Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Want the aurora over open water? That is exactly what this Reykjavik cruise is set up to do, by getting you away from city glow while you scan the sky from three outdoor decks. I like the fact that the boat lets you move between fresh air and shelter instead of forcing you to stand outside the whole time.

My second big plus is comfort: you get warm flotation overalls, plus heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities and even free WiFi. The one drawback is the reality of aurora viewing, it is weather dependent, and some nights end with no lights at all.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• Triple outdoor decks for sky watching without crowding your view into one spot
• Warm flotation overalls plus heated indoor cabins, so cold weather does not ruin the night
• Onboard help for rough seas, with complimentary seasickness tablets and indoor space to reset
• A rebooking safety net if you get skunked by the aurora on the night you sail
• Free WiFi and toilet facilities on board, a small thing that makes a long night easier
• A focus on being away from town lights, which is what actually helps you see the aurora

Why a Northern Lights Cruise Beats Staying on Land

The honest truth about seeing the Northern Lights near Reykjavik is that you need two things: darkness and patience. A cruise helps with both because you are out on the water, and the boat gives you multiple vantage points to look up from.

One underrated advantage is that you are not locked into a single viewing spot. While you are out, you can step onto a deck when the sky is active, then retreat to the heated interior when wind cuts through. That rhythm matters, because aurora viewing is not one continuous moment, it comes and goes.

Also, being on the water changes the feel of the night. You look up at the aurora without buildings and streetlights competing for your eyes. Even when the lights are faint, this kind of viewing setup can make them easier to catch.

What You Get on Board, From Warm Gear to Heated Cabins

This tour is built around keeping you comfortable enough to keep looking. The included warm flotation overalls are not just for show. They are a big deal on Iceland nights when wind and damp cold can sneak into your clothing.

Inside, you get heated cabins with toilet facilities, so you are not stuck in a constant outdoor freeze. You also get free WiFi on board, which sounds modern for a night trip, but it can help you check updates, maps, or just kill time without going back into town right away.

They also include complimentary seasickness tablets. That matters because you are literally on a moving boat under winter weather conditions. Some nights feel calmer than others, but having that option takes the edge off.

Here is what is not included: snacks and beverages are sold on board. If you want hot drinks or something to nibble, plan to buy it during the cruise.

A Real-World Itinerary, From Geirsgata 11 to Deck Time

This is a 2 to 3 hour northern lights cruise, and the tour ends back at the starting point. In practice, that means you should expect one core experience: you depart from Reykjavik, spend time scanning from the outdoor decks, then return as the night winds down.

You start at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The important timing tip is to arrive early, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. On these winter tours, that buffer is not overkill. It gives you time to find the exact boarding spot in the dark, check that you have the right ticket on your phone, and get your gear sorted before the boat leaves.

Once you are underway, your time on the decks is the heart of it. The boat has three outdoor decks, so you can change location if the group thickens or if you want to catch a different angle of the sky. If the wind picks up, use the heated interior between deck rounds, then go back out when you spot movement or when the crew suggests the sky is worth another look.

Then you head back to Geirsgata 11. If the aurora starts late, that can be the deciding factor for whether you catch a better display. One reason this cruise gets good marks is that sometimes the crew keeps the ship out a bit longer when conditions turn promising.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing Aurora

Let’s be clear: you cannot control the aurora. But you can stack the odds in your favor, and this tour gives you the basic tools to do it.

First, watch the updates. You should check the operator’s DAILY DIARY before you come, and also check your email close to departure time. Multiple timing checks help because weather and sea conditions can change fast in winter.

Second, dress like you plan to be outside. Bring good footwear and warm layers, not just a thick coat. You will be standing, then moving between decks and the interior. Wind is part of the show, and it is easier to handle when you are dressed to block it.

Third, bring your camera. You do not need to be a photography expert to benefit, but having your camera ready means you can capture faint aurora that the eye might miss. Even if you only get short bursts, having the camera ready helps you take advantage of quick improvements in the sky.

Fourth, give the night real time. If aurora activity is light, it can start as a faint glow, then build. Going into it with the mindset that you are not looking for one dramatic moment helps. You are scanning for patterns and bursts.

Finally, do not ignore the practical view factors. Some nights, stray light from the shoreline can wash out the edges of faint aurora. If you notice bright lights in the distance, keep adjusting positions on the decks. The goal is to put more of your attention on the darker sections of the sky.

