From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The aurora hunt begins at sea. This two-hour cruise from Reykjavik takes you away from some city lights, giving you mountains, stars, and open water while you wait for the sky to turn green. I like the comfortable boat with warm indoor areas and blankets, and I like the freedom to move between two observation decks instead of being stuck in a bus seat. The main catch is simple: seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, and a cloudy or inactive night can leave you with a pleasant boat ride but no aurora.

The cruise costs $88 per person. That is not cheap for two hours, but the price includes the boat, English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, blankets, and the chance to return if the lights fail to appear. I also like that guides help point out faint aurora activity and offer practical camera advice. Just remember that the outside deck can be bitterly cold, even when the boat itself feels cozy.

Key points before you book

• The boat leaves Reykjavik’s city glow behind: You head into quieter water, though this is not a fully dark-sky expedition.
• You get two hours on the water: That gives the aurora time to appear late in the outing, as happened for several people.
• Indoor warmth makes the wait easier: The boat has heated seating areas, a bar, cushions, lamps, and blankets.
• The guides actively help with sightings: Guides point toward faint activity and may assist with phone camera settings.
• A free return can improve your odds: If weather or clouds block the show, you may be able to reschedule with the operator.
• The best photos need patience: The lights can look stronger in a camera than they do to your eyes, especially during weak activity.

Checking in at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before departure at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik. Check-in is handled at a self-service kiosk. You scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket, which keeps the process quick and avoids a long paper-ticket routine.

You can make your own way to the harbour, or choose optional pickup from a hotel in the Reykjavik area. Pickup is useful if you are tired after a full day, but it also adds another moving part to your evening. If you are already near the harbour, walking there is likely the simpler choice.

The harbour setting gives the evening a pleasant start. Before the boat moves, you have a chance to orient yourself, use the facilities, and buy a drink if you want one. Drinks are not included, but they are available on board.

Leaving the city lights behind

Once the boat pulls away, Reykjavik gradually becomes a low band of light behind you. The point is not to reach total darkness. It is to reduce the city glow enough to improve your view of the sky while keeping the trip short and easy to reach from the capital.

That makes this cruise a good compromise. A coach tour may take you farther into the countryside, where the sky can be darker, but you may spend much of the evening sitting in a vehicle. Here, the ocean becomes part of the experience. You hear the water, watch the mountains recede, and can move around the vessel while waiting.

The views are worthwhile even without an aurora. Mountains sit in the distance, Reykjavik glows behind you, and the water reflects points of light when conditions are calm. On one outing, a short whale sighting added an unexpected bonus. Another evening included a distant view of lava from a volcanic eruption. Neither event is promised, but both show why a boat trip can offer more than a single sky phenomenon.

Finding your best viewing spot on the boat

The vessel has a double observation deck, with indoor and outdoor areas. This setup matters because aurora watching involves a lot of waiting. You can begin inside, warm and seated, then step outside when the guide spots activity or the sky starts to clear.

The indoor areas have been described as warm and comfortable, with seating, lamps, cushions, and a bar. That is a real advantage in Iceland, especially during the darker months. You can warm your hands, take a break from the wind, and return outside when the sky looks promising.

Outdoor viewing is still the main event. The upper deck gives you a broad view without a roof blocking the sky. Bring warm clothing, not just a heavy coat. Wear comfortable shoes, and add gloves, a hat, and layers. Blankets are provided, but a blanket cannot stop cold air from reaching your face and hands.

Seating may be limited inside when the boat is busy. Some people have needed to stand, particularly when everyone moves outside at once. If you want an indoor seat, check in on time and settle early. When the lights appear, though, most people naturally head onto the deck, so the seating issue becomes less important.

Two hours of waiting, watching, and listening

The cruise lasts two hours, which is long enough to give the aurora a fair chance without turning the night into an all-evening commitment. Some sightings happen soon after leaving port. Others arrive near the end, after an hour and a half of waiting.

That timing is worth keeping in mind. Do not decide that the evening has failed after the first 30 minutes. On one outing, the lights appeared within 20 minutes. On another, they emerged near the end of the scheduled trip. The crew has also stayed out longer in some cases when stronger activity began to develop.

The guide helps make the waiting more useful. You receive explanations about why the lights appear, where to look, and how to judge faint activity. Guides such as Steingreimur and Hólmar have been praised for friendly presentations, while Christina was singled out for keeping the mood lively and offering extra information.

The best guides do not talk constantly. They give you enough direction to avoid staring at the wrong patch of sky, then let the ocean and silence do their work. That balance suits this experience. Northern Lights viewing is part science lesson, part quiet vigil, and part lucky draw.

