Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Cruise takes you away from the city’s brightest lights and onto the water, where the aurora can stretch across a much wider sky. Three outdoor decks give you room to watch, while heated cabins offer a useful refuge when Iceland’s cold starts biting.

I like the chance to see the lights from the harbor and open water, and I like the practical safety net of a free repeat ticket if the aurora fails to appear. The crew can also provide warm flotation overalls, WiFi, toilets, and motion-sickness tablets.

The catch is simple: this is a nature hunt, not a guaranteed show. Cloud, snow, wind, and weak auroral activity can cancel the sailing or leave you with a cold boat ride and no green sky.

Key points to know before booking

• The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, returning to the same Reykjavik meeting point.
• The aurora may be visible surprisingly close to the harbor, but city and hillside lights can reduce the effect.
• Warm flotation overalls are provided, yet you should still wear warm clothes and solid shoes.
• A free repeat trip is offered after a no-sighting cruise, using your booking number and subject to the operator’s arrangements.
• The departure point is Geirsgata 11, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• Food and drinks cost extra, while pickup is available for an additional charge.

Leaving Reykjavik Harbor in Search of Green Skies

The trip begins at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik and ends back at the same point. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, especially if you need to find the boat in the dark.

That last detail matters. The departure area has caused confusion for some passengers, with map links and office addresses not always making the boarding point obvious. Check the operator’s daily diary and your email before leaving your hotel. Important sailing updates are sent there, including weather changes and departure information.

Once aboard, the boat heads away from the strongest city glare. The route is not a fixed sightseeing itinerary with named stops. Its purpose is to find a darker patch of sky and wait for the aurora. You may spend much of the sailing moving out, stopping to watch, and returning when the time is up.

That can feel slow if the sky stays cloudy. If the lights appear, though, the boat becomes a fine viewing platform. The water gives you an open horizon, and the aurora may show across the sky rather than in one narrow direction.

A successful trip can be surprisingly close to Reykjavik. One especially strong sighting continued as the boat returned toward the harbor, proving that you do not always need to travel far from town. Still, nearby shore lights can be a drawback. Hillside homes, passing cars, and harbor illumination may intrude on your view.

Three Outdoor Decks, One Very Cold Night

The boat has three outdoor decks, which is one of the main reasons to choose this experience over simply watching from a city street. You can move around to find a less crowded viewing angle and look in different directions as the aurora shifts.

The open decks are also where the cold is most serious. The operator provides warm flotation overalls, and these are not a decorative extra. Wear them. Several accounts describe the night as bitterly cold even with the protective gear.

Bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, and good footwear. The overalls help protect your body, but your hands, face, and feet still need attention. You should also be ready for wet or slippery surfaces around the boat and harbor.

Indoor cabins are heated and include toilet facilities. They give you a place to warm up, but the point of the trip is outdoor viewing, so you will need to go back outside when the sky starts changing. Free WiFi is available, and complimentary seasickness tablets are offered.

The sea can be rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, take the available tablets before the boat gets underway, following the package directions. The supplied information does not state the vessel’s exact route or sea conditions on a given night, so you should treat the water as a real part of the experience, not just a backdrop.

What Happens During the 2.5-Hour Search

The advertised duration is about two and a half hours, with the total tour described as two to three hours. The boat leaves Reykjavik, moves toward darker water, and pauses or slows while the crew watches the sky.

There is no guarantee that the aurora will appear during that window. Even a positive forecast can fail if clouds roll in or the solar activity is too weak. One useful detail from a successful night is that a faint display appeared first, then grew into brighter bands and moving shapes about an hour and a half into the cruise. Patience is part of the deal.

The guides explain what to look for and help direct your attention. On a good night, you may first notice a pale gray or green streak that seems almost too faint to trust. Cameras often show color more clearly than your eyes at first. Then the display may brighten and spread.

The crew has sometimes stayed out a little longer when the aurora was active. Do not treat extra time as guaranteed, but it shows why you should not rush inside after a weak first glimpse. The best part may come late in the sailing or during the return to port.

The cruise is conducted in English. Group size can reach 198 people, so this is not a private or intimate outing. If you need a quiet, personal aurora experience, a small land tour may suit you better. If you like having several decks, indoor shelter, and a professional crew, the larger boat has practical advantages.

How the Aurora Looks From the Water

The northern lights are often described as bright green curtains, but real sightings vary. You may see a thin arc, a pale smear, or a sudden burst that moves across several parts of the sky. A strong display can appear overhead and remain visible as the boat approaches the harbor.

The water adds scale. You are not looking between buildings or trees, and the horizon is open. That makes the sight feel broad and dramatic when the activity is strong.

There is also a visual cost. A boat does not automatically take you into total darkness. If the vessel remains near shore, hillside homes and streetlights can remain in view. A car’s headlights or harbor lighting can spoil a photograph or make a faint aurora harder to see.

