Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

The best part of this cruise is the change of setting. Instead of watching the sky from a dark field outside Reykjavík, you sail away from the city and see the capital glowing behind you. Faxaflói Bay gives you open sky, while the shoreline supplies a memorable backdrop if the aurora appears.

I like two things right away: the boat has a heated indoor saloon with seats and toilets, and you can borrow warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets for the outdoor decks. The crew also keeps checking the forecast and offers a free return trip if the lights do not appear. The catch is simple: this is still nature, not a theater show, and the moving boat makes Northern Lights photography difficult.

Key points to know before sailing

• The cruise leaves Reykjavík Old Harbour and heads into Faxaflói Bay for roughly 2.5 hours.
• Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja glow along the shore, giving you a city-view bonus before the search begins.
• The Imagine Peace Tower is included in the route from October through December, when its beam is lit.
• Warm overalls, raincoats, blankets, indoor seating, and toilets make this more comfortable than standing outdoors on land.
• The English-speaking naturalist guide explains the sky and calls out sightings, while the captain adjusts the route to suit conditions.
• A free retry is offered when the Northern Lights do not show, but photography from a moving boat remains a weak point.

Sailing from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour

You meet the boat at the Elding Whale Watching pier at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, in the Old Harbour. The departure point is close to the city center, but hotel pickup is not part of the basic price. Pickup can be arranged for an extra charge, so check that cost before booking if you do not want to walk or make your own way to the harbour.

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours. That is long enough to leave the brighter inner harbour, spend useful time under darker skies, and return without giving up an entire evening. I would schedule it early in your Iceland stay if possible. The sighting guarantee gives you a second chance on another night, and an early booking leaves room to try again if weather or cloud blocks the show.

The first minutes are pleasant even before the aurora search starts. Reykjavík’s waterfront lights stretch around Faxaflói Bay, and the boat gives you a broad view that is hard to get from street level. This is not just a ride out into darkness. You get a moving look at the capital’s nighttime profile, with the city behind you and the sea ahead.

Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the city lights

As the boat leaves harbour, look back toward the shoreline. Harpa Concert Hall is especially striking at night, with its illuminated glass facade near the water. You also get views of Hallgrímskirkja, the tall church that rises above Reykjavík and is easy to pick out from the bay.

These sights matter because the Northern Lights can be shy. If the sky stays quiet, you still have a worthwhile city view rather than two and a half hours of nothing but black water. The contrast is also part of the appeal: Reykjavík’s lights sit low along the coast, while the dark sky opens above them.

The city glow is both a benefit and a limitation. It gives you a beautiful foreground, but it means the boat must move away from the brightest parts of Reykjavík for the best possible contrast. Your guide and captain check weather and aurora forecasts before sailing, then use those conditions to improve the chance of seeing the lights. No route can guarantee clear skies, but leaving the harbour gives the crew more options than a fixed viewing point.

The Imagine Peace Tower from October to December

From October through December, the route includes a view of the Imagine Peace Tower when its light beam is operating. The tower was created in memory of John Lennon by Yoko Ono, and its pale column of light reaches upward from Viðey Island.

Seeing it from the water gives the moment some space. You are not simply looking at a lit landmark from a road. You pass by on the bay, with the beam rising into the night sky. It is a short seasonal feature, so it should not be the main reason you book the cruise, but it adds a thoughtful local detail during the months when the Northern Lights are most commonly sought.

Outside that October to December window, the tower is not part of the advertised experience. The city views and aurora search continue, but you should not expect this particular sight year-round.

Waiting for the aurora on open water

The central part of the trip is a patient search. Once the boat reaches darker water, you can settle into the indoor saloon or step outside to scan the sky. Your guide keeps you informed and points out the lights when they begin, which helps because early aurora activity can look faint and easy to miss.

A weak display may first appear as a pale streak or faint white line. Stronger activity can grow into the green, moving shapes seen in photographs, but there is no promise that the show will reach that level. On one successful outing, the lights began before the boat even left the harbour. On another, faint activity became much more impressive after about an hour. That range gives you a useful idea of how changeable the experience can be.

I like having a guide for this part. It is easy to stare at one patch of sky and miss activity elsewhere. The guide gives you a better sense of where to look and provides information while you wait. The crew has also helped with camera settings, a practical touch if you want a few photographs rather than simply watching.

The boat itself can move to areas that are darker than central Reykjavík, but the sea brings its own tradeoffs. Motion can make long-exposure pictures blurry, and the deck may sway even when conditions feel manageable. If your first priority is producing sharp aurora photographs, I would choose a land-based outing instead. If your priority is a comfortable search with city views and the chance to see the lights from a different angle, the boat makes sense.

Warm gear and the heated saloon

I would not underestimate the value of the onboard clothing. Icelandic nights can feel cold quickly when you are standing still and looking upward. The cruise provides warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, so you can spend time outside without relying only on whatever coat you packed.

The heated indoor saloon gives you a proper break. You can sit down, warm up, use the toilets, and return outside when the guide spots activity. This setup is far better than committing to a long wait on an exposed shore, especially if you are visiting with children or simply do not enjoy standing in the cold.

An onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks, but these are extra. That is a small cost to remember when comparing the $111 price. The bar prices were described as reasonable by one person on an earlier trip, but refreshments are not included in the ticket. Bring your expectations in line with a café at sea, not a full meal service.

The indoor saloon can also become the most useful part of the boat when the aurora is slow to appear. You do not have to choose between comfort and the sky for the entire evening. Warm up inside, listen for updates, then head back to the viewing platform when conditions improve.

What the $111 price really buys you

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the Northern Lights in Reykjavík. The value comes from combining several elements in one evening: a 2.5-hour boat trip, an English-speaking naturalist guide, city views, access to open water, warm clothing, a heated cabin, and the chance to return free if the lights do not appear.

That package is easier to justify if you value comfort. You are not paying only for transport to a viewing point. You are paying for a flexible viewing platform with shelter, toilets, a café, and a crew that monitors conditions. The city skyline and seasonal Imagine Peace Tower also help fill the time when the sky is quiet.

The value is weaker if you only want photographs. A boat moves, the deck can shift, and camera settings that work on land may produce blurry results at sea. The crew can offer help, but it cannot remove the basic problem of photographing a faint light source from a moving vessel.

The sighting guarantee adds important protection. If the aurora does not appear, you are offered another night at no charge. It does not guarantee that your next attempt will succeed, and you need enough time in Reykjavík to use it. Still, it makes the original booking less risky for anyone staying several nights.

Weather, cancellations, and the free retry

Northern Lights cruises depend on two separate conditions: a dark enough sky and weather that allows the boat to sail safely. The company checks the forecast before departure. If conditions are poor, the cruise may be cancelled and you can be moved to another night.

That flexibility matters. One early trip was cancelled because of bad weather and rescheduled for the following evening, when the lights were seen. I would avoid placing this cruise on your final night in Iceland if you can help it. A late cancellation leaves little room to use the free retry.

You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also helps if your plans are still changing. These policies are useful, but the most important planning tip is still the same: leave a spare evening available.

How to make the most of the 2.5 hours

Arrive ready for both outdoor viewing and indoor waiting. Wear layers, even though overalls are provided, and bring a camera only if you accept that the best result may be a soft or blurred image. Your phone can record the mood, but it is unlikely to capture the full effect of a faint aurora without careful settings.

At the start, take time to enjoy the Reykjavík shoreline. Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja are easy highlights, and the city lights help you get oriented. Once the boat reaches darker water, listen for the guide’s instructions rather than constantly checking your own camera screen.

If the first sighting looks like a thin pale line, keep watching. The aurora can strengthen over time, and a modest beginning does not tell you how the next hour will look. One successful outing began with faint marks before developing into a much stronger display.

Use the indoor saloon as part of the plan, not as a sign that the trip has failed. Warming up lets you stay alert and enjoy the whole cruise. The best evening may involve several trips outside, short breaks inside, and a final look at Reykjavík as the boat returns.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a comfortable first attempt at seeing the Northern Lights and like the idea of viewing Reykjavík from the water. It suits people who would rather not stand in a cold field for hours, and it works well for anyone who enjoys having a guide explain what is happening.

It is also a good choice if your schedule allows a second attempt. The guarantee has real value for a multi-night stay, but much less if you leave the next morning. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the indoor seats, toilets, blankets, and warm clothing.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious night photographer. The moving boat can make images blurry, and the tour information specifically warns that photography is challenging. You can still take pictures, and the crew may help with settings, but you should treat the camera as a bonus rather than the reason for booking.

The cruise is also not ideal if you need a guaranteed spectacle. Even strong forecasts cannot control the aurora. The most honest way to book is to see the sailing, city lights, and chance of a Northern Lights sighting as the experience, with a spectacular display as the possible reward.

Should you book the Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-equipped search from the water and you have at least one spare night in Reykjavík. The warm overalls, heated saloon, toilets, city views, and free retry make the $111 fare easier to defend than a simple boat ride.

I would skip it if your main aim is sharp aurora photography or if you have only one evening and cannot use the guarantee. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to give the Northern Lights a chance without sacrificing comfort. Just keep your expectations honest: the crew can improve your odds, but only the sky can provide the show.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour, at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours.

What price should I expect?

The listed price is $111 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included in the basic price, but it is available for an extra charge.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

You are offered the chance to come another night free of charge.

Is warm clothing provided?

Yes. Warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets are available on board.

Can I stay indoors during the cruise?

Yes. The boat has a heated indoor saloon with comfortable seating and toilets.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. The onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks, but refreshments are not included in the ticket price.