Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

The idea here is simple and smart: you chase the Northern Lights out on the water from Reykjavik, with a backup plan if the sky does not cooperate. You get a real boat outing on Faxaflói Bay, then, if visibility is poor, you pivot to the Whales of Iceland exhibit without losing the evening.

I especially like the warm overalls on board and the fact that there is free Wi-Fi plus restrooms and a snack bar for the 2 to 3 hour run. Add the safety net too, if conditions are not suitable, you get a guaranteed alternative activity and a free ticket to sail again on the next available date.

One consideration: this is popular and the boat can feel crowded, with tight seating and limited viewing space if everyone wants deck time. If the sea is rough, expect some bumpy motion, so plan for that.

Key highlights you will care about

• Warm overalls, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar make waiting on deck more comfortable than it sounds
• Free return ticket if the aurora conditions are not right that night
• Whales of Iceland is the backup with entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour
• Free photos are taken during the boat tour and you can download them after
• On the backup plan, you get a short Northern Lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland
• Max group size is 198 people, so expect a busy vibe and plan your deck time

Northern Lights from Faxaflói Bay: Why this setup works

Reykjavik is one of the best bases in Iceland for aurora hunting because you can reach the coast fast and get out of town lights quickly. This tour takes you into Faxaflói Bay by boat, which helps you see more of the sky and spreads you out compared with staying right at the harbor.

The tour is designed around a key reality: aurora viewing is weather dependent. That is why I like that you are not stuck with an all-or-nothing plan. You sail, and if conditions are not suitable, the evening does not end in disappointment. It shifts to something genuinely Iceland, the Whales of Iceland exhibit.

There is also a practical rhythm to it. You start from a central meeting point in Reykjavik, check in, then you are out looking as early as possible. When aurora activity begins, the best viewing happens fast. One of the strongest pointers from previous experiences is that the crew watches the situation closely and tells people where to stand and when to head up top.

What you get in the boat ride (and why those “small” items matter)

On board, you get a set of comforts that make the whole experience feel less like waiting outside in the cold and more like a guided outing. That includes warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and access to the snack bar.

Here is why those details matter for real life:

• Warm overalls help you stay out on deck longer. You do not have to guess if your layers are enough.
• Wi-Fi is useful when you want to quickly check timing, share photos, or confirm you have what you need for the download later.
• Restrooms reduce the stress of “Can I last another hour?” so you can focus on watching the sky.
• A snack bar gives you an option if you get hungry, especially on nights when you are waiting for the lights to show up.

Duration is listed as about 2 to 3 hours, so you are not committing to a half-day excursion. That is important if you are juggling other Reykjavik plans, like museums, dining, or a second shot at the aurora later in your trip.

Boat comfort is also part of the deal, but keep expectations realistic. Even with a maintained boat, the sea can be choppy at times. If you get seasick easily, consider bringing your own motion-sickness plan. The tour provides the physical warmth, but you still feel the ocean when conditions are rough.

The backup plan at Whales of Iceland: turning a cancellation into an activity

This is where the value really earns its keep. If the northern lights are not suitable for sailing, you are signed up for an alternative right away. Instead of standing around or going back to square one, you pivot to Whales of Iceland.

The alternative activity includes:

• Entry to the Whales of Iceland exhibit
• A Northern Lights drink
• A short film
• A guided tour of the exhibit

And as part of this backup, you also get a short Northern Lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland. That detail matters because it turns a disappointing weather night into a skill-building one. You leave with better odds the next time you try to photograph the aurora in Iceland.

The exhibit itself is a nice change of pace. While you are still in Iceland winter mode, you are inside, warm, and guided. It is not just a random “wait and hope” swap. It is an actual program designed to keep the evening meaningful.

Itinerary flow: how the evening typically plays out

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. The experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to figure out a complicated return from the water.

From there, you sail out into Faxaflói Bay looking for the aurora. The main “stop” is the boat ride itself, and the tour duration is roughly 2 hours on the schedule you book. If conditions are good, you stay focused on the sky.

If conditions are not suitable, your night switches to the Whales of Iceland program. In either case, the time window stays tight enough that you can still plan other Reykjavik activities without needing a full day buffer.

One small but useful detail: the tour uses a flexible, real-time approach. In past outings, there were moments when the lights started during boarding. When that happens, the crew advises people to move up to the top deck right away. So even if you think you will settle in first, be ready to adjust quickly.

On deck and inside: seating reality and crowd management

This is popular, and the maximum group size is 198 people. That number does not mean everyone is packed shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time, but it does mean the boat can feel busy, especially when people all want the best deck views.

Here is the honest way to think about it:

• If the aurora shows up early, the boat becomes a queue for prime viewing angles fast.
• Inside seating can feel tight, so prioritize getting comfortable outside when conditions allow.
• When the sea is rough, people naturally cluster in the most stable areas, which can make movement awkward.

The upside is that the crew actively manages the best spot based on where the aurora is happening and what the sky is doing. That is a big reason people rate this tour well when the lights do appear. The guidance is practical, not vague.

