Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

Northern lights look best when you’re moving, not when you’re stuck watching the sky. This boat tour from Reykjavik takes you out into Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora, with warm overalls so you’re not freezing your chances away. I also like that you’re covered if conditions aren’t right: you’ll get an indoor alternative at Whales of Iceland instead of just heading home. The one drawback to think about is that the boat can feel crowded when lots of people are chasing the same show.

On nights when the sky cooperates, this setup is surprisingly practical: you get onboard comfort, you can watch from the deck, and you’ll be out long enough to see what the aurora is doing. Guides also push you to get into position fast—when the lights start right as you’re boarding, the team will tell you to head up top immediately—so you’re not standing around with your coat half-zipped.

The value question here is simple: you pay for a night at sea, but the smarter part is the guaranteed backup plan plus a free ticket for the next sailing if the conditions don’t work out. If you’re the type who wants guaranteed views no matter what, Iceland will still humble you—but this tour does a good job of protecting your time.

Key things that make this tour worth a look

• A real backup plan, not a shrug: if aurora conditions are poor, you’re signed up for Whales of Iceland right away.
• Warm overalls included: you’ll dress for the outside, not the forecast you hoped for.
• Free photos every boat tour: you download the pictures after your outing.
• Photography help when you go indoors: the backup plan includes a short Northern Lights photography workshop.
• Comfort extras onboard: restrooms, free Wi‑Fi, and a snack bar keep the waiting part manageable.
• Large-group reality check: the tour has a maximum of 198 travelers, so the deck can get tight.

Chasing aurora from the water in Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavik has plenty of places to watch the sky. What I like about this tour is that it takes the search seriously by getting you out onto the water—specifically Faxaflói Bay—instead of making you sit and hope the city view is enough. When the aurora decides to show up, you’re already positioned where the night feels like it belongs to the sky, not to streetlights and buildings.

This is also the kind of tour that runs like a “when it happens, move now” operation. One guide-led detail that really matters: if the lights start as you’re boarding, you’re told to go up top right away. That small urgency can turn a slow start into a full display, because you’re not waiting for permission—you’re getting eyes on the sky immediately.

And yes, Iceland weather is a character. If the conditions aren’t suitable, the tour doesn’t just cancel and leave you to figure out the rest of your night. It pivots to the backup plan automatically, which is a big deal when you’re only in town for a few days.

On-board comfort: overalls, Wi‑Fi, and snacks without the stress

The boat part could be a pain if you show up underdressed. Instead, this tour gives you warm overalls, which is exactly what you want when you’re outside watching for something that might only show for minutes at a time. In practice, that means you can focus on seeing the aurora instead of doing frantic layering math.

You also get the helpful “small stuff” onboard:

• Free Wi‑Fi so you can check in, share, or just keep your phone from turning into a useless block of cold
• Restrooms, which you’ll care about more than you think once you’re out on the water
• A snack bar available for purchase, so you’re not stuck waiting until you’re back on land for food

One review note to take seriously: the ride can feel bumpy if the sea is rough, and the viewing setup isn’t always roomy. If you get motion-sick easily, think about that before you go. The good news is that the tour does aim for comfort, and warm gear helps more than you’d expect.

The real win is the Whales of Iceland backup plan

The best feature here is the one that saves your evening when the aurora doesn’t cooperate. If conditions aren’t suitable, you’re automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland instead of standing around hoping for a miracle. That includes:

• Entry to the attraction
• A Northern Lights drink
• A short film and a guided tour
• A short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of the backup plan

This backup doesn’t feel like a consolation prize. It gives you something structured and warm, with guides who help you make sense of what you’re seeing—even if you can’t see it in the sky that night. I especially like that photography gets attention during the backup. Even if the boat night doesn’t deliver, you still leave with skills for your next try.

It also means you’re not scrambling for a plan B at the last minute. For short Iceland trips, that matters. You’re budgeting one night for aurora hunting—so having an indoor option that still ties into the theme keeps your trip moving forward.

Timing: what 2 hours feels like when the sky turns on

This outing runs about 2 to 3 hours. In the real world, you’ll feel it as a chase window, not a long sit. The boat takes you out to search for aurora, and if the sky cooperates, you get enough time to watch it change. If it doesn’t, you pivot to the indoor program as scheduled.

One useful detail: tours start and end promptly. That matters because aurora viewing is a moving target—darkness is guaranteed, but activity levels change. When the lights started as people were boarding on at least one night, the team’s direction to head up top immediately helped people catch the show without wasting the first part of the outing.

If you’re the type who wants a strict routine, this tour won’t disappoint. If you’re flexible and you can handle weather surprises, this tour fits your style.

