Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

The sky is the main event here. This two-hour evening cruise takes you from central Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay, where city lights fall behind and the northern sky becomes the focus. I like the heated cabin and outdoor decks, which let you switch between warm seating and open-air aurora watching. I also like the free return ticket if the lights fail to appear, a useful safeguard for such an unpredictable show.

The main drawback is simple: a boat cannot control the clouds, the aurora, or the city glow. Some departures produce a wonderful display, while others offer only faint streaks, brief glimpses, or nothing at all. You should also expect cold wind, some motion on the upper deck, and a busy boat on popular nights.

Key things to know before you book

• You sail from central Reykjavik: Meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, near public transportation. The cruise returns to the same place.
• You get about two hours on the water: That is shorter than many bus-based aurora outings, but it is a straightforward evening activity with no long road journey.
• Warm floatable overalls are available: They help with the cold, but you should still bring a hat and gloves.
• You can try again for free: If the lights are not seen, complimentary return tickets are offered, with the supplied information stating they can be valid for two years.
• The boat gives you two viewing styles: Use the outdoor platforms for the clearest sky or retreat to the heated saloon with Wi-Fi, toilets, and a café.
• The scenery begins before the aurora: You get views of Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik’s illuminated waterfront, and the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit from October through December.

Leaving Reykjavik’s harbor after dark

The meeting point is Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. The location is near public transportation, but plan your return too, since finding a taxi after the cruise can be difficult on a busy night.

The boat leaves Reykjavik and heads into Faxaflói Bay. This is not a remote wilderness trip. You remain fairly close to the city, and the harbor glow never disappears completely. Still, moving onto the water gives you a wider view of the sky than you get from many streets and hotel areas.

The first part of the journey works as a city-at-night outing. You can look back toward Reykjavik and see Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja lit up from the water. These familiar landmarks look different from offshore, where the city forms a low line of lights rather than a wall of buildings.

From October through December, the boat also passes the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit. The tower sends a bright beam into the sky from Viðey Island. It is a special sight in its own right, and one of the more memorable parts of the cruise if the aurora does not cooperate.

Finding your place on the boat

The boat has several levels and outdoor viewing platforms, along with a heated indoor saloon. I like this setup because it gives you control over your comfort. You can watch from outside when the sky looks promising, then warm up indoors without ending the experience.

The top deck offers the widest view, but it is also the coldest and windiest place to stand. On a calm night, it is the best spot for scanning the horizon. In rougher conditions, the upper deck may feel less comfortable, and long-exposure photographs can blur when the boat rocks.

The bow can sometimes provide a less obstructed view than the busiest upper deck. That point matters on popular departures, since the maximum group size is 150 people. The boat is sizeable, but a full sailing can still feel crowded, especially in the indoor seating area. Tables may be shared, and you should not expect a quiet private corner.

Warm floatable overalls are supplied to borrow. They are particularly helpful in January and other cold months, when the wind over the water quickly cuts through ordinary winter clothing. Bring your own hat and gloves, since the suits do not cover every exposed part of you. Sturdy warm clothing remains important even if you plan to spend much of the cruise inside.

Waiting for the aurora in Faxaflói Bay

The crew explains how the aurora forms and points out where to look when activity appears. The guidance can be useful for first-time aurora watchers, especially when the lights are faint and difficult to separate from thin cloud.

A guide named Mia received especially warm praise for making the evening enjoyable, and the crew is also described as friendly and helpful with camera settings. That practical help can make a difference. A phone or camera often needs different settings from normal night photography, and the crew may help you find a better position or direction.

Do not expect a constant show. The aurora may appear within minutes of leaving the dock, or you may wait most of the two hours. Some departures have produced lights for nearly the entire cruise. Others have seen only a few minutes of faint color, even under apparently clear skies.

That uncertainty is part of the bargain. A clear sky helps, but it does not promise strong aurora activity. A full moon, thin cloud, or city glow can also weaken what you see. Cameras may record green streaks that look stronger than the display to your eyes, so keep your expectations realistic.

The best approach is to treat the cruise as a chance to see the lights, not as a guaranteed performance. If the aurora appears, the experience can be extraordinary. If it does not, you still get the harbor views, the night crossing, and the option to return without paying again.

The warm cabin, café, and onboard facilities

The heated indoor saloon is more than a backup room. It gives you a place to sit, warm up, listen to the guide, and wait for changes in the sky. Free Wi-Fi and toilets are available onboard, which makes the two-hour duration easier for most people.

The café sells hot drinks and snacks. Hot chocolate has been a popular choice, and hand warmers may be available for purchase. Nothing is included beyond the cruise facilities and warm overalls, so bring a payment method if you want something from the café.

