Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

If you’re thinking about seeing the aurora borealis from Iceland’s capital, the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise from Harpa Yachts is an experience worth considering. While it’s not a guaranteed sighting—nature has the final say—you’ll find this cruise offers a cozy, well-organized way to chase the lights on the water.

What I personally like about this experience is how it combines the charm of sailing along Reykjavik’s coast with the adventure of hunting for one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Plus, the crew’s professionalism and the chance to rebook if you don’t see the lights on your first try make it stand out. But, of course, the main consideration is weather—if conditions aren’t right, the trip might be canceled or less effective.

This tour suits travelers who value comfort and reliability, and who are okay with a moderate price point for a potentially unforgettable natural show. It’s especially attractive for those who prefer a smaller, more intimate boat rather than a crowded ferry or bus tour. If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and relaxed way to catch the northern lights, this cruise could be a good pick.

Key Points

• Comfortable and well-equipped yachts make for a cozy viewing experience.
• Rebooking options provide peace of mind if weather doesn’t cooperate.
• Knowledgeable crew enhances the experience with helpful explanations.
• Multiple stops and scenic routes maximize your chances of spotting the lights.
• Group size is limited (max 35 in the smaller yacht), avoiding overcrowding.
• Weather-dependent nature of the tour means flexibility is key.
• The tour offers additional amenities like Wi-Fi and an onboard café and bar.
• The cost is reasonable, considering the boat’s comfort level and the experience offered.

This 2 to 3-hour cruise is designed as an authentic way to see Reykjavik and, hopefully, the northern lights. The tour departs from the historic Old Harbour, with the meeting point conveniently located at Ægisgarður 2 in the city. Once onboard, you’ll find yourself in a comfortable setting—either cozy inside or outside on the deck—wrapped in blankets while scanning the skies.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The cruise starts at the Old Harbour, offering views of Reykjavik’s skyline and landmarks like Harpa. From here, the boat heads along the coastline, with early sights including the Harpa musical hall seen from the water, providing a different perspective from land.

One of the highlights is visiting Viðey Island, a tranquil spot with a special place in Icelandic culture. The island features the iconic Imagine Peace Tower, a tribute to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and offers scenic trails and panoramic ocean views. Exploring Viðey adds a touch of cultural depth to the trip and a peaceful contrast to the night sky.

Next, the boat cruises around Faxaflói Bay, a broad and lively body of water known for marine life and bird colonies. This is where you might get lucky and spot whales—humpbacks and minkes have been seen here—making it a bit of a bonus. The bay’s natural beauty and marine activity showcase Iceland’s maritime heritage and natural abundance.

Finally, the main event is the search for the northern lights. The boat is strategically positioned behind the islands near Reykjavik, away from city lights, to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras. If clouds or weather prevent a sighting, the crew offers a free rebooking so you can try again on another night. Many reviews mention that even when the lights don’t appear, the trip is still enjoyable, thanks to the scenic route and friendly staff.

What Makes It Special?

One of the most appealing features of this tour is the scenic route. Unlike land-based tours that might limit your view, sailing along the coast allows you to see Reykjavik from a different angle, with the city lights shimmering behind you. The boat’s size and limited passenger count (up to 35 on the smaller yacht) make for an intimate experience, avoiding the crowds often found on larger vessels or bus tours.

The crew’s knowledge and friendliness are often praised—many reviewers highlight how helpful they are with camera settings for those trying to capture the lights or simply explaining the science and myths behind the auroras. The captain, especially, is known for his experience and eagerness to help guests see the lights if they appear.

Comfort and Amenities

While chasing the northern lights is all about the sky, the onboard facilities do matter, especially in Iceland’s chilly evenings. The yachts are described as comfortable, with both indoor lounges and outdoor decks. Blankets are provided, which many reviews appreciate, since the air can get pretty crisp once the sun goes down.

The onboard café and bar—although not included in the ticket price—offer hot drinks, champagne, beer, and other beverages. Wi-Fi is also available, so you can share your experience or check updates on the weather forecast. This makes the trip more enjoyable and convenient, especially if you want to capture some photos or stay connected.

