Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

Aurora hunting starts right from downtown. This Northern Lights & City Cruise turns Reykjavík’s lights into part of the show, then shifts focus to the sky from outdoor decks and a heated indoor saloon.

I love the practical warmth: you’re issued warm overalls, and there’s a cabin to get out of the wind. I also like the city views built into the route, with landmark passes such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja, plus a bonus detour for the Imagine Peace Tower beam when it’s lit (October to December). The one drawback to plan for is that aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, since cloud cover can shut down the view fast.

If you’re lucky enough to have a guide like Mia (a name I saw mentioned), you’ll benefit from her hands-on approach—camera tips included—so you’re not just standing in the dark hoping.

Key things you’ll notice on this cruise

• Warm floatable overalls help you stay outside longer without turning the deck into a survival test
• Heated indoor saloon with free Wi‑Fi means you can warm up without leaving the action
• A route that mixes Reykjavík landmarks (Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja) with northern-sky searching
• Free return if you don’t see the lights, with tickets valid for two years
• Max 150 travelers, so you get a real viewing experience rather than a tiny boat scramble
• Outdoor viewing is the main event, so hat and gloves matter even with provided overalls

Two hours on the water: what makes it work

A northern lights hunt usually comes with a big choice: spend a long day driving away from Reykjavík, or try a shorter shot right where you are. This cruise is in the second camp. You start downtown, sail out into Faxafloí Bay area water, then spend your time scanning the sky while the city fades behind you.

The biggest value here is comfort plus focus. You’re not stuck in a bus with limited viewing windows. You have outdoor decks for looking up, plus a heated indoor space when Iceland weather decides to be Iceland weather. That mix is what makes the two hours feel doable instead of miserable.

Also, the timing is sensible. You can fit it into an evening without sacrificing a whole day to the weather lottery. For many people, that’s the difference between seeing something and never rolling the dice.

The route: Reykjavík landmarks first, then the aurora hunt

This isn’t only about the sky. The cruise starts with a city-eye view so you get something even if the aurora takes longer than planned.

As you move out from Elding Whale Watching (the meeting point is Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík), you’ll see Reykjavík’s illuminated waterfront. The route is designed around recognizable sights, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church. If you’re the type who likes orientation—putting the city’s geography in your head while you travel—this part helps.

Then there’s the Imagine Peace Tower. When it’s lit from October through December, you’ll sail by it to admire that bright beam across the bay. Even if your aurora luck is just okay that night, the peace-tower moment gives the cruise its own identity.

After that, the crew shifts your attention to what matters: the northern lights overhead. You’ll spend the remainder of the tour searching from the decks or from inside if you need a break.

A small realism note about timing

In a perfect night, aurora shows up quickly and keeps going. On other nights, you might wait longer, or the lights may appear in brief bursts. Since you’re only out for about two hours, the experience can feel “all or nothing” compared with longer tours that keep driving and repositioning.

On-board comfort: overalls, heated cabin, and staying sane

Cold on a boat isn’t just about temperature. It’s wind-chill plus wet air plus moving decks. This cruise helps with the temperature part in a very direct way: warm floatable overalls are provided. Use them, even if you think you’re tough. Overalls do two things: they keep heat in, and they make the wind feel less personal.

Still, don’t skip personal layers. Bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort. I’d also bring a warm base layer you’re willing to wear for the whole evening. The deck is where you’ll want to be, and you don’t want to bounce inside every ten minutes.

Inside, you’ll find the real lifesaver: a heated cabin (saloon). It includes free Wi‑Fi and toilet facilities. That matters more than it sounds. Iceland nights can be long even when the tour is short, and knowing you can warm up without leaving the boat makes you more likely to stick it out when the sky gets interesting.

There’s also an onboard café. Hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase. This is not a full meal setup, so think of it as a warm-up option—something to take the edge off rather than dinner.

If you’re worried about seasickness

Some people feel the boat more than others. The ride is typically described as smooth, but the decks can get a bit rocky in windier conditions. I’d take that seriously. If you know you get seasick, you’ll be happier if you plan ahead. One useful note from real-world experience: there can be sea-sickness help available on board, and people also bring their own medication.

Viewing strategy: where to stand, how to shoot photos

On this kind of cruise, the viewing plan is half the battle. You’ll have outdoor platforms and indoor seating, but the aurora lives in the part of the night you can’t fully predict.

Here’s what I’d do:

• Start outside so your eyes adjust to the dark.
• If wind is getting to you, switch inside for a quick reset, then go back out.
• When the crew points out where to look, move as a group. Don’t wander. You want your angle and your chance of catching faint light.

