Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

Aurora hunting, Reykjavik style, on open water. I like the way this cruise keeps you warm while still giving you real outdoor deck time to watch the skies. You’re also close enough to downtown to pick up the illuminated city sights as you head out.

I also love the promise of a sighting guarantee with a free try if the aurora doesn’t show. The main drawback is simple: northern lights are natural and unpredictable, so you could end up mostly watching the lights of Reykjavik on the water if the sky stays clouded.

Key Things That Make This Reykjavik Aurora Cruise Worth Your Time

• Warm overalls included, plus a heated cabin for quick breaks from winter wind
• Multiple viewing spots, from outdoor platforms to a cozy indoor saloon
• Aurora guarantee with a free return, so one bad night does not have to be the end of the story
• City landmarks from the water, including Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja, with the Peace Tower when it’s lit
• Wi-Fi and onboard toilets, which matter more than you think on a cold night
• A boat built for comfort, with plenty of space for a group size up to 150

From Elding Harbour to Faxafloi Bay, in About Two Hours

This is a straight-up evening cruise, roughly two hours long, leaving from Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. You’ll return right back to the same meeting point when you’re done, so you’re not stuck arranging transport after dark.

The big practical advantage here is time. If you only have a short window in Reykjavik, this lets you chase the aurora without committing to a long bus excursion. The ride goes from the harbour area into Faxafloi Bay, which gives you open water and better sky access than staying right beside the lights on land.

The boat holds up to 150 people. That helps keep the trip lively and social, and it also means you should plan for a bit of crowding on the outer decks when conditions are good and people are watching the sky.

Warm Overalls and Heated Indoor Time, Your Winter Safety Net

I’ll be honest, the aurora cruise lives or dies by comfort. This one helps you get there. You’re given warm floatable overalls to borrow, and they are the difference between you enjoying the night and you counting minutes until you can escape the wind.

You also get a heated indoor saloon where you can step inside, warm up, and still keep an eye on what’s happening outside. It’s not just “nice to have.” When you’re out on a deck in Icelandic winter, you’ll feel the cold fast. Even on a clear night, wind chill can turn your hands into regret.

Bring a hat and gloves even though overalls are provided. Some people wear them under the overalls, others keep them simple, either way it makes the top deck experience much more pleasant.

A practical tip based on what I’ve heard from real nights out: use the indoor space strategically. Watch for activity from outside, then warm up before you lose feeling in your fingers. You will take better photos and enjoy the show more.

What You See on the Water: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Peace Tower

Even when the aurora is quiet, this cruise has a second act: Reykjavík’s night skyline. As you head out, you get panoramic views of the city, including landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja.

Then there’s a seasonal highlight. When the Imagine Peace Tower is lit (October through December), the boat sails by so you can see its light beam from the water. It’s the kind of photo moment that still feels special even if the sky doesn’t deliver.

This matters because it changes how you experience the trip. If you travel to Iceland expecting only the aurora, a cloudy night can feel like a bust. Here, you’re still doing something scenic and worthwhile from the harbour area outward.

Aurora Watching With the Crew: Timing, Forecasts, and Camera Help

The crew’s role is more than commentary. They’re there to help you actually spot the aurora and understand what you’re seeing. You get guidance about the phenomenon and the surroundings throughout the tour, which helps you stop staring randomly at the sky.

One thing I like is that the cruise doesn’t treat aurora hunting like pure luck and hope. The guides often point out where to look and what direction the activity tends to show up. In at least one night I noted, the guide also helped with camera settings, which is a huge deal if you’re trying for long exposure photos.

The tour also includes an aurora contingency. If you don’t see the northern lights during your cruise, you’ll be offered complimentary return tickets to try again. Some people got vouchers valid for the long run, including a two-year window, so a missed night doesn’t lock you out.

That said, let’s keep expectations honest. Even on clear evenings, you might see faint green streaks rather than a big moving curtain. And if clouds roll in, you will lose much of what you came for. The crew can only work with what the sky allows.

Onboard Comfort: Wi-Fi, Toilets, and a Café for Hot Drinks

You get free Wi-Fi on board, plus toilet facilities. In Iceland winter, that reduces stress. You’re not stuck with one option for comfort all night long.

There’s also an onboard café where you can buy hot drinks and snacks. This is not a fancy meal experience, but it’s a practical buffer when your fingers are numb and you need something warm to reset.

One more small comfort detail: the boat’s stability can vary with wind and wave conditions. Some people described it as smooth, others noted a bit of rocking. If you’re sensitive to sea motion, bring your usual motion sickness remedy, and consider that the crew may offer help if you feel unwell.

The Cold Truth: Crowds, Noise, and Short Distance From the Harbour

This cruise has plenty of strong points, but there are a few tradeoffs you should know up front.

First, crowding. With a maximum group size of 150, the outer decks can get tight on the nights when people are actively scanning the sky. If you hate waiting shoulder to shoulder, pick your spot thoughtfully. Some passengers found their best views near the front parts of the boat rather than the very top area when it became crowded.

Second, hearing the guide. A few people reported that safety instructions or guiding info were hard to understand at times, possibly due to mic setup or onboard noise. If you care about the educational angle, try to position yourself where you can hear clearly, then step outside when you’re focusing on the aurora.

Third, light pollution. Some nights may not take you far enough away from the brightest harbour zone to make every camera shot effortless. A short cruise can still work, and many nights do deliver. But if your priority is high-contrast astrophotography, you may feel the difference compared with longer trips that push farther into darker areas.

Finally, the reality that sightings are not guaranteed. There is an aurora guarantee, but if your schedule does not allow you to return soon, you may still feel disappointed. The free return helps, but it does not force time to cooperate.

Seasickness Check: When the Wind Makes the Deck a Workout

The ride is usually manageable, but winter waters can be moody. Some passengers described rocking if standing on the top deck, while others said the boat was very stable and the ride was smooth even after windy days.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan like a pro:

• take your preferred anti-motion medication before you feel bad
• stay seated or use a spot with less motion if the boat feels pitchy
• avoid long exposure photography if you notice extra rocking, because blur can happen when the boat shifts

This isn’t just for comfort. It also affects your photos. When the boat is moving, long exposures can get soft even if you think your camera settings are perfect.

Price and Value at About $105 Per Person

At $105 per person, this cruise sits in a middle lane. It’s not the cheapest way to hunt the aurora, and it’s not the longest either. So the value question becomes: are you buying comfort, guidance, and a practical city-based viewing window?

I think the value is strongest if:

• you want an evening activity in Reykjavik without a half-day commitment
• you appreciate indoor warmth, toilets, and overalls instead of just “good luck out there”
• you value having a plan if the aurora doesn’t cooperate, via free return tickets

It can feel pricey if you measure value only by how long you are out under dark skies. A shorter cruise means you’re still near city light. But this is also why it works for many people. You get real viewing time from a boat setting and you get a built-in fallback if the aurora misses your date.

One more value angle from experience-based chatter: many people choose this cruise because it’s easier than bus tours that run longer and require more time in the cold. If you’re tired from daytime sightseeing, that matters.

Who This Northern Lights Cruise Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• an aurora chance with a comfortable base
• a trip that’s easy to plug into a Reykjavik schedule
• guided help finding and understanding the aurora

It also works well for many travelers because it’s designed for most people to participate. The language option is English, which helps if you want explanations in plain terms.

A heads-up for limited mobility: the boat is not fully accessible. There are steep stairs and high thresholds, and access to inside areas and toilet facilities may be limited. Still, the experience is described as welcoming, so you can ask questions if you’re unsure how your needs will line up with the physical layout.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation, which makes arrival simpler.

Should You Book This Aurora Cruise From Downtown Reykjavik?

Book it if you want an efficient aurora outing with real comfort, good views of Reykjavík at night, and a backup plan if the sky doesn’t deliver. The warm overalls, heated indoor cabin, and free return tickets are the big reasons this works as a winter activity, even if your aurora luck is average.

Skip or rethink it if your main goal is pure, long-distance dark-sky photography and you have a clear plan to handle a long day trip outside Reykjavík. Also rethink if you know you cannot return another night. The free try is helpful, but you still need scheduling flexibility for it to truly save your trip.

If you’re visiting for a short stay and want the most realistic blend of comfort plus aurora hunting, this cruise is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are excellent guidance, warm floatable overalls, free Wi-Fi on board, and a sighting guarantee with a free try if you do not see the northern lights. The café sells snacks and hot drinks, but those are not included.

What should I wear in winter?

You’ll receive warm overalls to borrow, but you should still bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort. Expect cold and wind on the outdoor viewing areas.

What happens if we do not see the Northern Lights?

If there are no northern lights sightings during your tour, you’ll be offered complimentary tickets to try again another night at no extra cost.

What if the tour is cancelled due to weather?

If conditions are unfavourable, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. If that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.