Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik

Travelers heading to Iceland often dream of catching the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik offers a unique way to chase this natural wonder—by setting sail from the city’s historic Old Harbour. With a focus on comfort, wildlife sightings, and a chance to see the aurora in a less light-polluted environment, this tour has become a popular option.

What makes this experience stand out? We love that it combines the thrill of a boat trip with the anticipation of viewing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Plus, the onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, a café, and restrooms mean you won’t be sacrificing comfort for adventure. On the flip side, as with any Northern Lights outing, weather can be unpredictable, and sightings aren’t guaranteed. This journey suits those who are eager for a cozy, scenic experience and understand the natural limitations of Aurora watching.

Key Points

• Unique water-based experience enhances the chance of seeing the Aurora away from city lights
• Comfortable onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, a café, and restrooms
• Wildlife sightings are common, with whales and dolphins often spotted during the cruise
• Professional guides with experience in spotting whales and explaining the Northern Lights
• Flexible policy offers a free rebooking if you don’t see the lights
• Weather-dependent activity, with potential for cancellations if conditions aren’t suitable

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Setting Sail

The adventure begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a picturesque spot filled with colorful boats, lively restaurants, and a palpable maritime feel. The tour departs from the historic harbor, giving travelers a true sense of being part of Reykjavik’s seafaring culture. From here, the boat slips smoothly into Faxaflói Bay, sailing among small islands and providing spectacular views of the coastline, including glimpses of the Akranes peninsula and even the distant Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Travelers will appreciate that the boat is a large, modern vessel with indoor and outdoor seating options, designed for comfort and safety. Many reviews mention that the boat is very clean and equipped with facilities that make the two-hour cruise pleasant, even in the cold. Inside, you’ll find Wi-Fi, a cozy café serving hot chocolate and snacks, along with restrooms—small perks that can make all the difference during a chilly Icelandic night.

Wildlife and Scenic Stops

While the primary goal is to catch the Northern Lights, the cruise’s itinerary offers a bonus: wildlife watching. As you sail along the coast and across Faxaflói Bay, the crew’s expertise really shines. They are well-versed in spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and are eager to share their knowledge. Several travelers note that the crew, notably friendly and informative, actively keeps guests updated on sightings and the best spots to catch a glimpse.

Common sightings include minke and humpback whales, with some lucky travelers even catching a glimpse of orcas—also known as killer whales. The experience of seeing these intelligent creatures swim alongside the boat adds an extra layer of excitement to your evening.

The Quest for the Northern Lights

The star of the show, of course, is the Aurora Borealis. The tour’s success in this regard hinges greatly on weather conditions and solar activity, which are naturally unpredictable. The guides do everything they can to help guests spot the lights, from pointing out the best viewing angles to explaining the science behind the phenomenon.

Reviews reveal that guides are highly knowledgeable, with some guests describing them as “super informative” and “giving helpful advice” on how to look for the aurora. Even if the lights don’t appear in their full glory, most guests appreciate the effort and the experience of being on open water, away from the city’s light pollution.

Amenities and Comfort

One of the tour’s big selling points is the onboard amenities. Passengers can grab a hot chocolate or a snack from the café, which is especially appreciated during the cold February nights. Restrooms are available on board, making it a comfortable option for those wary of long, chilly waits outdoors. Wi-Fi allows for sharing photos or just relaxing with a bit of entertainment during the cruise.

Weather, Visibility, and the Guarantee

Of course, the weather plays a significant role in the experience. Several reviews mention how cold it can get—some travelers recommend bringing extra layers or thermal wear. Notably, a few guests were disappointed by faint or no visible Aurora, often citing clear skies and patience as factors outside the crew’s control.

