Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

Aurora hunting from Reykjavik feels like city nightlife. You board a boat right near the harbor, then sail into Faxafloi bay for skyline views and a real shot at the Aurora Borealis over open water. You’ll also see famous landmarks lit up along the way, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja.

I especially like the comfort setup: warm overalls to borrow, plus a heated interior where you can duck out of the wind. On board you get free Wi‑Fi, toilet facilities, and an onboard café for hot drinks and snacks.

One thing to plan for: the northern lights are never guaranteed. If the skies are cloudy or conditions are poor, you may end up with only faint glimpses—or none at all.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Heated cabin plus outdoor decks: you can choose warm comfort or cold-air “best viewing” without leaving the boat
• Warm overalls included: you’re not stuck trying to layer for polar wind on the fly
• Sighting guarantee / free try again: if aurora sightings don’t happen, you’ll get complimentary return tickets
• Reykjavik skyline at dusk: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Harbor area make the cruise interesting even before the sky show
• Imagine Peace Tower detour (Oct–Dec): if the tower is lit, you get a special pass by for photos

Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik Harbor: a short ride with big scenery

If you want the northern lights, but you don’t want a half-day bus trek, this 2-hour cruise is a smart middle path. It’s built for winter evenings when you want quick access, a comfortable base, and a real view of the sky. The key idea here is simple: you’re already in downtown Reykjavik, but the boat takes you out into Faxafloi bay far enough to give the aurora a chance.

What makes it especially appealing is that the tour isn’t only about hoping for lights. Even on nights when the aurora stays quiet, you still get a moving viewpoint of Reykjavik after dark—plus passes by major landmarks. The whole experience plays like a winter city cruise with a very Icelandic bonus: the sky might actually cooperate.

The boat setup: why heated indoors and outdoor decks matter

Cold weather in Iceland is not a suggestion. The cruise does the sensible thing by giving you both a warm shelter and spots where you can actually watch the sky.

Outside, you’ll find outdoor viewing decks for aurora watching. Inside, there’s a heated cabin where you can warm up, use the toilet facilities, and stay connected with free Wi‑Fi. That mix is great because aurora viewing often means waiting, watching, and checking the horizon—then warming up when you need a reset.

You’ll also borrow warm floatable overalls. These aren’t just for fun—they’re practical. With wind off the water, regular winter coats can feel thin fast, especially once you stop moving. The overalls help you stay outside longer, which matters because the best aurora moments can come suddenly.

A small but meaningful detail: the onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks for purchase. If you’re someone who gets grumpy when it’s cold (same), this is an easy fix without leaving the boat.

The route and timing: Reykjavik lights, then Faxafloi bay for the sky

The cruise begins at Elding Whale Watching, in the Aegisgarður area (Ægisgarður 5c). From there, you sail into Faxafloi bay. That matters because the aurora isn’t just a sky event—it’s also a “where are you standing” event. Being on the water gives you wide angles and a horizon you can actually scan.

As you head out, you get panoramic views of Reykjavik’s illuminated skyline. You’ll pass notable sights, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church, which look especially sharp at night. This is one reason the cruise feels like more than an aurora hunt. You’re traveling through the city’s lights while the crew keeps pointing out what’s happening and where to look.

When the season fits, there’s also an extra highlight. From October to December, the boat sails by the Imagine Peace Tower when it’s lit. That detour can be a great photo moment because it adds a bright, recognizable landmark to your “Iceland at night” memory.

What “2 hours” really means for your aurora odds

Two hours sounds short until you remember how quickly Iceland nights can turn. For aurora viewing, the best strategy is often patience without exhaustion. This cruise is paced so you can wait on deck, check the sky, then duck inside to warm up—without burning your whole evening.

Many people book because it’s shorter than bus tours, and that’s a real advantage if you’re also doing a few Reykjavik activities in one trip. You get a northern lights experience without committing to a long, freezing transfer schedule.

That said, it is still a short window, and the lights are unpredictable. If your aurora moment comes late, you’ll feel it more in a two-hour timeframe than you would on a longer trip. On the flip side, if the aurora shows up early and stays active, this length can feel perfect.

Elding Whale Watching meeting point: getting started without stress

You start and end back at the same place: Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. Because the tour ends at the meeting point, you’re not stuck arranging a complicated return after you’ve been out on the water.

The meeting point is also listed as near public transportation, which is handy. In Reykjavik, that can make your day plan easier if you’re not staying right by the harbor. Still, in winter, give yourself extra time. Dark streets, cold hands, and the general vibe of “Iceland is windy” can slow you down.

The tour uses English, and that’s useful for following the crew’s explanations about what to watch for and where to stand. Even if you only catch part of what’s said, the crew’s guidance tends to help you get oriented fast.

Crew guidance and practical photo help for real results

A lot of aurora tours sound similar. What separates this one is that the crew doesn’t just point vaguely at the sky—you’re guided through what to look for and how conditions affect viewing.

