From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The best part of this Northern Lights cruise is the change of setting. Instead of sitting on a coach in the countryside, you slip away from Reykjavik by boat and watch the city glow shrink behind you. The mountains, open water, and dark sky give the search a quiet, almost cinematic feel.

I like the freedom to move between the two observation decks and the warm indoor areas. I also like that the guide helps you find the aurora and gives practical camera advice. The main catch is simple: the lights may not appear, and the open deck can be brutally cold when the wind picks up.

Key points to know before you sail

• Two hours on the water: A short, focused outing that fits neatly into an evening in Reykjavik.
• Two observation decks: You can move around for different views instead of being fixed in one seat.
• Warm indoor areas: The boat gives you somewhere to thaw out between checks of the sky.
• Free rebooking if conditions fail: If the aurora is not visible, the operator may let you try again at no extra cost.
• English-speaking guides: Guides point out faint activity and can help with camera settings.
• Old Harbour departure: Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 30 minutes before sailing.

Leaving Reykjavik from the Old Harbour

Your evening starts at Old Harbour House on Aegisgardur 2. Check in 30 minutes before departure by scanning the bar code or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk. It is a useful arrangement because you can complete the check-in quickly rather than waiting for a desk.

You can make your own way to the harbour or arrange pickup from a hotel in the Reykjavik area. If you choose pickup, allow extra time before departure. The supplied details do not give one fixed pickup schedule, so check the exact time attached to your booking.

The harbour setting helps set the mood. You are still close to Reykjavik, but the cruise soon gives you a different view of the city. From the water, the lights spread along the shoreline, while the mountains form a darker outline beyond them.

The boat used on some departures is the Amelia Rose, a modern vessel with indoor seating, covered areas, and outdoor viewing space. The exact boat may vary, so do not book on the assumption that every sailing uses the same vessel. The important point is that you have more than one place to wait for the sky to change.

The first half hour: city lights fading behind you

Once aboard, you can settle into a seat, look around the vessel, or head outside as the boat leaves the harbour. The city remains part of the view at first. That is not ideal for aurora watching, but it gives you a pleasant sense of departure and helps you see how quickly the surroundings change.

The boat heads toward quieter water and away from the strongest city glow. It does not take you to a truly remote dark-sky location, so you should keep your expectations sensible. Still, getting offshore reduces some of the light pollution and gives you a broad, unobstructed view above the horizon.

The guide usually talks about where to look and what to watch for. That matters because a weak aurora can look like a pale cloud or a faint gray-green smear at first. You could easily miss it if nobody directs your attention to the right part of the sky.

The guide may also explain how the lights appear to the naked eye compared with a camera. This is useful in Iceland, where a phone can record brighter colors than you can see directly. Some people are surprised when a photo shows green bands that looked almost colorless in person.

Waiting under the stars on two observation decks

The central part of the cruise is not a sightseeing stop. It is a patient search. The boat slows or holds position while you scan the sky, listen to the water, and watch for movement among the stars.

I like this format because you are not forced to remain in one place. You can move between the double observation deck, indoor lounges, and other covered areas. If the sky looks promising in one direction, you can step outside and find a better view. If the cold becomes too much, you can go inside, warm up, and return later.

Blankets are provided, but they do not replace proper clothing. Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy comfortable shoes. The top deck can feel freezing, especially when the boat is moving or when you are standing still for a long time. Several successful sightings happened only because people were willing to spend time outside, so dress for repeated trips onto the deck.

The indoor areas are one of the cruise’s strongest practical features. You can sit down, warm your hands, and buy a drink from the bar. Drinks are not included in the $88 price, so plan to pay separately if you want one. Free Wi-Fi is included, though your phone may be more useful for photos than for browsing.

Indoor seating may be limited if the boat is busy. One past sailing had enough room for people to move between upstairs and downstairs, while another had people standing inside. When the lights appear, many people head outside anyway, but indoor space still matters during the waiting period.

How the Northern Lights hunt actually works

Aurora watching is a matter of timing, cloud cover, darkness, and solar activity. A cruise cannot control any of those things. The crew can take you away from some city light, explain where to look, and give you time, but no operator can promise a display.

That uncertainty is the main difference between this cruise and a standard sightseeing tour. You may see a strong green arc within 20 minutes of departure. You may see a faint glow near the end of the two hours. You may see nothing at all.

The guides are especially useful when activity is weak. On strong nights, the sky does the work. On subtle nights, an experienced guide can point out a thin band that you might otherwise dismiss. Some guides also walk around helping with phone settings and photographs. Guides named Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina received particular praise for being friendly, informative, and attentive, but staffing can change by departure.

The crew may stay out a little longer when the aurora appears late or begins to strengthen. One evening, the boat paused on the way back so passengers could watch a stronger patch developing. That kind of flexibility adds real value, though you should not assume every sailing will run beyond its planned schedule.

If the northern lights do not appear, the operator may offer a free return trip. The exact rescheduling rules can depend on availability and the operator’s current policy. This can be a major benefit if you are in Reykjavik for several nights. It is less useful if your trip ends the next morning, so book this cruise early in your stay when possible.

What the views add beyond the aurora

The Northern Lights are the reason to book, but the boat ride has its own appeal. You get a view of Reykjavik from the water, then a quieter look toward the mountains and open sea. On clear nights, the stars become part of the show even before the aurora arrives.

The water can add another layer to the experience. When the lights are strong, their color may shimmer on the surface. When the aurora is faint, the sea, moon, mountains, and city glow still give you something to watch.

There can also be surprises. One sailing had a brief whale sighting. Another offered a distant view of lava from a volcanic eruption. These events are not part of the stated itinerary and should not influence your booking decision, but they show why an ocean cruise can offer more than a fixed view of the sky.

The ride itself is generally smooth enough for people to move around the boat, but you are still at sea. If you are sensitive to motion, stay near the indoor seating and ask the crew for practical help. The supplied information does not promise special motion-sickness facilities, so bring any medication you normally use.

Photo tips for a dark moving deck

You can take pictures, but aurora photography is different from ordinary night photography. The camera may show more color than your eyes see, particularly during a weak display.

Keep your phone as steady as possible. One useful suggestion from the cruise was to use an Android phone’s Pro mode with about a one-second exposure. Your own phone may need different settings, and a longer exposure can blur the lights or the boat if the vessel moves.

Do not spend the entire cruise looking at a screen. Check the sky with your eyes first, then take a few pictures. On stronger nights, the lights can be clear without a camera. On weaker nights, your photos may reveal color and shape that were hard to see directly.

The guide may help you change settings or find the best direction. That assistance is particularly worthwhile if you have never photographed the aurora before. A tripod is not mentioned as part of the equipment, so do not count on one being available.

Is $88 good value for two hours?

At $88 per person, this is not a cheap way to look for the Northern Lights. You are paying for the boat, crew, guide, observation space, indoor areas, blankets, and the chance to escape part of Reykjavik’s light pollution.

The cruise offers good value if you dislike the idea of sitting on a coach for several hours. You can walk around, use the bar, warm up indoors, and look at the city and mountains from the water. The two-hour length also avoids turning the aurora hunt into an all-night commitment.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to reach the darkest possible sky. This boat does not take you into a fully remote area, and city light remains part of the wider view. A longer land tour may reach darker countryside, though it will usually take more of your evening.

The free retry policy changes the calculation. If you have several nights in Reykjavik and can return when conditions improve, the price buys more than one chance. If you have only one evening, treat the cruise as a scenic night outing with a possible aurora, not as a guaranteed light show.

Timing, comfort, and who should book

This cruise suits you if you want a manageable first attempt at seeing the Northern Lights. It works well for couples, families with older children, photographers who want room to move, and anyone who prefers a boat to a bus.

It is also a good choice for the final evening of a Reykjavik stay, provided you accept the risk. Several people have used it as a memorable closing activity. I would personally schedule it earlier if possible, since a missed sighting gives you a chance to rebook.

The cruise is less suitable if you need certainty, dislike cold weather, or have a tight schedule that leaves no room for a second attempt. It also may not suit someone who wants a full night in a remote dark-sky area.

Bring warm clothing even if you plan to stay inside. Comfortable shoes matter because you may move between decks. The boat has warm seating areas, but the best views are often outside, where the cold is part of the deal.

Cancellations caused by poor conditions can happen. The operator has notified passengers in advance on some occasions and offered a new departure. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Should you book this Reykjavik Northern Lights cruise?

Book it if you want a short, well-organized aurora hunt with a proper boat, helpful English-speaking guides, and a warm place to retreat between sky checks. The two-hour format is efficient, and the chance to rebook can make the $88 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want the darkest possible conditions or cannot spare another evening in case the first attempt fails. The lights are never guaranteed, but the city views, mountains, stars, indoor comfort, and open-air decks make this more than a simple ride out and back.

For the best odds, schedule it near the start of your Reykjavik stay, wear serious winter clothing, and listen when the guide points to a faint patch of sky. The aurora may arrive early, late, or not at all. That honest uncertainty is part of the experience.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours.

Where do I check in?

Check in at Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

Can I get picked up from my Reykjavik hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available in the Reykjavik area, and you can also make your own way to the Old Harbour.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on weather, cloud cover, darkness, and solar activity, so sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the lights?

You may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator. This is most useful if you have enough time left in Iceland for another attempt.

Is the guide’s commentary in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to buy on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Blankets are provided, but the outdoor decks can be very cold.