From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The best part of this Northern Lights cruise is the setting. You leave Reykjavik’s waterfront, watch the city lights fade, and wait over dark water with mountains behind you and stars overhead. I like the freedom to move between the open deck and warm indoor seating, and I like that the guide helps you know where to look rather than leaving you to guess. The main drawback is simple: the aurora is never guaranteed, and the open deck can feel very cold.

I also like the short two-hour format. It fits neatly into an evening and does not take you far from Reykjavik. At $88, it is not the cheapest way to search for the lights, but you get a comfortable boat, a bar, blankets, guides, and the chance to try again if weather or cloud blocks the sky.

Key points to know before you book

• The cruise leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 30 minutes before departure.
• You get two ways to watch: Use the open observation decks for the clearest sky, then return indoors when the wind and cold become too much.
• The guide helps with the hunt: Guides point out faint aurora activity, explain what you are seeing, and can help with camera settings.
• A free rebooking option matters: If the Northern Lights do not appear, you may be able to reschedule with the operator.
• The boat is part of the experience: Indoor lounges, blankets, a bar, Wi-Fi, and room to move around make the wait easier.
• Your best photos may need camera help: The aurora can look stronger in photographs than it does to your eyes, especially during a faint display.

Leaving Reykjavik behind at the Old Harbour

Your evening begins at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, in central Reykjavik. You need to check in 30 minutes before departure by scanning the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. That is a useful detail because the boat does not begin with a long welcome talk or complicated registration.

Hotel pickup is available from the Reykjavik area if you select it. Otherwise, make your own way to the harbor. The meeting point is practical for anyone staying in central Reykjavik, and the short walk through the harbor gives you a chance to collect warm clothing and get ready for the night.

The boat heads away from the coastline and toward quieter water. You will still see Reykjavik glowing behind you, but the city becomes less dominant as the cruise continues. This is the main reason to choose a boat over simply walking around town: you put some distance between yourself and the strongest city lights without spending half a day on the road.

The trip lasts two hours. That is long enough to give the sky time to change, but short enough to leave room for dinner or another evening plan. Do not expect a long scenic sailing route with several stops. The cruise is focused on finding the aurora, so most of the time is spent watching the sky and moving to the best available position.

Finding a good place to watch

The vessel has a double observation deck, giving you more than one place to stand or sit. The open deck offers the clearest view above you, especially when the Northern Lights are faint and spread across a large part of the sky. It is also the coldest spot, with wind making the temperature feel sharper than it does on land.

Blankets are provided, but you should still wear warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and several layers. A hat and gloves are sensible choices. The boat’s indoor areas are warm, and you can move inside whenever you need a break. Several people have found this balance especially useful: the boat lets you stay comfortable without giving up the chance to step outside quickly when the guide spots activity.

Inside, you can find covered seating areas and a bar where drinks are available for purchase. Drinks are not included in the $88 price. Wi-Fi is also included, though your main reason for being on board is to watch the sky rather than spend the evening on your phone.

One practical issue is indoor seating. The boat can feel comfortable and spacious, but on a busy departure, not everyone may have a prime seat indoors at once. That is less important once the lights appear, since most people head outside, but it matters during a long wait with cloud cover.

How the Northern Lights search works

The guide keeps watch and directs you toward any visible activity. This is valuable because the first signs can be weak. A pale gray or green band may be easy to miss if you do not know where to look, and camera screens can show color before your eyes do.

The guiding style is generally low-key. You get explanations about how and why the lights appear, along with directions toward the best part of the sky. Guides have also helped with camera settings and moved around the boat to make sure people had a fair chance to take pictures. Named guides on past trips have included Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina, though the crew on your departure may be different.

The wait itself is part of the outing. You hear the water, see the city recede, and watch the mountains become dark shapes in the distance. If a strong display begins quickly, the night can turn into a fast-moving scramble for the best view. If activity is weak, the calm setting and boat comfort become more important.

Do not expect every aurora to look like a bright green ribbon dancing across the whole sky. Sometimes you will see a clear, powerful display. At other times, the lights appear as a faint cloud or soft band that shows better in a photograph. That difference between the naked eye and a camera is normal and worth knowing before you book.

The view from the water

A boat gives you a different frame than a coach tour. You are not looking across a parking area or standing beside a road. The water reflects the sky, while the mountains and Reykjavik provide a sense of place below it.

The city is not completely removed. This is not a remote wilderness trip or a full dark-sky expedition. The benefit is that you reduce some of Reykjavik’s light pollution while keeping the harbor close. If you want the darkest possible sky, a longer trip into the countryside may suit you better. If you want a compact evening activity with a city departure, the cruise is easier.