The tour’s guides share facts about the phenomenon and your surroundings as you cruise. That helps you understand what you’re seeing instead of treating it like a random light show. It also helps you know where you should spend your time: some deck spots work better depending on where you’re standing and how you’re scanning the sky.

Photo help can make a huge difference too. People have noted that staff assist with camera settings, which is especially valuable if you’re new to long exposures. Aurora photos are easy to mess up with the wrong settings or impatience, and having on-the-spot coaching boosts your chances of getting something you’ll actually want to keep.

One practical note: the cruise mentions guidance about using onboard photography conditions. If you’re bringing a camera, do pay attention during the safety and viewing instructions—small details can affect your results.

Comfort reality check: what to bring so you enjoy the decks

Even with overalls included, you’ll feel winter in Iceland. If you plan to spend time on the outdoor decks, bring the right extra layer basics.

I’d plan on:

• a hat that covers your ears
• gloves (not just thin liners)
• warm socks and boots with good traction
• a jacket you can wear under the overalls without bunching

If you have the option, check the aurora forecast before you go. The lights can’t be forced, but a good forecast is still your best homework. The cruise experience is more satisfying when you’ve chosen a night with better odds.

Also, be aware of motion. Some people mention rocking on deck, and if you’re prone to seasickness, have a plan. The good news is that many visitors report a smooth ride, and sea-sickness precautions are sensible when you’re standing outside in winter wind.

Price and value: is $105 worth it?

At about $105 per person for roughly two hours, this cruise competes well with longer coach trips. You’re paying for two main things: convenience (downtown pickup isn’t included, but you’re starting right in Reykjavik) and access to a boat with both indoor warmth and outdoor viewing.

The value really depends on what you care about most.

• If you want maximum comfort in a short time, the heated cabin + toilets + overalls add real value. You’re not trapped in the cold for hours.
• If you’re chasing the aurora specifically, the timing is the risk factor—two hours can feel fast if your aurora is slow.
• The voucher program reduces the sting of bad luck. If no aurora sightings occur, you’ll be offered complimentary return tickets to try again. Reviews also mention vouchers being valid for a long window (including up to two years), which is important if you’re only in Iceland once.

So yes, it’s a fair price for a guided, comfortable winter activity with a free-try safety net. Just go in knowing it’s still Iceland. Mother Nature keeps her own schedule.

How this cruise compares to other northern lights options

I’d think of this cruise as your best pick if you want:

• a short, easy outing close to Reykjavik
• the chance to see the aurora without leaving the city for many hours
• the option to warm up inside between viewing bursts

It may feel less ideal if:

• you’re extremely sensitive to crowds and want a quieter, more spread-out viewing experience
• you need maximum distance from city lights, because this route is still departing from the harbor area
• you’re hoping for long deep-sky darkness time (this one is two hours, not five)

In practice, many people are satisfied because they get either a good aurora window or at least a memorable night on the water with city views and landmarks.

Accessibility and mobility notes (quick but important)

The tour is described as allowing most travelers to participate, and it welcomes passengers with limited mobility. But the boats are not fully accessible, because of steep stairs and high thresholds that can limit access to inside areas and even toilet facilities.

If accessibility is a big factor for you, you should plan to stay mostly in areas you can reach comfortably. Ask questions at booking if you’re unsure about deck access and interior movement on your specific sailing.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is in English, which helps with clarity for safety and viewing instructions.

Should you book this Reykjavik northern lights cruise?

Book it if you want a practical aurora experience from downtown Reykjavik with real comfort. The best reason to choose it is the combination of overalls + heated cabin + free Wi‑Fi + a free re-try if the aurora doesn’t show. It’s an efficient way to hunt the sky while still enjoying the city’s lights from the water.

Skip it (or consider an alternative) if you know you’ll be disappointed by crowds, if motion makes you miserable, or if you need longer time away from city glow to feel confident about your aurora photos. Also, if you’re booking during heavy cloud periods, understand that “maybe” is still the correct expectation.

If you want a winter evening that mixes landmark views with aurora hunting, this cruise is a very solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Cruise from downtown Reykjavik?

The cruise is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included items include excellent guidance, warm floatable overalls, free Wi‑Fi on board, and a sighting guarantee with a free try again if you don’t see the northern lights.

Are snacks included?

Snacks are not included, but you can buy snacks and hot drinks at the onboard café.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What about the Imagine Peace Tower?

The cruise sails by the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit, from October to December.

Is the northern lights sighting guaranteed?

The tour includes a sighting guarantee or a complimentary return option if northern lights sightings don’t occur during your tour.

What if weather is bad or the tour gets cancelled?

If conditions are unfavourable, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. If this happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the boat accessible for people with limited mobility?

Limited mobility passengers are welcomed, but the boats are not fully accessible due to steep stairs and high thresholds. This may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities.