Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

If you’re visiting Reykjavik between late autumn and early spring, chasing the Northern Lights is practically a must-do. This cruise offers a way to leave city lights behind and get a good shot at witnessing the aurora borealis dancing across the Icelandic sky. The tour takes about two hours on a comfortable sightseeing vessel, combining the magic of nature with expert guidance and some thoughtful touches like warm overalls and onboard Wi-Fi.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of accessibility and chance — you’re on a boat that offers panoramic outdoor decks for the best views and a cozy indoor lounge for when the cold gets too much. Plus, the team is clear that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, but they do their best with monitoring conditions and providing a sighting guarantee with free re-tries. That’s a smart way to manage expectations, especially given how unpredictable the auroras can be.

One thing to consider is that there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík. The tour’s price point at around $105 per person feels fair given the experience, especially considering the high likelihood of seeing some form of the aurora, and the added comfort of warm overalls and Wi-Fi. This tour suits travelers who love a blend of adventure, comfort, and a touch of scientific insight — perfect for those who don’t want to risk standing in the cold for hours with no guarantee.

Key Points

• Increases Your Chances: The tour’s monitoring of atmospheric conditions maximizes your chance of a sighting.
• Comfort First: Warm floatable overalls are provided, and the boat has both viewing decks and a heated lounge.
• Expert Guidance: Guides offer engaging insights into the aurora borealis, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible Re-Booking: If conditions aren’t ideal, you can try again at no extra cost with a voucher valid for two years.
• No Hotel Pickup: Participants must meet at the designated point, so plan your transport accordingly.
• Unpredictable Phenomenon: Despite best efforts, sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the tour offers a generous re-try policy.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik lasts approximately two hours, beginning at the meeting point in Ægisgarður. Once onboard, the crew makes a brief introduction, explaining how they monitor weather and solar activity to identify the best nights for viewing. This scientific approach adds an interesting layer, especially for those curious about the natural forces behind the Aurora Borealis.

While the boat remains anchored near Faxafloi Bay, passengers can choose between outdoor viewing decks or cozying up inside the heated lounge. The outdoor decks are the highlight — open, unobstructed, and perfect for trying to catch those shimmering green, pink, or purple streaks across the sky. Reviewers often mention how stunning the views are when the lights appear, with one noting that the aurora was active for about 30-45 minutes, providing a good window for photos and awe.

Inside, free Wi-Fi and a small onboard café make waiting more comfortable. The lounge is heated and offers toilets, which is a considerate touch after spending time outside. Passengers are wrapped in warm overalls (which are floatable), and reviewers report that these help significantly with the cold wind. It’s wise to also bring your own hat and gloves for extra warmth, especially for the outdoor viewing.

The Guide’s Role

Guides like Anna, according to reviews, are knowledgeable and friendly — they keep everyone informed about the aurora’s activity levels and the best spots to look. Some reviewers mentioned how guides like Rob assisted in setting phones to capture the Northern Lights, making sure everyone left with great photos. This personal touch, combined with expert commentary, turns the tour into more than just a boat ride — it becomes an educational experience.

The Cabin and Amenities

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with enough space for about 150 travelers. The heated lounge offers Wi-Fi, toilets, and a café with reasonably priced snacks and drinks. While the selection is small, it’s enough to warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee while waiting for the show to start. Some reviews highlight that the boat’s large windows and outdoor viewing decks really enhance the experience, giving everyone a good chance to see the skies from multiple angles.

The Unpredictability of the Northern Lights

It’s important to remember, as many reviews reinforce, that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be elusive. Cloud cover, weather conditions, and solar activity all influence whether you’ll get to see the aurora. For example, one reviewer noted that cloudiness prevented sightings, disappointing but understandable. That’s why the sighting guarantee is such a valuable feature — if no lights appear, you get a free ticket to try again within two years, which many travelers find reassuring.

Value for Money

At around $105, this tour offers good value, especially given the included warm overalls, expert guidance, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in a comfortable setting. The re-booking policy adds flexibility, making it less of a gamble if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your first night. Plus, reviews suggest that many guests feel the experience was worth the expense, considering how memorable seeing the Aurora in Iceland truly is.

Customer Feedback Highlights

• Many reviewers, like Bill and Donna, rave about the friendly staff and the knowledgeable guides.
• Some, like Joann, appreciated how the provided Arctic suits made the experience more comfortable.
• Others, such as Abigail, express disappointment when no lights are seen, but appreciate the free re-try policy.
• Several reviewers mention comfortable boats and good organization, emphasizing how these factors make a difference in the overall experience.

What’s Not Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not part of this tour — you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.
• Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but the selection is limited and prices reflect Icelandic standards.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a memorable, scenic experience in Iceland without the hassle of organizing their own chase for the Northern Lights. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable, guided journey with good chances of sightings, especially if you’re not confident in driving around in winter or don’t want to stand outside for long periods.

It’s also great for those interested in learning about the science behind the auroras and who appreciate the added comfort of indoor amenities. The flexible re-booking policy makes it suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those wanting to maximize their chances across multiple nights.

Final Words

This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik offers a fantastic balance of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. While there’s no way to guarantee a sighting, the thoughtful amenities, monitoring of conditions, and flexible re-try policy make it one of the best options for chasing the aurora in Iceland.

The mix of outdoor panoramic views, indoor warmth, and informative guides makes this tour suitable for a wide range of travelers — from those on a tight schedule to those looking to relax and enjoy the spectacle with minimal fuss. It’s an authentic way to see one of nature’s most incredible displays and, with a bit of luck, create memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own warm clothing?
Warm overalls are provided, but it’s advisable to bring your own hat and gloves for extra warmth, especially for standing outside on the viewing decks.

Can I see the Northern Lights from inside the boat?
Yes, the boat has a heated lounge with large windows, so you can stay warm and still enjoy viewing the sky and the aurora if it appears.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
While passengers with limited mobility are warmly welcomed, the boats are not fully accessible. Steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to inside areas and toilets.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers a sighting guarantee — if no lights are visible, you can try again free of charge within two years.

How long does the cruise last?
Approximately two hours, with the possibility of some variability based on conditions and sightings.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and booked on average 48 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise.

What is included in the price?
Guidance from knowledgeable staff, warm floatable overalls, Wi-Fi onboard, and the sighting guarantee.

Are there any food or drink options onboard?
Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, though the selection is limited and reasonably priced.

Where do I meet the tour?
At Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík — you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to this point.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, with full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable, but you can reschedule or get a full refund if the tour is canceled due to bad weather.

This tour represents a smart choice for those wanting a comfortable, guided, and flexible way to experience the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are part of the adventure!