Music may play during parts of the trip, adding atmosphere, but it can also make announcements harder to hear. On some departures, passengers talking during safety instructions have made the loudspeaker difficult to follow. Pay attention when the crew gives instructions, especially if you plan to use the outdoor decks.

The boat is generally described as stable and comfortable, though it can pitch and rock, particularly on the upper deck or when moving at speed. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable medication before boarding. Sea sickness tablets have also been available onboard, but it is wiser not to rely on that.

How this cruise compares with a bus outing

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the aurora. Its value depends on what you want from the evening.

The cruise lasts about two hours, while bus-based aurora outings can run for around five hours. A bus can drive toward clearer skies and darker areas, which gives it a practical advantage when cloud cover is uneven. The boat follows its route into the bay and cannot chase every break in the weather.

The cruise has other strengths. You avoid a long drive, you get open views in several directions, and you see Reykjavik from the water. The setting feels calmer and more unusual than simply standing at a city viewpoint. If you are already staying in central Reykjavik and want a compact evening activity, the shorter format can be appealing.

You should not book it as the perfect choice for photography. Boat movement can blur long exposures, and the city glow remains part of the view. If your top goal is the darkest possible sky, a land tour may suit you better. If you want a comfortable sea outing with a real chance at the aurora, this cruise makes sense.

The free return policy and its real value

The sighting guarantee is the strongest protection built into the price. If the aurora is not seen during your cruise, you are offered complimentary tickets for another attempt. The supplied terms state that these tickets can be valid for two years.

This is useful if you are staying in Reykjavik for several nights. You can move the experience to a night with a better forecast, and changes caused by poor weather are handled with another date or a full refund. The company has also been praised for making date changes and party-size changes easy.

The policy is less useful if you are leaving Iceland the next morning. A free future ticket does not help much when you cannot return. For a short visit, check the forecast before choosing your cruise date and avoid placing this activity on your final night if possible.

The guarantee is also not a refund for a disappointing display. A brief or faint sighting may count as a sighting, even if you hoped for a dramatic green sky. That is an important distinction. The natural event is unpredictable, and the operator’s promise is a second chance, not a promise of a strong show.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

This activity requires good weather and may be canceled at short notice if conditions are unsafe. If that happens, you are offered a different date or a full refund, and notification is sent by phone or email.

The cruise is offered in English. The guide’s explanations cover the aurora, the surrounding sights, and the conditions needed for a good display. Audio quality has not always been perfect, so standing near the guide or listening carefully inside may help.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, unless the operator cancels because of weather.

The experience is open to most people, and service animals are allowed. People with limited mobility are welcome, but the boats are not fully accessible. Steep stairs and high thresholds may make the indoor areas and toilets difficult to reach. Ask about your specific needs before booking.

Because the cruise is often booked well in advance, securing a place 45 days ahead is common. That does not mean you need to book that far out, but popular winter dates can fill early.

Who will enjoy this two-hour cruise?

I would choose this cruise for you if you want an evening activity that combines the Reykjavik waterfront with a genuine chance of seeing the aurora. It works well for couples, families, and first-time visitors who prefer not to spend five hours on a bus.

It also suits anyone who values a second chance. The free return option can protect your budget when the weather fails, especially if you have several nights in the city.

You may prefer a bus tour if you care most about reaching darker areas, following the forecast, or photographing the aurora with a steady camera. The boat can be crowded, the upper deck can be cold, and the city glow may limit what your eyes see.

The experience is also a good fit if you like the journey itself. Passing Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Imagine Peace Tower gives the evening more substance than a simple wait for a patch of green light. On a strong aurora night, those city views become a pleasant opening act.

Should you book the Northern Lights Cruise?

Book it if you want a short, easy Reykjavik evening with warm indoor space, outdoor viewing decks, and a free return option. The best departures can produce an aurora within minutes, with lights lasting most of the cruise. The crew’s help with viewing directions and camera settings adds real value.

Skip it if you would be deeply disappointed by a faint sighting or if you have only one night in Iceland. In that case, a land tour may give you a better chance of moving toward clearer, darker skies.

For most visitors with two or more nights in Reykjavik, I think the cruise is worth considering at $105. Dress for serious cold, bring a hat and gloves, check the forecast, and keep the second-chance policy in mind. You are buying a chance at one of nature’s great shows, plus a pleasant harbor trip, not a guaranteed curtain call.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Cruise depart?

It departs from Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm floatable overalls are available to borrow. You should still bring a hat and gloves for extra warmth.

What happens if the northern lights do not appear?

You are offered complimentary tickets to try again on another night at no extra cost. The supplied information states that these tickets can be valid for two years.

Is food included?

Snacks and drinks are not included, but hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the onboard café.

Can people with limited mobility join?

People with limited mobility are welcome, but the boats are not fully accessible. Steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to indoor areas and toilet facilities.