If you want better odds for photos and viewing, plan to be ready for deck time as soon as you are on board. I would also dress so you can move easily without feeling frantic about layers. Warm overalls help, but you still want gloves and a hat if you get cold.

Who’s running the show: crew energy and aurora coaching

A big part of this tour is the human factor. When things are going well, the crew is not just saying, “Look up.” They actively help people find the aurora and make it easier to capture it.

In previous experiences, guides such as Lilja and Andrea have been mentioned for directing guests quickly to the correct deck viewing area. Other names that came up include Anika for information and Patrick for being funny and informative while still keeping the focus on how to watch and photograph the lights.

That style matters because aurora viewing is not like watching a fixed attraction. The lights can move, fade, then surge again. When your guide helps you understand where to look and when, you get more out of every minute.

Price and value: what $83.88 really covers

At $83.88 per person, this is not a budget item, but it also is not an all-day, all-costs package. The value comes from what is included and how well the tour protects you from bad weather.

Included features on the boat ride:

• Warm overalls
• Free Wi-Fi
• Restrooms
• Snack bar access (food and drink are not included, but you can buy items on board)

Included value if the aurora does not cooperate:

• Guaranteed alternative activity at Whales of Iceland
• A Northern Lights drink plus a film and guided tour
• A short Northern Lights photography workshop
• A free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date if conditions do not allow sailing
• Free photos taken during the boat tour, available to download afterward

That free return ticket is the big financial safety net. If your first attempt fails because the sky is cloudy or unstable, you do not start from zero. You get another chance.

Also note that hotel transfers are not included by default. They can be added as an extra with the supplier. If you are staying far from Geirsgata 11 or you do not want to hassle with transit in winter darkness, price the transfer option into your total plan.

Photography on this tour: you get more than a ticket

Aurora photography can be frustrating if you show up with a phone on “auto” and hope for the best. This tour helps in two ways.

First, you have the chance to photograph during the boat outing if conditions align. You are out on the water with a guide environment, plus people are encouraged to get to good viewing positions quickly when the lights start.

Second, if you end up at Whales of Iceland as your backup plan, you get a short Northern Lights photography workshop. That is the type of included add-on that improves future attempts, even if your first photo results are not perfect.

If you are serious about capturing the aurora, bring a camera you can control manually if you have one. If you only have a smartphone, you might still get results, but you will benefit most from learning how to stabilize and adjust exposure. The workshop is the place where that kind of practical coaching can help.

Practical planning: what to wear and how to avoid stress

You are provided warm overalls, which is a huge help, but your comfort still depends on what you wear underneath and how easy it is to move.

I recommend you plan for these basics:

• Wear layers you can breathe in, not just thick clothing you cannot move in.
• Bring gloves and a hat if you run cold, since deck time can feel colder than you expect.
• If you get seasick easily, plan ahead for motion. The tour is not described as gentle in all conditions, and the sea can make viewing bumpy.

Timing matters too. The crew may encourage you to go up top immediately when lights start. You cannot treat it like a sit-and-stare show. Keep your jacket, camera, or phone ready, so you can act fast.

Finally, expect a busy atmosphere. With up to 198 people, it is not a quiet private trip. If you dislike crowds, try to go earlier in your trip and consider booking a second attempt on a different night, if your schedule allows.

Who this tour suits, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A real northern lights chase from Reykjavik with a boat component
• Comfort features like warm overalls and restrooms
• A clear backup plan that gives you something worthwhile to do indoors
• The chance to improve your aurora photography, including a workshop on backup nights
• A safety net with a free return ticket when conditions are not suitable

It might be less ideal if you:

• Hate crowded boats or tight deck access when everyone moves for viewing
• Get very seasick and want a fully land-based plan
• Need a guaranteed indoor-only experience regardless of weather

That said, even on a night where the lights do not appear, the backup program is not a punishment. It is an actual exhibit visit with guided components and a photography-focused angle.

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

If your top goal is seeing the Northern Lights and you want a plan that does not waste your evening, I think this is an easy yes to consider. The mix of warm on-board comfort plus a guaranteed alternative at Whales of Iceland, with a free return ticket, makes the overall value feel stronger than many single-track tours.

Book it if:

• You can be flexible with weather-dependent outcomes
• You are happy to spend time on deck when conditions allow
• You want a guided, photo-aware experience instead of pure guesswork

Consider alternatives if:

• You absolutely hate crowds and tight viewing areas
• You are extremely sensitive to motion and want to avoid the boat entirely

If you do book, my best advice is to dress for quick deck time, keep your phone or camera ready, and treat this as an aurora hunting evening with a very solid Plan B.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights by Boat tour?

The tour is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $83.88 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What is included on the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and access to the snack bar. Admission ticket for the boat tour is also included.

If the lights are not visible, what happens instead?

If conditions are not suitable, you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

What is included in the Whales of Iceland backup activity?

It includes entry, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour of Whales of Iceland, plus a short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of the backup plan.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every boat tour, and you can download them for free after.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Snacks, food, and drink are not included on the boat, but you can purchase them on board. The backup includes a Northern Lights drink.

Is hotel transfer included?

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

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

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