Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

A northern lights yacht cruise gives you a different kind of vantage point: out on Faxafloi Bay, with Reykjavik’s glow behind you and open sky overhead. I like the choice of three viewing decks and the warm indoor lounge, so you can step outside for the aurora and duck back in when the wind bites.

I also like that guides help you spot the lights and take better phone photos, rather than leaving you to guess at a faint glow. The catch is the same as with every aurora outing: sightings are not guaranteed, and cold air, clouds, and a moving boat can make waiting and photography tough.

At a glance

• A short trip out of the harbor: The yacht sails among small islands in Faxafloi Bay, follows Reykjavik’s coast, then heads away from city lights.
• Three places to watch: Panoramic deck areas give you room to look for the aurora, though the upper deck can feel crowded on busy nights.
• A warm retreat onboard: The bar and lounge offer indoor seating, drinks for purchase, and a break from the cold.
• Useful help from the guide: Guides explain the aurora and can show you phone-camera settings that work better in the dark.
• A flexible backup if the sky stays blank: If the lights do not appear, the provider may offer a free return trip. Confirm the terms when you book.
• Two hours, about $93 per person: A compact evening outing, with hotel pickup available as an optional extra.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, about 30 minutes before departure. Scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. If you have selected hotel pickup, it is available from hotels in the Reykjavik area; otherwise, make your own way to the harbor.

Once aboard, the yacht heads out among the small islands of Faxafloi Bay and along Reykjavik’s coast. The city looks appealing from the water, and the route itself gives the outing more substance than simply standing on a dark patch of shore. The captain then steers away from the city lights, where the crew can search the sky with less glare.

The cruise lasts two hours, but the exact time spent sailing and waiting for the aurora can vary. The lights may appear early, late, or not at all. On some clear nights, the display has started within minutes; on others, the boat has spent most of the trip looking. That uncertainty is part of the deal, so plan the cruise as an enjoyable evening on the water, not as a guaranteed performance.

Choosing a deck, or heading inside

The yacht has three panoramic deck areas, giving you several spots to look up and scan the horizon. When the aurora appears, you can move outside for a clear view and try to frame the lights against the sea and sky. Expect the exposed decks to feel cold, especially if you stand still for long stretches. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera are sensible choices. The operator also supplies warm blankets.

The upper deck is the obvious place to watch, but it can draw a crowd when the lights appear. On a busy departure, you may find fewer open spots inside as well, particularly if people are returning after an unsuccessful first outing. If having a seat matters to you, try to settle in early and keep a warm layer handy so you can wait indoors without missing the guide’s updates.

The lounge and bar make a real difference on a two-hour night trip. You can warm up between sightings, buy a drink, or simply take a break from the wind. Hot chocolate is a popular choice, and the bar also sells alcoholic and other drinks. Drinks and souvenirs are not included in the ticket price. Toilets are available onboard, according to the boat’s facilities information.

Wi-Fi and seasickness tablets are included. The tablets may be helpful if you are prone to motion sickness, though the boat can still move enough to make long-exposure photos tricky. One practical point: a moving deck can blur night shots, even when you have a good view. A guide may help you adjust your phone settings, but a steady image is never assured at sea.

Waiting for the aurora

The guide speaks English and explains the northern lights as you travel and wait. The most useful help may be learning what to look for. The aurora can start as a faint, pale patch that seems less dramatic to the naked eye than it does on a phone screen. When it brightens, its colors and movement can become much clearer. Guides have also helped passengers adjust camera-phone settings and pointed out stars and other features overhead.

Guides named Maria and Julian have been praised for keeping people informed and helping with photographs. Staff may also take pictures for you, though you should not count on every guide being available at every moment. If the aurora comes in waves, as it sometimes does, stay within earshot of the guide. You can wait inside between appearances and head back to the deck when there is something to see.

The lights are a natural event, not a scheduled show. Cloud cover can hide them, and a strong display may be brief or faint. Some departures have seen only a short glimpse, while others have had an hour or more of activity. A few outings have also brought unexpected sights, such as shooting stars or whales, but those are pleasant possibilities, not promised parts of the tour.

There is no need to feel disappointed if the first sighting looks subtle. A camera may pick up color that is hard to see at first glance, and the aurora can strengthen later. Still, keep expectations grounded: the boat gets you away from city lights, but it cannot control the weather or the intensity of the display.

