Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive northern lights during your Iceland trip, a Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik might just be a memorable way to do it. While we won’t pretend it guarantees a sighting—because, honestly, the aurora is a natural phenomenon that can’t be controlled—it offers a unique perspective that many travelers find worthwhile.

What stands out about this experience are its combination of scenic coastal views and the chance to see wildlife like whales and dolphins. Plus, the boat’s amenities—like Wi-Fi, a café, and indoor facilities—add comfort to the adventure. On the flip side, potential travelers should be aware that the weather and aurora activity are unpredictable, and it can get very chilly on deck. This tour works best for those who are flexible, eager to try their luck in an interesting setting, and don’t mind bundling up.

If you appreciate a more relaxed, scenic experience with a good chance to be out on the water under the stars, this cruise could be just right. It especially suits travelers who want a more intimate, cozy atmosphere compared to bus tours—plus, it offers a free re-booking if the lights don’t appear on your scheduled night.

Key Points

• Natural Phenomenon Unpredictability: You’re signing up for a chance to see the northern lights, but no guarantees are given due to weather and solar activity.
• Comfortable Facilities: The boat includes Wi-Fi, restrooms, and a café, making the experience more comfortable despite the cold.
• Wildlife Sightings: The cruise also offers opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.
• Expert Crew: Guests consistently praise the crew’s knowledge and friendly attitude, which enhances the experience.
• Flexible Re-booking Policy: If you don’t see the lights, you can rebook for free, a nice option considering the unpredictable nature of aurora viewing.
• Limited Duration and Price: At around 2 hours for $78 per person, it’s a reasonably priced, short outing that doesn’t take up your whole evening.

Setting Out from Reykjavik: What to Expect

The cruise departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a central and easy-to-find spot. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the red building that also serves as a restaurant—the check-in process is straightforward, and the staff are friendly. The boat itself is described as very clean, with indoor and outdoor seating options, which means you can choose to stay warm inside or brave the cold for better views.

Once onboard, the vessel sets sail among the small islands of Faxaflói Bay, providing a scenic backdrop as you cruise along the coastline. This part of the journey alone is worth it—the views of Reykjavik’s colorful cityscape at night are quite charming. Plus, you’ll get a chance to spot marine wildlife, including the more common minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. There’s always a possibility of seeing orcas, which adds a bit of excitement.

The crew’s experience in spotting whales is a plus, and many reviews highlight how informative and friendly they are. Expect to be kept updated on potential sightings and the best spots to look for the aurora borealis if the skies cooperate.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure from Old Harbour

This is the starting point—an iconic Reykjavik location with easy access and a lively atmosphere. The boat’s size and amenities allow for a smooth, comfortable ride, even if the weather turns less favorable.

Sailing Past Islands and Along the Coast

As the boat drifts through Faxaflói Bay, you get sweeping views of the landscape and seascape. The bay’s geography, with its small islands, creates a captivating setting for wildlife watching and photography.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities

The main draw here is the chance to see whales, with many reviews noting sightings of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Some fortunate travelers have glimpsed orcas—adding a bonus to an already scenic trip. The crew’s professionalism is repeatedly praised for their dedication to spotting animals and sharing knowledge.

Northern Lights Hunting

While the primary focus is whale watching and coastal scenery, the real highlight is the possibility of catching the northern lights. The crew will do their best to help you spot the aurora, but the visibility depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity. As one reviewer noted, “Staff on board was fantastic and the ride was very smooth. We were able to get some great views of the Northern Lights,” which speaks to the experience’s quality when the lights appear.

Return to Reykjavik

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, and most guests find the time just right—enough to soak up the surroundings without feeling rushed. The boat returns to the Old Harbour, where you can unwind and share stories with fellow travelers.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews paint a mostly positive picture, especially regarding the crew and amenities. Many describe the staff as “fantastic,” “friendly,” and “helpful,” emphasizing their efforts to make the experience enjoyable regardless of whether the aurora appears. Several travelers appreciated the comfortable boat with indoor seating and Wi-Fi, which makes waiting in cold weather less daunting.

However, not all reviews were glowing. The biggest challenge noted is the unpredictability of the northern lights. Some guests were disappointed because they didn’t see much, or the lights were faint. As one reviewer lamented, “We hardly got to see the lights… had to use lots of imagination,” which underscores the “hit or miss” nature of aurora viewing.

Weather is another factor—some found the deck slippery or too cold, despite the amenities and recommendations to dress warmly. For example, “It was freezing and couldn’t see the lights with the naked eye,” but the crew still made efforts to keep everyone comfortable and offer a rebooking option.

The experience is appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere, wildlife encounters, and the chance to see the northern lights—but travelers need to accept that Mother Nature controls the show.

The Price and Value

At $78 per person for roughly 2 hours, this cruise offers a decent value. Considering the included wildlife sightings, comfortable facilities, and the chance to see the aurora, many find it worth the expense. Plus, the option to rebook if the lights don’t make an appearance can be a smart move—especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.

That said, it’s a short outing—so if seeing the northern lights is your top priority, be prepared for the possibility of not seeing them and plan accordingly. Many reviews mention that the tour is a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic experience that combines wildlife and nature in a cozy setting.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience works best for travelers who are okay with the element of luck involved in aurora hunting. It’s ideal if you enjoy being on the water, appreciate wildlife sightings, and want to avoid the crowds of bus tours. The amenities make it comfortable even in cold weather, and the friendly crew adds a personal touch.

While not necessarily suited for those with mobility issues or very young children (due to the boat setting and weather considerations), it’s generally a good choice for couples, solo travelers, or small groups looking for a calm, scenic adventure. If you’re visiting Reykjavik in winter and want a cozy, memorable outing, this cruise could be a highlight—especially with its flexible rebooking policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is open to most travelers, it’s best suited for older kids due to the boat setting and cold weather. Always check with the provider if you have young children.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes. The deck can be slippery and cold, especially if the weather turns windy or rainy.

Can I see the northern lights on this cruise?
The cruise offers a chance, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Many reviews mention seeing faint lights or none at all, so expect the unpredictability.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Sometimes, orcas are spotted—adding extra excitement.

What amenities are on board?
The boat has restrooms, Wi-Fi, and an on-board café where you can buy drinks and snacks. Indoor seating ensures you can stay warm.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a short but potentially sweet outing.

What if I don’t see the lights?
You can rebook for free—many travelers find this reassuring given the lottery nature of aurora viewing.

Is it easy to find the meeting point?
Yes, the Old Harbour is centrally located, and check-in at the red building is straightforward.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 75, keeping the experience fairly intimate.

What’s the price?
$78 per person, which is reasonable considering the wildlife and scenic experience.

Final Thoughts

A Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik offers a relaxed, scenic way to hunt for the aurora while enjoying the beauty of Faxaflói Bay and its marine residents. The experience is particularly appealing if you love being on the water, appreciate comfortable amenities, and are flexible about the natural show’s unpredictability. The knowledgeable crew, cozy indoor spaces, and the chance for a re-do if the lights don’t appear make it a solid choice for travelers seeking a memorable, low-pressure adventure.

It’s not a guaranteed spectacle, but for many, that’s part of the charm—an authentic reminder of how fleeting and precious this natural wonder truly is. If you’re prepared to embrace the uncertainty and bundle up, this cruise could be a highlight during your Iceland visit.