From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

The fun part of this Reykjavik night cruise is the change in perspective. You leave city lights behind, then look up with mountains in the distance and open water under you, waiting for the sky to put on its green show.

I love the way the setup keeps you outside without suffering. You get double observation decks plus provided blankets, so you can swap between the cold air and warm seating as the aurora activity changes. I also love having a live English guide actively helping you hunt, and names like Christina, Steingreimur, and Hólmar show up in past guide feedback.

The main drawback is also the most honest one, sightings are not guaranteed. On some nights you’ll get a great stargazing cruise anyway, and if the lights do not show, you can usually reschedule for free with the operator.

Key things I’d plan around for this Reykjavik cruise

• Two decks you can actually use for clear sky views and quick breaks from the cold
• A guide with a real spotting approach, calling your attention when activity appears
• City lights fading behind you as you move out into quieter waters
• Blankets and warm areas onboard, so you don’t have to choose between comfort and photos
• Free Wi-Fi onboard, helpful for maps, sharing shots, and quick check-ins
• Rescheduling if no aurora shows, so you are not stuck with one shot only

Why watching aurora from the ocean feels different in Reykjavik

If you’ve ever tried to hunt for the Northern Lights from land, you know how quickly the experience can become frustrating. Streetlights, parked cars, and buildings all compete with the sky. This cruise solves a big chunk of that by getting you out onto open water, where the city glow starts to fade behind you and the night feels bigger.

You also get a more dramatic frame for what you are waiting for. Past Reykjavik lights, you see the coastline and mountains in the distance, and then the sky above you becomes the main event. The ocean sound is part of the mood too. There’s something calming about listening to waves while everyone looks up, which makes the waiting time feel like it’s doing something, not just dragging.

Just know this is not a “lights or nothing” situation. Even when aurora activity is shy, you’re still out on the water at night, under a darker sky, with guides and gear to help you make the most of the moment.

Old Harbour House check-in, boarding, and finding your spot fast

Your evening starts at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, Reykjavik. Check in 30 minutes early, and you scan the bar or QR code at the self-service kiosk. If you chose hotel pickup, you’ll be brought to the departure area, but you still want to arrive with enough time to get oriented.

Once you’re onboard, the best move is simple: pick your viewing plan early. If the aurora is active that night, you may want to be on the deck quickly. If you’re trying to stay comfortable while waiting for the first signs, claim an inside seat, but keep an eye on the crew’s cues.

One practical tip I’d follow: dress in layers even if you plan to stay mostly inside. The whole point of this cruise is that you can get outside when activity pops, then come back in when your cheeks protest. With provided blankets and warm areas, you’re not stuck waiting in a single temperature for two hours.

The 2-hour hunt: leaving Reykjavik’s glow and watching for green

This experience runs 2 hours, which is a nice sweet spot. Long enough to give the sky time to respond, short enough that you are not exhausted by the time the action happens.

From the port, you head out from the coastline toward quieter waters. That matters because the Northern Lights are about contrast. The darker it is around you, the more likely you are to notice faint activity, and the easier it is to see any green flashes or shimmering reflections on the water.

Then the cruise settles into a rhythm:

1) You move away from the city lights and watch the glow shrink behind you.

2) You look up, often with the guide directing attention.

3) If the aurora comes, you stay ready and switch between deck and warm seating.

4) When your time is up, you head back to port with one last chance to spot activity.

Timing can vary. On some nights, the aurora may show up earlier and reward you with a longer look. On other nights, the grand finale might come closer to the end of the cruise. Either way, the 2-hour window gives you enough time for both the waiting and the payoff.

A small note on expectations: what you see can differ by conditions. Sometimes it’s bright enough to feel instant, and sometimes it starts subtle, then grows. Either way, the guide’s job is to help you notice it sooner and look in the right part of the sky.

Deck time versus warm cabins: how the two decks work for real life

This is one of the most practical reasons to choose this type of cruise. You are not forced to choose between freezing outside or missing the best view. You get two observation decks, and you can move around.

The deck is where you want to be when the aurora activity starts. The sky is right above you, and the open water gives you a clean “look up” moment. But yes, it gets cold. Even when you are tough, you still want the option to step inside before you start losing feeling in your hands.

That’s where the included blankets matter. They are there to make deck time realistic, not just theoretical. Plus, there are warm seating areas inside, so you can watch from inside for a while, then pop back out when the guide calls it.

Many people also enjoy the fact that the boat is comfortable and modern, with space to sit instead of being crammed like a bus ride. Past experience reports highlight that the boat feels cozy once you’re inside, and that you can wander between warm and cold zones depending on what you want at that moment.

And if you want something to sip while you wait, the bar is onboard. Drinks are available for purchase, so plan on bringing a little cash or card readiness for that.

How the guide spotting approach raises your odds (and your photos)

A huge part of why this cruise earns strong ratings is the guide experience. The guides are active during the waiting period, not just making small talk. They help you know where to look and when to pay extra attention. Names like Christina, Steingreimur, and Hólmar come up in guest feedback, and that pattern matters because it tells you the guiding style is consistent: calm, helpful, and focused on spotting.

