Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

The northern lights are the star of this Reykjavik cruise, but nature sets the schedule. You sail away from the city’s shine in search of darker skies, then watch from the boat’s three outdoor decks if the aurora appears. A clear night can turn the crossing into a memorable show; clouds or low activity can leave you watching an ordinary dark sea.

I like two practical touches: warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins make the cold easier to manage, and a free return trip gives you another chance if the lights do not show. The catch is that the cruise depends on both aurora activity and safe sailing conditions, so a cancellation or a night without sightings is a real possibility.

The essentials before you book

• A 2.5-hour search by sea: Expect an evening cruise of about two to three hours, starting and ending at the Reykjavik meeting point.
• Three outdoor decks: You can look for the aurora from outside, where the view is best, or warm up in a heated cabin.
• Warm gear is supplied: Flotation overalls are included, but you should still wear warm clothes and good footwear.
• No aurora, another chance: If the lights do not appear, you receive a free ticket to join again.
• Weather can cancel the cruise: Unsafe sea conditions or poor weather may mean a new date or a full refund.
• Budget for extras: Snacks and drinks cost extra, and pickup is available for an additional charge.

Leaving Reykjavik in search of darker skies

The cruise departs from Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik and returns to the same meeting point. The idea is simple: move away from some of the city’s light and look north into the night sky from the water. It is a different angle from a bus tour or a land-based lookout, and the open horizon can be a real advantage when the aurora is active.

Still, a boat does not guarantee a darker or more remote setting. Some nights the vessel may stay fairly close to the harbour, and the city or nearby hillside lights can remain in view. If you expect a long voyage into empty wilderness, adjust that picture. This is a short cruise from the capital, not an expedition far offshore.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point can be confusing in the dark, and directions sent by email may be more useful than relying on an address alone. Check the departure details in your email and the operator’s daily diary before setting out. That small bit of preparation can spare you a chilly, last-minute search along the waterfront.

The boat, the decks and the cold

The main event happens outdoors. The boat has three open decks, giving you room to look around and choose a spot with a clear view. If the aurora starts to move across the sky, being outside lets you follow it rather than peer through a window.

I would not treat the decks as a place to stand unprepared. Reykjavik nights at sea can feel bitterly cold, and wind makes waiting less comfortable. The included flotation overalls help, but they are not a substitute for warm layers, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Bring a camera if you want pictures, but keep your hands warm enough to use it.

When you need a break, the heated indoor cabins offer shelter and there are toilet facilities on board. Free WiFi is also included. The cabin is a welcome reset between checks of the sky, though you will need to step outside to watch the aurora properly.

The crew has complimentary seasickness tablets available. That is useful because even a short boat trip can feel rough when the sea is unsettled. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask about the tablets before departure rather than waiting until you feel unwell. The boat may sail only when conditions are safe, but safe does not always mean smooth.

What the aurora hunt can and cannot promise

The tour is built around a natural event that cannot be scheduled. Cloud cover, weather, and aurora activity all affect what you see. Sometimes the lights are faint at first and grow brighter later. On a lucky night, they may appear in more than one part of the sky, and the show can continue as the boat returns toward the harbour.

Other nights, there may be no visible aurora at all. A promising forecast is not a promise, and a cruise cannot make the sky clear. The crew can take you away from some city light and help you watch for the display, but it cannot control the conditions. That uncertainty is the central trade-off of booking any northern-lights outing.

The free return ticket matters for that reason. If there are no sightings, you can join the tour again without paying for another ticket. It is a meaningful backup if your schedule allows a second attempt, but it is less helpful if this is your final night in Iceland or you cannot return to the departure point on another date. Check how to claim the return trip as soon as you know you need it, rather than leaving the arrangements until the next departure is close.

The cruise may also be cancelled if the weather makes sailing unsafe. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. Keep an eye on your email before the tour, since important changes are sent there. Weather cancellations can disrupt a packed itinerary, so avoid placing this cruise on the only open evening of a short Reykjavik stay if you can.

The guide, the crew and the onboard extras

An English-speaking guide accompanies the trip, and the included crew support is part of what makes the outing more than a boat ride. The guide can share information about the aurora and help direct your attention when activity appears. The quality of the experience depends partly on how clearly you can hear and understand that guidance, especially when people are spread across the outdoor decks.

Crew friendliness and helpfulness have been a bright spot for many people on the boat. A good crew can keep you informed, help with motion-sickness tablets, and make a long wait feel less aimless. But the guide cannot fill the sky with lights, and the outing may feel quiet if there is nothing to watch beyond the coast.

Snacks and drinks are sold on board, not included in the $93 ticket. Hot chocolate has been available on some trips, but the exact options are not specified, so do not count on a particular drink or menu item. If you want something to eat or drink, bring money for purchases. The boat has a practical, casual feel rather than the trimmings of a dinner cruise.

Is $93 fair value for a short cruise?

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for the aurora. You are paying for a 2.5-hour boat outing, the crew and guide, warm flotation overalls, heated indoor space, toilets, WiFi, and the chance to try again free if the lights do not appear. The three outdoor decks give you a useful open-air viewing point that a vehicle cannot match in quite the same way.

The value depends on what you want from the night. If the aurora appears, the water can make the sight feel special, and the return-ticket offer softens the risk of a blank sky. If you do not see the lights, the boat ride itself may feel like a late trip around the harbour, particularly if you expected a long journey into darkness.

Remember that snacks, drinks, and optional pickup add to the cost. You also need to factor in the possibility of a weather cancellation and the time needed to make another attempt. I would see the price as reasonable for a chance at a distinctive view, not as payment for a guaranteed display.

Who should choose this cruise?

This outing suits you if you are already staying in Reykjavik, want to watch the sky from the water, and can be flexible about which night you go. It is especially appealing if you enjoy boat trips in their own right and would be content with a quiet night at sea even if the aurora stays hidden.

It is a less certain choice if you have only one evening available, dislike cold or rough water, or need a highly structured sightseeing program. The maximum group size is 198, so this is not a small private excursion. The boat has several decks and indoor space, but you should expect a shared outing with a large number of people.

Families should weigh the late hour, cold, and possibility of rough seas against the appeal of seeing the aurora. The information provided says most people can participate, but it does not give a minimum age or specific child facilities. If you are travelling with children, ask the operator about suitability before booking.

Should you book the Reykjavik northern-lights cruise?

Book it if you want a sea-based chance at the aurora, can dress warmly, and have enough flexibility to try again if the first outing fails. The open decks, heated cabins, supplied overalls, and free repeat ticket are useful features, and the crew can make a cold wait more comfortable.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed sighting or cannot absorb a cancellation into your plans. The northern lights are never assured, and the boat may remain close to Reykjavik. For the best chance of feeling the $93 was worthwhile, keep your expectations realistic, check your email and the daily diary, arrive early, and leave room in your schedule for another attempt.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?

The cruise lasts approximately two and a half hours. The included tour duration is described as two to three hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the northern-lights cruise, an experienced guide, warm flotation overalls, WiFi, heated indoor cabins with toilets, and complimentary seasickness tablets. A free return trip is offered if there are no sightings.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are sold on board.

Is pickup included?

No. Pickup is available for an extra charge.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. The tour provides flotation overalls, but warm layers are still recommended.

What happens if the northern lights do not appear?

You receive a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings. You may need to contact the operator to arrange the repeat trip.

What happens if the tour is cancelled because of weather?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.