Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

The best reason to take this cruise is the change of scene: Reykjavík’s bright harbour slips behind you, and the boat heads into the dark of Faxaflói Bay to look for the Northern Lights. You get city views along the way, but the aurora is the main event, and nature does not take reservations.

I like two things about this outing: the warm indoor saloon and loaner overalls make a cold night more manageable, and the crew’s sighting guarantee gives you another chance if the lights do not appear. One thing to weigh up: a moving boat and low light make aurora photography difficult, so this is a better fit for watching than for getting a perfect camera shot.

• A 2.5-hour search by sea: The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, away from the harbour, to look for a clear view of the sky.
• A Reykjavík night view: Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja are among the landmarks you can see lit up from the water.
• Imagine Peace Tower, October to December: The route passes the tower when it is lit.
• Comfort for cold weather: Warm overalls, raincoats, blankets, a heated saloon, seats, and toilets are available on board.
• A free second try: If the Northern Lights do not appear, you can come back another night at no charge.
• A practical camera caveat: The boat’s motion can blur photos, and capturing the aurora takes some skill.

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay

The cruise starts at Elding’s whale-watching boat in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, at Ægisgarður 5. From there, you sail out into Faxaflói Bay, with the city still in view as the boat leaves the harbour lights behind.

That change matters. From land, buildings and streetlights can compete with the night sky. Out on the bay, you have open water and a wider view overhead. The crew and captain check the weather and forecast before departure to choose conditions that improve your chances, but no forecast can promise an aurora.

The route also gives you a city-at-night outing even if the sky stays quiet. From the water, you can see Reykjavík’s shoreline and landmarks such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja, both illuminated after dark. It is a different angle on the capital, and a pleasant part of the trip rather than simply time spent waiting.

If you are visiting between October and December, the boat also sails past the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit. Its beam adds a distinctive sight to the harbour-side portion of the cruise. The tower is not described as a guaranteed feature outside those months, so think of it as a seasonal extra, not the central reason to book.

Getting comfortable before the sky show

A Northern Lights outing means spending time outdoors in the cold, often while looking up and waiting. This boat is set up to make that wait more comfortable. You can borrow warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, and retreat to a heated indoor saloon with seating whenever you need a break from the open deck.

There are toilets on board, too, which is a small but useful comfort on a 2.5-hour trip. A café sells hot drinks and snacks, though refreshments are not included in the fare. The provided clothing and indoor space help, but you should still dress for a cold evening. The open viewing platforms are where you will want to be if the aurora appears.

The two spaces serve different purposes. Inside, you can warm up and sit comfortably; outside, you get a less obstructed view of the sky. I would treat the saloon as a welcome refuge, not a replacement for time on deck. If the lights appear, you will want to be ready to step out.

The crew has helped passengers adjust camera settings in the past, which is worth asking about if you bring a camera. Still, do not count on the boat as a photography platform. The combination of darkness, movement, and a moving subject can make sharp aurora pictures tricky. The tour information specifically cautions that this trip is not recommended if photography is your chief goal.

Waiting for the Northern Lights

Once the boat is out in the bay, the main activity is looking and waiting. Your naturalist guide shares information during the cruise and calls out when the Northern Lights begin to show. That alert is helpful: you do not have to keep scanning every patch of sky on your own, and you can enjoy the city views while conditions develop.

The lights can begin faintly. A pale line or subtle glow may be all you see at first, while a stronger display can bring more movement and colour. What appears to your eyes depends on the night. A bright display is not guaranteed, and a camera may record more colour than you can see unaided. Keep your expectations open rather than treating dramatic photos as the standard.

Past outings have ranged from a brief glimpse to a striking display, and sometimes the lights have appeared before the boat has even left the harbour. That variety is the nature of the experience. A captain and guide can make sensible choices based on weather and forecasts, but they cannot control cloud cover or solar activity.

The cruise’s sighting guarantee helps soften the risk. If the aurora does not appear, you are offered another trip free of charge. This does not turn a missed sighting into a same-night certainty, and you may need another evening in Reykjavík to use the offer. It is most useful if your plans leave room to try again.