Getting photos without freezing

Bring a camera if you have one, but a phone can work too. The guide may offer practical advice on settings, and crew members have helped take pictures of passengers. Keep your hands warm enough to operate your device, and consider going inside between photo attempts. Gloves that let you handle a screen can be useful, though that is a general packing tip rather than equipment provided by the tour.

The boat’s motion is the main photo drawback. Long exposures need a steady platform, and a yacht bobbing on the water can turn a sharp shot into a blur. If you want a picture you will keep, take several when the boat feels steady, and make time to watch the aurora without a screen in front of you. The lights themselves are the point; a perfect photograph is a bonus.

Dress for standing outside at night, not just for the walk to the harbor. Reviews of the trip describe very cold conditions, including one evening at minus 10 degrees. Wear warm layers, a coat, gloves, and suitable shoes. Blankets are provided, but they are an extra layer, not a substitute for proper clothing.

What $93 buys you

At about $93 per person, this is more than the cost of getting to a viewing spot. Your fare covers a two-hour cruise, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, warm blankets, and seasickness tablets. You also get an indoor lounge and bar area, plus three deck spaces for viewing. Optional hotel pickup adds convenience if you do not want to arrange your own trip to the harbor.

The value depends partly on how you weigh the boat against the uncertainty of the aurora. If the lights appear, the open-water setting can make for a memorable view. If they do not, you still get a short coastal cruise and a comfortable place to wait, but the central reason for booking has not come through. Drinks are an additional cost, so factor those in if you expect to spend time at the bar.

A free return trip may be available when the aurora is not seen, which can soften the risk for people staying in Reykjavik for several nights. It is less useful if this is your final evening or you have a tight schedule. Ask the provider to confirm the rescheduling conditions before you rely on a second chance.

Weather can also affect whether a departure goes ahead. One sailing was canceled because of conditions, with passengers contacted and moved to the following day. If your plans are flexible, a change may be manageable. If this is your only possible night, keep in mind that both sailing and sighting depend on conditions beyond the crew’s control.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if I wanted to watch for the aurora from the water without committing to a much longer outing. The two-hour duration suits families and anyone who would rather not spend a whole night on a tour. The indoor seating, toilets, and bar make it easier to manage the wait than standing outside for the full evening.

It also works well if you like the idea of a guided search. You get explanations, help spotting the lights, and the chance to move between a deck and a warm room. If you are especially keen on photography, the guide’s tips are useful, but the boat’s motion makes this a less reliable setting for crisp long exposures than a stable shore.

You may prefer another option if you need a guaranteed sighting, dislike being on the water, or cannot tolerate cold outdoor waits. The yacht can take you away from city glow, but no tour can promise what the sky will do. For a last night in Iceland, consider the possibility of a no-show carefully, especially if you will not have time to use a return offer.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik. Arrive 30 minutes before departure and scan your ticket at the self-service kiosk. Starting times vary, so check the schedule for your date. Hotel pickup is optional and is available from hotels in the Reykjavik area.

The tour is conducted in English and lasts two hours. Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and a camera if you want to take pictures. The bar sells drinks, and souvenirs are available to buy. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure; check the current booking terms for the exact conditions.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy-to-reach, two-hour aurora outing with an indoor lounge, a bar, and several places to watch from outside. Its strongest points are the comfortable boat, attentive guides, and the chance to get beyond Reykjavik’s lights without spending most of the night on a bus.

Skip it if you need certainty or have only one narrow chance to see the aurora. The yacht improves your viewing setting, not the odds of clear skies. If you do go, dress warmly, keep expectations flexible, and give yourself permission to put the camera away when the lights finally appear.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Yacht Tour?

The cruise lasts two hours. Check availability for the departure times on your chosen date.

Where does the tour meet?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik, about 30 minutes before departure.

How do I check in?

Scan the barcode or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside Old Harbour House.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is available as an optional selection for hotels in the Reykjavik area. It is not included unless you choose that option.

What language is the tour guide’s commentary in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Are northern lights sightings guaranteed?

No. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and a sighting is not guaranteed.

Can I take the tour again if the lights do not appear?

The provider may offer a free reschedule if the lights are not seen. Confirm the conditions directly with the activity provider.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera. Dress warmly for time outside on the deck.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks are available to buy onboard. Souvenirs are also available for purchase.

What is included with the cruise?

The cruise includes an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi onboard, warm blankets, and seasickness tablets.