The guide is also helpful for timing. When aurora activity starts, you don’t want to be the person scrolling in the dark. You want to be ready with your phone or camera, pointed the right direction, and watching instead of guessing.

On the photo front, one practical tip that has been shared from onboard: if you use an Android phone with Pro camera mode, try a 1 second exposure. That kind of hands-on suggestion is exactly what helps on a night where the lights might start faint and then brighten.

Also, the best guides know how to balance instruction with silence. You want them to draw your attention, then step back so you can actually enjoy the sight. Past onboard experiences describe guides as present enough to direct you, without taking over the whole cruise.

If you are a first-timer to aurora watching, I’d treat the guide like your personal sky translator. Ask where they want you to look, and then follow their direction. It saves time and prevents that frustrating moment of realizing you were staring at the wrong patch of sky.

Aurora odds: what you can control, and what you can’t

Let’s be honest. Northern Lights are not guaranteed. Even with a great cruise, the sky has its own plans. The good part here is that you’re not just stuck hoping. You’re in a setting designed for visibility, with reduced light pollution because you move away from Reykjavik, plus crew support while you wait.

If the lights do not appear, you can usually reschedule for free with the tour operator. That’s a big deal if you’re in Iceland for a short trip but still want a real attempt. It’s also why I’d recommend booking this earlier in your Reykjavik stay when possible, so you have room to try again if the first night isn’t clear.

What you can control is being properly dressed. The tour lists comfortable shoes and warm clothing for a reason. Even with blankets, the deck is outdoors, and wind can make cold feel sharper. If you show up dressed for a cold night rather than a mild evening, you’ll enjoy the waiting a lot more.

Finally, remember that “seeing something” can mean different things. Sometimes the aurora is obvious to the naked eye. Other times it might be subtle at first. You still get value from knowing what faint green looks like, and from practicing how you spot it in real conditions.

Price and value: is $88 worth it for 2 hours on the water?

At $88 per person for a 2-hour cruise, this sits in the mid-range for Iceland Northern Lights tours. The price might feel steep at first, but here’s the value logic I’d use.

You’re paying for:

• A boat experience instead of a long road ride
• Time on open water with a view up at the sky
• Included guides plus provided blankets
• Two decks, which gives you flexibility without losing the best angles
• Free Wi-Fi onboard, which is useful for quick photo sharing and orientation

Also, the trip isn’t just “sit and wait.” The crew actively helps you hunt, and the format is built around comfort. One of the most common frustrations with aurora tours is spending hours cold in one position. This cruise is structured around the idea that you can switch zones as needed.

There’s one extra cost to factor in. Drinks are not included, they are available for purchase on the boat. If you plan on hot chocolate or a warm drink, budget for it so you’re not surprised mid-cruise.

So is it worth it? In my view, yes, if you want a shorter, more comfortable shot at the aurora with actual guidance and a good onboard setup. If you are purely budget chasing, you may find cheaper options, but they may involve longer travel time and less comfort during the waiting.

Who this Reykjavik cruise suits best

This Northern Lights sightseeing cruise is a strong match if you:

• Want a Reykjavik night activity that doesn’t require hours of bus time
• Prefer a comfortable boat setting with room to move between decks
• Appreciate guidance, especially if you’re learning what the aurora looks like with your own eyes
• Are traveling as a couple or solo traveler and want an easy, organized evening out

It can also work well if you have only a limited number of nights in Reykjavik. Two hours is manageable, and the option to reschedule for free if the aurora isn’t visible helps reduce stress.

If you hate the idea of standing outside in the cold, this is still a good choice, because you have warm areas and blankets. You’re not stuck out there the entire time. On the other hand, if you love maximum deck time no matter what, you can still spend plenty of time outside when activity kicks off.

And while the Northern Lights are the headline, you might spot other wildlife in rare moments during a cruise. One past experience included a brief whale sighting on an aurora night, which is a nice reminder that the ocean can surprise you.

Should you book this Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

Book it if you want a well-run, comfortable way to chase the aurora without turning your night into a long, stiff endurance test. The included blankets, the two-deck setup, free Wi-Fi, and guided spotting all point to a tour designed to help you stay engaged while you wait.

Skip it only if your schedule is so tight that a free reschedule option won’t help you at all, or if $88 is going to ruin your budget and you’d rather gamble on other viewing spots without guidance.

If you do book, plan to dress warm, arrive on time for check-in at Old Harbour House, and trust the crew when they point out where to look. On the right night, the cruise turns the Northern Lights hunt into something you’ll remember long after the green fades from the sky.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the Reykjavik Northern Lights cruise?

You check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík, and scan the bar or QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $88 per person.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Viewing is not guaranteed. If the Northern Lights aren’t visible, you may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator.

What should I bring to stay comfortable?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are not included. They are available for purchase on the boat.

Is there hotel pickup and is Wi-Fi included?

Hotel pickup is optional for hotels in the Reykjavík area. Free Wi-Fi is included on the cruise.