Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

The best part of this cruise is simple: you wait for the aurora borealis from the water, with Reykjavik’s coast and small islands around you. The yacht gives you indoor warmth, outdoor viewing decks, and a crew that helps you know where to look. If the sky stays dark, you receive a free return ticket instead of a refund.

I like the clean, cozy cabin and onboard bar, especially on a cold Icelandic night. I also like the practical help with photography and the option to upload pictures using Wi-Fi. The main drawback is that the yacht may remain close enough to Reykjavik for city light to affect the view, and the northern lights are never guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• The cruise lasts about two hours: You sail from the Old Harbour and return to the same meeting point.
• The boat has warm indoor space: You’ll find heating, seating, bathrooms, blankets, a bar, and a viewing deck.
• The route stays in Faxaflói Bay: Expect views of Reykjavik’s coastline and nearby islands, with possible sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• No aurora means a free return trip: The offer can be used for up to three years, depending on availability.
• The boat can hold up to 125 people: It is smaller and more personal than some large sightseeing vessels, but it is not a private cruise.
• The deck gets very cold: Bring thermal layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear even if the cabin feels warm.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbour after dark

You meet at Old Harbour House on Ægisgarður 2, a location close to public transportation and the waterfront. The check-in area is inside a food, drinks, and tours venue, so give yourself enough time to find the correct entrance. The location is practical, though the setup can feel less obvious than a dedicated harbor terminal.

From there, the yacht leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and heads into Faxaflói Bay. The cruise is planned around the sky rather than a fixed chain of sightseeing stops, so the rhythm is relaxed: settle in, listen for updates from the crew, step outside when conditions look promising, then return inside to warm up.

This is not a long expedition far out into the Atlantic. The route takes you among small islands and along the Reykjavik coast. That keeps the cruise short and manageable, but it also means you may still see city lights. For some nights, that is a fair trade. You are close to town, the ride lasts only about two hours, and returning on another night is easier than committing to a long offshore trip.

Waiting for the aurora on a moving boat

The northern lights depend on several things lining up: solar activity, darkness, cloud cover, and clear enough skies. No boat operator can control that combination. On a successful night, the yacht gives you a broad view of the sky, with less obstruction than you would have from streets or buildings in central Reykjavik.

The crew keeps watch and tells you when the lights appear. That matters because the first signs can be faint. You might look up and see only a pale band, while a phone camera shows more color. With stronger activity, the display may become visible to your eyes and stretch across the sky.

The boat itself adds movement to the experience. A calm bay can make the ride smooth, but even a gentle rocking motion makes long-exposure photography harder. You’ll need to brace your phone or camera carefully and accept that some pictures will blur. The crew can offer tips on photographing the lights, and staff members have directed people toward the best part of the sky during the cruise.

Some nights have produced nearly an hour of visible aurora activity. On other departures, the lights have been faint or absent. One useful point is that the yacht may stay out longer once the lights appear, giving you more time to watch. That extra time depends on conditions, so treat it as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

Warm cabin, open deck, and a useful bar

The yacht’s indoor area is one of its strongest features. The cabin is heated and described as warm and cozy, with seating where you can wait without standing outside for the full two hours. There is also a bar and beverage area, clean bathrooms, and blankets onboard.

I would use the cabin as your base. Step onto the deck when the crew spots activity, take your pictures, then go back inside to warm your hands. You do not need to sacrifice the entire cruise to the cold. Still, the deck is where you’ll get the clearest view, so dress for it rather than relying only on the indoor heating.

Bring thermal underwear, a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. The cold over the water can feel sharper than it does on land. Waterproof outer layers are sensible in Iceland, though the supplied information does not promise any particular weather gear.

The yacht has enough deck space for photographs, and several people have appreciated being able to see the lights from both inside and outside. That flexibility makes the cruise easier for couples, families, and anyone who does not want to spend a full evening outdoors.

Coastline, islands, and possible wildlife

The route offers more than a dark sky. As you move around Faxaflói Bay, you can look back toward Reykjavik’s coastline and out toward the small islands. City lights remain part of the view, but so does the outline of the shore and the open water.

Wildlife is another possible bonus. The most common sightings in this area include minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Orcas are possible too, along with other marine species. These sightings are not the main purpose of the evening, and there is no guarantee you will see anything, but the route gives the crew a chance to watch the water as you travel.

This makes the trip more interesting on a night when the aurora does not cooperate. You may spend part of the cruise looking at the coast, islands, or water instead of simply waiting in darkness. Still, you should book it for the northern lights first. Wildlife should be considered an added possibility, not a second guaranteed tour.

How the free return trip changes the value

The price is $94 per person. That is not cheap for a two-hour activity, but it includes the yacht ride, access to indoor and outdoor areas, onboard facilities, crew guidance, and a return option if the lights are not seen.

