
Northern Lights Boat Tour Reykjavik
Chase the magical Northern Lights and encounter whales on an unforgettable boat tour from Reykjavik's harbor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for aurora sightings

Northern Lights Boat Tour Reykjavik
Best Time
Prime time for aurora sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chase the magical Northern Lights and encounter whales on an unforgettable boat tour from Reykjavik's harbor.
"An amazing time with friendly crew, spotting humpback whales and dolphins up close!"

Check Aurora Forecasts
Success depends on clear skies & solar activity. Use aurora forecast apps! :iphone:
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide suits, but layer up! Hats & gloves are a must. :cloud:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Northern Lights Dance
Off the coast of Reykjavik
Witness the magical aurora borealis paint the night sky with vibrant colors from the unique vantage point of a boat.

Whale and Dolphin Sightings
Reykjavik's surrounding waters
Encounter majestic humpback whales, playful dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Puffin Encounters (Seasonal)
Near Reykjavik's islands
During summer months, spot charming puffins nesting on nearby islands from the comfort of your vessel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Aurora
Dress for Icelandic Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Aurora Forecasts
Success depends on clear skies & solar activity. Use aurora forecast apps! :iphone:
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide suits, but layer up! Hats & gloves are a must. :cloud:
Binoculars Enhance Viewing
Great for spotting distant wildlife, but photos may not do it justice. :binoculars:
Consider a Second Trip
If lights are faint, some tours offer a free second chance. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Aurora Forecasts
Success depends on clear skies & solar activity. Use aurora forecast apps! :iphone:
Warm Gear is Essential
Tours often provide suits, but layer up! Hats & gloves are a must. :cloud:
Binoculars Enhance Viewing
Great for spotting distant wildlife, but photos may not do it justice. :binoculars:
Consider a Second Trip
If lights are faint, some tours offer a free second chance. :ticket:
Book in Advance
Popular tours fill up, especially during peak season. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Northern Lights boat tours from Reykjavik for the chance to see the aurora and marine life, with many highlighting the friendly and informative crew. The provision of warm overalls is a significant plus. However, aurora sightings are never guaranteed, and some guests experienced rough seas or found communication with guides difficult.
"Booked a tour and had an amazing time. The staff and crew were friendly and very helpful. They have suits on board for the cold and rain. They also have refreshments. Our guide Celina was was very informative and helped us spot many humpback whales as well as white beak dolphins. We were able to watch the whales feeding and got very close to one as it surfaced right beside the ship. Would definitely recommend for any tour!!"
Brian Proctor
"I did the puffin tour! The Laos up was quick and the bait was nice and cute. Our guide was very knowledgeable about puffins! She was funny and nice! Answered all our questions and knew a lot about what the puffins might do next. Our boat driver was also funny! I really appreciated that they made sure to follow coast guard rules for boating near these amazing animals! They gave us binoculars to use and it was great! Unless you have a really good camera I recommend taking a few photos and then putting your phone away because your photos will not be as good as seeing them in person. You can struggle to put up binoculars in front of your camera lens like I did but wouldn’t recommend lmao. I would say go on this tour! It was great!"
Hailey McCain
"I did the puffin tour and it was a great experience. Although we didn’t get to step foot on the island we got to view them from a close distance. The commentator was very funny and he was very nice. If you’re feeling brave you can sit on the very top of the boat. All in all I recommend this trip for sure."
Cody Roxie234
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most Northern Lights boat tours depart directly from Reykjavik Harbour. Many companies, like Special Tours, offer convenient pick-up services from your accommodation or nearby designated points within the city center. It's usually a short walk from most hotels in downtown Reykjavik.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near Reykjavik Harbour. However, parking can be limited and may incur fees. If you're staying in the city center, walking or using public transport is often more convenient.
Absolutely. Taxis are readily available in Reykjavik and can take you directly to the harbour. This is a good option if you're on a tighter schedule or prefer direct transport.
The journey from Reykjavik Harbour to the prime Northern Lights viewing spots typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the tour operator and sea conditions.
While Reykjavik has a public bus system, it might not be the most direct route to the harbour for all tour departures. Checking local bus routes and schedules is recommended if you plan to use public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online directly from tour operators' websites, such as Special Tours, or through various third-party booking platforms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Prices vary depending on the operator and the type of tour (e.g., standard boat vs. luxury yacht). Expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 USD per person. Some tours offer discounts with promo codes.
The best time to see the Northern Lights is generally from September to April, when the nights are longest and darkest. However, sightings are never guaranteed.
Most tours are suitable for all ages, but it's always best to check with the specific tour operator. Children often have reduced fares.
Many tour operators offer a complimentary second trip if you don't see the aurora on your first attempt, provided you meet certain conditions. Always clarify this policy when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to sail out of the city to escape light pollution. Guides will share information about the aurora and local folklore. While the primary goal is aurora viewing, you might also spot whales or dolphins.
Yes, it can get very cold on the water, especially at night. Most tours provide warm, waterproof overalls. It's crucial to wear warm layers underneath, including a hat and gloves.
Yes, but capturing good photos can be challenging due to low light and boat movement. Tripods are generally not practical on a moving boat. Many recommend enjoying the view with your eyes first.
Most larger tour boats have restrooms. Some offer refreshments and snacks for purchase, while others may include them in the ticket price. Check with your operator.
Some tours offer motion sickness medication, but it's best to bring your own if you're prone to seasickness. Avoid heavy meals before the tour and stay hydrated.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a wide-angle lens, manual focus set to infinity, and a high ISO (1600-6400). Experiment with shutter speeds from 5-20 seconds. A tripod is ideal but difficult on a boat; try bracing your camera.
While possible, capturing great shots from a moving boat in low light is challenging. Many visitors find it more rewarding to experience the aurora visually and rely on their phone cameras for casual snaps.
Keep your camera in its bag until you're on deck. When bringing it inside, let it acclimate slowly to avoid condensation. Wiping with a microfiber cloth is essential. :camerawithflash:
You can capture the ethereal glow and colors of the aurora. Photos might show the vastness of the sky and the silhouette of the boat. Don't expect sharp, detailed shots of the landscape.
Hold your camera steady by bracing yourself against the boat. Use image stabilization if available. Focus on capturing the movement and colors of the aurora rather than perfect sharpness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Maximizing Your Northern Lights Chances
Being out on the water offers a distinct advantage: escaping city light pollution. Reykjavik, like any urban center, emits light that can dim the aurora's visibility. Sailing a few miles offshore significantly enhances your chances of seeing a more vibrant display. Guides on these tours are often knowledgeable about aurora behavior and will point out the best viewing directions. Remember, patience is key; sometimes the lights appear gradually, other times they burst forth suddenly.
Wildlife Encounters: Beyond the Aurora
For those visiting during the summer months (roughly May to August), the tours can also become puffin watching excursions. These charming seabirds nest on islands near Reykjavik, and boat tours provide an excellent vantage point to observe them. Even if the aurora is shy, the possibility of seeing whales breach or puffins dive can make the trip worthwhile. Many tours provide binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
Comfort and Preparation for the Cold
Beyond clothing, consider bringing a waterproof bag for your electronics and valuables. If you are prone to seasickness, consult your doctor about medication and take it before boarding. Some boats offer snacks and hot drinks for purchase, which can be a welcome comfort. Ultimately, being well-prepared for the cold will allow you to focus on the magic unfolding above and around you, rather than shivering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit