Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

The best part of this two-hour cruise is the chance to watch the aurora borealis from the water, with Reykjavík’s coast and small islands around you. The yacht gives you open views above the bay, while the heated cabin lets you warm up between checks of the sky.

I like the free return ticket if no lights appear, valid for up to three years, and I like the helpful crew, who point out stars, explain the aurora, and offer photography tips. The main drawback is that the yacht may remain close enough to Reykjavík for city light to affect faint displays.

Key points at a glance

• Warm yacht with outdoor decks: You can watch from the open air, then return inside to a heated cabin, bar, bathrooms, and seating.
• Two-hour search on Faxaflói Bay: The route leaves the Old Harbour and may pass islands and Reykjavík’s shoreline.
• Aurora sightings are never assured: If the lights do not appear, you receive a free return option rather than a refund.
• A good crew matters: Guides explain the sky, call out aurora activity, and help you set up your camera.
• Wildlife may add a bonus: Minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises are possible, though the northern lights remain the main purpose.
• Price and group size: At $94 per person, the experience costs more than a simple land-based lookout, and the boat can carry up to 125 people.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbour after dark

Your evening begins at Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, beside Reykjavík’s harbor. This is the meeting point for check-in and boarding, and the cruise returns here at the end.

The route takes you out from the harbor into Faxaflói Bay. You may sail among the small islands and along Reykjavík’s coast, giving you a different view of the city from the one you get on land. The skyline becomes part of the evening rather than something you simply leave behind.

That setting has two sides. The water gives you a broad view of the sky, with no buildings immediately overhead. At the same time, the yacht does not always travel far from shore. Some nights, city light remains visible, and that can make a weak aurora harder to see with your eyes.

I would think of this as a comfortable aurora search by boat, not a promise of total darkness in the middle of the ocean. Safety, weather, and sea conditions affect how far the captain goes. If a very dark setting is your top concern, compare this with a land tour that drives well outside Reykjavík.

The boat carries up to 125 people. That is not an intimate private sailing, but it is still a more contained setting than a large sightseeing vessel. The open deck gives you room to move around for photos, while the indoor areas provide a place to sit and wait.

A warm cabin makes the waiting easier

Northern Lights tours involve plenty of waiting. The aurora can appear quickly, fade, and return later, so a comfortable interior matters more than it might on a daytime cruise.

This yacht has a heated cabin, indoor seating, clean bathrooms, and a bar with drinks available. Blankets are also provided. Several accounts describe the inside as warm and cosy, which is useful when the wind over the bay makes the open deck feel far colder than Reykjavík’s streets.

You should still bring proper layers. The top deck can be very cold, especially when the boat is moving. Wear thermal clothing, a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. If you plan to take photographs, thin gloves that let you operate your phone or camera will be more useful than bulky mittens.

The cabin is also valuable for people who do not want to stand outside for two hours. You can sit indoors and wait for the crew to alert you when something appears. This makes the trip easier for families, older passengers, and anyone who would rather not spend an entire evening exposed to Arctic air.

The bay has often been described as smooth, but no boat ride is completely predictable. If you are prone to seasickness, the relatively short duration and sheltered bay may help, though you should still prepare as you would for any cruise.

Searching for the aurora over Faxaflói Bay

The crew’s main job is to watch changing conditions and direct your attention to the right part of the sky. A guide may explain how the lights form, point out constellations, and let you know when the aurora is visible.

That guidance is important because the first sign may be faint. The lights do not always look like bright green ribbons to the naked eye. They can appear as a pale band or a soft, grey-green haze. A phone or camera may show color and structure that your eyes barely detect.

One guide named Isabella received particular praise for helping people find the lights. Other accounts describe staff giving practical advice about camera settings and where to stand. I would treat that help as part of the value of the cruise, especially if you have never photographed the aurora before.

The boat itself creates a challenge for photography. A moving or gently rocking deck makes long exposures harder. Brace your camera when possible, use a stable position, and expect some blurred shots. You may get better results during a calm pause, but you cannot expect tripod-like stability on a yacht.

The onboard Wi-Fi lets you upload live photos, which is handy if you want to share the experience during the cruise. Keep in mind that cold drains phone batteries quickly, so a charged phone or power bank is sensible.

What you might see beyond the northern lights

The route offers more than sky watching. As you move along the coast and among the islands, you may look for wildlife in the bay.

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Orcas are also possible, though they are not something you should expect on a particular evening. The wildlife element adds interest during the darker stretches of the cruise, but it does not turn this into a dedicated whale-watching trip.

That distinction matters. If your first goal is whales, book a tour designed around marine wildlife. Here, the crew may point out animals if they appear, but the evening is planned around the aurora forecast and the night sky.

The coastline and islands also give you something to watch while the crew waits for better conditions. You will see Reykjavík from offshore, with the city lights reflecting on the water. Some people prefer this blend of city and sea to a remote roadside lookout. Others find the remaining light pollution frustrating when the aurora is weak.

The free return policy is the biggest safety net

No operator can guarantee northern lights. Clear skies, solar activity, darkness, and weather all need to cooperate. A cloudy or rainy evening can produce no display, even when the forecast looked promising earlier.

If you do not see the lights, the operator offers a free return trip, subject to availability, instead of a refund. The offer is valid for up to three years. That long window is unusually useful if you live far away or plan to return to Iceland.

You should understand the wording before booking. The return trip is not the same as getting your $94 back, and you need to have another opportunity to use it. If you are leaving Iceland the next morning, the policy has little practical value unless another sailing is available during your stay.

The policy also gives you a reason to wait before deciding that a faint display was enough. On one evening, a weak aurora was visible mainly through cameras, and the operator offered another trip. You can accept that offer if you want a stronger chance on a later night.

Weather-related cancellations are handled differently. If the cruise is canceled because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Is $94 a fair price for two hours?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the aurora. You are paying for the yacht, crew, indoor warmth, outdoor viewing space, bar, Wi-Fi, and the chance to sail rather than sit in a vehicle or stand at a roadside viewpoint.

The price makes the most sense if you value comfort. On a cold night, a heated cabin and a clean bathroom can change the whole experience. The free return option also reduces some of the risk, provided you have time to use it.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is maximum darkness. Several accounts describe the boat staying close enough to Reykjavík for the skyline and harbor light to remain visible. That does not make the cruise pointless, especially on a strong aurora night, but it can weaken a faint display.

I would compare the yacht with at least one land-based option before spending your money. A bus tour may drive farther from the city, while this cruise gives you a smoother, more relaxed evening with the added pleasure of being on the water. Neither approach guarantees success.

The 125-person maximum also helps set expectations. You will not have a private guide or a quiet, custom route. Still, the group is manageable enough that you can move between the deck and cabin, listen to the guide, and find a place to take photos.

What to bring and how to plan the evening

Book this early if your dates are fixed. The experience is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead time of about 50 days. That does not improve the aurora forecast, but it can help you secure a place during a busy Reykjavík visit.

At the same time, avoid making this your only chance to see the lights. The weather can force changes, and the aurora may not appear. If your schedule allows, place the cruise near the start of your Iceland stay so you have time to use the return option or try another method later.

Bring:

• Warm layers, including thermals
• Gloves and a hat
• Shoes with good grip
• A charged phone or camera
• A power bank
• A small amount of room for blankets or extra clothing

The meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part. Service animals are allowed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, cancellations and changes are not accepted, unless the operator cancels the experience under the stated weather or minimum-participant rules.

Who will enjoy this yacht cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want the northern lights paired with a pleasant evening on the bay. It suits you if you like having a warm indoor refuge, want help with photography, and prefer not to spend hours in a parked vehicle.

It also works well for first-time aurora watchers. The crew helps you understand what you are seeing, and you do not need to plan your own route or read the forecast every few minutes. The coastline, islands, and possible wildlife give the outing some interest even during a quiet sky.

I would hesitate if you need a totally dark setting or have just one night in Iceland. In that case, a more flexible plan with several aurora options may be wiser. I would also hesitate if you dislike boats, cold decks, or the possibility of spending two hours without a strong display.

Should you book the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, guided aurora outing with a warm cabin, viewing deck, bar, and a useful return policy. The best nights can be magical, with the lights moving above the city and water while the crew keeps everyone informed.

Go in with realistic expectations. The yacht may remain within sight of Reykjavík, the water can make long-exposure photos difficult, and nature decides the result. For a strong display, this can be a memorable way to see Iceland at night. For weak activity or heavy cloud, the free return option is what keeps the $94 price from feeling like a complete loss.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise start?

It starts at Old Harbour House, Food, Drinks & Tours, at Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $94 per person.

Is the cruise offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if I do not see the northern lights?

You are offered a free return trip, subject to availability. The return option is valid for up to three years. The operator does not provide a refund simply because the lights do not appear.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

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

Is the yacht warm inside?

Yes. The yacht has a heated cabin, and blankets are available. The outdoor deck can be very cold, so warm clothing remains important.

Can I buy drinks on the yacht?

Yes. The yacht has a bar and beverage area.

Is Wi-Fi available during the cruise?

Yes. Onboard Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected and upload photos.

Could I see wildlife during the cruise?

You might see minke or humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, or possibly orcas. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation and has a maximum capacity of 125 people.