The sky doesn’t always cooperate. What makes this trip worth it is the mix of a proper boat search in Faxaflói Bay and a real backup plan if conditions kill the aurora vibe, plus warm gear onboard. I especially like the included comfort (overalls, restrooms, Wi‑Fi) and the fact that you’re not just sent home in disappointment if the lights don’t show. One thing to plan for: the boat can feel crowded, and the ride may get bumpy when the sea has opinions.

This tour runs with a “go find it, then react fast” mindset. If the northern lights start while you’re boarding, the team can steer you toward the best viewing spot right away—something that came up in the feedback for people who were told to head up top immediately. If the sky is closed, you switch gears to the Whales of Iceland experience instead of canceling the night, and there’s even a short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of that backup.

At $83.88 per person for about 2–3 hours, it’s priced like one of Reykjavik’s main-activity northern lights hunts—so value depends on how you handle weather. If you want lots of space to spread out, choose a tour style that limits headcount; if you’re happy to bundle up and share deck views, this one is built for the job.

Key points before you go

• Warm overalls and real on-board comfort: You get gear plus restrooms, Wi‑Fi, and a snack bar setup so you’re not freezing while you scan the sky.
• Backup plan, not a shrug: If the aurora odds look poor, you’re taken care of with an alternate activity at Whales of Iceland.
• Free resail if weather wins: If conditions aren’t suitable, you receive a free ticket to try again on the next available sailing date.
• Photography help plus free downloads: You get guidance at the backup location and can download photos from your tour afterward.
• Prompt, organized operation: The timing is tight, and the staff actively route you to where you’ll see the most.
• Crowding can happen: Max group size is 198, and some deck space is tight when everyone ends up outside together.

Faxaflói Bay by Boat: What the Northern Lights Hunt Feels Like

This is a straight-up northern lights boat outing from Reykjavik, aimed at Faxaflói Bay. The whole point is getting out on the water where darkness and viewing conditions have a chance to be better than staying on shore.

You’ll spend roughly 2 hours on the main boat experience, with a total tour window listed as about 2 to 3 hours. That’s long enough to do at least one good scan cycle—waiting for the aurora to wake up—without turning into a half-day commitment.

The big practical detail here is the “movement” built into the experience. When conditions are right, the staff can move people to the top deck quickly so you’re in position when the sky finally performs. That matters because the aurora tends to come in bursts, not a steady, polite show.

When the Aurora Plays Hide-and-Seek: The Whales of Iceland Backup

Weather can win in Iceland. When the aurora conditions aren’t suitable, you’re automatically switched to an alternative plan instead of simply canceling for the night.

The backup activity centers on Whales of Iceland: entry plus a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour. It also includes a short photography workshop aimed at helping you understand what to look for and how to capture it better.

I like this backup because it gives you something structured and indoors rather than leaving you wandering Reykjavik in the cold with a vague hope. You still get a northern lights theme that night, just without the sea part.

Even better, the plan isn’t only a one-time “sorry.” If conditions aren’t suitable to sail, you’re also given a free ticket to join the boat tour again on the next available date. That’s one of the rare cases where a weather-dependent activity still tries to protect your time and money.

Onboard Comfort That Matters When the Wind Cuts

The boat setup is designed for real cold-weather comfort. You get warm overalls (a huge help when the wind off the water bites), plus access to restrooms.

There’s free Wi‑Fi onboard, which sounds small until you’re out there waiting and you want to upload a quick note to friends or sanity-check plans. There’s also a snack bar available, though food and drink aren’t included, so bring cash/card if you think you’ll want something.

One review note worth taking seriously: some people felt the boat was crowded and the inside space on deck can be tight. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or badly run, but it does mean you should expect shared viewing space and limited personal breathing room.

Another practical heads-up: the ride can be bumpy. If you get motion discomfort easily, consider bringing motion-sickness aids and plan to dress in layers under the overalls so you stay comfortable even when the sea gets a little rough.

Photography Help and Free Photo Downloads

There are two photography angles with this tour. First, during the northern lights sailing portion, the crew can give viewing and shooting tips—especially if the aurora starts while you’re still getting settled. People specifically noted guidance that helped them find the lights faster and improve how they framed the moment.

Second, the backup route at Whales of Iceland includes a short photography workshop. That’s a smart addition because it turns a no-aurora night into learning time, not wasted time.

After your tour, you can download free photos taken during the experience. That’s a nice value add because it reduces the pressure to get everything perfect with your own camera settings, especially when you’re dealing with wind, cold, and unpredictable sky timing.

Price and Logistics: What $83.88 Buys You

At $83.88 per person, this tour is competing in the main northern lights market in Reykjavik. The price makes sense when you look at what’s included: warm overalls, onboard amenities, a serious night-sky effort from the bay, and a backup activity if the aurora isn’t happening.

The biggest value lever is the combination of the backup plan and the free resail ticket. Many northern lights activities either cancel or offer a weaker “come back tomorrow” idea. Here, you get an alternate experience right away, and if sailing isn’t suitable you get another chance.

Group size is also a pricing clue. The maximum is 198 people, and that aligns with the crowding comments you’ll see in the feedback. If you want quiet, wide-open deck space, you may be disappointed; if you want a reliable shot with a strong staff and good structure, this format can work well.

Timing is set up for a prompt start and end back at the same meeting point. That’s helpful when you’re planning dinner or a later activity in Reykjavik.

Where You Meet: Geirsgata 11 and How to Plan the Night

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. It’s listed as near public transportation, which matters because Reykjavik evenings can get busy and parking can be annoying.

Since hotel transfers aren’t automatically included, build your plan around the meeting point unless you’ve added transfers as an optional extra. One review mentioned hotel pickup and drop-off, which suggests it can be added for those who want it.

What you should do the day of is simple: dress for wind, keep your layers easy to adjust, and remember that overalls are provided but you still need a warm base under them. Bring gloves you can manage with camera controls, too. Fingers get numb fast when you’re waiting for the sky to change.

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

This tour fits best if you want:

• a dedicated northern lights search from the water, not a quick drive-by
• included winter comfort so you spend more time looking up and less time struggling with clothing
• a backup that keeps the night meaningful if the aurora doesn’t cooperate

It’s also a good choice for people who appreciate active guidance. Feedback praised staff direction when the lights started, including advice that helped people get to the best spot on the boat right away. Guides were also noted as enthusiastic and fun—names mentioned in the feedback include Lilja, Andrea, Anika, and Patrick.

You might want to think twice if:

• you’re very sensitive to rough sea conditions
• you strongly dislike crowded viewing spaces
• you need guaranteed quiet or personal space

Crowding usually isn’t the operator’s fault—it’s how these nights work when everyone lines up for the same sky show. Your best defense is mindset: treat the experience as a shared hunt where you’re there for the moment, not for comfort-by-isolation.

Should You Book This Northern Lights Boat Tour?

Yes, if you want a serious northern lights try with comfort included and a backup that actually fills your evening. The free photos, overalls, Wi‑Fi, and the Whales of Iceland alternative make this feel like more than a weather gamble.

Book it especially if:

• you hate the idea of paying and then getting stranded with nothing planned
• you’re open to switching indoors to learn and enjoy the night theme at Whales of Iceland
• you’d like a second sailing shot if conditions don’t cooperate

Skip or compare first if you:

• want lots of personal space on deck
• can’t handle bumpy water
• are looking for a quieter, smaller-group astronomy experience

If you go in knowing that Iceland weather can flip the script, you’ll likely enjoy this one. It’s built around adapting fast, staying warm, and keeping the evening moving—whether the aurora shows up or not.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights by Boat tour?

The duration is listed as about 2 to 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

What happens if the weather is not suitable for seeing the Northern Lights?

If conditions aren’t suitable, you’re automatically signed up for an alternative activity at Whales of Iceland instead of canceling the night.

Is the backup activity included if the aurora doesn’t happen?

Yes. The included alternative is entry to Whales of Iceland, a Northern Lights drink, a short film, and a guided tour, plus a short Northern Lights photography workshop as part of the backup plan.

Do I get a free ticket if the boat can’t sail?

Yes. If conditions aren’t suitable to sail, you receive a free ticket to join the boat tour again on the next available date.

What’s included onboard the boat?

You get warm overalls, free Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and access to a snack bar (snacks/food are not included in the price).

Are snacks or drinks included?

No. Food and drink aren’t included, but you can purchase snacks and drinks on board.

Can I download photos from the experience?

Yes. Pictures are taken during the tour, and you can download them free of charge.

Is hotel transfer included?

Hotel transfers aren’t included by default, but they can be added for an additional cost directly with the supplier. The tour is near public transportation.