I would choose this cruise when you value the experience of being on the water as much as the possibility of seeing the lights. If your only goal is the darkest possible viewing spot, a land-based tour that drives inland may offer a better setup. The cruise is more distinctive, but it is not automatically the best technical viewing location.

Crew, Explanations, and Onboard Comfort

The crew is one of the tour’s stronger points. On good outings, the guides explain the aurora, point out activity, answer questions, and keep watch when passengers are unsure what they are seeing. Friendly, attentive staff can make a long wait feel worthwhile.

Communication quality can vary. One poor experience involved a guide who was hard to understand and spoke in a flat tone, leaving passengers unsure where to look. That is a reminder to stay near the guide when you are outside and ask for directions if the explanation is unclear.

The boat has heated indoor cabins, toilets, free WiFi, and motion-sickness tablets. Snacks and drinks, including hot chocolate, are sold onboard rather than included in the price. A warm drink can be welcome after time on deck, but budget extra if you want refreshments.

Do not expect a full entertainment program. When the sky is inactive, the view may be limited to dark water and coastal lights. Some people find the boat quiet and atmospheric; others find it dull, especially if the aurora never appears.

Is $93 a Fair Price?

At $93 per person, the cruise is not a cheap gamble, but it is in line with paying for a staffed boat, heated facilities, safety equipment, and several hours of searching. The value depends heavily on what happens in the sky.

If you see a strong display, the price can feel reasonable. The best sightings described here included vivid movement, changing shapes, and lights still visible as the boat returned to Reykjavik. The crew’s willingness to stay out while activity continued added to the sense that the night mattered.

If you see nothing, the value rests on the repeat-trip policy. You receive a free ticket to try again, and the ticket can be used for another tour with the operator. Contact the company promptly with your booking number. Do not assume the repeat outing will happen automatically, since you still need to arrange it and get a suitable departure date.

The policy helps, but it does not erase the cost of a wasted evening. You may need to rearrange dinner, transport, or another activity. If your Iceland schedule is packed, booking this early in your stay gives you more room to try again.

Pickup is not included. You can arrange it for an extra fee, or make your own way to Geirsgata 11. The tour is near public transportation, but allow time to find the correct boarding place. A taxi may be worthwhile if the approach is icy, poorly gritted, or difficult to locate in the dark.

Weather, Cancellations, and Choosing Your Night

Weather is the biggest practical issue. The operator can cancel when sea conditions are unsafe, and snow or rough water has caused cancellations and rescheduling. A cancellation is frustrating, but sailing into dangerous conditions would be worse.

You receive a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Some winter periods are especially difficult. February was described as cold and dark, with several activities canceled during one visit. That does not mean February is always a bad choice, but you should build spare time into your plans and avoid making the cruise your only major evening activity.

The operator advises checking the daily diary and your email several hours before the sailing. Do this even after receiving confirmation. Conditions can change quickly, and a last-minute update may contain the real departure status or meeting instructions.

I would book this for the first half of an Iceland stay rather than the final night. That gives you a chance to use the repeat option if the first cruise is canceled or the sky stays empty.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

This tour suits you if you want a simple Reykjavik departure and like the idea of watching the aurora from a boat. It also works well if you prefer not to spend an entire night in a bus or van.

The experience is a good match for people who can handle cold, darkness, and uncertain results. You should be comfortable standing outside for periods, moving around the deck, and waiting patiently. Families can participate, but the late hour, cold, and rough sea may be hard on young children.

You may prefer a land excursion if you want to chase breaks in the clouds, reach darker inland areas, or avoid the risk of seasickness. A boat is not automatically more comfortable just because it has indoor seating.

The activity is offered in English, and most people can take part. Wear stable shoes and warm clothing. If mobility is a concern, ask the operator directly before booking, since the supplied information does not describe detailed accessibility arrangements.

My Verdict: Book It With the Right Expectations

I would book this cruise if you want a memorable night on the water and understand that the aurora is never promised. The three decks, heated cabins, protective overalls, and repeat-trip offer make it a practical choice, while the best sightings can be truly spectacular.

I would not book it as your only chance to see the northern lights. Give yourself several nights in Iceland, check the weather and aurora forecast, and arrange the cruise early enough to use the repeat policy if needed.

Arrive early, check your email, wear serious winter clothing, take motion-sickness tablets if you need them, and keep your camera ready. If the sky cooperates, you may watch the lights dance over the water and still see them as the boat slips back into Reykjavik Harbor. If it does not, you will at least have a clear next step: try again, or take the refund when the operator cancels.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Cruise depart from?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, with the usual duration listed as about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup can be arranged for an additional charge.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What happens if I do not see the northern lights?

You receive a free ticket to join again if there is no sighting. Use your booking number to arrange another tour with the operator.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm flotation overalls are provided, but you should still wear warm clothing and good footwear.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard.

Does the boat have indoor facilities?

Yes. The boat has heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and free WiFi. Complimentary seasickness tablets are also available.