Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Iceland’s aurora looks better from a boat ride. This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik is built to move you away from city glare and keep you watching from three outdoor decks. I also like that you’re not left freezing: you get warm flotation overalls plus heated indoor cabins so you can actually enjoy the night.

The big catch is simple: the sky is still the boss. Even with the best captain and crew, you can end up with a late-night harbor cruise if the aurora doesn’t show or clouds roll in, and that’s exactly what some disappointed reviews complained about.

Key things to know before you go

• Three outdoor decks for spotting aurora overhead
• Heated indoor cabins with toilets when the cold bites
• Warm flotation overalls and motion sickness tablets available
• Small-day comfort on the water: free WiFi and indoor backup
• No-sighting safety net with a free ticket to try again

Northern Lights from Reykjavik: Why This Cruise Works (When It Works)

Reykjavik is bright at night. It’s fun, walkable, and full of warm lights in winter—but that glow can wash out faint aurora. This cruise is designed around a basic idea: get farther from the city, then give you multiple places on the boat to look up.

You’re also not stuck in one spot. With three outdoor decks, you can spread out for viewing and keep moving as your eyes adjust. When the aurora is active, that flexibility matters. Aurora can appear, fade, then return in a new patch of sky within minutes.

And if you’re the type who gets cold fast, this tour makes that problem smaller. Heated indoor cabins and toilets help you recover without giving up the chance to go back out and look again.

Price and Value: What $93 Buys on the Water

At about $93 per person for a roughly 2.5-hour outing, you’re paying for three things:

First, you’re paying for access to the best viewing setup the boat can offer: distance from the harbor, open viewing decks, and a night’s worth of guided searching.

Second, you’re paying for comfort gear. Warm flotation overalls and heated indoor space are not typical extras on every winter night tour. That gear can make the difference between enjoying the experience and spending the whole time thinking about how your hands feel.

Third, you’re paying for a risk-reduction plan. If you don’t see the lights on the cruise, you get a free ticket to join again. Reviews show that this safety net is taken seriously, and most of the sharpest disappointments were about weather, not about staff attitude.

So yes, this is still a nature hunt. But it’s not just a ticket and hope. It’s a guided hunt with real comfort built in.

The Boat Setup: Outdoor Decks, Indoor Heat, and Real Comfort

This cruise is more than a ride. The boat is your viewing platform, and it’s arranged for winter:

• Three outdoor decks where you can look for movement in the sky.
• Heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, which is huge on long, cold nights.
• Free WiFi on board, useful for checking basic weather and aurora forecasts while you wait.
• Warm flotation overalls to keep your body heat from vanishing.
• Complimentary seasickness tablets available if the sea gets bumpy.

In practice, that means you can pace yourself. You don’t have to go from cold deck to even colder deck over and over. You can step inside, warm up, reset your expectations, then head back out when you see activity.

One review highlight was how caring the crew can be when conditions turn rough. Another common theme: you still need to dress like you’re going to be outside for real, because Icelandic cold is Icelandic cold.

Timing and Meeting Point: Geirsgata 11 in the Dark

The tour starts and ends back at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. That sounds straightforward—until you’re trying to find it at night in winter.

The instruction is clear: plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. I’d even give yourself more than that if it’s your first night in Reykjavik or if you’re arriving after dark. One theme that shows up in real-world experiences is that the start area can be stressful when visibility is low and the exact boarding location isn’t obvious.

What to do:

• Bring the mobile ticket and keep it ready on your phone.
• Check your email for day-of updates.
• If the company posts a daily diary, check it before you leave your hotel. That’s where the important changes usually live.

Also, there’s mention of near public transportation, so if you’re using buses or walking from downtown, build in extra time for slippery sidewalks and nighttime navigation.

Step-by-Step: What 2–3 Hours Looks Like on the Cruise

Even though the exact route isn’t spelled out here, the flow of the night is consistent with how these aurora cruises run from Reykjavik.

1) Getting kitted up and settling in

You’ll board at Geirsgata 11 and get oriented. Warm flotation overalls are part of the deal, and you’ll see people layering up fast—gloves, hats, and thick socks. If you’re prone to seasickness, take the tablet early rather than waiting until you feel it.

2) Moving out from the harbor area

The goal is to reduce the shine from the city. The cruise description promises a trip away from Reykjavik’s lights, and the best nights happen when the boat gets to darker water. On some nights, you’ll still be able to see coastal lights in the distance. That’s normal for near-coastal cruising.

One downside that shows up in some accounts: if the boat doesn’t get far enough out, headlights from shore can briefly ruin your dark adaptation. When this happens, the best move is simple—stay patient, use the indoor warm-up, and try again outside once your eyes reset.