Deck space and crowding: how to stay comfortable while you wait

This is where you need to set expectations. With a maximum of 198 travelers, it’s not a tiny boat experience. On nights when many people are rolling the dice, the deck and onboard areas can get crowded, and the viewing spot might feel tight—especially if you’re trying to find the perfect angle while the boat is moving.

Here’s the practical way to handle it:

• If the lights start early, go where the guide tells you fast. One of the best strategies is being ready before the show begins.
• Plan to spend time both outside and inside. Warm gear helps outside, but it’s smart to take breaks if you’re shivering.
• If you want a better view, think about where you stand before you’re all packed in. Being patient is fine; being late when the aurora turns on is less helpful.

Also, the boat can feel tight inside with limited seating options. If you dislike close quarters, you may prefer spending more time on the deck. Just remember that the deck is the cold, wind, and movement zone.

Photos and photography tips: free downloads you can use

One reason I like aurora tours is that they’re visual by nature, and everyone wants proof they weren’t staring at darkness for nothing. This tour helps with that in two ways.

First, you can download free photos taken during your boat tour. That’s not just a nice-to-have. On cold nights, fiddling with a camera can push you out of the moment. Having photos taken for you means you can enjoy the show first, then sort out the best images later.

Second, in the backup plan, you get a short Northern Lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland. That’s a solid way to turn disappointment into useful knowledge, especially if you’ve never photographed aurora before. Even if you’re using a phone, having a guide explain angles and timing helps you get better results next time.

If you plan to bring a camera, show up ready to learn quickly. Aurora photography changes with conditions fast, and the best “tips” are often the ones that help you set up in seconds.

Staff energy: what the guide approach looks like in practice

The guides here bring a clear theme: get people looking in the right direction, fast. On nights with clear conditions, you’ll see that in how they guide movement and point you toward good viewing behavior. One standout detail from guide-led moments: people were advised to go up top right away when the lights started early.

Names you might hear include Lilja, Andrea, Anika, and Patrick. I don’t think the tour is only about selling the boat ride. It’s about making sure you know what you’re hunting for and how to respond when it appears.

That matters because the sky doesn’t announce itself. If you’re left to figure out aurora viewing by instinct alone, you can miss the best minutes. With this team, you’re nudged toward action.

Price check: $83.88 isn’t cheap, but the backup makes it logical

At $83.88 per person, this isn’t the kind of tour you book on a whim without thinking. Here’s how I judge value on a tour like this.

You’re paying for:

• A boat outing in search of the aurora
• Warm overalls and onboard essentials like restrooms and free Wi‑Fi
• A backup activity that’s tied directly to Northern Lights learning and viewing
• A free next-date ticket if conditions don’t work out
• Free photo downloads

The smartest value angle is that you’re not risking an entire evening to chance alone. Iceland weather can shut down plans quickly. A tour that automatically redirects you to something worthwhile is often the difference between a trip that feels “meh” and a trip that still has momentum, even on a cloudy night.

One more practical note: snacks and food aren’t included, but you can buy them on board. That’s normal for tours, and it keeps the base price from climbing too high.

Where this tour fits best (and where it might not)

I’d point this tour at you if:

• You want the classic Reykjavik aurora experience but hate the idea of losing the whole evening to weather
• You like organized group guidance, especially for getting into position quickly
• You’d appreciate a themed indoor alternative at Whales of Iceland instead of sitting in the dark somewhere
• You value warm overalls and onboard comfort on a cold night

I might suggest a different approach if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to motion and bumpy boat rides
• You hate crowds and need lots of personal space outdoors
• You only want a private, quiet viewing experience (this tour is built for group energy)

If you’re visiting for a short time, the backup plan is a huge reason to consider booking sooner rather than later.

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

Book it if you want your aurora night to feel “managed,” even when the sky isn’t cooperating. The combo of Faxaflói Bay boat searching, warm gear, free photo downloads, and the automatic indoor fallback at Whales of Iceland makes this one of the more dependable aurora options from Reykjavik.

One final check before you go: plan for cold and wind, accept that crowding can happen, and be ready to move when the lights show up. If you do that, you’ll get a fun night at sea—or a fun night learning aurora basics indoors. Either way, your time isn’t wasted.

FAQ

What happens if the Northern Lights are not visible?

If conditions aren’t suitable to see the Northern Lights, you’re automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland.

What’s included with the boat tour?

You get warm overalls, free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and a snack bar onboard. Admission is included for the tour.

What is included in the backup activity?

The backup includes entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. As part of the back-up plan, there’s also a short Northern Lights photography workshop.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every boat tour and are available to download free of charge.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

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