Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s harbor gives this northern lights hunt a striking first act: the city’s illuminated skyline recedes behind you as the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay. The aurora may appear, or clouds may have the final word. Either way, you get a different view of the capital and its waterfront after dark.

I like two things in particular: the warm, floatable overalls and heated cabin make a cold-weather outing more manageable, and the free return cruise gives you another chance if the lights do not show. The guide also explains what you are seeing and can help with camera settings when the aurora appears.

The main drawback is simple: this is a nature hunt, not a scheduled light show. Even a clear night does not guarantee a sighting, and the open decks can be very cold and windy. If you need the best possible odds, keep your plans flexible and consider a second night.

At a glance

• A two-hour boat trip from central Reykjavik: The cruise heads into Faxaflói Bay and returns to Elding’s harbor meeting point.
• City landmarks come first: Look for Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and, when lit from October to December, the Imagine Peace Tower.
• Choose your viewing spot: Watch from an outdoor deck or warm up in the heated indoor saloon.
• Overalls are provided: Bring your own hat and gloves, especially if you plan to spend time outside.
• No aurora means another try: If you do not see the lights, you are offered a complimentary cruise on another night.
• The price is $105 per person: That buys a compact evening outing with a guide and onboard facilities, but not a guaranteed aurora display.

Leaving Reykjavik’s harbor for Faxaflói Bay

Meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, near Reykjavik’s harbor. The tour lasts about two hours and ends back at the same meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to make your own way there and home.

As the boat pulls away, the city itself becomes part of the show. Harpa’s illuminated glass facade and Hallgrímskirkja’s distinctive tower are among the landmarks you may see from the water. The view is a welcome bonus even before you begin scanning the sky.

The cruise goes out into Faxaflói Bay, giving you a chance to look beyond the city’s immediate glow. It does not promise a long journey far from Reykjavik, however. One important distinction: this is a harbor-based boat outing, not a long drive into remote countryside. That makes it easier to fit into a city stay, but the city’s light pollution can still affect what you see.

The route may include the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit, from October through December. Its beam is an unusual sight from the water and offers a memorable point of interest even if the aurora stays hidden.

Looking for lights, not guarantees

The northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and conditions can change quickly. Clear skies help, but they do not ensure that the aurora will appear. Clouds can block the view, and a faint display may look more dramatic in a camera image than it does to your eyes.

That uncertainty is the central trade-off of this tour. You are paying for a guided outing on the water, not a guaranteed spectacle. When the lights do appear, the open view across the bay can be rewarding. Some nights bring a brief glow; others offer a longer display. The timing is outside the crew’s control.

The guide shares information about the aurora and the surroundings during the trip. When the lights show, the crew may point out where to look and offer help with camera settings. That practical support matters, since a phone or camera can capture color that is difficult to see clearly in a faint display.

If you do not see the lights, Elding offers complimentary tickets to try again on another night. The return ticket is the tour’s most useful safeguard, but it is not the same as a refund. One passenger was told the ticket was valid for two years, though you should confirm the exact terms when arranging your return. If you are visiting Reykjavik only briefly, a second attempt may not fit your schedule.

Outdoor decks, warm cabin, and the right clothes

The boat has outdoor viewing areas and a heated indoor saloon. That choice is more than a comfort detail: aurora watching usually means looking up and waiting, so being able to step inside to warm up can make the two hours easier.

The provided overalls are warm and floatable, but they do not replace your own cold-weather gear. Bring a hat and gloves, and wear layers you can adjust. The top deck can feel especially cold and windy in winter. Several people who went in January or October found the suits helpful, and some spent much of the trip outside despite the chill.

Inside, you will find seating, toilets, free Wi-Fi, and an onboard café selling hot drinks and snacks. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Hot chocolate is a popular choice, and the café provides a useful warm-up break, but do not count on a full meal.

The outdoor decks can get crowded, particularly when the aurora appears and everyone wants a clear view. The boat has multiple levels, but a busy upper deck may not offer the best sightline for everyone. Be prepared to move around and, if needed, look from another deck or the bow.

The boat can rock, even when the ride feels generally smooth. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual remedy. One person reported that the operator had seasickness tablets available, but availability is not guaranteed, so it is safer to come prepared.

