Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

From Reykjavík Old Harbor, this 2.5-hour yacht cruise heads into Faxaflói Bay, where the city lights fade and the sky gets a chance to put on its show. If the aurora appears, you can watch from the deck or through the windows of a warm indoor cabin.

I like two things here: the boat gives you a fresh view of Reykjavík’s shoreline and landmarks, and the crew can explain both the science and Icelandic stories tied to the lights. The blankets and inside seating also make the wait more comfortable.

The main catch is the sky. Cloud cover can hide the aurora, and a boat has less freedom than a land tour to move between viewing spots. Treat the lights as a possibility, not a promise.

• The route starts at Old Harbor: You check in inside the restaurant at a self check-in kiosk, then cruise out toward Faxaflói Bay.
• Two yachts may be used: MY Harpa holds up to 35 passengers; MY Amelia Rose holds up to 95.
• You get both city views and open water: Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager and Höfði are among the landmarks visible from the water.
• The aurora is never guaranteed: Clouds and conditions can change the view, even after a promising start.
• Comfort matters on a cold night: There is an inside seating area, warm blankets and free Wi-Fi. Hot and cold drinks are available to buy at the bar.
• The price is $99 per person: It is best value if you want the boat ride and city views as well as an aurora search.

Leaving Reykjavík Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

The cruise begins at Reykjavík Old Harbor, a handy starting point for an evening on the water. Check in at the self check-in kiosk inside the restaurant. One practical wrinkle: the location pin may not make it obvious that you need to go indoors, so look for the restaurant rather than waiting outside by the boats.

Once aboard, the yacht heads along the coast and out into Faxaflói Bay. The aim is to get away from the strongest city lights and find a darker stretch of water, where any aurora may be easier to see. The route also gives you a different angle on Reykjavík, with the city glowing behind you rather than filling your view from street level.

This is a search, not a fixed-point viewing stop. The crew navigates into the darkness behind islands in the bay, including Viðey, while keeping an eye on the sky. The 2.5-hour duration gives the boat time to get out, wait and return, but it does not let the crew roam as widely as a vehicle-based tour might.

City landmarks look different from the water

The outward cruise is part of the experience, not just transport to an aurora viewing spot. Harpa Concert Hall is easy to pick out by its glass façade, inspired by Iceland’s basalt formations. From the water, its shape and lights make a striking contrast with the dark bay.

You may also see the Sun Voyager, Jón Gunnar Árnason’s sculpture that resembles a ship’s skeleton, and Höfði house, known for the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The crew can point out landmarks and share context along the way. That commentary helps make the ride worthwhile even if the sky stays cloudy.

Viðey adds another point of interest. From October 9 to December 8, and on select other days, Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower shines from the island. Its beam gives the dark shoreline a distinctive glow, though it is separate from the natural aurora you have come to seek.

Waiting for the aurora, with a warm cabin nearby

The northern lights appear when solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere. That simple explanation helps make sense of the shifting curtains of color, but predicting exactly when and where they will show is another matter. Clear skies and aurora activity both matter, and neither can be guaranteed on a particular night.

The crew keeps watch and updates passengers when activity appears. You can stay inside until there is something to see, then head out to the deck. That is a useful approach: standing outside for the whole cruise in a cold sea breeze can wear you down before the sky does anything.

The indoor seating area offers warmth and a place to rest between checks. Blankets are provided, and a bar sells hot and cold drinks. Those purchases are extra, so bring that into your budget if a hot drink sounds essential. Free Wi-Fi is also listed as an onboard amenity, though the main reason to be out here is to look up, not at a screen.

The boat’s stable platform can help with photography compared with trying to hold a camera steady on a moving, uneven surface. Still, you will want warm layers and patience. A passenger who plans to take pictures should dress for time on deck, even if the cabin is warm.

Which yacht you get changes the feel

The operator uses one of two boats. MY Harpa holds up to 35 passengers, while MY Amelia Rose can take up to 95. That is a meaningful difference if you are hoping for a quiet, intimate trip. The smaller yacht is naturally more limited in capacity; the larger one may feel busier, especially when people head out to the deck at once.

