Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavik

Watching the northern lights from the deck of a boat, surrounded by dark water and open sky, is an experience that feels fundamentally different from any land-based tour. The Northern Lights by Boat tour from Special Tours takes you out of Reykjavik's Old Harbour and into Faxafloi Bay, where the city's light pollution fades and the sky opens up in every direction.

Departing the Old Harbour

The tour departs from the Old Harbour in central Reykjavik, which means no lengthy bus pickup route to sit through. You simply walk to the harbour, board the vessel, and within minutes you are sailing. The boat heads out into Faxafloi Bay, usually motoring 20 to 40 minutes from shore to reach dark-enough waters.

As Reykjavik's lights shrink behind you and your eyes begin to adjust to the darkness, there is a growing sense of anticipation that is unique to the boat experience. The water is dark, the sky is vast, and you have an uninterrupted horizon in every direction.

On the Water

The vessel itself is well equipped for winter conditions. The heated indoor cabin is spacious, with large windows that let you monitor the sky without freezing. A small bar sells hot chocolate, coffee, beer, and snacks. But the real action is on the outdoor decks, where you have a full 360-degree view with nothing — no mountains, no trees, no streetlights — between you and the aurora.

When the lights appear, the effect on water is striking. The aurora reflects faintly on the surface of the bay, doubling the display. Photographers particularly appreciate this setting, though you will need to compensate for the boat's gentle movement with faster shutter speeds or stabilised equipment.

The Trade-Off

The honest assessment of a boat tour versus a bus or jeep tour is this: you trade mobility for perspective. A bus or jeep can chase the lights, driving an hour inland if the coast is cloudy. A boat cannot. If the clouds sit stubbornly over the bay, you will not see the aurora — no matter how far you sail.

That said, the 360-degree unobstructed sky view and the absence of land-based light pollution mean that when conditions are right, the boat provides one of the most immersive viewing experiences available. The free rebooking policy mitigates the weather risk.

Practical Considerations

At 2.5 hours, this is the shortest northern lights tour on offer from Reykjavik, which suits travellers who do not want a late-night commitment. You are back at the harbour by roughly midnight. Dress warmly for the outdoor decks — the wind chill on the water is noticeably colder than on land.

The boat tour works particularly well as a complement to a land-based tour earlier in your trip. If your bus or jeep tour was clouded out and you have one night left, the boat gives you a different angle on the same sky. The combination of the two approaches maximises your chances of seeing the aurora during a short Reykjavik stay.