Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

The sky is the star of this cruise. From Reykjavík Old Harbor, you sail into Faxaflói Bay, leaving much of the city glow behind while watching for the northern lights. I like the small-yacht feel and the chance to see Reykjavík landmarks from the water, including Harpa and the Sun Voyager. The main catch is simple: clouds and aurora activity control the evening, not the crew.

I also like the warm indoor seating, blankets, onboard drinks, and steady platform for photographs. A second attempt may be possible if the lights fail to appear, but that depends on the operator and your schedule. At $99 per person, this is a fair choice if you value comfort and atmosphere as much as the aurora itself.

Key points before you book

• Two different yachts: MY Harpa carries up to 35 people, while MY Amelia Rose carries up to 95.
• A 2.5-hour evening on the water: The route reaches Faxaflói Bay and the darker water behind islands such as Viðey.
• City sights come along for the ride: You may see Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, Höfði house, and the coastline from offshore.
• Comfort matters here: Indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, warm blankets, and hot drinks help during the wait.
• Aurora sightings are never assured: Several outings saw only a brief glow or nothing at all because of cloud cover.
• The meeting point needs care: Check in at a self-service kiosk inside the restaurant at the Old Harbor.

Leaving Reykjavík Old Harbor after dark

The evening starts at Reykjavík Old Harbor, a handy base for restaurants, boat trips, and waterfront walks. Check-in takes place inside the restaurant, at a self-check-in kiosk. The map point has caused some confusion, so I would go into the building rather than search around outside for a separate office.

Once aboard, you can choose between the heated interior and outdoor viewing areas. The indoor space is useful at the start of the cruise, when you are still waiting for the boat to reach darker water. You can look through the windows, listen for updates, and step outside once the crew spots a promising patch of sky.

The cruise lasts about two and a half hours. That gives the crew time to move away from Reykjavík’s strongest lights and search for clearer skies, but it also means you should dress for a long period outside. Wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves even if the evening feels mild on land. Blankets are supplied, yet they are a backup, not a replacement for proper winter clothing.

Harpa, the Sun Voyager, and Höfði from the water

The first part of the route combines sightseeing with the search for the aurora. From the bay, Reykjavík looks different. Harpa Concert Hall is especially striking after dark, with its glass exterior inspired by Iceland’s basalt formations. The changing reflections make it one of the city’s best nighttime views.

The Sun Voyager, Jón Gunnar Árnason’s steel sculpture, is another familiar landmark seen from a less common angle. From shore, you see its shape against the bay. From the yacht, you get the wider setting of water, mountains, and city lights, assuming conditions allow.

The route also passes near Höfði house, the historic Reykjavík building associated with the 1986 meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. That meeting helped mark the end of the Cold War. You will not be visiting the building, but the guide can give the sight more meaning than a quick glance from a city street.

These sights are not formal stops. The yacht keeps moving, and the focus remains on the sky. If you want a detailed Reykjavík architecture tour, choose a dedicated city walk. Here, the landmarks are a welcome extra during the outward journey and the return to harbor.

Into Faxaflói Bay and behind Viðey

The cruise heads into Faxaflói Bay, where the city lights thin out. The crew aims for the darker water behind the islands, including Viðey. That location gives the sky a better chance than the waterfront, though it cannot remove cloud cover or guarantee strong aurora activity.

Viðey adds a special seasonal detail. From October 9 to December 8, and on selected other dates, Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower can be visible from the water. The tower is connected with a column of light rather than the green ribbons of the aurora, so it offers a different kind of nighttime spectacle.

The boat’s route has a practical limit. It cannot roam as widely as a land-based vehicle, which may be able to chase breaks in the clouds in several directions. A boat trip gives you open views over the bay and a calm, unusual setting, but a jeep or bus tour may have more freedom to move toward better conditions.

That tradeoff is worth understanding before you pay. If your only goal is the highest possible chance of seeing the lights, compare this cruise with a land excursion. If you like the idea of a comfortable evening on the water, with Reykjavík and the coastline as part of the experience, the yacht makes good sense.

Waiting for the aurora aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose

You may board MY Harpa, which holds up to 35 people, or MY Amelia Rose, which carries up to 95. The difference matters. MY Harpa offers a more intimate setting and is the better match if you prefer a smaller group. MY Amelia Rose is larger, with more people sharing the space and the viewing areas.

The exact yacht is not something you should assume in advance. The operator assigns the vessel, so book this cruise for the general experience rather than a guaranteed particular boat. A past outing was also moved to another vessel because of electrical trouble, showing why some flexibility is sensible.

Both yachts provide indoor seating, and the boats have outdoor areas for sky watching. The smaller vessel has drawn praise for its clean, comfortable feel and more personal atmosphere. The larger boat can still work well, especially if you value room to move between the cabin and deck.

There is a bar where you can buy hot and cold drinks, and some outings have also offered chocolate or local treats. These are extras rather than part of the ticket. Free Wi-Fi is included, which is handy for checking weather updates or sharing a photo when you return to coverage.