Price and Value, Plus the Weather Reality

The price is $93 per person, and that is not cheap, but it can feel reasonable when you compare what you get: warm overalls, heated indoor space, toilets on board, free WiFi, and seasickness tablets. You are also buying time in a setting designed for aurora viewing, not just a long walk through the city.

The real value question is what happens if you do not see the aurora. This operator includes a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings. That is a meaningful safety net, because the Northern Lights are never a guaranteed product.

That said, some nights are simply not sail weather. The experience requires good weather, and if sea conditions are unsafe, the cruise can be canceled. In that case, you are offered a different date or a full refund. So yes, you can lose the night, but you are not stuck.

One other consideration is group size. The maximum is 198 travelers, which means deck space can get busy. If you hate crowds, go into this expecting that you will spend some time moving and waiting a bit so you can find your best angle to the sky.

Meeting Point Matters More Than You Think

Geirsgata 11 is the start point, and it is the place you need to nail. In winter darkness, finding the right spot can be stressful, especially if your directions are not clear enough to you in the moment.

The practical fix is simple: arrive early, follow the most up-to-date directions sent to your email, and give yourself time to confirm exactly where boarding happens. If you think you will arrive right on time, plan to arrive earlier than that instead. This is one of those tours where the difference between calm and stressful can be ten minutes.

Also, if you are relying on help from apps, double-check the pin once you are in the area. Some people have reported confusion around the exact boarding location, even when the address looked correct on paper.

Comfort and Service: What Works, What to Watch For

When the night goes well, the reviews point to friendly crew members, good energy, and the kind of care that keeps you warm while you wait. You also get a “work with you” approach to the experience, including the seasickness tablets and the warm gear.

On cold-water nights, some people still found the boat chilly even with protective clothing. That usually means you should take the cold seriously and treat the included overalls as one layer of protection, not the only one.

Sound can also be an issue outdoors. Wind and deck layout make it hard to hear every detail, so do not plan on using the narration as your primary way to judge what is happening in the sky. You will want to rely more on your eyes and on general sky cues.

And if you are someone who needs the darkest possible viewing conditions, note that in some cases the boat may not move far from the harbor. That can mean competing lights on nearby hills or in the vicinity. This is not something you can fix, but it is worth understanding when you set expectations.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This northern lights cruise makes the most sense if you want an efficient, comfortable way to hunt for aurora without giving up indoor warmth. It is also a good fit if you value a guided setup, since the experience includes experienced guides and organized deck time.

It can work well for couples and solo travelers because you are not tied to a fixed viewing perch for the full evening. The chance to rotate between decks and cabins helps everyone, especially on long winter nights.

If you have mobility challenges, take extra care with winter conditions on the way to and from the meeting spot. Some reported that the path approach was awkward or difficult on return after dark. If that might be an issue for you, plan for extra buffer time and consider transport options to reduce walking on uneven surfaces.

Kids and teens might enjoy it too, but it is still a late cold night on a boat. Make sure everyone is dressed properly and prepared for the possibility of no aurora.

Should You Book Reykjavik Sailors Northern Lights Cruise?

I think this is a solid booking option if you want comfort and a real attempt at aurora viewing with heated cabins, warm gear, and a second chance ticket if you do not see lights. The $93 price feels more defensible because the tour is not just “stand in a field and hope.”

Book it if you:

• Want a guided northern lights hunt that prioritizes comfort
• Are willing to check daily updates and respond to last-minute changes
• Can handle the idea that some nights bring faint aurora or none at all

Skip it or choose another option if:

• You cannot stand cold or long outdoor waiting, even with protective overalls
• You feel strongly about avoiding any chance of a no-sighting night
• Finding the meeting spot in darkness would be a major stress for you, unless you can arrive early and follow the latest email instructions

If you are flexible and prepared, this cruise is a practical way to give the aurora a fair shot.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, and it is described as a 2 to 3 hour northern lights cruise.

What is included in the price?

You get the northern lights tour, professional guides, a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings, warm flotation overalls, free WiFi on board, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and complimentary seasickness tablets.

Are snacks and beverages included?

No. Snacks and beverages are sold on board, so plan to buy them if you want food or drinks.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

When should I arrive before departure?

You should arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What happens if there are no northern lights during my cruise?

If there are no sightings, you receive a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. You should use the booking number and follow the operator’s process to reschedule.

What if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.