Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour with Photos

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour with Photos

If you’re headed to Iceland during the winter months, chasing the Northern Lights is practically a rite of passage. This particular tour offers a chance to see this natural wonder from the comfort of a luxurious boat just 5 minutes from Reykjavik’s city center. For $102 per person, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours on the water, sailing out into the North Atlantic with hopes of catching the aurora borealis dancing overhead. The experience is led by knowledgeable guides who know how to spot the best viewing spots, and you’ll get a set of photos to remember the night.

What we love most about this tour is its unique perspective—being out on the water gives you an unobstructed, wide-open view of the sky, away from the city’s light pollution. Plus, the comfortable, well-equipped boats (either Rósin or Andrea) ensure you’re warm and cozy as you wait for the lights to appear. A second perk is the inclusion of Wi-Fi, a Northern Lights video, and a café, which makes the experience both immersive and comfortable.

The only potential drawback? Sailing conditions can be unpredictable, and if the weather isn’t cooperative, the tour may be canceled or re-scheduled. Still, the offer of a free reschedule if the lights don’t show up means you won’t be left empty-handed. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience and don’t mind a bit of weather-dependent luck. It’s especially ideal if spotting the Aurora is a bucket-list item for you, and you’re eager for a scenic, memorable night on the water.

Key Points

• Prime Location: Departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour makes logistics straightforward.
• Unbeatable Views: Being on a boat offers a wide, unobstructed view of the sky and city lights.
• Expert Guidance: The guides’ knowledge increases your chances of spotting the aurora.
• Comfort & Amenities: Warm overalls, Wi-Fi, and videos add to the cozy, engaging experience.
• Flexible Planning: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, or reschedule if conditions aren’t ideal.
• Photo Opportunity: You’ll get professional photos of the Northern Lights, perfect for sharing or keepsakes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a very central location that makes it easy to reach from most accommodations. Once onboard, you’ll board either the Rósin or Andrea, both of which are described as luxurious and well-equipped for comfort and stability in the often-choppy North Atlantic waters. The short 15-30 minute sail out from the harbor is a highlight in itself, as you get to enjoy spectacular views of Reykjavik’s coastline, nearby mountains, and sparkling city lights.

The Journey & Scenic Stops

As the boat sets sail, guides will provide commentary on the Northern Lights, Iceland’s weather, and local geography. We loved the way the guides kept the atmosphere lively and informative, helping to build anticipation while also sharing interesting facts. The gentle motion of the boat on the water is calming, and you might find yourself staring upward, hoping for that first glow.

Prime Viewing & Aurora Hunting

This tour’s main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. You’ll arrive at a prime, dark spot—away from the city’s light pollution—where the sky is clear and your view is unobstructed. Sightings are, of course, dependent on the weather and solar activity, but the guides are well-trained at reading the sky and advising when to stay patient or move.

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The Atmosphere & Comfort

What sets this experience apart is the warmth and comfort of the boat. You’ll be provided with warm overalls (including children’s sizes), which are essential for standing outside in cold weather. The Wi-Fi connection inside the boat ensures you can share your experience in real time or simply relax with a Northern Lights video—making waiting less frustrating.

Photos & Souvenirs

A highlight for many travelers is the opportunity to get professional photographs of the Aurora borealis. Guides often take photos for you, so you can focus on enjoying the moment. The tour also includes a café, where you can grab a warm drink, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the night.

The Return & Additional Offers

The tour concludes back at the same harbor, with plenty of time to process the experience. If the lights don’t make an appearance, the free reschedule policy is reassuring—guides will contact you if weather conditions force cancellation, but you can also reschedule or try again at no extra cost.

What Travelers Say

Morgan praised the well-organized nature of the tour and the excellent guide, which made the experience smooth and enjoyable. Another traveler, who had to reschedule due to sea conditions, appreciated the guides’ flexibility and professionalism. These reviews highlight the importance of knowledgeable guides and good organization, especially in unpredictable Icelandic weather.

Analyzing the Value

At $102, this tour offers a good balance of comfort, convenience, and chance to see one of nature’s most stunning displays. The included amenities—warm overalls, Wi-Fi, photos, and a Northern Lights video—add value, especially considering how cold Iceland can be at night. Compared to land-based options, being on a boat offers a more expansive view and a unique perspective that many travelers find worth the price.

The 2.5-hour duration is enough time to get out beyond the city lights without feeling rushed, but it’s also short enough to avoid fatigue. Plus, the flexibility of cancelation and rescheduling makes this a low-risk choice for travelers wary of weather setbacks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, guided adventure and are willing to brave the cold for a chance at a spectacular show. It suits those who appreciate authentic experiences—being out on the water, away from city lights—and value professional guidance and photos. It’s also ideal if you prefer a more relaxed, scenic night rather than a high-energy chase through the countryside.

If you’re traveling with families, the children’s clothing options and gentle boat ride make it accessible for all ages. And for those who’ve read that weather can be unpredictable, the rescheduling policy provides peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including the boat ride out and back from Reykjavik’s harbor.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, warm overalls, Wi-Fi, Northern Lights video, exhibit entry to Whales of Iceland, and a complimentary drink.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again on a future night, weather permitting.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children’s sizes of overalls are available, and the boat ride is generally gentle and safe for families.

What are the meeting points?
The tour departs from Reykjavik Old Harbour and ends there as well.

How do weather conditions affect the tour?
If the weather isn’t suitable for sailing, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled. Guides will contact you if this happens.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

In the end, this boat tour offers a comfortable, scenic, and authentic way to chase the Northern Lights from Reykjavik. The combination of expert guidance, cozy amenities, and the sheer thrill of seeing the Aurora overhead makes it a worthwhile choice for many. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to Iceland with the aurora as a priority, this adventure stands out as a memorable, well-organized experience that balances value and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: