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Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavík

Name: Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavík
Brand: Iceland Travel Guide
SKU: 79253
Price: 13990 ISK
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

2–2.5 hoursGroup: Shared boatEasyBoat from Reykjavík Old HarbourAll agesNorthern Lights season (Sep–Apr)

4.0(1 review)

A northern lights boat tour out onto the bay from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. You leave the city lights behind for a dark, open view of the sky, with the crew watching conditions and Reykjavík's skyline behind you.

Reykjavík Old HarbourFaxaflói BayOpen water aurora viewingReykjavík skyline

A boat trip out onto the bay, away from Reykjavík's street lights
A view of the northern lights over open water, weather and aurora activity allowing
Reykjavík's skyline seen from the sea
An evening trip, so it fits around a day of sightseeing
Departs right from the Old Harbour, a short walk from the city centre

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at Reykjavík Old HarbourCheck in at the ticket office at Geirsgata 11, 30 minutes before departure.

Departure and safety briefingThe crew explains the plan for the evening.

The crew gives a short briefing on safety and what to expect, since aurora sightings depend on the conditions that night. You are fitted with a warm flotation suit before you leave the Old Harbour. There is a heated cabin and toilets on board.

Out onto Faxaflói BayThe boat moves away from the city lights for a darker sky.

Away from Reykjavík's street lighting, the sky is noticeably darker, which helps if the aurora is faint. You also see the city's skyline from the sea. Most of the trip is spent watching the sky from the deck, so dress warmly.

Tip · dress warmly, most of the trip is spent watching the sky from the deck

Aurora watchingTime on the water looking for the northern lights.

The crew watches the forecast and cloud cover through the trip and points out any activity. Sightings are never guaranteed, because they depend on solar activity and clear skies. Complimentary hot chocolate is served, and you get a free return trip if no lights are seen.

5Back to Reykjavík Old HarbourReturn to the harbour.

About the northern lights boat tour

This trip leaves Reykjavík's Old Harbour in the evening and heads out into the bay, away from the city's street lights, for a darker view of the sky than you get on land in town. The crew keeps an eye on the aurora forecast and cloud cover and will point out any activity.

As with any northern lights trip, sightings depend entirely on the weather and solar activity on the night, and there's no way to guarantee them. Clear, cold nights between September and April give the best chance, and the guide will tell you honestly if conditions look poor before you set out.

Dress warmly: warm flotation suits are provided and there is a heated cabin with hot chocolate, but you spend much of the trip out on deck in the cold evening air, and the sea can add a wind chill even on a calm night. It's a relaxed trip either way, with Reykjavík's lit-up skyline as a backdrop while you wait for the sky to clear.

Included

Boat trip with crew and guide
Warm flotation suits
Heated cabin and restrooms on board
Complimentary hot chocolate
Free Wi-Fi on board
Free return trip if no lights are seen

Not included

Hotel pick-up (optional, extra charge)
Snacks and other drinks (for sale on board)

What to bring

Warm, windproof jacket
Hat and gloves
Camera with a night setting if you have one

Good to know

Duration is about 2–2.5 hours
Runs on evenings from September to April, when it's dark enough for the aurora
Departures at 21:00 or 22:00. Meet at the ticket office at Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík Old Harbour, 30 minutes before departure. Hotel pick-up can be added for an extra charge
Northern lights sightings depend on the weather and solar activity and are never guaranteed; if you see no lights, you get a free return trip
All ages welcome
Warm flotation suits, a heated cabin and a free hot chocolate are included
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. No refund within 24 hours.

Questions people ask

Is the northern lights sighting guaranteed?

No. It depends on clear skies and solar activity on the night, which nobody can guarantee.

What happens if there's no aurora?

You can join again for free: a return trip is included if no lights are seen.

Do I need to book a hotel pick-up?

No, you can meet at the ticket office at Geirsgata 11 in the Old Harbour, 30 minutes before departure. If you prefer, hotel pick-up can be added for an extra charge.

What should I wear?

Warm, windproof layers and sturdy shoes. Warm flotation suits are provided on board, and there is a heated cabin.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.

4.0Based on 1 review

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1 star0

Un bateau confortable et une guide super mais pas de chance sur les aurores

Au delà de la chance ou pas de voir des aurores (je n'en ai pas eu, fin novembre, car très nuageux), c'est un très bon tour à faire.
- le bateau est confortable, pas trop trop grand ;- la guide Anika est super, très agréable, toujours énergique et motivée même s'il ne se passe rien et donne des conseils pour l'appareil photo ;- le système de report d'une fois sur l'autre marche bien même si je trouve que ce qui a été considéré comme une aurore boréale vu était très très léger, c'est le jeu ; - seul point moins bien : le tour était opéré par un autre organisme, Special tour et il est donc facile de se tromper sur le lien à checker pour vérifier que l'excursion a bien lieu le soir même quand on est sur son téléphone, malgré les indications car le site de tour d'origine n'est pas mis à jour.

Marion L. · December 2021

From13,990 ISKPer person