For photos, the best tips tend to be about stability and settings—nothing mystical. A guide like Mia is specifically known for helping people with camera settings, and that can make a real difference. If you’re using a phone camera, keep expectations realistic. If you’re using a real camera, follow the “less shake, longer exposure” logic the crew teaches you.

One practical warning from the on-board vibe: if you want photos, follow the instructions about camera use. Flash can ruin the moment for others and doesn’t help your shots.

The northern lights guarantee: what it actually means

Aurora spotting is a weather agreement, not a promise. This tour is upfront about that. The tour offers a sighting guarantee: if you don’t see the northern lights during your cruise, you’re given complimentary tickets to try again.

The generous part is the time window. You can often use the return tickets up to two years later. That’s important because aurora conditions and your Iceland schedule rarely line up perfectly on the first night.

So how should you think about it?

• If you’re only in Iceland briefly and you might not be able to come back soon, the free return option reduces some of the risk.
• If you’re the “one-night only” type, understand that a cloudy sky can still mean you go home without the lights on this particular evening.

Either way, you’re not going in blind. The crew makes an effort to search, and the return policy is there to soften the disappointment.

Price and value: is $105 a smart move?

At about $105 per person for roughly two hours, you’re paying for three things:

1. Warmth and comfort (overalls, heated cabin, toilets, Wi‑Fi)
2. A prime-time viewing platform right near downtown instead of a long drive
3. The free return safety net if the aurora doesn’t show

In practice, the “two hours vs longer bus tours” comparison is part of the value conversation. Longer land-based trips can chase darker skies, but you give up time and comfort, and you can still get cloud cover. Here, you trade a bit of distance from light pollution for shorter travel time and more comfort on the water.

Is it always the best pick? Not necessarily.

• If you’re chasing the darkest sky possible, you might prefer a longer excursion.
• If you want a low-stress, city-friendly way to try for aurora, this is one of the more efficient options.

I’d also consider the real-life logistics after the cruise. Getting a taxi can be harder right after you all step off at once, so plan your next move with that timing in mind.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want to stay in Reykjavík for the evening and still try for the aurora
• You hate long hours of standing in the cold without a warm option
• You want outdoor viewing plus a heated escape hatch
• You’d rather spend two hours having fun searching than spending half a day waiting

It may be less ideal if:

• You can only do one night and you’re counting on seeing the lights without any backup plan
• You’re sensitive to crowds and prefer a quieter experience
• You dislike any chance of noise or confusion over announcements (English is used, but the loudspeaker experience can vary, and not everyone hears instructions the same way)

A small culture point: groups can be lively. When many people are trying to talk, take pictures, and follow guidance at the same time, the experience can feel rushed. If you keep your expectations flexible, you’ll enjoy it more.

Quick itinerary walkthrough (what happens when)

Here’s how the evening usually flows in real terms:

Meeting at Elding Whale Watching (Ægisgarður 5c)

You gather at the starting point and get oriented. You’ll have overalls available to use before you commit to the outside decks.

Sail past Reykjavík’s bright landmarks

As the boat moves out, you’ll see illuminated highlights such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja. If conditions are clear, this is also a great time to reset your camera and your eyes.

Peace Tower viewing if it’s lit (Oct–Dec)

On the right months, the Imagine Peace Tower beam becomes a natural “wow” moment. Even if aurora is slow, it gives you a second reason to look up.

Northern lights searching from decks and indoor cabin

Once you’re focused on the sky, you’ll rotate between outside decks and the heated saloon depending on wind and how faint the aurora is. When the lights appear, the crew helps you find them and, in some cases, suggests camera settings.

Return to the meeting point

The tour ends back where you started. Plan your evening after, especially if you rely on taxi pickup right away.

Should you book this Northern Lights cruise?

I’d book it if you want a practical, Reykjavík-based aurora try with warmth built in and a safety net if you miss the lights. It’s also a strong choice for first-timers: you get city landmarks and the aurora hunt in one tight, manageable evening.

I’d think twice only if you’re the “I must see the lights no matter what” type and you can’t handle the uncertainty. Even with a sighting guarantee, aurora depends on sky conditions. If you’re okay with that gamble—and you bundle up, stay patient, and take advantage of the heated cabin when needed—this cruise is a smart way to make the most of your time in Reykjavík.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. Warm floatable overalls are provided to help keep you warm in winter.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

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

What’s on board besides viewing decks?

You’ll have access to a heated indoor saloon, free Wi‑Fi, and toilet facilities.

Are snacks included?

Snacks and hot drinks are available for purchase at the onboard café, so they’re not included in the ticket price.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?

Sightings are never fully predictable, but if you don’t see the northern lights, you’re offered complimentary tickets to try again at no extra cost (with tickets valid for two years).

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

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

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.