From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The best part of this Northern Lights cruise is the change of setting. You leave Reykjavík’s harbor, watch the city lights fade, and wait for the aurora with mountains behind you and dark water under your feet. The sea gives the hunt a calm, open feeling that a crowded roadside viewpoint cannot match.

I like the warm indoor seating and the freedom to move between two observation decks. I also like the crew’s role: guides point out faint aurora that you might otherwise miss, and some have helped passengers adjust camera settings or find a better place to look.

The catch is simple: no boat can order up the Northern Lights. You might spend two hours under clear stars and see only a weak glow, or nothing at all. The boat offers free rebooking after a missed sighting, but that matters most if you have another night in Reykjavík.

Key points

• Two-hour departure from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour: Sail into quieter water with the city and mountains still visible behind you.
• Two observation levels: Move outside for the sky, then return indoors when the wind and cold become too much.
• Guides who actively help: Guides such as Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina have helped people spot faint aurora and take better photographs.
• Warmth without giving up the view: Blankets are provided, and the boat has heated indoor areas, seating, lamps, cushions, and a bar.
• Free second chances: If the Northern Lights do not appear, you may be able to rebook with the operator at no extra cost.
• Good value for a short evening: At $88, the price is fair if you value comfort and easy access, but less appealing if you want a guaranteed show.

Leaving Reykjavík by water after dark

You check in at the Old Harbour House on Aegisgardur 2, about 30 minutes before departure. The ticket includes a bar or QR code that you scan at a self-service kiosk, so the practical start is quick and simple. Hotel pickup is also available from Reykjavík-area hotels if you would rather not make your own way to the harbor.

The boat pulls away from the coast and gives you a gradual change of scenery. Reykjavík remains behind you, with the city lights thinning as you head toward darker water. You still have the mountains and capital area as a reference point, which makes this more than a blank ride into the night.

That transition is part of the appeal. You are not standing in a parking lot waiting for a cloud break. You are moving through the harbor and out toward open water, with the sound of the sea and the lights of Reykjavík becoming less distracting.

The cruise lasts two hours. That is long enough to allow for changing conditions, but short enough to fit into an evening without taking over your whole day. If the aurora appears early, you can spend more time outside watching it. If the sky stays quiet, the return trip arrives before the wait becomes exhausting.

The boat gives you two ways to watch

The vessel used for these trips has a double observation deck, with outdoor areas for a full view of the sky and indoor seating for shelter. The Amelia Rose is the boat described by several passengers, though the operating vessel can depend on the departure. Expect a modern, comfortable setup rather than a bare sightseeing boat.

The indoor areas are important. Northern Icelandic nights can be cold, and the wind on the water can make the temperature feel lower than it does on land. You can sit inside, warm up, buy a drink, and then return to the deck when the crew spots activity.

Blankets are provided, but do not treat them as a substitute for proper clothing. Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and shoes you can walk in comfortably. The official advice calls for warm clothing and comfortable shoes, and that is exactly right. Several passengers found the interior warm and the top deck very cold.

The boat also provides free Wi-Fi. Drinks are not included, but they can be purchased on board. The bar adds a useful option during the waiting periods, especially if you want something hot or simply need a break from the cold.

How the Northern Lights hunt actually works

The crew does not simply point the boat toward one fixed viewing spot. The aim is to leave the strongest city light behind and watch the sky for breaks in the cloud and signs of aurora activity.

Your guide will explain where to look and may walk around the boat to help people find the lights. This matters because early aurora can be faint. A pale gray or green streak may look like a cloud until someone shows you what to watch for. Cameras often record stronger color than your eyes can see, especially when the display is weak.

Guides have also helped passengers with photography. One guide, Nazifa, was described as walking around to help people change camera settings. Other guides have pointed out the best direction and helped everyone get their chance at photographs. If you want pictures, ask early rather than waiting until the strongest activity arrives.

The best displays can spread across the sky in green bands and moving curtains. You might also see reflections in the water, which give the view an extra layer that you do not get from a roadside tour. But the effect is not guaranteed, and the aurora may appear only as a faint glow.

Some passengers have seen the lights within 20 minutes. Others waited until near the end of the two-hour trip. On one successful outing, stronger lights appeared close to the return journey, and the crew paused to draw attention to the display before heading back. That willingness to wait can make a real difference when conditions are changing.

What happens when the sky refuses to cooperate

The Northern Lights depend on darkness, cloud cover, and solar activity. A clear night does not always produce aurora, and an active forecast does not guarantee that clouds will move away at the right time.

The operator may cancel or reschedule a departure if the weather is poor. Past passengers received notice in advance when conditions made the cruise impractical and were offered new dates. If you go out and do not see the lights, free rebooking is available under the operator’s policy.

That promise is one of the strongest parts of the booking. You can book the cruise early in your Iceland stay and use a later night as a second attempt. Several successful sightings came after a first trip produced no aurora.

