Reykjavik Northern Lights Boat Tour: An In-depth Review

Picture this, right?, you’re in Reykjavik, Iceland, it’s dark, it’s certainly cold, but you’re pretty excited, possibly hopeful that tonight’s going to be the night that you see the famed Aurora Borealis. So, that feeling when you’re debating doing a boat tour versus hunting for them on land, and you’re trying to pick the option that’ll give you a pretty awesome, almost amazing chance of spotting those incredible dancing lights? That’s sort of a huge deal! I’m going to share what it’s, I mean, like what it is really like on a Northern Lights boat trip from Reykjavik, kind of based on, as a matter of fact, my own adventure (and a bunch of homework), alright?

What to Anticipate on a Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise

First things first, let’s, I would say, talk expectations. So, is that because seeing the Northern Lights can be very dependent on the conditions? A boat tour, that, can, as a matter of fact, offer something that land tours don’t; a chance to get further away from city lights. Still, mother nature, in fact, is still in charge, pretty much. So, that definitely means there are zero guarantees that you’ll see the lights in all their shining glory. What you are getting, that is, of course, is an adventure out on the open ocean, and possibly experiencing Reykjavik from a cool angle. Very atmospheric!

Before setting sail, there’s, you know, usually a briefing from the tour operators. So, what that tends to cover is, specifically, safety stuff, what the planned route is, and maybe a little bit on what causes the Northern Lights to do their pretty fantastic dance. Then, pretty much, you’re ready to hop aboard and shove off into the night.

Setting Sail and the Hunt Begins

The thing that, literally, I recall most from my trip? It had to be the leaving of the harbor, definitely, seeing the coastline of Reykjavik sort of shrinking behind us. The anticipation definitely builds as you head out, so to speak, and that’s kind of what I wanted, you get me? Most boats, basically, they have both an indoor viewing area, as well as outside decks, right, and I decided that bundling up and braving the wind was the best approach to see absolutely anything. So, that meant that layers were my buddy for the night, to be honest, and I even rented some waterproof gear. Don’t let a bit of rain or some wind ruin the opportunity here, honestly.

Then, what actually happens is that once you are out on the water, that darkness around you is remarkable. So, what that really means is that you’re kind of squinting up at the sky, and you’re looking for any sign that there is even anything going on. Tour guides, for the most part, are helpful. They’re pretty much scanning the sky, and very often, they share stories, or maybe they give scientific facts to pass the time and help to keep everyone in, as a matter of fact, pretty positive spirits.

When the Aurora Appears (Maybe!)

Let’s be clear, that is, that what I’m getting at here is not every cruise results in the, I would say, incredible sight of the Northern Lights. Sometimes you just see nothing, you see? But then, arguably, when those lights appear? What you feel is kind of indescribable. Imagine that faint glow on the horizon actually begins to strengthen, then it morphs into streams, arches, sort of dancing curtains of greenish (and sometimes purple) light spread out all above, alright? When that is happening you forget, that is, entirely about the cold. Snapping photographs kind of becomes a reflex, basically, as you’re trying to get those pictures that will preserve that pretty magical sight. Now that, right there, is why folk show up.

What About the Dreaded Sea Sickness?

Sea sickness can definitely become the spoiler, and that is especially if the sea gets a little choppy. So, you see, tour operators frequently track weather conditions really, really carefully, but then, the North Atlantic weather could be tricky, you see? What I am advising here is that you’re going to want to take preventative action in the event you tend to get seasick. You’re better off, anyway. Many drug stores, honestly, offer over the counter remedies, you see? Then there are those wristbands that are claiming to work using acupressure, literally. It isn’t going to hurt at least giving them a whirl! What is also worthwhile is, apparently, to be proactive, so to speak, and get that sorted beforehand.

Thinking About a Hybrid Tour, Perhaps?

There are many companies now that offer something that I think, really, is really cool. This is, very simply put, a combo tour where if the cruise sails, and those lights remain a no-show, right, you get a free bus tour, that’s typically offered. Think of that almost as like an Aurora Borealis safety net, is that not appealing? I feel that these are good as it adds to that chance of seeing the lights, really, and, I mean, as well that chance to explore more of Iceland. These, in general, are really liked.

Picking the Right Reykjavik Northern Lights Boat Tour

So, I think that all tours are alike? Nah, they’re really not. It seems that there are a range of cruises out there, but what exactly does each offer, you see?

What’s the boat like?

So, what do these tours run on, right? Some boats, you see, are larger vessels, and they provide enhanced amenities such as indoor seating that’s nice and warm, with big viewing windows. I have noticed, seemingly, that there are smaller boats out there, more or less, offering a ride to smaller groups, literally. Smaller boats could get you an experience that’s more personal, more or less, as that boat size is a little cozier. What they do best is big group experiences at the same time! Some other factors for these trips involve amenities, what is important is a toilet, you want to check whether warm areas for seeing sights exists too, generally. This is especially useful when seeing winter Iceland.

Green Credentials (Eco Friendly Cruises)

Keep this point in the front of the mind – boat tours may be an environmentally friendly way to see aurorae, that is, tour companies must still adopt appropriate behaviour that protects wildlife. In this respect, green credentials on each boat trip should be looked into, as these have far better eco friendly operations, anyway. More or less, there are quieter hybrid engines that help against polluting pristine areas with noise or anything similar, and they, really, do matter. Always check for sustainability policies to know if the trip fits those values of yours.

Guide Expertise

Those guides on boats usually know so much regarding the Northern Lights, that is, some may know a whole heap. So, I’m referring to those, seemingly, specializing when it comes to astronomy, really, which, naturally, helps put an aurora in good context for that broader audience, in a way. Find a boat, actually, that, clearly, is going to hire some local professional folks as there are questions for them! It really can change an amazing journey.

What Goodies Can you Find On Board?

Some tours, it seems, will offer hot chocolate and other goodies to warm you, right? Find out regarding complementary snacks/drinks beforehand because, apparently, they really do just give some much needed cozy vibes. I will give two thumbs up for all journeys giving things like blankets and stuff – which, apparently, helps fight away the chill really nicely!

Tips for an Unforgettable Northern Lights Boat Adventure

Ok, that is, that this point here needs looking at, since you would probably think of having your Northern Lights cruise made all better:

• Dress in Layers: Icelandic nights, very much so, can be darn cold. So, it’s really that critical that, as a matter of fact, you layer up. That, right there, involves thermal underwear, some fleece jacket and some waterproof outerwear. Trust in layering strategy – it may turn out to be a very crucial decision here.
• Camera Equipment: Some basic point to keep in mind here – grab a great camera and be sure that its lens can capture some dark-sky happenings here. Do remember the tripods if that expectation, right, comes along of using some very slow shutter speed for crystal pics of an aurora thing, almost, I would suggest.
• Check the Aurora Forecast: The aurora forecast that’s provided, clearly, by the Icelandic Met Office might be extremely useful, and I suggest taking some close watch of it before going anywhere on the trips and stuff here! They forecast on likelihood together with general cloud covering – things like this can inform good decisions greatly if seeing conditions could become really better, you know.
• Be Patient: You may spend much time just trying to look directly up, as that elusive light seems rather set upon teasing everyone here – so have some patience actually. What you will feel, and even the tour that’s given during your quiet waits can definitely lead onto many great experiences there.

What is the cost of seeing Northern Lights by Boat?

What a Northern Lights boat trip costs is very influenced via boat type, that is, from tour company up to any extra bonus that someone would possibly put inside them. What it seems like these trips generally start out could actually total around $75-$150 USD perhaps for adults with those price points, often giving lowered discounts for children and teens actually. Look closely at various tour operators pricing elements here including how the cancel and reschedule their options really do appear as things go along since bad conditions just may hinder one going for its tour date actually, anyway.

Always think through reservations for those tours especially during such travel times with great demand, honestly – early means good discounts along secure places and being well planned and set up properly along trip agendas really works very nicely truly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)