The return policy is the key value point. If the aurora does not appear, you are offered another trip rather than a refund. The return can be used for up to three years, subject to availability. That is useful if you have several nights in Reykjavik or plan to return to Iceland.

It is less useful if this is your only night in the country. A free future cruise does not solve the problem of missing the lights during a short holiday. If your schedule allows, book early in your stay so you have a better chance to use the return ticket during the same visit.

The policy also creates an important distinction. If you see a very faint aurora, the operator may consider the sighting successful, even if you hoped for a bright display. One cruise ended with the option to return because the lights were barely visible to the naked eye. You can accept that offer, but you should understand that seeing the aurora can mean a subtle glow rather than dancing green curtains.

Why the route may disappoint some people

The most serious concern is the amount of city light. The yacht leaves the harbor, but it may not travel far enough from Reykjavik to create truly dark conditions. On a weak aurora night, nearby light pollution can make the difference between seeing a clear display and seeing only a pale haze.

If you want the darkest possible sky, a land-based excursion that drives farther from Reykjavik may suit you better. That type of outing can reach darker areas, though it comes with its own weather and road considerations. This cruise is the easier choice if you value a boat setting, a warm cabin, and a simple departure from central Reykjavik.

The promotional images may also set unrealistic expectations. You are unlikely to see a yacht surrounded by brilliant lights every time. The real experience depends on nature, and the view can range from a spectacular display to clouds, rain, or nothing at all.

The company sometimes cancels or reschedules when conditions are poor. That is sensible for safety and visibility, but it can disrupt a tightly planned holiday. Check your messages before leaving for the harbor and keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Staff support and photography tips

The crew’s role is more important here than on a standard harbor cruise. You need someone watching the sky, explaining what is happening, and helping you decide when to go outside. The guides also point out constellations when the lights do not appear, which gives the evening some structure instead of leaving you to stare into a blank sky.

One guide named Isabella received special praise for directing people toward the lights and helping make the sighting feel memorable. Staff have also helped with camera settings and explained when the aurora was visible. The quality of the night still depends on the sky, but good guidance can prevent you from missing a short display.

Use a phone or camera that allows some control over exposure if possible. The boat’s movement makes photography difficult, so do not judge the trip by the quality of your pictures. Your eyes may take in a better view than your screen, especially when the lights are moving quickly.

Onboard Wi-Fi lets you upload live photos, though a weak signal or cold hands can slow you down. I would watch first and post later. The chance to share images is handy, but it should not take over the short window when the aurora is active.

Group size, timing, and who will enjoy it

The maximum group size is 125 people. That is small enough to feel more manageable than a very large vessel, but you should not expect a private yacht experience. On a busy departure, the viewing deck and best rail positions may be shared.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. Because the cruise lasts only about two hours and returns to its starting point, it fits neatly into a Reykjavik evening.

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A warm place to wait for the aurora
• A boat-based view of Reykjavik and Faxaflói Bay
• Staff assistance with spotting and photographing the lights
• A return option if the sky does not cooperate
• A short activity that does not require a long drive

I would think twice if your main goal is maximum darkness. I would also be cautious if you have only one free evening and would be upset by a weak display, since no return policy can guarantee clear skies during your visit.

The cruise can be comfortable for people concerned about seasickness because the bay may be calm, but no guarantee is given for sea conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider the possibility of a moving boat before booking.

Cancellation and practical booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

The same applies if the minimum number of bookings is not reached. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity ends back at Old Harbour House. Plan to arrive with enough time to locate the check-in area inside the harbor venue.

Because the tour is often booked well ahead, reserve early if the date matters to you. At the same time, keep one or two backup evenings free if you can. That gives you a better chance to use the return option or move your booking if the weather changes.

Should you book this Reykjavik northern lights cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, short aurora outing with a heated cabin, bar, viewing deck, and helpful staff. The free return trip gives the $94 price more weight, particularly if you are staying in Reykjavik for several nights or expect to return to Iceland.

Skip it if you want to get far from all city light or if a land tour into darker country is your top priority. The yacht may remain close enough to Reykjavik for light pollution to affect weak displays.

My advice is to book early in your Iceland stay, dress for serious cold, and judge the cruise as a chance to see the aurora rather than a guaranteed show. On the right night, the quiet water, warm cabin, and lights over the city can make this a memorable way to meet Iceland’s winter sky.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours and returns to Old Harbour House in Reykjavik.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What happens if the northern lights are not visible?

You are offered a free return trip, subject to availability. The return option is valid for up to three years. No refund is provided for not seeing the lights.

Does the boat have indoor heating?

Yes. The yacht has a warm indoor cabin, and onboard facilities include blankets, bathrooms, and a bar or beverage area.

Can I see wildlife during the cruise?

You may see minke or humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, or possibly orcas. Wildlife sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.