Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Check-in is at Geirsgata 11. Reykjavík, Special Tours office located at the corner. Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes in advance.(Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík, Iceland)
Accessibility:Wheelchair-accessible boats available (contact supplier after booking for details)
Know in advance:Please check the "Daily Diary" on the local supplier's website to see if there is any important information regarding your tour
A Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik offers a distinctive perspective, allowing you to venture away from city light pollution onto the open ocean. This provides clearer, unobstructed views of the aurora borealis dancing across the sky, often enhancing the visual spectacle. The tranquility of the sea also creates a serene and immersive environment for this natural phenomenon.
The Northern Lights are best seen from late August to mid-April in Reykjavik. This period offers the necessary long hours of darkness, which are crucial for observing the aurora. While the exact visibility depends on solar activity and clear skies, these months generally provide the optimal conditions for an aurora borealis boat tour.
Yes, Reykjavik is considered a favorable location for experiencing the Northern Lights, particularly by boat. While the city itself has some light pollution, boat tours depart from Reykjavik and quickly reach dark waters away from urban glare. This strategic positioning within the aurora oval, combined with escaping city lights, significantly enhances your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
Joining a dedicated Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik offers several advantages. These tours are specifically designed to take you to optimal viewing spots on the water, away from light pollution. Boats provide comfort and warmth, allowing for a more enjoyable experience in cold conditions. Additionally, experienced guides often provide insights into the aurora and help maximize your chances of a successful sighting.
Ideal weather conditions for a successful Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik include clear skies, minimal cloud cover, and dark nights. Clouds are the primary obstacle to aurora viewing, as they block the lights. While cold, crisp air often accompanies clear skies, temperatures can vary. Solar activity, measured by the Kp index, also plays a crucial role in the aurora's intensity.
To stay comfortable on a Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik, it is essential to dress warmly in layers. We recommend wearing thermal base layers, a warm sweater or fleece, and a waterproof and windproof outer jacket and trousers. Don't forget a warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, and sturdy, insulated boots, as temperatures at sea can be quite cold.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and visibility cannot be guaranteed on any given night. Tour operators for boat excursions from Reykjavik diligently monitor weather and aurora forecasts to choose the best possible viewing times. If conditions are unfavorable, some operators may offer to reschedule your tour, giving you another opportunity to witness this natural wonder.
The Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik is approximately 2 hours long. These tours typically depart from a designated harbor area within Reykjavik, where the tour vessels are docked. Specific departure details, including the exact pier or address, are usually provided upon booking confirmation.