Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Yacht Cruise gives you a warm cabin, open-air viewing decks, and a chance to see the aurora from Faxaflói Bay. Instead of sitting in a cold car park, you can watch the sky from the water, with the city and coast behind you and Viðey Island nearby.

I like the comfortable yacht setup, especially the heated indoor area, blankets, bathrooms, café, and bar. I also like the crew’s practical help with camera settings, which matters because a phone may capture green light that your eyes barely notice. Captain Einar has spent years operating whale watching and aurora trips in the bay.

The trade-off is clear: this boat stays relatively close to Reykjavik and does not chase every patch of clear sky like some bus tours. The northern lights are never guaranteed, and a cloudy evening can turn the trip into a pleasant boat ride without the main event.

Key points to know before you book

• Aurora viewing from a yacht: You watch from open decks or warm up inside while the crew keeps an eye on the sky.
• A sheltered route near Reykjavik: The boat heads toward waters near Viðey Island rather than making a long run far into the bay.
• Captain Einar’s experience: He has operated whale watching and northern lights tours in Faxaflói Bay for more than 10 years.
• Comfort in bad weather: The yacht has an indoor lounge, blankets, toilets, Wi-Fi, a café, and a bar with hot and cold drinks.
• A free second chance: If the northern lights do not appear, you may join again at no extra cost, subject to the provider’s stated policy.
• Small group details need checking: One yacht carries up to 35 people, but the operator also has a larger 95-passenger vessel.

Setting off from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

You meet at Old Harbour House on Ægisgarður 2, close to the city center and the waterfront. The trip lasts about two to three hours and returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a late-night ride from a different part of town.

The opening view is one of the best parts of the outing. As the yacht leaves the harbour, you can see Harpa Concert Hall from the water, then watch Reykjavik’s shoreline recede as the boat moves toward the islands. This is a pleasant way to see the city from a different angle, even if the sky refuses to cooperate.

The departure time is after dark, since the aurora can only be seen when the sky is sufficiently dark. Exact timing depends on the evening’s schedule and conditions. Arrive early, not at the last second. The operator asks you to check in before departure, and one delayed party once held the yacht for around 20 minutes.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in central Reykjavik.

What the Viðey Island route adds

Viðey Island is more than a dark patch on the horizon. It gives the cruise a real sightseeing purpose before the aurora appears. The island has walking paths, open views across the water, and a quiet setting just offshore from Reykjavik.

The island is also home to the Imagine Peace Tower, the memorial created by Yoko Ono in honor of John Lennon. You may not go ashore during this cruise, but seeing Viðey from the water adds cultural interest to what might otherwise be a simple wait for the sky to change.

The route also provides a useful viewing position. The yacht operates behind the islands, where the water can be more sheltered. That means the boat is not simply charging into the open bay in search of a more distant horizon. The crew’s approach is to find calmer water and wait for a clear opening.

This point matters because a boat tour is not automatically better just because it moves. The aurora appears high above you, roughly 100 kilometers up according to the operator’s explanation, so moving a short distance farther offshore does not always improve the view. Cloud cover is usually the bigger problem.

Watching the aurora over Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay is the main stage for the evening. Its waters open toward the Atlantic, with seabirds, islands, and the Reykjavik coastline nearby. The bay is also used for whale watching, so you are sailing through an area known for marine life, though this particular outing is focused on the night sky rather than whales.

The yacht usually goes to a sheltered position near the islands and waits. You may see city lights along the shore, but the operator says the boat goes far enough away for those lights not to prevent aurora viewing. This is one of the most debated parts of the experience.

Some people appreciate staying near the city because the journey is shorter and the water is calmer. Others want a bus tour that drives well away from artificial light and adjusts its route in search of clearer skies. If your first priority is active storm chasing, this cruise may feel too fixed in its route.

The crew keeps watch and communicates with other boats. You may hear updates about where the lights are appearing or when to head outside. The quality of the narration can vary with the conditions, the microphone, and how much explanation you want. The commentary includes basic information about the aurora, along with occasional local details such as Icelandic Christmas traditions.

The most useful help comes when the lights begin. Crew members can point out faint activity and help you decide where to look. They can also explain camera settings. This is important because the aurora may look weak to your eyes but show up more clearly in a long-exposure photograph.

The yacht is the real advantage

The biggest strength here is comfort. You can step outside for a clear view, then return indoors when the wind bites. The boat has an enclosed lounge, blankets, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a café and bar serving hot and cold drinks.

That setup changes the mood of the evening. On a bus tour, you may spend a long time waiting inside a vehicle or standing outdoors at a roadside stop. Here, you can wait on the water with a drink, use the facilities, and move between the warm interior and the viewing deck.

Do not confuse comfortable with luxury. The operator describes the boats as comfortable yachts, not high-end private vessels. One person may find the bar prices reasonable for Reykjavik, while another may consider them expensive. The supplied price of about $100.82 per person already makes this a substantial night out, so drinks are an extra consideration.

Music plays during the trip. Some people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, while others may prefer silence while watching the sky. If you want a serious astronomy presentation, this is not that kind of excursion. It is a social sightseeing trip with a short aurora explanation.

The outdoor deck is essential for the best view. You cannot properly watch the northern lights through a window if reflections or condensation get in the way. Bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear even if the forecast looks mild. The indoor area helps, but you still need to spend time outside if the lights appear.

