The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik offers a captivating way to witness the otherworldly aurora borealis. Departing from the Old Harbour, guests embark on a scenic voyage, taking in the sights from the spacious observation decks. With a maximum of 75 travelers, the intimate experience is enhanced by professional guides who’ll assist in spotting the mesmerizing lights. But there’s more to this magical evening than meets the eye…
Key Points
- The Northern Lights Boat Cruise departs from Reykjavik, Iceland, offering a combined boat trip and aurora borealis viewing experience.
- The cruise features spacious observation decks, onboard amenities, and professional guides to assist in spotting the northern lights.
- The tour meeting point is at Old Harbour House, with guests advised to arrive 30 minutes before departure, and the activity concluding back at the same location.
- Pricing starts from $78.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a free rebooking policy if the northern lights are not seen.
- Guests are advised to dress warmly, with multiple layers, a warm hat, gloves, and weatherproof jacket, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.
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Overview and Experience
The Northern Lights Boat Cruise departs from Reykjavik, Iceland, offering an evening tour that combines a boat trip with the chance to witness the stunning aurora borealis.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the spacious observation decks as they sail through the night. The cruise features on-board amenities like a restroom, Wi-Fi, and a café serving snacks and drinks.
Professional guides assist in spotting the elusive northern lights, enhancing the experience. With the boat’s mobility, the tour provides the best opportunity to catch the ethereal display dancing across the night sky.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The meeting point for the Northern Lights Boat Cruise is Old Harbour House, located at Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The activity ends back at the same meeting point after the cruise.
The transportation provided is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed. The boat has a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, ensuring an intimate and comfortable experience.
With these logistics in place, guests can focus on the main event – the mesmerizing display of the northern lights against the backdrop of the Icelandic fjords.
Pricing and Policies
From $78.00 per person, the Northern Lights Boat Cruise offers a competitively priced option for those eager to witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option provide flexibility. Plus, guests can rebook for free if the northern lights aren’t seen, valid for up to 3 years.
This policy showcases the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that guests have multiple opportunities to witness this natural wonder.
Guest Reviews and Feedback
44 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 stars paint a generally positive picture of the Northern Lights Boat Cruise experience. Guests praise the friendly and informative crew, the comfortable boat, and the onboard amenities. Some were disappointed not to see the lights, but appreciated the option to rebook. The experience seems to vary, with some seeing faint lights and others enjoying clear views. As the table below shows, guests recommend dressing warmly and booking early to increase the chances of a successful viewing.
Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
---|---|
Friendly crew | No lights seen |
Comfortable boat | Variable experiences |
Onboard amenities |
Dressing for the Weather
Staying warm is crucial for fully enjoying the Northern Lights Boat Cruise experience. The evening tour takes place on the open water, where temperatures can drop significantly.
To ensure comfort, the tour operator recommends:
- Wearing multiple layers, including a warm hat, gloves, and weatherproof jacket.
- Bringing a scarf or neck warmer to shield your face from the wind.
- Wearing sturdy, non-slip shoes to navigate the boat’s deck safely.
Pre-Cruise Dining Discount
Before your Northern Lights Boat Cruise, you can take advantage of a special discount by dining at the Old Harbour House. The restaurant offers a 10% discount on your meal when you show your Northern Lights Boat Cruise ticket. This is a great way to fuel up before your evening adventure on the water.
Cruise Ticket | Discount | Total Savings |
---|---|---|
Adult | 10% | $7.80 |
Child | 10% | $4.80 |
Senior | 10% | $7.20 |
The Old Harbour House serves delicious Icelandic cuisine in a cozy waterfront setting. Enjoying a hearty meal here is the perfect start to your northern lights experience.
Rescheduling Opportunities
If guests are unable to see the northern lights during their scheduled cruise, the tour operator offers a generous rescheduling policy. Guests can rebook their tour for free, valid for up to 3 years.
This policy allows travelers:
- Flexibility to choose a new date that better suits their schedule.
- Peace of mind knowing they can experience the northern lights on a future visit.
- Confidence in the tour provider’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
With this accommodating rescheduling option, guests can feel assured that they won’t miss out on this incredible natural phenomenon.
Preparing for Variable Viewing Experiences
Although the northern lights are a natural wonder, their appearance can be unpredictable and variable. Guests on the Northern Lights Boat Cruise should be prepared for a range of viewing experiences.
While some may witness the aurora in all its vibrant glory, others might see only faint, wispy lights. The crew advises checking weather conditions before the tour and being flexible.
Guests who don’t see the lights during their cruise can rebook for free within three years, allowing them to try again on a clearer night.
With the right expectations and a bit of luck, the cruise offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness this captivating natural phenomenon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Does the Boat Depart From the Harbor?
The boat departs at a specific time, usually around 8:30 pm, allowing guests to catch the best possible views of the northern lights. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth departure.
How Long Does the Cruise Last?
The cruise typically lasts around 2-3 hours, allowing guests ample time to enjoy the panoramic views and search for the elusive northern lights from the spacious observation decks on the boat.
Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?
The cruise is kid-friendly, with a maximum capacity of 75 travelers and accessibility for strollers. Families can enjoy the panoramic views and onboard amenities like a restroom and café, though the cold temperatures may be challenging for younger children.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the Northern Lights Boat Cruise. However, there’s a café on board offering snacks and beverages for purchase. Guests don’t need to pack a full meal for the tour.
Is There a Chance to See Whales or Other Wildlife?
The boat tour doesn’t guarantee wildlife sightings, but there’s a chance to spot whales and other marine life along the way. The crew will point out any wildlife they see, though the main focus is on viewing the northern lights.
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The Sum Up
The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik offers a truly memorable experience. Guests can enjoy the stunning natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis from the comfort of a spacious boat, with professional guides to enhance the experience. With flexible policies and onboard amenities, this cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in Iceland.