There is one practical limit. A free return is not very useful if you leave Iceland the next morning. If your schedule is tight, put this cruise near the beginning of your stay, not on your final night. The same advice applies to any Northern Lights outing, but it is especially useful here because the second-chance policy can save the experience.

Even without aurora, the boat ride can still offer a pleasant evening. You get the harbor, sea, mountains, stars, and a view of Reykjavík from the water. On one outing, passengers saw whales briefly, and on another, distant volcanic activity became an unexpected sight. Those extras are never promised, but they show why the cruise is not simply two hours of sitting in the dark.

Comparing the $88 price with land-based tours

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the aurora. A bus tour may cost less, and a long coach excursion can take you farther from Reykjavík’s city lights. The cruise’s value comes from comfort, ease, and a different setting.

You avoid a long drive through the night. You can move around the boat, use indoor seating, buy a drink, and step outside when the crew identifies activity. Two hours also makes the outing easy to fit around dinner or other evening plans.

The tradeoff is that the boat does not reach a truly remote dark-sky site. Reykjavík remains part of the view, and the city’s glow does not disappear completely. If your top priority is the darkest possible sky, a countryside tour may have an advantage.

I would call the price reasonable for a first Northern Lights attempt, particularly if you like being on the water or dislike sitting on a coach for several hours. It becomes better value if you can use the free return after a cloudy or quiet night. It feels expensive if you want a guaranteed display, since that guarantee cannot exist.

The best time to book this cruise

Northern Lights season requires dark nights, and this cruise runs as an evening activity. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your dates.

Book for an early night in Reykjavík whenever possible. That gives you room to reschedule if the forecast is poor or the first attempt produces no sighting. It also keeps the rest of your trip flexible.

You should not book this as the only reason for a short Iceland visit unless you accept the risk of missing the aurora. The lights are a natural event, not a scheduled performance. A good plan includes other evening options and treats the Northern Lights as a bonus.

The cruise works well after a day spent exploring Reykjavík because the meeting point is at the Old Harbour. Pickup from a hotel is available in the Reykjavík area, which helps if you prefer not to navigate the harbor at night.

Who will enjoy the ocean setting most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple Northern Lights outing without a long drive. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who prefer the option of warming up indoors instead of standing outside for the entire search.

It is also a good fit if you like photography but do not want to stay in one fixed position. The two decks let you change angles, and the guides can help you find the aurora or adjust your phone and camera settings.

The cruise may be less suitable if you need a guaranteed sighting or if you have only one evening in Iceland. It may also disappoint you if you expect a completely dark horizon. The boat reduces city light, but it does not take you into the remote countryside.

People who dislike cold weather should still come prepared. The interior is warm and comfortable, but the strongest viewing usually happens outside. You may spend only a few minutes on deck for a weak display or much longer outside for a bright one.

Small details that improve the night

Arrive 30 minutes early so you have time to check in at the kiosk and get settled. If you are using hotel pickup, confirm the pickup details when booking.

Wear several warm layers rather than one heavy coat. Gloves matter when you are holding a phone or camera, and comfortable shoes make it easier to move between the seating areas and observation decks.

Keep your camera ready, but watch the sky with your own eyes too. A phone can record green color that looks faint to you, yet the real pleasure is seeing the aurora move above the boat. Ask the guide for help if you are unsure where to look or how to set up your camera.

If you feel cold, go inside before you become miserable. You will not lose your chance simply by warming up for a few minutes, and the crew can direct you back outside when activity begins.

The guides receive especially strong praise for being friendly, patient, and restrained. The best commentary gives you useful information and direction without talking over the quiet of the night. Names that have been associated with particularly helpful guiding include Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina, though the guide on your departure may be different.

Should you book the Reykjavík Northern Lights cruise?

Book it if you want a comfortable, low-effort way to make a first aurora attempt from Reykjavík. The boat is warm inside, the outdoor decks give you a clear view of the sky, and the crew actively helps you spot faint lights and take pictures.

The $88 cost is fair when you value the harbor setting, two-hour length, indoor shelter, and free second chance. It is not the best choice if you are seeking the darkest possible sky or have no spare night for a rescheduled trip.

My practical advice is to reserve this for the first part of your Reykjavík stay, dress for serious cold, and keep your expectations realistic. If the sky lights up, the city and mountains behind you make the moment special. If it does not, you still have a pleasant boat ride and a reasonable chance to try again.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights sightseeing cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours. Check the current availability for the exact departure time on your chosen date.

Where do I meet the boat?

Check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

How do I check in?

Scan the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk inside the Old Harbour House.

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 the conditions, and viewings are not guaranteed.

Can I try again if I do not see the aurora?

Yes. If the Northern Lights are not visible, you may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator.

Is the boat warm?

The boat has warm indoor seating areas, and blankets are provided. The outdoor deck can be very cold, so you should bring warm clothing.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase at the bar on board. Free Wi-Fi, guides, the cruise, and access to the two observation decks are included.