What the $105 fare buys

At $105 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the northern lights. The value lies in the combination of a city cruise, guided sky-watching, warm overalls, indoor shelter, and the option to return free if you see no aurora. You also avoid spending several hours on a coach: the cruise is about two hours, compared with longer land-based outings.

The short duration is a plus if you want an evening activity without giving up most of the night. It is also a limit. A boat cannot drive around to find a patch of clear sky, and the cruise may not get far enough from city lights to suit everyone. A bus tour can move to different locations based on conditions, so it may be the better choice if you are focused chiefly on maximizing your chances.

Think of the ticket as paying for an accessible, enjoyable attempt rather than a result. The city views, Peace Tower when lit, and time on the water can make the evening worthwhile even without a strong aurora. But if your only goal is a dramatic display, the price may feel steep on a cloudy or quiet night.

The tour is offered in English and can take up to 150 people. That is a sizable group, so do not expect a private guide or a quiet, intimate boat. When announcements are made, background noise and conversation may make them hard to hear. Pay attention to safety instructions, and move closer to the guide if you want to catch the commentary.

Weather, timing, and practical planning

The cruise requires suitable weather and can be canceled at short notice if conditions are unfavorable. If the operator cancels, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since weather can also affect visibility without canceling the trip, check the forecast and aurora conditions before you go, but remember that forecasts cannot promise a sighting.

This is a good activity to schedule early enough in your Reykjavik stay to leave room for another attempt. The tour is booked an average of about 45 days ahead, so reserving in advance is sensible, especially if your dates are fixed. Keep a later evening free if you can, in case poor conditions force a change or you want to use the complimentary return ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded. If you are delayed getting to the harbor, contact the operator as soon as possible rather than assuming the boat can wait.

The meeting point is near public transportation. There is no hotel transfer included, and after the cruise you will need to arrange your own ride or walk back. Keep that in mind if you are staying farther from the harbor, especially late in the evening.

Passengers with limited mobility are welcome, but the boat is not fully accessible. Steep stairs and high thresholds can make it difficult to reach indoor areas and the toilets. If access is a concern, ask the operator about your specific needs before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if I wanted an easy-to-reach evening on the water and was happy to treat the aurora as a bonus rather than a promise. It suits visitors who are staying in Reykjavik, prefer a shorter activity to a long coach ride, and value a warm cabin and onboard facilities.

It is also a reasonable choice if you are curious about the city from the sea. Harpa and the illuminated waterfront look different from the bay, and the Peace Tower can be a special sight when it is lit. The boat trip itself gives the evening shape, even if the sky stays quiet.

Choose a land-based tour instead if your priority is to travel farther from city lights and follow weather conditions across a wider area. That approach may offer more flexibility in where you search, though it still cannot guarantee the aurora. If you are prone to motion sickness, the boat’s rocking is another reason to weigh your options carefully.

For photography, bring your camera or phone charged and ready, and listen for the crew’s advice about settings and where to stand. Keep expectations grounded: a faint aurora can be hard to see with the naked eye, and movement on the boat can make long exposures blurry. A vivid display can make for remarkable pictures, but the conditions have to cooperate.

Should you book it?

Book the Northern Lights Cruise if you want a manageable, two-hour outing with city views, a heated place to warm up, and a second chance if the aurora does not appear. The crew, overalls, and onboard café make the wait more comfortable, and the harbor setting adds interest beyond the sky.

Skip it if you want the tour operator to chase clear skies by road, or if you would feel that $105 was wasted without a strong display. For the best chance of enjoying the evening, go early in your stay, dress warmly, and treat the lights as nature’s decision, not the boat’s promise.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours. It begins and ends at Elding Whale Watching’s meeting point in Reykjavik harbor.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are northern lights sightings guaranteed?

No. The aurora is unpredictable, and cloud cover or other conditions may prevent you from seeing it.

What happens if I do not see the lights?

You are offered complimentary tickets to try the cruise again on another night. Confirm the return ticket’s validity and use terms with the operator.

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm, floatable overalls are available to borrow. Bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort, particularly if you plan to watch from an outdoor deck.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and hot drinks can be purchased at the onboard café. Wi-Fi and toilet facilities are available on board.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. If conditions are unfavorable, the tour may be canceled at short notice. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.