The setting can also produce surprises. On one departure, people saw whales briefly when the aurora did not appear. On another, distant volcanic activity added interest to the night. These sights are not promised, so do not book the cruise expecting whales or lava. Think of them as possible bonuses while you wait.

The smooth water and open views make the boat pleasant even when the sky refuses to cooperate. Several passengers have considered the cruise worthwhile without seeing the lights, mainly because the vessel was comfortable, the crew was helpful, and the harbor setting gave the evening some character.

What happens when the lights appear

The strongest advice is to stay patient. A cruise may begin with nothing visible, then produce a clear display near the end of the two hours. One trip has even paused on the return journey so the group could watch stronger lights developing. That sort of flexibility matters because aurora activity can change quickly.

When the lights arrive, you will want to be outside. Keep your coat zipped and your phone or camera ready. The guide may point out the direction of the activity, but you still need to look around because the lights can spread or shift.

For phone photography, ask the guide for help. Past guides have shown people how to adjust camera settings, and some passengers have had better results with a manual or pro mode and a longer exposure. A photograph may show more green than your eyes can detect, particularly during a weak display. That does not mean the experience is false or disappointing. It means your camera gathers light differently.

The boat’s ability to move around is another advantage. You are not fixed into a coach seat or stuck behind a crowd at one roadside viewpoint. You can change position, look toward the city, or step inside to warm up. On a strong night, you may spend nearly the whole time on deck. On a quiet night, the indoor seating can save the experience from becoming an endurance test.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is a midrange evening excursion. You are paying for a two-hour boat trip, an English-speaking guide, two observation decks, blankets, Wi-Fi, and the comfort of indoor areas. Drinks cost extra.

The price makes more sense if you value comfort and convenience. You leave from Reykjavik, avoid a long coach ride, and can warm up without ending the search. The short duration also helps if your Iceland schedule is packed with day trips, museums, or a late arrival.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is the darkest possible sky. A longer countryside tour may take you farther from city light and give you more time to search, although it may also involve more sitting in a vehicle. This boat is a good middle ground, not a guarantee of the best possible conditions.

The free rebooking option improves the value. If the Northern Lights are not visible, the operator may allow you to reschedule without charge. This is most useful if you have several nights in Reykjavik. If you are in town for only one evening, a free return does not help much, so keep that limitation in mind when comparing options.

Who will like this cruise most?

I would choose this outing for a first visit to Iceland, a couple wanting a relaxed evening, or anyone who dislikes the idea of sitting in a bus for hours. Families and mixed-age groups may also appreciate the ability to move between warm indoor areas and the deck.

It suits you particularly well if:

• You are staying in Reykjavik and want a simple evening activity.
• You prefer a boat with seating and shelter over a roadside search.
• You want a guide to help spot faint aurora activity.
• You can try again on another night if conditions are poor.
• You like combining city views, mountains, water, and sky in one outing.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed sighting, want a silent private tour, or expect a completely dark wilderness setting. The boat can be busy, the deck can be very cold, and nature decides the result.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Iceland plans may change.

Check the weather and cloud forecast on the day, but do not treat a poor prediction as a certain failure. The aurora can appear through breaks in cloud, and conditions can shift during the evening. The company may cancel or move a departure when weather makes sailing unsuitable, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Arrive on time. Check in at Old Harbour House 30 minutes before departure, scan your ticket at the kiosk, and have warm layers ready before you board. Comfortable shoes matter because you may move between decks while searching.

Should you book it?

Book this Northern Lights cruise if you want a comfortable, compact aurora hunt from Reykjavik, with a warm place to retreat and a guide who can help you spot and photograph faint activity. The boat, harbor departure, mountain views, and two-hour length make it easy to fit into a busy Iceland itinerary.

I would not book it as your only chance to see the Northern Lights unless you have no alternative. The aurora may fail to appear, and the city is still close enough that this is not a pure dark-sky trip. But if you have two or more nights in Reykjavik, the free rebooking option gives you a sensible second chance.

For many people, $88 is fair for a clean, comfortable boat and a well-organized evening. Bring serious winter clothing, keep your expectations realistic, and stay outside when the guide calls out activity. That is when the quiet wait over dark water can turn into the Iceland night you hoped for.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik. You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

How do I check in?

Scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside Old Harbour House.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels in the Reykjavik area, or you can make your own way to the Old Harbour.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Aurora sightings depend on weather, cloud, and solar activity. If the lights are not visible, you may be able to reschedule for free with the operator.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. The outdoor deck can be very cold, although blankets and warm indoor seating are provided.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to buy on the boat, but they are not included in the tour price.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the Northern Lights hunting cruise, guides, access to the double observation deck, and free Wi-Fi.