How Northern Lights Cruises Work
Tours typically depart from the Old Harbour area in central Reykjavik in the evening, usually between 20:00 and 21:00. Most operators use steel-hulled boats with heated indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks. The vessels sail out into Faxaflói Bay, heading away from the bright streetlights and buildings along the shore.
Cruises normally last between two and three hours. The boat travels until it reaches a position with minimal light interference, then slows or stops to allow passengers time on deck. If cloud cover moves in, the captain may adjust course to find clearer patches of sky. The same northern lights forecast tools that apply to land-based tours also determine whether conditions are favourable at sea.
Unlike a northern lights bus tour from Reykjavik, boat departures cannot change location freely once at sea. The route depends on wind direction, wave height, and cloud patterns visible from the harbour before departure.
Advantages of Boat Tours
A boat tour removes you from Reykjavik's urban light dome more quickly than road transport. The Old Harbour sits within walking distance of most hotels in the city centre, which means no long coach ride before aurora viewing begins. Within 15 to 20 minutes of departure, the boat typically reaches dark water with an unobstructed 360-degree horizon.
The open sea offers a low, flat foreground with no hills, buildings or streetlights. This makes even faint aurora displays easier to spot against the northern horizon. Reflections of the lights on calm water can add an extra visual dimension when conditions are right.
Tours usually provide warm overalls, gloves and sometimes blankets, which means you can pack lighter than for a land-based excursion. The heated cabin gives you a refuge between viewing sessions on deck, and most boats serve hot chocolate or coffee included in the ticket price.
Book Northern Lights Boat Tours from Reykjavik
More tours on GetYourGuideSea Conditions and Cancellations
Wave height and wind speed in Faxaflói Bay change daily and can make the difference between a smooth cruise and a rough crossing. The Icelandic Met Office issues marine forecasts that operators monitor closely. Tours are cancelled if wave height exceeds safe limits or if gale warnings are in effect, usually with at least a few hours' notice.
Cancellation rates tend to be higher for boat tours than for land-based northern lights tours around Iceland, especially during November and December when Atlantic storms are frequent. If a cruise is cancelled due to weather, most operators offer a full refund or the option to rebook on another evening.
Even when tours proceed, the sea can be choppy. Motion on the open water is more pronounced than on a harbour cruise, and the combination of cold air and boat movement increases the risk of seasickness. Operators recommend taking motion-sickness tablets at least 30 minutes before boarding if you are prone to nausea.
What to Bring and Wear
Most operators provide insulated overalls designed for fishing or offshore work, often in bright orange or red for safety. You wear these over your regular clothes. Thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer and thick socks make the experience more comfortable, as you will spend extended periods on an exposed deck in sub-zero temperatures.
Waterproof boots with good grip are essential. Decks can be wet from spray, and metal surfaces become slippery when damp. If you plan to take photographs, bring gloves that allow you to operate camera controls. A headlamp with a red filter helps you see without ruining your night vision or interfering with other passengers' aurora viewing.
Check whether the operator provides a waterproof outer layer. Some boats supply only the thermal suit, so a windproof and waterproof jacket may be necessary if spray is forecast. Seasickness tablets, a small dry bag for your phone, and a neck warmer or balaclava are worth packing.
Who Boat Tours Suit
A northern lights boat tour from Reykjavik works well for travellers staying in the city centre with limited time. The short transfer from hotel to harbour and the quick exit from the urban light zone make it an efficient option if you have only one or two evenings free.
Boat tours suit anyone who finds long coach journeys tiring or who wants to avoid potential traffic delays on winter roads. The fixed departure point and relatively short duration make planning simpler than for tours that drive to remote locations like Thingvellir or the south coast.
However, this tour type is not ideal if you are prone to motion sickness, uncomfortable on water, or if you want the option to combine aurora viewing with sightseeing. A super jeep tour or a small group minibus tour offers more flexibility to change location and visit landmarks during the trip.
Alternatives to Consider
If sea conditions look poor or you prefer solid ground, Reykjavik offers several land-based alternatives. A bus tour can reach areas like Thingvellir National Park, which lies about 45 minutes from the city and has almost no light pollution, dark skies suitable for aurora viewing, and paved access year-round.
