Skip to main content

Northern Lights by Boat

Chase the Aurora from the Ocean: Northern Lights Boat Tour

Enjoy a magical moment at sea in search of the beautiful Northern Lights on this evening boat tour from Reykjavik.

Experience the Northern Lights from the sea—a guided aurora boat tour departing from Reykjavik

Witness the magic of the Northern Lights from a unique vantage point: the open waters of the North Atlantic. Sailing away from Reykjavik's coastline, you'll experience the Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky with the city lights glowing on the distant horizon, a perspective you won't find on land-based tours.

What to expect on your aurora tour: Your expert guide is trained in the science, history, and mythology of the Northern Lights. They'll explain what you're seeing in real-time and know exactly when to alert everyone as activity unfolds. If the aurora isn't visible from the water, they'll announce it on our speaker system so you won't miss a moment.

Comfort and convenience included: You're never forced to stay outside in the cold. Our heated indoor cafeteria offers warm drinks, cozy seating, and a live Northern Lights video feed so you can relax between aurora sightings. Dress warmly, and we'll provide thermal overalls, including children's sizes.

Professional photography on us: Our crew photographs every tour and makes images available for free download. They're also happy to adjust your camera settings so you can capture the aurora yourself.

Explore in your language: New this season: Download the Special Tours Iceland app (available in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese) on Android or Apple. The audio-guided experience provides text and narration throughout your tour, making it nearly like having a personal guide with you.

Difficulty
Easy

TourID: WH02

Activity provider: Special Tours - Whale watching

Need to know

When the northern lights forecast looks good but it is too windy to sail, we will take our customers out for a northern lights tour on a bus - plus a chance to join our boat tour the next available day!

If the tour is cancelled and you have not previously joined a tour, you can exchange your ticket for one of the following options:

A Whale Watching tour

Join our Northern Lights Backup Plan - Auroras at Whales of Iceland (plus the chance to keep reschedule your boat tour) - as our reception for more info!

A full refund

These tours are subject to correct weather conditions. You can always check our website (www.specialtours.is), call us (+354-560-8800), or check with your hotel lobby around 18:00 to see if the tour will operate.

Requirements

We recommend wearing warm clothes & sturdy shoes. Don't forget your camera!

Loading your adventure...

  • Flexible Cancellation
  • No Booking Fees

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip

Included

  • 2-3 hour Northern Lights by Boat tour
  • Experienced guide on every departure
  • Warm overalls (also available in children's sizes!)

Not included

  • Food and drink (can be purchased on board)
  • Hotel transfers (can be added for an additional cost)

Tour highlights

The Northern Lights

Similar tours

Reykjavik Excursions bus and dancing northern lights on the background.
3.5 hours

Northern Lights Tour

See the majestic Northern Lights dancing across the sky. If the skies are shy, try again free of charge as many times as you need until you see them! Learn about the phenomenon by visiting the Aurora Centre - Northern Lights Exhibition in Reykjavík; admission is included in this tour!

Green aurora borealis over a black sand beach with sea stacks in the ocean.

South Coast & Northern Lights - Combo Deal

A carbon-neutral sightseeing tour to Iceland's most iconic region. Visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík village and the northern lights on this amazing combo tour.