Duration and Group Size

Timing-wise, the cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, which feels just right—long enough to enjoy the scenery, listen to explanations, and keep an eye on the sky without it dragging on. The limited group size (max 35) ensures a more relaxed atmosphere, unlike crowded tours that can feel rushed or noisy.

The reviews reveal a mix of experiences, as expected with aurora hunting. Some travelers report spectacular displays, with the lights dancing vividly in the sky. Others, like the guest who said, “we didn’t see them on the first night but rebooked and got to see the lights,” highlight the unpredictability of nature.

A few reviews mention the weather’s impact—cloudy, snowy conditions often obscure the sky, making sightings difficult. One reviewer advised to cancel if the weather forecast predicts snow and clouds just hours before—a practical tip for those concerned with spending money on a trip that might be canceled. The tour offers full refunds or rescheduling if the weather doesn’t cooperate, which adds to the appeal.

Among the most appreciated aspects is the crew’s willingness to rebook guests free of charge if the lights don’t show up the first time. This policy demonstrates confidence and care, and many travelers have happily taken advantage of it.

Authenticity and Reliability

Some reviews, notably from those who felt the tour was too close to shore or didn’t try hard enough to find clear skies, have criticized the route or effort. The company clarifies that they don’t go into the bay but stay behind the islands near Reykjavik, a location carefully chosen to avoid city lights while remaining accessible.

Others have appreciated the professionalism and knowledge of the crew, including Captain Einar, whose decades of experience help assure guests that every effort is made to spot the auroras.

At around $99.61 per person, the tour is priced reasonably considering the comfort, scenic route, and expertise provided. The boat offers a more intimate experience compared to larger vessels or crowded land tours. Plus, the rebooking policy adds value; if the night’s conditions are poor, you can try again without additional cost, increasing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

While some might feel the experience is somewhat limited in scope—mainly just sailing and waiting—the overall package offers a good balance of comfort and opportunity, especially given the unpredictable nature of the auroras. The fact that the yachts are described as “very comfortable” and the crew as “friendly and informative” makes this a solid choice for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic approach.

This cruise is well-suited for those who value comfort over adventure, and who want to enjoy Reykjavik’s coast in a more intimate setting. It’s ideal for travelers who are okay with potential weather cancellations and appreciate the flexibility of rebooking. If you’re looking for a less crowded, more relaxed way to see the auroras, this could be your top pick.

Families and solo travelers alike will enjoy the cozy atmosphere, and photography enthusiasts will benefit from the helpful crew and scenic viewpoints. However, if your main goal is a guaranteed spectacular display, keep in mind that the northern lights are natural phenomena—no tour can promise them, only maximize your chances.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally open to most travelers, it’s best to consider the cold and late hours, especially for very young children. There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, but the cozy indoor area and blankets are a plus if you’re traveling with kids.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the yacht cruise, the scenic route, and the chance to see the northern lights. Food and drinks from the café/bar are additional expenses, but blankets and Wi-Fi are provided.

Can I rebook if I don’t see the northern lights?
Yes, the company offers a free additional yacht trip if the lights don’t appear during your booked time.

How long does the cruise last?
The experience runs for about 2 to 3 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing, waiting, and enjoying the sky.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Old Harbour in Reykjavik and ends back at the same meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t favorable, the trip may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviewers describe the yachts as very comfortable, with indoor lounges, outdoor decks, blankets, restrooms, and a bar.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 35 travelers on the smaller yacht, which helps avoid the crowds typical of larger boats.

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise from Harpa Yachts offers a practical and cozy way to chase the auroras in Reykjavik. Its well-designed route, comfortable boats, and helpful crew make it a dependable choice, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with the weather. The opportunity to rebook if you don’t see the lights the first time is a thoughtful touch that many travelers find reassuring.

While it’s impossible to guarantee a sighting—nature always has the final say—you’ll appreciate the effort and comfort built into this experience. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and potentially magical night on the water, this cruise is worth considering.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, value comfort, and are open to trying again if the skies aren’t clear. With realistic expectations, you might find this to be a memorable part of your Iceland trip, whether the skies dance with the lights or not.