind: the boat can feel crowded, especially if you end up spending more time on deck or close to others. That can make viewing feel a little tighter than you’d hope on a popular night.

Key points before you go

• Warm overalls included, so you do not have to guess what to wear for wind and spray
• Onboard comfort, including free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar
• Backup plan at Whales of Iceland, so your evening is not a total loss
• Free ticket to sail again on the next available date if conditions do not work
• Short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of the backup plan
• Free downloadable photos, taken during your boat tour

Faxaflói Bay at night, and what you are really buying

You are paying for two things at once: a shot at the aurora and an evening that still has value if you do not get a full show. The boat heads out from Reykjavik to search for the northern lights over Faxaflói Bay, and the timing is built around the idea that Iceland weather can shift quickly.

I like that the plan is not all or nothing. If conditions are not suitable for northern lights viewing, you still do something worthwhile at Whales of Iceland, including a guided experience and a bit of practical photo guidance. It keeps the night moving, and it saves you from that classic Reykjavik feeling of waiting around in the dark with nothing to do.

The price, at $83.88 per person, sits in the “worth it if you catch the lights” category. If you do see the aurora, it can feel like a bargain for the effort. If you do not, you still get a structured backup activity and the possibility of going again with the free sailing ticket.

Boat basics from the Geirsgata 11 meeting point

Your tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and it returns back to the same meeting point at the end. That’s helpful because you are not trying to solve Reykjavik logistics after midnight or after cold-wet sea air.

Duration is listed at about 2 to 3 hours, with the main sailing portion roughly around two hours. You should plan your evening around that window, not around a vague idea of how long the lights might last. If the conditions are good, you can end up watching the sky right from when you board. If the sea is rough or the skies are stubborn, you still follow the schedule.

This is offered in English, and the tour is set up for most travelers. Group size has a maximum of 198 travelers, which matters because it can affect how crowded the boat feels and where everyone can stand.

Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and the real comfort factor

This is not a barebones “stand in the cold and pray” kind of outing. The tour includes warm overalls, so you can stay comfortable while you are waiting for aurora activity or stepping out onto deck for a look. Even in good conditions, you’ll be outside your comfort zone long enough to appreciate the gear.

Inside the boat, you get free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar. The snack bar is there for convenience, not for “included snacks.” Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase items onboard. That means you can warm up and grab something quick without needing to leave the boat and hunt down a late-night meal in Reykjavik.

One small but important point from the overall vibe: the boat can be bumpy, and it can feel tight if you end up packed in near viewing areas. The comfort features help you ride that out, but you should still expect a lively, shared experience, not a quiet private boat.

How you search for the aurora once you are on the water

The core experience is the hunt itself. You sail out into Faxaflói Bay and look for aurora borealis activity. The guides actively help you figure out where to look and when to move, so it is not just you staring at darkness hoping the lights appear.

When the lights start showing, the best move is often the simplest one: get to the right deck area fast. Some nights the lights begin as people are boarding, and staff guidance tells you where to go immediately for the best views. That kind of real-time direction can make a difference, especially when visibility changes or the aurora becomes more active later in the ride.

Sea conditions matter too. On nights with calmer waters, viewing tends to be easier and the ride feels more comfortable. If the sea is rougher, you may find it harder to get the perfect stance for photography or to keep your hands steady for a phone or camera shot. The good news is that warm gear and onboard comfort give you a way to recover between looks.

If the sky is cloudy, you get Whales of Iceland instead

Here is the part I genuinely value: you have a guaranteed alternative activity if northern lights conditions are not suitable. Instead of canceling and sending you back to your hotel with a shrug, you pivot to Whales of Iceland.

In that backup plan, you get:

• admission entry into Whales of Iceland
• a Northern Lights drink
• a short film
• a guided tour

As part of the backup plan, there is also a short Northern Lights photography workshop. That is a smart use of time because you learn how to think about shooting in cold, dark conditions, not just how to press a button. Even if you only catch a glimpse of aurora that night, you walk away with better skills for a future attempt.

This also helps if you are on your first night in Reykjavik. Iceland weather can make you feel like you are “behind schedule,” so having a guaranteed, structured indoor activity keeps you from losing the whole evening.

