Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

Reykjavík changes when you sail under the lights. I like the heated indoor saloon (with plenty of seats and toilets) and the Reykjavík skyline views framed from Faxaflói Bay. One downside to plan for: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and boat motion can make photography tougher than you expect.

You get a real “city lights plus wild sky” feeling, especially as the boat works Faxaflói Bay and you look back at landmarks like Harpa and Hallgrímkirkja. I also appreciate the practical setup for cold weather, including borrowing warm overalls, rain gear, and extra layers.

If you go in with flexible expectations and a willingness to bundle up, this is a comfortable way to chase the aurora with a crew that takes safety and the forecast seriously.

Key Points I Think Matter

• Heated cabin with toilets so you are not trapped outside for the whole chase
• Warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets included, which makes a huge difference in Icelandic cold
• Best viewing zones on open decks when the sky gets interesting
• Imagine Peace Tower pass-by (Oct to Dec) adds a cool Reykjavík nighttime moment
• Naturalist guide plus captain checks weather and forecast to optimize your chances
• Sighting guarantee or try again free, because the aurora can be elusive

Setting Sail From Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, Into Faxaflói Bay

This is a 2.5-hour Northern Lights and city cruise that starts at the Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour (Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík). From the first stretch of sailing, the idea is simple: put you farther out over darker water while still keeping Reykjavík’s glow in view.

Why this helps: the most spectacular aurora viewing usually comes when you can see a big chunk of sky without nearby streetlights. Reykjavík does a lot right, but it is still a city. Once you are out on the water, the lights of the skyline look like part of the scenery, not the thing you are trying to escape.

You will also get the classic “wow” factor early, as Faxaflói Bay opens up and Reykjavík’s shoreline landmarks appear sharp against the night. Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímkirkja are specifically called out, and they are the kind of sights that make the evening feel special even before the sky does its thing.

Reykjavík at Night, Including Harpa and Hallgrímkirkja

Part of the value here is that you are not spending the whole outing staring into darkness. You are sailing with Reykjavík’s lights nearby, so you get a real nighttime contrast: human-made brightness on one side, winter sky drama on the other.

You should expect the illuminated skyline view while you are moving, which is great for a “panoramic” feel. The boat also gives you options. You can stay inside when it is bitter, or head to the open viewing platforms when you want uninterrupted sight lines of sea and sky.

One small practical note: since you are on a moving vessel, the experience feels more like sightseeing with weather conditions than like standing still at a fixed viewing spot. For most people, that motion adds to the adventure. If you are very sensitive to movement, it can be a consideration.

Imagine Peace Tower Pass-By (When It’s Lit)

From October through December, the route includes a pass-by of the Imagine Peace Tower, where its light beam is visible. It is a quick but memorable extra, because it gives you a second “signature Reykjavík night” moment beyond the city skyline.

This matters because it reduces the risk of a frustrating night. Even when the aurora is faint or late, you are still getting a clearly defined sightseeing highlight tied to the season.

If you are traveling outside Oct to Dec, you can still expect the harbour-to-bay sailing, city-light views, and the aurora chase. The Imagine Peace Tower is just part of the fall to early winter payoff.

How the Warm-Weather Setup Really Changes the Cruise

Cold weather makes or breaks Northern Lights trips. This one is built to keep you comfortable enough to last through the waiting time.

You get warm overalls to borrow, plus raincoats and blankets on board. There is also a heated indoor saloon with ample seating and toilets, so you can thaw out between deck visits. It is not just about comfort, it is about staying engaged. When you are warm enough, you notice the subtle changes in the sky instead of tuning everything out while your fingers freeze.

On the food side, there is an onboard café with hot drinks and snacks. Based on what people say after their cruise, this is more than an afterthought. Having something warm to sip while you watch helps you stick with the long “maybe it happens soon” period.

And yes, you can step outside onto open viewing platforms for a cleaner look at the sky. The best strategy is usually alternating: check outside when you hear the guide call something out, then duck back in when you need warmth.

Northern Lights Chasing: What You Can Expect, and What You Can’t

Here is the honest truth: you can be prepared, and the aurora still might not show in a way you can see. The tour explicitly frames Northern Lights viewing as dependent on conditions, and that is exactly how you should think about it.

The good news is that the crew and guide focus on improving your odds. Before sailing, the captain and onboard guide check the weather and forecast to optimize the chance of a view. Once you are out at sea, your guide monitors for activity and calls out when the lights begin.

Also, there is a sighting guarantee (or try again free). That is a big deal for value, because it acknowledges the randomness of nature. Instead of feeling like you paid for nothing, you get a path to try again if conditions are poor.

What about intensity? People often get a range: from faint white lines to lights that look more like what you see on screen. Even when the lights are subtle, the experience can still be worth it, especially because you are out far from the city glare.

The Crew, Safety, and Camera Help on a Moving Boat

The crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, professional, and focused on making sure everyone stays safe and comfortable. That shows in the overall tone of the cruise: you feel guided rather than left to fend for yourself in the cold.

One detail that comes up again and again is camera support. The guide and crew can help you with camera settings, and people report getting practical adjustments that improve results. That is useful because Northern Lights photography is as much about settings and patience as it is about having the right sky.

Still, you should calibrate your expectations. The tour is not recommended for people who are specifically hoping to photograph the lights. The movement of the boat and changing light conditions can make sharp images harder, even with a good camera and helpful instruction.

If your priority is seeing the aurora clearly with your eyes, this cruise is a strong match. If your priority is crisp photos, you might want a different setup or a plan that includes extra stabilization and patience.

Duration, Timing, and Why 2.5 Hours Works

At 2.5 hours, this cruise gives you enough time for the sky to potentially wake up without turning into an all-night endurance test. That is an ideal length for many first-timers, because you are balancing comfort breaks inside with meaningful time outside on the deck.

It also fits well for a first night in Reykjavík. You are doing something seasonal and local, while still getting back to your hotel area without draining your whole evening.

When to go matters, but even without discussing exact dates, you can use this logic: the colder months are when aurora chances rise, and the Oct to Dec window adds the Imagine Peace Tower moment.

Price and Value: What $111 Buys You

This costs about $111 per person, and the value sits in the package, not just the “boat ride” part.

You are getting:

• a guided aurora search with a naturalist guide
• warmth gear included (overalls, rain gear, blankets)
• heated indoor space with toilets
• access to open decks for viewing
• onboard hot drinks and snacks for keeping warm
• a sighting guarantee or a try-again option

In other words, you are paying for an experience designed around comfort and odds. If you were to recreate this yourself, the cost would shift fast. You would need the right clothing, a way out to darker water, and a plan for weather changes.

So for most visitors, $111 is a reasonable price for a structured, warm, and guided evening where you can ride out whatever nature decides.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This is a great fit if you:

• want comfortable Northern Lights viewing without freezing outside for hours
• like pairing Reykjavík sightseeing with the aurora hunt
• want professional guidance and someone monitoring conditions
• are happy to adapt if the lights are faint or late

It may be less ideal if you:

• are mainly chasing high-quality Northern Lights photos and expect perfect results from a moving boat
• are extremely motion-sensitive and hate any vibration or rocking

For a first trip to Iceland, I think it hits the sweet spot. It is special, practical, and it gives you a better chance than hoping the city sidewalks will deliver.

Should You Book This Northern Lights Cruise?

If your goal is to see the aurora in a way that feels comfortable and well run, I would book it. The biggest reasons are the warm onboard setup, the guided weather monitoring, and the sighting guarantee logic that reduces the chance of walking away disappointed.

Book it especially if you are going during the colder months when the sky is active, and if you are traveling Oct to Dec, the Imagine Peace Tower pass-by is a nice bonus.

If you are the type who needs specific aurora photos for a project, consider that photography from the deck can be challenging here. But for most people, this cruise is a smart way to chase the lights without turning the night into a cold suffering contest.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

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

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

Is there a warm indoor area on board?

Yes. You can relax in a heated indoor saloon with ample seats and toilets.

What cold-weather gear is included?

Warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets are included, and warm overalls are also available to borrow on board.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

There is a sighting guarantee, meaning you will be offered to come another night, free of charge.

Is there a naturalist guide and is the tour in English?

Yes, there is a naturalist guide, and the live tour guide language is English.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

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