What the $111 fare gets you

At $111 per person, this is a paid evening excursion, not simply a boat ride across the bay. The price covers the 2.5-hour cruise, a live English-speaking naturalist guide, loaner cold-weather gear, and the free return option if the lights do not appear. You also get the city views and, in season, a chance to see the Imagine Peace Tower from the water.

The value depends on what you want from the night. If the Northern Lights are your priority and you have more than one evening in Reykjavík, the free second attempt adds meaningful reassurance. If you have only one night available, the guarantee may be less useful, because a return requires another night and the aurora remains uncertain.

Do not forget to budget for anything you buy at the onboard café. Hot drinks and snacks are sold separately, and other refreshments are not included. Hotel pickup is also not part of the fare, though it can be arranged for an extra charge. The meeting point is in the Old Harbour, so check your route there before departure.

There is also value in the outing even without a strong aurora. A night sail gives you a clear look at the illuminated waterfront and a chance to get out on the water. But be honest with yourself about the main attraction: if you expect a guaranteed light show, this is not the right purchase. If you accept the uncertainty and welcome the boat trip as part of the evening, the price is easier to justify.

Making the most of the boat trip

Arrive ready for both the inside and outside parts of the cruise. The supplied overalls and blankets are useful, but warm layers underneath will make it easier to spend time on deck. Keep your gloves and other cold-weather essentials handy, rather than packed away where you cannot reach them when the guide calls out.

If you plan to take photos, bring your camera only if you are comfortable with the possibility of getting blurred or disappointing results. The boat moves, and photographing the Northern Lights takes practice. You can ask the crew for camera-setting help, but their assistance cannot remove the limits of a moving platform or a faint display.

I would also make a plan for a second evening if seeing the aurora is a high priority. The trip’s free return is most useful when your schedule has some flexibility. The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, but the time outside can feel longer on a cold night, especially if the sky remains cloudy or quiet. The heated saloon gives you somewhere to wait, but patience is still part of the deal.

The tour is in English, with a live naturalist guide. You can expect information during the cruise and an announcement if the Northern Lights begin to appear. No guide can make the sky cooperate, but a guide who helps you understand what you are seeing can make a faint display more rewarding.

Who should book this Northern Lights cruise?

This outing suits you if you want to see Reykjavík from the water and are willing to give the Northern Lights a chance without demanding a guaranteed show. It is especially appealing if you value having a warm indoor space, borrowed overalls, and a free return option if the lights stay hidden.

It is less suited to you if you are mainly chasing sharp aurora photographs. A boat’s movement makes that harder, and the tour information cautions against booking with photography as your main goal. It may also disappoint if you have one available evening and would consider the trip worthwhile only if the lights appear.

The crew’s friendliness and practical help have been part of the outing’s appeal, including assistance with camera settings and sensible decisions when weather makes sailing a poor choice. One past trip was cancelled for bad weather and rebooked for the following night; another was extended beyond two hours. Those details show how conditions can shape the evening, but they should not be treated as a promise that your cruise will run long or be moved to a particular night.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, guided search from Reykjavík, with city lights and open bay views as part of the evening. The free return makes the uncertainty easier to accept, provided you have another night to spare. Skip it if getting a strong aurora photograph is your top aim, or if you need nature to perform on a fixed schedule. The boat can put you in a good place to look; the sky still has the final say.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours. Actual time on the water can vary with conditions.

Where does the cruise leave from?

Meet at the Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

What language is the guided tour in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What is included in the ticket?

Warm overalls, raincoats, blankets, and a naturalist guide are included. The ticket also comes with a free return trip if the Northern Lights do not appear.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks, but refreshments are not included in the fare.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

You are offered the chance to come another night for free. The aurora itself cannot be guaranteed.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights from the boat?

It is possible, but the boat’s movement can make photos blurry, and photographing the lights takes some skill. The tour is not recommended if photography is your main reason for booking.

Can I see the Imagine Peace Tower?

The boat passes the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit, from October through December.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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