For photographers, a dedicated photography tour provides tripod space, longer stops, and guidance on camera settings. If you want more comfort and privacy, a private tour lets you set the pace and request specific locations based on the evening's forecast from vedur.is.
Some travellers combine aurora hunting with daytime sightseeing by booking a Golden Circle and northern lights tour or a tour that includes a hot spring stop. These longer excursions suit visitors who want to maximise their itinerary and see Iceland's landscapes alongside the aurora.
Booking and Timing
Northern lights boat tours operate from late August through mid-April, matching the period when nights are dark enough for aurora visibility. The best months for seeing the northern lights in Iceland vary depending on your priorities: September and March offer milder weather and longer daylight for other activities, while December and January provide the longest nights and the most hours of potential aurora activity.
Tours depart only when the KP index forecast suggests a reasonable chance of aurora activity, typically KP 2 or higher, and when cloud cover is forecast to be low enough for viewing. Operators usually confirm or cancel departures by late afternoon on the day of the cruise.
Budget-tier tickets cover the basic cruise and warm overalls. Mid-range options may include a smaller boat with fewer passengers, complimentary photos, or an onboard aurora expert. Premium experiences sometimes offer private charters or combined packages with dinner before departure. All tours are subject to the same natural conditions, so a higher price does not guarantee stronger aurora displays.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a northern lights boat tour from Reykjavik last and where do the boats leave from?
Most northern lights boat tours from Reykjavik last between two and three hours. Boats typically depart from the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik, which is within walking distance of most hotels in the city centre. Departure times are usually between 20:00 and 21:00, depending on the season and darkness levels.
Are northern lights boat tours from Reykjavik often cancelled because of bad weather or rough seas?
Yes, boat tours have a higher cancellation rate than land-based tours, especially during stormy months like November and December. Operators cancel cruises if wave height exceeds safe limits, if gale warnings are issued, or if visibility is too poor. Most companies offer a full refund or rebooking if a tour is cancelled due to weather.
What should I wear on a northern lights cruise from Reykjavik and will I get seasick?
Most operators provide insulated overalls, but you should wear thermal layers, thick socks and waterproof boots underneath. Seasickness is possible, especially in choppy conditions, so taking motion-sickness tablets 30 minutes before boarding is recommended if you are prone to nausea. Bring gloves, a neck warmer and a waterproof jacket if spray is forecast.
Is a boat tour better than a bus tour for seeing the northern lights from Reykjavik?
A boat tour gets you away from Reykjavik's light pollution faster and offers a 360-degree horizon over open water. However, bus tours can change location if clouds appear and are not affected by sea conditions or seasickness. Boat tours suit travellers comfortable on water who want a quick exit from the city, while bus tours offer more flexibility and stability.
Can I take photos of the northern lights from a boat tour or is it too difficult with the movement?
Photography is possible but more challenging than on land due to boat movement. A tripod is difficult to use effectively, and long exposures may show motion blur unless the sea is very calm. If photography is your priority, a dedicated land-based photography tour with stable ground and tripod space is a better choice.
Do northern lights boat tours from Reykjavik include food or drinks and are there toilets on board?
Most boat tours include hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate, sometimes with light snacks. Larger vessels have onboard toilets and heated indoor cabins. Smaller boats may have more limited facilities, so check the operator's description when booking if these details are important to you.
What months can I take a northern lights boat tour from Reykjavik and when is the sea calmest?
Northern lights boat tours run from late August through mid-April when nights are dark enough for aurora viewing. The sea is generally calmest in early autumn (September and early October) and in March, while winter months from November to February often bring rougher conditions and higher cancellation rates due to Atlantic storms.
How much does a northern lights boat tour from Reykjavik cost compared to other types of aurora tours?
Budget boat tours are usually similar in price to standard bus tours, while mid-range and premium boat experiences cost more due to smaller group sizes or added services. Exact prices vary by operator and season, but boat tours are generally not more expensive than land-based alternatives of the same quality level.
