Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Reykjavik, Iceland

4.9

(349)

ATV Reykjavik Peak adventure

from $129

Reykjanes Geopark Tour with Airport Transfer

Reykjavik, Iceland

4.7

(106)

Reykjanes Geopark Tour with Airport Transfer

from $160

Northern Lights Private Super Jeep Tour with Photos

Reykjavik, Iceland

4.8

(39)

Northern Lights Private Super Jeep Tour with Photos

from $1,320

Per group

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights—or enjoy an alternative activity if viewing conditions aren't suitable—on an evening boat tour from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. Sail away from the city lights into Faxaflói Bay, where you can enjoy a darker environment and ideal perspective on the night sky. Otherwise, be automatically enrolled in an alternative activity—a short film, photography workshop, and tour of the Whales of Iceland exhibition—in case of poor weather.

A comfortable on-board experience, with overalls, Wi-Fi, and a snack bar
Receive a free ticket to sail again if conditions aren't suitable
Tour the Whales of Iceland exhibit in case of inclement weather
Download free photos of your experience after the tour

What's Included

Use of warm overalls, free wi-fi, restrooms & snack bar on board the Northern Lights boat tour
Guaranteed alternative activity if the weather is not suitable for northern lights
Alternative activity: entry, Northern Lights drink, short film & guided tour of Whales of Iceland
Free ticket to join the boat tour on the next available date if conditions are not suitable to sail
Pictures taken on every boat tour, available to download free of charge
As part of the back-up plan, a short Northern Lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland

Snacks

Food and drink is not included but can be purchased on board
Hotel transfers are not included but can be added for an additional cost directly with supplier.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Special Tours

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 198 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Aimee_S

Really brilliant experience. The lights started as we were boarding the boat so the team advised us to go up top immediately. Team were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. An absolutely incredible show.

Reviews

4.2

based on 59 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

No Alternate Activity

Edwin_F, Mar 2026

Well, we certainly understand not sailing in bad weather; which is why we purposely booked the Northern Lights Tour WITH ALTERNATE ACTIVITY. So, if the yacht tour was cancelled or postponed, we still had something to do that evening. Well, they also cancelled the indoor alternative activity (Whale museum) WHY? We don’t know. So it left us scrambling to find something else to do. Viator did say they would issue a full refund (haven’t seen it yet, but in fairness the yacht tour was supposed to be last night). We knew the odds of actually seeing the Northern Lights was slim (perfectly understandable- you can’t predict nature) but we figured at least we would have a boat ride, or at worst, an alternate activity. Very disappointed. Don’t offer an alternative accommodation if you can’t provide it. The assumption was that we definitely would have something to do yesterday. That was not the case.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are very sorry that your evening did not go as planned. Unfortunately, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Northern Lights by Boat Tour had to be cancelled due to heavy cloud coverage. On these occasions, we normally offer our guests the option to visit the Whales of Iceland Museum as an alternative activity. Some bookings, such as yours, already include this option in advance. However, this activity requires a minimum number of participants in order to operate. When the minimum number is not reached, we are unfortunately unable to run the alternative program and must cancel it as well. In such cases, the booking that originally was nonrefundable becomes fully refundable if guests prefer not to reschedule. We completely understand that this situation can be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. If you have not yet received confirmation regarding your refund, please feel free to contact us, and we will gladly help you.

Saw lights. Crowded boat.

Mark_H, Oct 2025

Got to see the lights. Boat ride bumpy, not good viewing spot. 4 stars because boat was crowded with almost no place to sit inside and tight room on deck.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear you were able to see the lights and appreciate you joining us. We’re sorry to hear that the boat felt crowded during your tour. As our tours are weather-dependent, cancellations can sometimes lead to more guests being rescheduled on the same evening. We always do our best to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe on board, and we’ll keep your comments in mind as we continue to improve our guest experience. We hope to see you on board again soon!

The best experience...

priya_m, Jul 2025

The best experience ever!!! I would definitely recommend it was magical thank you. Nothing more to say ,,,❤️

Good trip

Sam_B, Jan 2025

No transfer from our hotel. First night the tour was cancelled. Second night went and saw the lights. Had a great time. Staff friendly.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you, Sam, for the review and feedback! We do offer hotel transfer, but it is an optional extra that can be ordered while making the reservation or by contacting our ticket office at least 2 hours before the tour starts.

Great experience

Aimee_S, Nov 2024

Response from Host, Nov 2024

That sounds perfect! It's just so great when the heavens put on a show, how could we not be enthusiastic :)

Mesmerizing Experience!

Lian_M, Nov 2024

Amazing experience! Our tour guide provided great guidance in locating the lights and tips to view and capture them through photography. Tour started and ended promptly, and check-in process was a breeze. We were fortunate enough to have great conditions - clear skies and calm waters. The lights got brighter and more active near the end of the tour, and it was mesmerizing to see them in person.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thanks for the review, Lian! And for the kind words for our reception staff, they often get overlooked in contrast to the majesty of the skies :)

Live to be on Lilja…

Aida_V, Feb 2024

We are so grateful for having to get on the boat , Lilja and Andrea every night for a chance to see the Northern Lights . Appreciated much . We saw a glimpse on our 6th night . Anika was so gracious and very informative. Patrick was so hilarious and informative as well. Thank you much for such beautiful nights on board .

Response from Host, Feb 2024

We're glad you finally caught the lights! Patrick and Anika will be thrilled to hear you kind words!

Excellent

Danielle_B, Jan 2024

Excellent service watched the sky dance on board, as soon as we arrived we were told to go on top deck that the lights had started, we watched a full display until we arrived back to dock!! Highly recommend

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Wow, thanks for the five-star review! It is quite amazing floating out there while seeing the skies line up and dance before you in a swirl of colors! We're really happy we got to share that with you :)

Excellent Northern Lights boat tour

Vesna_B, Dec 2023

Chasing the Northern Lights from the sea is an amazing experience. This is a wonderful, well organized boat tour. The staff are absolutely lovely, kind, friendly and professional. The boat is well-maintained and comfortable, which helped as the sea was quite rough. If we'd seen the elusive Northern Lights, it would have been perfect. I would highly recommend this tour and company to anyone.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you, for joining our tour and for the recommendation! We await you and sincerely hope we'll catch the lights on your next try :)

Lovely evening.

neilsutton1969, Feb 2023

Obviously dissapointed the boat trip got cancelled due to tge weather but the whale museum was very interesting and the tour guides were great fun . Nice touch that they picked us up from our hotel and took us home and the cocktails were lovely as well . Neil an jayne from London.