From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The best part of this Northern Lights cruise is the setting. You leave Reykjavík’s harbor, watch the city lights fade, and wait under open sky with mountains behind you and the sea below. If the aurora appears, its reflection can flicker on the water, adding something a bus-based hunt simply cannot offer.

I like the comfortable indoor areas and the chance to step outside only when the sky becomes interesting. I also like the free return option if the lights do not show, though you should remember that this helps only if you have another evening in Iceland.

The main drawback is simple: the aurora is never guaranteed. At $88 for two hours, the price is fair if you see a good display, but it can feel high if clouds or weak activity leave you with only a pleasant boat ride.

Key points before you book

• Two hours at sea: Cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into quieter water with fewer city lights.
• Warm refuge indoors: The boat has covered seating areas, a bar, blankets, and room to move between decks.
• Free second chance: If no Northern Lights appear, you may reschedule with the operator.
• Useful live guidance: Guides point out faint activity and can help with camera settings.
• Mountain and harbor views: The scenery gives you something to watch even during a quiet aurora forecast.
• Easy city access: Check in at Old Harbour House, or choose hotel pickup in the Reykjavík area.

Leaving Reykjavík under a darkening sky

Your evening begins at Old Harbour House, at Aegisgardur 2. Check in 30 minutes before departure by scanning the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. This is straightforward, but do not arrive at the last minute. You want time to find the kiosk, collect yourself, and get dressed for the cold before boarding.

Hotel pickup is available from Reykjavík-area hotels if you prefer not to make your own way to the harbor. If you are already near the center, reaching the Old Harbour yourself may be simpler. The exact starting time varies, so check the schedule for your date.

Once aboard, you can settle into a seat with a view of the sky. The boat has a double observation deck, indoor lounges, and covered areas. Some boats used for this cruise include the Amelia Rose, a vessel described as clean, comfortable, and easy to move around. The layout matters because you will not want to stand outside for the entire two hours.

The ship first moves through the harbor and away from the brightest part of Reykjavík. City lights remain visible at first, then grow smaller behind you. This change is gradual, not dramatic, but it gives the trip a pleasant rhythm: harbor views, open water, then a long wait beneath the stars.

What the two-hour cruise is really like

A Northern Lights hunt is less like a sightseeing ride with constant action and more like a patient search. The boat reaches quieter water, and the guide explains where to look while you wait. You may see faint gray or green marks that are hard to notice at first, especially if clouds are moving through.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of the experience. Guides such as Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina have been praised for explaining the aurora, keeping the mood upbeat, and helping people find the right section of sky. The useful guide does not talk nonstop. Instead, you get enough information to understand what is happening, then quiet time to watch.

When activity begins, the crew may direct you toward one side of the deck. The lights can appear as a pale band, a soft green haze, or a much stronger display that seems to move across the sky. Several departures have had lights appear within 20 minutes, while others have waited until near the end of the trip. That unpredictability is part of the hunt, but it is also why you should not book this as a guaranteed show.

One especially thoughtful touch is the crew’s willingness to pause or keep watching when stronger lights begin to form. On one outing, the boat slowed on the return so passengers could see a final burst. That kind of flexibility can turn a marginal sighting into a memorable one.

Indoor comfort, outdoor cold, and the best place to watch

The boat gives you options. Inside, you can sit in warmth, order a drink, and watch through windows or from covered areas. Outside, you get the clearest view of the sky and the best chance to photograph the lights without reflections from glass.

Blankets are provided, but you should still bring proper warm clothing. Wear comfortable shoes and several warm layers. The upper deck can be freezing, particularly when wind comes across the water. One useful pattern is to stay inside during the quiet stretches, then head outside when the guide spots activity.

The interior has been described as cozy, with lamps, cushions, and warm seating areas. Some departures have limited indoor seats, especially when the boat is busy, so you may not always have a private table or a perfect window position. Still, the ability to move between indoor and outdoor spaces is a major advantage over a tour where you remain in one seat.

The bar sells drinks, but drinks are not included in the $88 price. If you plan to buy something, bring a payment method accepted on board and treat it as an optional extra rather than part of the package.

Why the ocean setting changes the experience

A coach tour can drive farther into the countryside and sometimes reach darker skies. This cruise takes a different approach. You stay close to Reykjavík, trade roads for open water, and watch the city and mountains become part of the view.

I like this setting for a first or last evening in Reykjavík. You do not spend three or four hours on a bus, and the sea adds a calming soundtrack while you wait. The smooth cruise, quiet water, and distant city lights make the search feel like an evening activity rather than only a chase for a natural event.

The compromise is that the boat does not take you to a truly remote dark-sky location. You still have some light pollution, and the city remains part of the horizon. If your only goal is the darkest possible sky, a longer land-based trip may be a better match. If you want a shorter outing with scenery, warmth, and room to move, the boat has a strong case.