To mitigate this, the tour offers a free rebooking policy if guests do not see the Northern Lights, a considerate gesture that reflects confidence in the experience and understanding of natural unpredictability. Several travelers have taken advantage of this, with positive feedback about the ease of rescheduling.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Initial Cruise

Starting at Reykjavik’s vibrant Old Harbour, the boat sets sail around sunset, offering stunning views of the city and coastline. The first part of the journey is about settling in and enjoying the scenery. From this vantage point, you can admire the colorful harbor and the surrounding landscape, which provides a striking contrast to the dark bay ahead.

Sailing Among Islands and Wildlife Spotting

As you sail into Faxaflói Bay, the crew’s whale-spotting skills become apparent. Many reviews mention seeing minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The knowledgeable guides share insights about these creatures, making the cruise both educational and entertaining. Some lucky guests have even seen orcas, which makes the trip feel even more special.

Aurora Hunting and Scenic Views

Once the boat reaches a good viewing spot, the focus shifts to Aurora hunting. The guides scan the skies and encourage guests to look up. Many reviews indicate that the guides are friendly, approachable, and eager to help guests recognize the faint signs of the Northern Lights, even if they aren’t brightly visible.

While some guests are fortunate enough to see a spectacular display, others describe the experience as more subdued, with faint colors or just the anticipation of seeing something later. As one reviewer put it, “It’s a hit or miss with the lights, but everything else is great.”

Return and Reflection

After about two hours, the boat heads back to Reykjavik’s harbor. Even if the Northern Lights don’t make a grand appearance, the experience of being on the water, spotting wildlife, and enjoying hot drinks makes the trip worthwhile. Several guests mention that they’d happily book again, especially with the tour’s promise of a free rebook if no lights appear.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

Priced at $78 per person, this cruise offers good value considering the amenities and the experience. The combination of wildlife sightings, scenic views, and the chance to see the Northern Lights makes it a compelling option, especially for those who prefer a cozy, guided experience over a cold, stand-alone outdoor hunt.

The flexible rebooking policy adds confidence for travelers worried about weather or luck. Many guests have expressed satisfaction with the professionalism of the crew, noting that the experience is well-organized and fun, regardless of whether the Aurora makes an appearance.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxed, scenic outings with added wildlife excitement. It’s ideal for those who appreciate onboard comforts, like hot drinks and Wi-Fi, and are okay with the possibility that the Northern Lights might not be visible every night. Nature lovers, curious wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique perspective of Reykjavik from the water will find this cruise particularly appealing.

This tour also suits travelers who want a low-pressure environment to experience the Aurora, especially since the operator’s policy offers a free rebook if the lights aren’t seen—a reassuring choice for cautious Aurora chasers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, as long as they are comfortable on a boat and dressed warmly.

What facilities are available on the boat?
The vessel provides restrooms, Wi-Fi, and an onboard café where you can buy snacks and drinks.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, giving ample time for wildlife spotting and Aurora hunting.

Can I see the Northern Lights from the boat?
While many guests do see the Aurora, it depends on weather and solar activity. The guides do their best to help you spot the lights.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, thermal layers, and possibly a camera to capture the experience—though the onboard café makes it easy to stay cozy.

What happens if I don’t see the lights?
The tour offers a free rebooking, allowing you to try again during your stay.

Is the tour valid in all weather conditions?
If weather conditions prevent a good view of the Aurora or make the trip unsafe, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be notified of any cancellations.

How many people typically join this tour?
The maximum group size is 75 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable atmosphere.

How do I book this tour?
Most travelers book about three weeks in advance, and tickets are available online for around $78 per person.

The Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik offers a memorable way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty—combining wildlife, scenic water views, and the elusive Aurora Borealis. It’s a well-rounded trip that prioritizes comfort and informative guidance, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience without enduring harsh outdoor conditions.

While the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, the tour’s flexible policy, knowledgeable crew, and beautiful setting make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this cruise provides a cozy, scenic, and wildlife-rich adventure that’s worth considering.

If you’re looking for a relaxed way to chase the Aurora and soak in Reykjavik’s maritime charm, this tour could be just what you need. Just remember to dress warmly, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy the unique magic of Iceland from the water.