The exact boat is not specified in advance in the activity details, so do not book assuming you are guaranteed the smaller vessel. Both are motor yachts, but the onboard feel may differ with the number of passengers and the boat in use. If a smaller group is important to you, ask the operator before booking.

You can choose to sit inside or outside. On a cloudy or cold evening, staying warm in the cabin until the guide spots activity is a sensible plan. When the lights do appear, you can move out for a clearer view. The city remains visible on the horizon, which can help if you feel uneasy about being offshore in the dark.

A good crew can make a cloudy night worthwhile

The crew’s role is more than steering the boat. A strong guide can explain what causes the aurora, tell local stories and keep the mood steady while everyone waits. Some passengers have praised guides for mixing science with Icelandic myths, and for explaining when it was worth going outside. Others have wished for more commentary, so the level of narration may vary.

That difference matters most on a night when the sky does not cooperate. A clear aurora display can carry the evening on its own; a cloudy sky puts more weight on the ride, the landmarks and the guide’s stories. Even then, the boat trip can still be pleasant, but it is fair to say the northern lights are the main reason many people book.

Occasionally, a tour may be affected by weather, boat changes or other operating issues. One account describes a replacement vessel after an electrical problem, and the operator offered a chance to rebook. Do not assume every disruption will be handled the same way, but if the boat or plan changes, ask what options are available.

What the $99 fare buys you

At $99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the aurora. The price buys a 2.5-hour yacht cruise, an experienced crew, an inside seating area, blankets and Wi-Fi. Drinks are available to purchase rather than included.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. If you only care about getting to the darkest possible spot, a land tour may offer more flexibility to move around cloud cover. A boat has a set route across the bay, so it cannot simply drive inland to a different patch of clear sky. But if you also want a coastal cruise, Reykjavík views from the water and a comfortable indoor space, the fare covers more than an aurora gamble.

A handful of people have described seeing the lights late in the trip, even as the boat was returning to harbor. That is a useful reminder to keep watching until the end. The aurora may show briefly, appear faintly through cloud or fail to show at all. No guide can control that.

The booking terms offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date you have in mind before building the rest of your evening around it.

Dress for the deck, not just the cabin

Reykjavík’s coastal weather can feel colder on the water, especially when you are standing still and looking upward. Dress warmly, as the operator advises, and think in layers so you can adjust between the heated indoor area and the open deck. The blankets help, but they are not a substitute for a warm coat.

If you are prone to feeling uneasy on a boat, the route may feel more manageable than you expect. The boat does not race through the bay, and the city lights remain visible on the horizon. You can also sit inside and wait for an update before stepping onto the deck.

The meeting point deserves a little attention. Go inside the restaurant to check in at the kiosk, rather than searching only around the harbor outside. That small detail can save you an avoidable start-of-tour scramble.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you like being on the water, want to see Reykjavík from a new angle and are comfortable with the uncertainty of an aurora search. It suits couples, families and first-time visitors who want a relaxed evening with a warm cabin as a fallback. The guide’s explanations and the city landmarks give the trip substance beyond simply waiting in the dark.

I would think twice if your only goal is maximizing the odds of seeing the lights. A land tour may have more freedom to pursue clearer skies, while this yacht follows a water route. And if you dislike cold air or cannot tolerate the possibility of spending 2.5 hours without seeing the aurora, the price may feel steep.

Book it for the whole outing: the coastline, the boat, the city glow and the chance of a sky show. If the lights appear, you get a memorable view over the bay. If they do not, you still have a scenic cruise, but the night will not deliver its headline attraction.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights yacht cruise?

The cruise lasts 2.5 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $99 per person.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Reykjavík Old Harbor. Check in inside the restaurant at the self check-in kiosk.

Which boat will I be on?

The cruise uses either MY Harpa, with room for up to 35 passengers, or MY Amelia Rose, with room for up to 95 passengers.

Is the northern lights display guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on conditions, and clouds may block the view.

What can I see on the cruise besides the aurora?

The route passes Reykjavík’s coastline and may include views of Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, Höfði house and Viðey.

Are blankets and indoor seating provided?

Yes. The cruise includes warm blankets and an inside seating area.

Are drinks included?

No drinks are listed as included. Hot and cold drinks are available to buy at the bar.

What languages are available for the tour?

The live guide 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.