Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour with Photos

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights guided boat tour with photos offers a memorable way to witness the auroras, combining the thrill of sea sailing with the magic of Iceland’s most iconic phenomenon. This experience, provided by Katla Whale Watching, takes you out from the old harbor in a cozy, luxurious boat—either Rósin or Andrea—aimed at giving you the best possible chance to see the Northern Lights far from the glow of city streetlights. It’s a smooth blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic Icelandic scenery, with the bonus of professional guides and plenty of thoughtful touches.

What I particularly like about this tour is the short travel time from Reykjavik’s center—just a five-minute boat ride puts you in an ideal spot for viewing. Plus, the guides are very knowledgeable; Morgan, one of the reviewers, praised the “well-organised” setup and “very good guide,” which can make or break your experience when you’re hunting for the elusive auroras. Another aspect I appreciate is the inclusive warmth gear, ensuring you stay comfortable during the 2.5-hour trip, even if the weather turns chilly or windy. And for those eager to preserve their memories, the photos taken during the tour add a nice touch that keeps the experience vivid well after returning ashore.

A possible consideration is that, like many Northern Lights outings, this tour heavily depends on the weather and solar activity. While a full refund or reschedule is available if the lights don’t appear, the unpredictability is something to keep in mind. As one traveler noted, “if you don’t catch the lights during your tour, you get a free ticket to try again,” which is a fair way to handle the potential disappointment.

Key points / Takeaways

• Close proximity to Reykjavik: Departure from the old harbor makes it easy to join without long travel times.
• Prime viewing away from city lights: The boat’s location offers a dark, open setting ideal for Aurora spotting.
• Expert guides and flexible options: Guides are praised for their knowledge, and the tour also offers alternatives like a bus trip if sea conditions aren’t suitable.
• Inclusives add value: Warm clothing, Wi-Fi, Northern Lights videos, and a free drink make the trip more comfortable and memorable.
• Timing and weather flexibility: The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with departure times depending on availability; weather can affect the experience, but options exist if weather cancels the trip.
• Authentic Icelandic scenery: From the boat, you can enjoy views of mountains, city lights, and the ocean’s vastness—adding to the sense of adventure.

Experience the thrill of aurora borealis from the water

The moment you step aboard in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you immediately realize this isn’t your typical sightseeing cruise. The boat, either Rósin or Andrea, offers a comfortable, spacious environment with enough room to move around and take in the views. As the boat pulls away from the dock, you start to appreciate how close you are to the city, yet far enough out to escape the light pollution that dims the Northern Lights from the shore.

The journey out to the optimal viewing spot lasts about 15-30 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of Reykjavik’s coastline, the mountains beyond, and the faint shimmer of the city lights. The guides often point out interesting sights along the way, turning this part of the trip into a scenic cruise rather than just a chase for the auroras. Some reviews highlight the professionalism of guides—Morgan described the experience as “well organised and very good guide”—which can be crucial when navigating Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Once you reach the designated dark zone, away from the city glow, the real magic begins. The guides will help you settle in, often providing warm overalls for extra comfort, and they are typically ready to answer questions about Iceland’s weather, auroras, and marine environment. It’s this personal attention that can turn a good night into a memorable one. If the Northern Lights perform as hoped, you’ll see the swirling, shimmering lights dance overhead—something you’ll carry with you long after the trip ends.

The photo opportunities are plentiful. The guides often photograph guests with the auroras, and you can also enjoy a Northern Lights video that helps to capture the mood. The inclusion of Wi-Fi allows you to share your experience instantly or simply relax as the sky puts on a show.

One of the standout features of this tour is the flexibility. If the weather or sea conditions prevent a boat trip, the tour provider offers alternatives like a bus excursion, ensuring you don’t waste your Iceland trip’s precious time. As one traveler noted, “they offered the bus tour when the sea didn’t allow the boat,” which shows their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Detailing the itinerary and what makes each stop special

The departure from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour is straightforward—no long drives or complicated logistics, making it accessible even for travelers with limited time. You’ll gather on the dock, where the guides check your gear and give a brief overview of what to expect. The boat boarding process is smooth, with staff ensuring everyone is comfortably prepared.

Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed yet anticipatory. The views of the coastline, mountains, and city lights are what set this experience apart from land-based tours. The journey out into the North Atlantic is scenic, with the guides pointing out landmarks and Icelandic marine life if the timing is right. The actual Northern Lights usually appear 15-30 minutes into the trip, once the boat reaches the darker waters away from Reykjavik’s glow.

Once settled, you’ll observe the sky with patience—this is not a guaranteed sighting, but the guides are experts at reading the conditions and will maximize your chances. The warm overalls ensure you’re not chilled, and the Northern Lights video gives you a quick lesson in what you’re likely to see. If successful, the experience becomes breathtaking—waves of green, purple, and pink undulating overhead, reflected in the dark waters below.

Throughout the trip, guides are available to answer questions about the auroras, local marine life, or Icelandic culture, making the journey both entertaining and educational. The return to Reykjavik is generally smooth, with most guests feeling exhilarated by the chance to witness such a rare natural display from the water.

Who this tour best suits

This option is perfect for travelers who want an easy, hassle-free way to see the Northern Lights, especially if they prefer a shorter trip close to the city. It’s ideal for those who value comfort—thanks to warm gear and a cozy boat—and who enjoy a scenic journey with good commentary. The small group atmosphere makes it a personal experience, not a crowded cruise.

It’s also suitable for families, as children’s sizes are available for the warm overalls, and the overall safety and accessibility are praised. Plus, if you’re unsure about your chances of seeing the auroras, the free rescheduling policy offers peace of mind.

Travelers who appreciate authentic Icelandic scenery, like mountain backdrops and ocean views, will find this tour rewarding. Those with flexible schedules and an understanding of Iceland’s unpredictable weather will find this a valuable addition to their trip.

Price and value analysis

At $102 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option available, but it offers a good balance between comfort, scenery, and expert guidance. The inclusion of warm overalls, Wi-Fi, and a Northern Lights video enhances the experience, making it more than just a boat ride. Compared to land-based tours, you get a unique vantage point on the water, which often means better chances to spot the auroras away from city light pollution.

The tour’s 2.5-hour duration is reasonable, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery and wait for the lights to appear, without feeling rushed. The fact that you can cancel for a full refund if the weather turns against you also strengthens the tour’s value proposition. On top of that, the option to reschedule or try the bus alternative demonstrates flexibility rare in other tours.

For those who prioritize a more authentic and intimate experience of Iceland’s natural phenomena, this tour represents a good investment. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re eager to combine the thrill of a boat trip with the wonder of the Northern Lights.

Final thoughts

This Reykjavik Northern Lights boat tour is an engaging and comfortable way to chase the auroras from a unique vantage point. The expert guides, scenic route, and inclusive gear ensure that you’ll be well taken care of, and the short hop from the city makes it accessible. While the Northern Lights are naturally unpredictable, the tour’s flexible policy and knowledgeable staff help mitigate that risk.

It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, scenery, and a small-group atmosphere over the sole pursuit of the auroras. If you’re looking for an experience that combines Iceland’s rugged beauty with the thrill of sea sailing, this tour hits the mark.

For those seeking a reliable, well-organized adventure that enhances their Iceland trip, this Northern Lights boat tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance—worth considering during your Reykjavik stay.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided trip, warm overalls (kids’ sizes available), Wi-Fi, a Northern Lights video, an exhibit entry to the Whales of Iceland, and a complimentary drink.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 2.5 hours total, including time to travel to the viewing spot and wait for the Northern Lights.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Reykjavik Old Harbour and returns to the same location at the end of the trip.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, waterproof clothing. The tour provides overalls, but it’s wise to have layered clothing underneath, especially if the weather is cold or windy.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If weather prevents the trip, you’ll be contacted, and you can opt for a reschedule or alternative tour.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again, which is a great way to maximize your chances without extra cost.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children’s sizes of warm overalls are available, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it family-friendly.

How reliable are the guides?
Reviews praise guides like Morgan for their professionalism and knowledge, which helps make the experience more enjoyable and informative.

In sum, this boat tour offers a practical, scenic, and comfortable way to experience the Northern Lights. With experienced guides, flexible options, and a focus on authentic Icelandic scenery, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Reykjavik itinerary for those eager to see the auroras from a new perspective.