Group size and boat choice

The advertised experience lists a maximum of 35 people. The operator also uses two yachts: MY Harpa, with space for 35 passengers, and MY Amelia Rose, with space for 95 passengers.

That difference is worth checking when you book. A 35-person yacht should feel easier to manage when everyone moves toward the front deck at once. A larger boat may offer more room overall but can feel busier, especially when the aurora appears suddenly.

There is a practical trade-off. The smaller yacht has a set route and does not go as far as the larger ship. You gain a quieter, less crowded feel but give up some range. If your choice is between this small yacht and a large ferry packed with people, the smaller vessel may be worth the price even though it does not travel as far.

Ask which boat is operating on your date if that detail matters to you. The information supplied for this experience points to a 35-person maximum, but the operator’s own response makes clear that both vessels may be used.

Your odds of seeing the northern lights

No northern lights cruise can promise a sighting. You need darkness, a clear enough patch of sky, and aurora activity strong enough to be visible. A forecast that looks poor several hours before departure is not always the final word in Iceland.

Weather can change quickly. A boat may leave in snow and find the upper clouds blown away later. The reverse can also happen: a clear afternoon may turn into a blizzard by departure. The crew uses forecasts and local experience, but it cannot control the sky.

That uncertainty is the main reason to book this as part of a flexible Iceland schedule. Do not make it your only chance on the final hour of your trip if you can avoid it. Leave yourself another evening so you have time to try again.

When the lights do appear, the payoff can be dramatic. One evening began in heavy snow, then cleared around 10 p.m. Another trip seemed to show only a faint green haze before the boat turned toward home. The crew stopped the turn when stronger activity appeared, giving everyone time to move forward and watch the display.

That kind of patience is valuable. A weak beginning does not always mean the evening is over. Still, you should be prepared for the possibility of seeing nothing.

The free repeat-trip policy

If the northern lights do not appear, the operator offers a free additional yacht trip. The response to one customer states that this can be used for up to three years, allowing repeated attempts until you see the lights.

Treat this as a helpful safety net, not a guaranteed solution. You need enough time left in Reykjavik to use it, and a short visit may not leave room for another departure. If you are staying several nights, the policy makes the cruise a less risky purchase.

The policy also explains why this tour can work well early in your stay. If the first attempt fails, you may be able to book again on another evening. If you schedule it on your last night, the free repeat is of little practical value unless you plan to return to Iceland.

Cancellation is different from a failed sighting. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

How the price compares with the experience

At about $100.82 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an evening. The price covers more than transportation to a viewing point, though. You are paying for a two to three hour cruise, indoor shelter, toilets, a café and bar, Wi-Fi, outdoor decks, and the chance to see Reykjavik from the water.

I see the value most clearly if comfort matters to you. A warm lounge and the ability to step outside only when the crew spots activity can make a long wait much easier. It also gives you a complete evening out rather than a simple transfer to a dark roadside location.

The value is weaker if your only goal is the highest possible chance of seeing the aurora. A bus may travel farther and change position more readily. The yacht’s route is closer to town and more consistent, so you are choosing comfort and atmosphere over maximum range.

The repeat-trip policy improves the value, especially for a longer stay. The price becomes harder to justify if you have only one night available, since the boat cannot manufacture clear skies.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want your aurora hunt to feel like a proper Reykjavik evening. It suits couples looking for a calm night on the water, families who need an indoor place to warm up, and anyone who dislikes standing outside for hours in an exposed car park.

It also works well for photographers who want help with settings. Do not expect professional camera instruction, but crew members can help you focus and adjust your phone or camera when the lights are faint.

This may not suit you if you want a silent, science-focused trip, a remote wilderness setting, or a boat that actively searches every part of the bay. You may also be disappointed if you expect a private yacht. Check the vessel before departure if group size is important.

Should you book the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

Book it if you value warmth, bathrooms, blankets, and a bar as much as the aurora itself. The boat gives you a comfortable base, an appealing view of Reykjavik’s coast, and a free second attempt if the sky stays blank.

Skip it if you have only one evening and want the most aggressive possible search for clear skies. In that case, compare it with a land tour that can drive farther from Reykjavik.

My practical advice is to book this early in your stay, dress for the open deck, confirm which yacht is operating, and keep your schedule flexible. You may spend the night simply cruising near Viðey Island. You may also get the sudden green arc that makes the cold, waiting, and price feel entirely worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise depart?

It departs from Old Harbour House, Food, Drinks & Tours, at Ægisgarður 2 in Reykjavik, Iceland.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately two to three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is the northern lights sighting guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on darkness, clear areas of sky, and activity strong enough to see. The operator cannot guarantee a sighting.

What happens if the northern lights do not appear?

The operator offers a free additional yacht trip if the northern lights do not appear. The provider states that this offer can be used for up to three years.

Does the yacht have indoor facilities?

Yes. The yacht has an enclosed area for warming up, blankets, bathrooms, a café, a bar, and Wi-Fi.

How many people can join the cruise?

The experience information lists a maximum of 35 people. The operator also has a larger yacht that can carry up to 95 passengers, so you should confirm which vessel is scheduled.

Is the cruise offered in English?

Yes. The cruise is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor-weather cancellations offer either another date or a full refund.