What the aurora may actually look like

The Northern Lights are not always a bright green curtain rippling across the whole sky. Weak activity may look like a pale gray or greenish streak to your eyes. A phone or camera can capture more color because it gathers light during a longer exposure.

That difference can surprise you. One outing produced stronger images than a naked-eye view, while another had a clear, dramatic show that was easy to see without a camera. Keep your expectations flexible. A faint sighting is still a real sighting, but it may not match the vivid images you saw before your trip.

Guides can help with photographs. A member of the crew may point out where the activity is strongest and show you how to adjust your phone settings. One useful tip from a previous outing was to use an Android phone’s Pro mode with an exposure of about one second. Phone models vary, so treat that as a starting point, not a guarantee.

Use a tripod or steady surface if you have one, though the moving boat makes photography harder than shooting from land. A bright screen also affects your night vision, so take a few pictures, then look up and enjoy the sky directly.

Weather, clouds, and the free return policy

Cloud cover is the great troublemaker. The aurora can be active above the clouds and still invisible from the boat. Wind and sea conditions can also affect whether the cruise goes ahead.

The operator has cancelled outings when weather made the trip unsuitable, sometimes giving notice during the afternoon and offering a new date. If conditions cancel your departure, you can reschedule. If you go out but the lights do not appear, the operator may offer a free return, subject to its policy and available dates.

This is one of the strongest points in the cruise’s value. A return option means the $88 price can buy more than one attempt. Some people have rebooked twice before seeing the aurora, while others could not use the second chance because their stay in Iceland was too short.

Book this near the start of your Reykjavik visit if the Northern Lights are a priority. That gives you more nights to try again. Booking on your final evening removes the main advantage of the return policy.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact terms when booking, since weather-related changes and return arrangements are handled by the operator.

Is $88 good value for two hours?

At first glance, $88 feels high for a short cruise. You are not paying for a guaranteed spectacle. You are paying for a guided attempt, a boat with indoor shelter, access to open water, and the chance to return if nature refuses to cooperate.

Compared with a longer coach outing, the cruise saves road time and gives you more room to move. It also offers a different setting from the usual roadside aurora stop. You see Reykjavik and the mountains from the water, and the boat itself becomes part of the evening.

The value is strongest if you enjoy the setting even when the sky stays dark. If the only acceptable result is a powerful green display, the price may feel risky. If you would enjoy a quiet harbour departure, sea air, mountain views, and a well-run second attempt, the cost is easier to defend.

The 4.3 rating from 438 reviews reflects that mixed reality: many outings produce memorable aurora displays, but the natural conditions remain beyond anyone’s control. Even people who saw nothing often found the boat comfortable and the crew helpful.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers a shorter evening activity close to Reykjavik. It is also a good fit if you dislike long coach journeys or want to keep your daytime free for museums, pools, or a full-day excursion.

The boat setting suits you if you like quiet views and changing scenery. The indoor areas make it easier for people who cannot remain outside in the cold for two hours, though you still need warm clothing for the best viewing.

This may not suit you if you need guaranteed darkness, guaranteed aurora activity, or a fully open schedule for photography. A countryside outing may offer darker skies, while a private guide may offer more control. This cruise wins on comfort, simple access, and a pleasant two-hour format.

Practical tips for a better night

• Book early in your stay: You have more time to use a free return if clouds block the first attempt.
• Arrive 30 minutes early: The QR code check-in is simple, but early arrival gives you a better chance of finding indoor seating.
• Dress for the deck: Wear layers, gloves, a warm hat, and comfortable shoes. Provided blankets help, but they do not replace winter clothing.
• Bring a charged phone: You may want to photograph faint activity or use the camera guidance from the crew.
• Watch until the end: The aurora may appear during the final part of the two-hour trip.
• Do not judge the sky too quickly: Weak activity may be visible to a camera before it becomes clear to your eyes.
• Keep your plans flexible: Weather cancellations and free rebooking are useful, but a short visit may not leave room for another night.

Should you book the Northern Lights cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, low-effort aurora hunt with sea views and a real indoor retreat from the cold. The double observation deck, friendly guides, free Wi-Fi, blankets, and helpful photography advice make the wait pleasant. The chance to try again is a major advantage, especially when you schedule it early in your stay.

Skip it if you are paying only for a guaranteed green sky. No Northern Lights tour can promise that, and the boat does not reach the darkest countryside. For most visitors, though, this is a sensible Reykjavik option: short, scenic, professionally organized, and much more enjoyable when you treat the cruise itself as part of the evening.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

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.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Optional pickup is available from hotels in the Reykjavik area.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live guide speaks English.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Aurora sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and solar activity, so viewing is not guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

You may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator. The exact arrangement depends on availability and your remaining time in Iceland.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them on the boat.