The mountain views also matter on a night when the aurora stays hidden. You might see a clear outline against the night sky, a full moon over the water, or even unusual volcanic activity in the distance. One sailing produced a view of lava from an eruption when the lights failed to appear. That is not something you should expect, but it shows why the cruise can still have interest beyond the main goal.

Seeing the aurora with your eyes and camera

A common surprise is that the Northern Lights may look weaker to your eyes than they do in photographs. A camera can gather light over a longer exposure, making faint green or gray activity appear stronger on the screen. If the aurora is weak, you may see only a pale glow while your camera records more color.

The guides can help with this. On some trips, they have walked around the deck to help people frame pictures and adjust their settings. One practical tip from the experience is to use a phone’s Pro mode and try an exposure of about one second on an Android device. Keep your phone steady and avoid waving it around while the shutter is open.

Do not spend the whole cruise staring at your screen. The strongest displays can be clearly visible to the naked eye, with green bands that move and change shape. Put the camera away now and then so you can watch the sky properly.

You should also manage expectations about color. The aurora is not always a bright green curtain. It may begin as a faint smudge, become more visible as your eyes adjust, and then fade. A successful outing can mean a spectacular sky-wide performance, but it can also mean a short glimpse near the horizon.

Weather, rescheduling, and the real value of $88

The stated price is $88 per person for two hours. That is not a bargain-basement outing, but it is competitive for a guided Northern Lights activity in Reykjavík. You are paying for the boat, crew, guide, observation decks, Wi-Fi, blankets, and the chance to return without paying again if conditions prevent a sighting.

The free return policy is especially valuable if you are in Reykjavík for several nights. If the first sailing is cloudy or the aurora does not appear, the operator may allow you to reschedule. Some passengers have returned the next evening, while others have been able to try again more than once.

This benefit has a limit in practical terms. If you are leaving Iceland the following morning, a free return does not help much. For a short stay, book the cruise early in your trip rather than saving it for your final night. That leaves room for bad weather, cancellations, or a weak forecast.

The operator can cancel or change a sailing because of weather. When that happens, you should be informed and offered a new date. This protects you from a rough or unsafe outing, but it can disrupt a tightly planned itinerary. Keep one flexible evening if the Northern Lights are a major reason for your visit.

The best value comes when you treat the trip as both an aurora hunt and a scenic boat ride. If you judge the $88 entirely by whether bright green lights appear, the purchase is a gamble. If you value the ocean views, warm interior, guide support, and second chance, the price makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a good fit for you if you want a short evening activity close to Reykjavík. It works well for couples, families, and anyone who would rather move around a boat than sit on a coach for several hours.

It also suits photographers who want room to change position. You can use the open deck, return inside to warm up, and ask the guide for advice when the lights appear. The boat is also useful for anyone who dislikes crowded bus tours, since you are not confined to a single seat.

The cruise may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed result, have only one night in Iceland, or want the darkest possible sky. It is also not ideal for anyone unwilling to spend time outdoors in cold weather. Even with blankets and heated indoor areas, you will want to step outside for the best view.

People with a flexible schedule get the most from this tour. A first attempt may fail, but a second clear night can change the entire experience. The difference between a cloudy departure and a strong display can be enormous.

Practical details that make the evening easier

Check in 30 minutes before departure at Old Harbour House. Bring the ticket containing the bar code or QR code needed for the self-service kiosk.

Wear warm clothing from the moment you arrive. Comfortable shoes are useful on the deck, where you may move between viewing areas. Keep a hat and gloves easy to reach, even if the evening feels mild in central Reykjavík.

The live guide service is in English. Free Wi-Fi is included. Drinks can be bought on board, but they are extra.

If you do not see the aurora, ask about rescheduling before leaving the boat or contact the operator promptly. The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered for your date.

Should you book the Reykjavík Northern Lights cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a two-hour, low-hassle aurora hunt with a comfortable place to warm up. The guides, flexible viewing areas, blankets, and free return option give it practical advantages, and the ocean setting is a pleasant change from waiting beside a road.

I would not choose it as your only plan if you have one night in Iceland or if seeing the aurora is nonnegotiable. In that case, build in several nights and book early in your stay. For most visitors with a little flexibility, $88 is a reasonable price for the chance to watch the sky from the water, with Reykjavík glowing behind you and the mountains fading into darkness.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights cruise depart from?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure and scan the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your selected date.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Optional pickup is available from hotels in the Reykjavík area.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Aurora sightings depend on weather and activity, so viewing is not guaranteed. If the lights do not appear, you may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Blankets are provided, but the outside deck can still be very cold.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included in the ticket price, but they are available to purchase on the boat.