The boat is described as stable and not excessively fast. That will reassure anyone who feels uneasy on open water. One person who was nervous about being at sea found the motion manageable and appreciated being able to see city lights on the horizon. Seasickness is still personal, so anyone sensitive to movement should keep that in mind.

What the northern lights look like from the bay

The aurora appears when solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere. The display can be a strong green arc, a faint pale band, or a brief glow that fades before you have your camera ready. Even when the lights are active, cloud can hide them completely.

Several successful outings were rewarded with long, dramatic displays. Others saw the lights only at the end of the cruise while returning to the harbor. A cloudy evening with light rain produced just a brief appearance for one group. Another evening offered only a glimpse through breaks in the cloud.

This is why I would treat the cruise as an aurora search rather than a guaranteed show. The crew can read conditions, move away from city lights, and keep you updated, but it cannot control solar activity or weather. Some guides have also changed plans when conditions made a different viewing point more sensible. One outing moved to a land location when the weather was poor and produced a much better sighting there.

When the aurora does appear, the water gives you a fine foreground. You may frame the lights above the city, the dark bay, or the outline of Viðey. The stable boat helps with photography, though you still need warm hands and patience. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise staring at a screen.

How the crew shapes the evening

The crew is a major part of the value. The best guides explain both the science and Icelandic stories, helping the waiting time pass without pretending every cloud is a sign of a coming display. Guides have shared myths, local history, and clear explanations of what causes the aurora.

Past trips have included Einar, praised for his local knowledge and friendly manner, and Seamus, who helped arrange a free second attempt after a first night without lights. Staff have also been praised for keeping spirits up during wet, cloudy conditions. That matters on a weather-dependent excursion, when good communication can make an uncertain night feel worthwhile.

Commentary can vary. One outing had strong guiding but little explanation of how the aurora forms. If science is important to you, ask questions when the guide is available. The tour is not built around a formal lecture, so the amount of commentary may depend on the conditions and the guide.

The crew also handles the practical side: telling you when activity appears, helping you move outside, and keeping you informed about the route. A helpful guide cannot produce an aurora, but can make the search feel purposeful rather than like two hours of staring at clouds.

Is $99 a fair price?

At $99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for the northern lights. You are paying for a yacht, crew, indoor seating, blankets, Wi-Fi, and a scenic cruise, not simply transport to a dark field.

The price feels fair if you want a comfortable evening with several layers of interest. You get Reykjavík’s illuminated waterfront, open views across Faxaflói Bay, a chance to see the aurora, and a warm place to wait. The cruise also suits anyone who dislikes the idea of standing in a remote parking area for hours.

The value is weaker if you measure success only by whether the lights appear. A cloudy night can leave you with a pleasant boat ride but no aurora. Land-based tours may offer a wider search area, although they may involve more time on roads and less comfort.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful because Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Still, I would not book this as your only aurora opportunity if seeing the lights is the main purpose of your Iceland trip.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a relaxed night with a bit of adventure. It is also a good fit if you like photography, city views, boats, or the idea of seeing Reykjavík from offshore.

The indoor seating makes it more comfortable than a fully outdoor hunt. Families may appreciate the blankets, easy access to drinks, and the option to warm up inside. The smaller yacht, when assigned, is especially appealing if you prefer a quieter group.

You should think twice if you become seasick, dislike cold weather, or have only one evening available for the aurora. The tour can be enjoyable without a sighting, but that depends on how much you value the cruise itself. If clouds are thick and the forecast is poor, ask about rescheduling before you commit to the trip.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 133 reviews, a solid result for an activity whose main attraction cannot be promised. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, comfortable boats, useful commentary, and memorable sightings. The main complaints concern cloudy skies, a confusing meeting point, limited commentary on one outing, and occasional boat substitutions.

Should you book the Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise?

Book it if you want the northern lights search wrapped in a pleasant Reykjavík evening. The yacht is comfortable, the coastline looks good from the water, and the crew generally adds warmth and useful information to a long wait. The chance to see the aurora above Faxaflói Bay can be extraordinary when the sky opens.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed show or the widest possible search area. Check the forecast, dress warmly, arrive at the restaurant kiosk with time to spare, and consider booking early enough in your trip to leave room for a second attempt.

For $99, I see this as a worthwhile choice for comfort and atmosphere, not a guarantee machine. If the aurora appears, you may get a superb night. If it does not, you should still come away with a scenic boat ride and a fresh view of Reykjavík.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights motor yacht cruise depart?

It departs from Reykjavík Old Harbor. Check in inside the restaurant at a self-check-in kiosk.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $99 per person.

Which yacht will I take?

You will travel on either MY Harpa, which holds up to 35 people, or MY Amelia Rose, which holds up to 95 people.

Is indoor seating available?

Yes. Both the yacht cruise and the included facilities provide an inside seating area.

Are warm blankets provided?

Yes. Warm blankets are included onboard.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is included on the cruise.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are available at the onboard bar, but the supplied information does not state that they are included in the ticket price.

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?

No. Cloud cover and aurora conditions can prevent a sighting. Some outings have seen a strong display, while others have seen only a brief glimpse or nothing.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Icelandic and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The booking option allows you to reserve your place and pay later.