Review: Late Night Sailing – Hunting the Northern Lights on the Open Water

Okay, so you’re thinking of heading out on a late-night sailing trip to glimpse the Northern Lights, that breathtaking natural phenomenon? We took one of these tours not so long ago, and figured we could share our thoughts, experiences, and things that you might want to think about as you decide if a nighttime sail to see the aurora is a worthwhile adventure for you, too. Is it a serene escape or a chilly gamble? I mean, very, very possibly it might just depend, but we are hoping that our view can give you some good thoughts to ponder.

Setting Sail into the Night

Heading out from the harbor after dark definitely has a distinct vibe, right? Very different, of course, from the daytime harbor bustle. Picture this: the boat rocks ever so slightly, the distant city lights become twinkling jewels, and the air turns crisp – that very cold, invigorating, arctic bite that just lets you know, “Yup, you’re in the north!” Most of these tours usually begin somewhere around 9 or 10 pm, it appears, pushing further out from the land to lower the effects of city light. Like your chances of seeing the Aurora become higher, the more inky black the sky is, or so it’s said. The sea is so often wonderfully calm, adding this feel that makes it almost like you are drifting away on a liquid dream.

What To Expect Onboard: Warmth and Watchfulness

Very important for keeping yourself out there in the cold and dark is just staying cozy, which the tour boats usually try to help you do. Inside most of these ships there are snug cabins with big windows. Very handy when you need a quick warm-up, that. Free warm drinks such as hot cocoa or coffee are very appreciated at that time! Some tours will, too, include blankets to wrap around you while on deck. Most people usually cluster on the outer deck, so it seems, cameras pointed at the sky. Waiting patiently, breath visible in the cold air, to try and see the lights put on a show is very communal and comforting. Be prepared, very possibly, for a bit of rocking on the sea, and to also try not to trip going between the warm indoors and the dark outside areas. Yet the anticipation definitely has a vibe that seems unmatched!

The Aurora: A Dance of Light or a Fleeting Glimpse?

Okay, so let’s talk about the star attraction: the Northern Lights themselves. Nature’s light display that ranges all over the place, from these very, very soft, green glows to dancing ribbons of pink, white, and purple. On nights when the aurora is acting flamboyant, it really is a sight to hold. But seeing the Lights is, unfortunately, never a sure deal, you see. Like your chances of a striking show usually increase the further from civilization you go, yet the natural world follows zero schedules. Very often there might only be some soft luminescence. Maybe it needs some photograph lengthening or adjustment just to bring out. Other evenings? Complete and total darkness. That can be the most important variable that you have to just accept as part of the possible downside to such an trip. Seeing those famous, awe inspiring, lights might require some planning, you see. I mean, more or less like keeping an eye on the Aurora level predictions, hoping for very cloudless weather and even so… It’s up to the show itself to appear.

The Experience Beyond the Lights

Perhaps very surprising, even without a magnificent aurora display, the sail might be more enjoyable than you might expect. Think of the twinkling star pattern over the waves. We just happened to enjoy those as a tranquil kind of thing! It is very amazing what the absence of light will do for what you can view. The city lights shining so far away make for this, very unique perspective, actually. If you enjoy sea and stargazing, you can totally still enjoy yourself. Too, it’s almost just something amazing about being in this little warm vessel surrounded by complete darkness far from the city. It really can feel incredibly peaceful!

What to Bring for a Late Night Sail

For being ready for a sail chasing the Northern Lights, what you wear matters. You want layered attire, to provide versatility if the temperature changes out at sea, you see. Water resistant outside layers really might be something to have, to shelter from any sea spray or just sudden little sprinkles. So, take a look at these suggestions for things that should be in your sea bag!

Thermal Layers: Begin with thermal undergarments to trap body heat. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics are excellent choices.
Insulating Layers: Pile on the warmth with fleece or down jackets and pants. The more layers, the better insulated you’ll be.
Outer Protective Layer: Your last defense against the elements has to be a water and wind repellent shell jacket and pants. Gore Tex might provide the best safety from wind or water penetration, keeping your core temp secure from chilling.
Accessories: Warm extremity covers: gloves or mitts (maybe two sets), and warm cap, like wool or fleece are great. Keeping your neck defended from drafts will go far, also. I advise you choose a heavy scarf or neck gaiter for that.
Foot Covering: Make sure that you protect your feet from the chill, or the whole rest of your body temp suffers, or so it seems. Bring warm, waterproof boots with a great sole. Insulated socks, maybe wool, will give great security.
Photography Extras: When you intend to take pictures on your outing, take an extra battery and/or power bank along. Colder weather tends to have battery capacity diminish swiftly, too it’s almost as though the cell gives out so much quicker in wintry conditions. And make sure that you do not keep things stored in your pocket without any safety covering; you’ll want some type of waterproof and buoyant box or container in the chance that you should drop it overboard, for safety.
Medication and Health Additions: When seasickness or its likelihood causes you difficulty, get medicine before the sailing adventure; you may want to also purchase acupressure wrist bands if those have been helpful, too it’s almost a comfort item that you could utilize with medicine just to be safe! Should you need or have medication for other stuff, make sure that you remember it before leaving for the adventure.

Is a Northern Lights Sailing Trip Worth It?

Alright, getting down to it. Would we tell others to check into sailing away looking for the Northern Lights? It really comes down to what your heart is after. When you really have that focus to photograph those aurora lights in their full blowing glory, and don’t accept any alternative, maybe the boat tour isn’t what suits your vibe, or so it seems. It is possible that you are better off booking a tour over land. When you just want an unusual sort of winter night experience in Iceland, so you enjoy just breathing in that winter air coming from the open sea with amazing stars turning out their shimmer, and maybe glimpse that aurora and think of that like something extra good happening, it’s definitely possible you should think on purchasing that seat. The late-night sailing adventure turns into an undertaking for the serene heart!

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