Photo help, downloadable pictures, and tips you can use again

This tour does more than hand you a vague memory card lesson. Photos are taken during every boat tour, and you can download the pictures for free afterward. That’s a real win if you were too busy watching the sky to take enough shots, or if you do not want to spend time experimenting with settings during a moving ride.

In addition, the backup plan includes a Northern Lights photography workshop. And based on the kind of guidance staff give during the aurora hunt, you can expect practical coaching rather than generic advice. You are more likely to get clear instructions on where to look and how to frame shots, including when to move and how to improve your odds.

If you want one simple approach for your own photos, I’d treat the staff tips like your playbook. Follow their guidance early, then adjust based on what you see, because aurora brightness and movement can change fast.

Crowding and deck strategy, the part no one wants to talk about

One caution: this is a popular activity, and it can feel crowded. With a maximum group size of 198 travelers, it is smart to assume that you may not have your own private viewing bubble.

If you prefer a clear view, you’ll want to be strategic. When the lights begin or when staff ask you to move, follow quickly. If you wait, you might end up stuck behind someone who already knows where to stand.

Also, some people report that the boat can feel tight inside with limited room to spread out. Your best bet is to balance time between inside warmth and short, purposeful trips outside for viewing. That keeps you comfortable and helps you avoid long stretches of crowd density.

Price and value in Reykjavik terms

At $83.88 per person, the big question is simple: how likely are you to get value even if the aurora is shy?

You get several built-in value boosters:

• Warm overalls so you are not buying expensive cold-weather extras you will use once
• onboard comfort like restrooms and Wi-Fi, which matters during unpredictable conditions
• a guaranteed alternative at Whales of Iceland with a film, guided tour, and even a themed drink
• a free ticket to sail again on the next available date if conditions are not suitable
• free downloadable photos to reduce regret if your camera timing was off

So I’d frame it like this. If the aurora shows, you likely feel you got your money’s worth fast. If it does not show, you still get a complete evening with a respected indoor option and a real second attempt.

That is why the backup plan is not a “nice extra.” It is the part that protects your Reykjavik schedule.

Timing, weather reality, and how to plan your night

This experience requires good weather for the northern lights portion. That does not mean your evening is wasted, but it does mean the outcome depends on conditions.

If your first attempt gets weathered out, you are not necessarily done. There is a free ticket option to join on the next available date when conditions are suitable. That matters because Reykjavik often gives you multiple nights of opportunity, and you can try again without paying twice for the exact same tour.

A practical planning tip: book with a little flexibility in your itinerary. If you are stacking multiple “must do” things each night, you can end up stressed when nature changes the plan.

Who should book this northern lights boat tour

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• a northern lights chase with real comfort gear (warm overalls)
• a plan that does not throw your whole night away when the sky is cloudy
• a guided, organized approach, not solo aurora guessing
• free photo downloads afterward

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate crowds and want lots of personal space
• get motion sick easily, since the boat ride can be rough on some nights
• need guaranteed indoor entertainment instead of an active search at sea

In general, it suits couples, groups of friends, and first-timers who want a well-run aurora outing without spending hours researching what to do when the weather changes.

Should you book Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan?

If you are deciding between a risky “just go out and hope” aurora tour and one with a true backup, I’d lean toward this one. The guaranteed Whales of Iceland alternative plus the chance to sail again is what makes it feel like a smart use of time in Reykjavik.

Book it if you want the outdoors experience and you also want your evening protected from Iceland’s mood swings. Skip it if you know you cannot handle crowded conditions or you would rather do only a fully indoor northern lights option.

Either way, show up ready to move quickly when staff direct you. The best aurora experiences often come down to timing, not luck.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights by Boat tour?

The tour runs about 2 to 3 hours, with the sailing portion listed at around 2 hours.

What is included on the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar on board. Admission ticket is included for the tour, and pictures are taken during the boat tour for free download afterward.

Is food and drink included?

Food and drink are not included. There is a snack bar on board where you can purchase items.

What happens if northern lights conditions are not suitable?

You are automatically set up for a guaranteed alternative activity. You will also receive a free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date if conditions are not suitable.

What does the Whales of Iceland backup plan include?

The backup includes entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. It also includes a short Northern Lights photography workshop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included by default, but they can be added for an additional cost directly with the supplier.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 198 travelers.

What is the cancellation and refund situation if weather changes?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where do I meet and when does it end?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.