3) The main viewing period: outdoor decks and guided searching

This is where the cruise earns its keep. You’re watching from three outdoor decks, not from one glass window. If the aurora is faint, you’ll often notice it first as movement or a soft glow rather than dramatic curtains.

The crew typically keeps an eye on conditions and helps you focus your gaze. Some reviews note that staff stayed out to make sure people didn’t feel shut out when the wait was long.

4) Returning to Reykjavik

The experience ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan a second transit. Still, treat it like a late-night activity: bring your warm layers and expect the walk back to feel colder than you think.

Aurora Expectations: Realistic Chances, Not a Guarantee

Let’s set expectations straight: northern lights are not predictable on command. Even when aurora forecasts look promising, clouds and wind can block the view.

That’s why this tour includes a free ticket to join again when there are no sightings. In other words, the company is budgeting for the reality that nature won’t always cooperate.

Here’s the practical way to think about your odds:

• Your best nights are usually when the sky is clear and auroral activity is strong.
• Your best experience isn’t only the moment you see green light. It’s the whole process: moving away from glare, scanning the sky, and staying warm while you wait.

If you’re traveling in months where you’re expecting peak aurora nights, you should still know that even peak doesn’t mean guaranteed. Some travelers were disappointed even after positive forecasts, and the hardest disappointment tends to come from staying too close to bright surroundings or from clouds wiping out the view.

What to Wear and Bring: Your Personal “Aurora Armor”

This is a winter cruise. You’re outside enough that clothing matters.

Bring and wear:

• Warm clothing and good footwear (you’ll be standing on deck).
• A camera if you want to try photos. The recommendation is explicit: bring your camera for amazing photos.
• Gloves and a hat. If you’re fumbling with your camera, you lose your moment.

The tour provides warm overalls, but that doesn’t replace a good winter base layer. Also, sea conditions can get rough. One review noted rough seas and suggested extra motion sickness tablets for heavier travelers. If you’re sensitive to motion, plan for that.

Photos From the Water: How to Get Shots You’ll Actually Keep

Aurora photos are mostly about two things: darkness and patience.

Practical photo tips for this cruise setup:

• Use your camera in bursts, not just one long attempt. Aurora changes fast.
• Keep moving your view slowly rather than spinning your whole body every time you see a faint glow.
• When you step back inside, let your eyes adjust again before going back out—faint aurora looks brighter once your vision is ready.

Also, remember that the boat returns near the harbor where city lights are visible. That can still work for photos, but it’s tougher for capturing a clean dark-sky backdrop.

Crew, On-Board Atmosphere, and the Stuff That Makes a Difference

When this tour goes well, it’s not just the aurora. It’s the feeling of being looked after while you wait.

Common positives from real experiences:

• Friendly crew and staff who work hard to help you find the lights.
• Guides who stay engaged rather than just pointing and disappearing.
• People noticing the aurora close enough that it feels personal, not distant.

Common frustrations:

• Some people found the exact boarding location confusing in the dark.
• On a few nights, people felt the boat didn’t get dark enough for aurora visibility.
• When sea conditions are rough, comfort can be harder even with overalls.

A smart move: treat the cruise as a guided night out, not a guaranteed aurora delivery service.

Who Should Book This Northern Lights Cruise (and Who Should Think Twice)

This cruise is a good fit if:

• You want multiple viewing decks instead of one cramped viewpoint.
• You appreciate comfort options like heated cabins and toilets.
• You’re traveling with people who hate the idea of standing in freezing wind for hours.
• You like the chance to try again with a free ticket if aurora doesn’t show.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to cold or motion and you haven’t packed properly.
• You’re only happy if you see dramatic, curtain-like aurora. This tour can be amazing, but some nights are faint or missed.

If you’re comparing options, think about how you personally handle waiting. If waiting in warmth while scanning the sky sounds good, you’ll likely enjoy this cruise.

Should You Book Reykjavik Sailors’ Northern Lights Cruise?

I think this is worth booking if you’re realistic about the weather and you value comfort. For the price, you’re getting warm gear, heated indoor space, toilets, and a retry option—plus the chance to watch from actual open decks rather than just from a harbor walkway.

If you want a 100% guaranteed show, no northern lights tour can promise that. But if you want the best setup to keep your odds high while staying warm and organized, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

It’s about 2 to 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts and ends at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How much does the tour cost?

The price listed is $93.00 per person.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. Bring a camera if you want photos. You’ll also be given warm flotation overalls.

Is pickup included?

No pickup is included. Pickup is available for an extra charge.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are sold on board.

What’s included besides the cruise itself?

You get experienced guides, a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings, warm flotation overalls, free WiFi, heated indoor cabins with toilets, and complimentary seasickness tablets.

If there are no northern lights, can I go again?

Yes. The tour includes a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.