Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

The aurora can turn a normal night magical. This 2-hour Northern Lights Yacht Cruise takes you out of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a calmer hunt for the lights, plus whale watching over Faxaflói Bay. You’ll get warm onboard comfort while still having open-deck views, and the crew keeps the hunt moving when conditions allow.

Two things I really like: first, the boat setup is built for staying comfortable while you wait, including warm indoor space and plenty of deck room for looking up. Second, you’re not only chasing aurora, you’re also cruising for marine wildlife, with a team that focuses on spotting what’s out there. My main consideration is that the sail can stay close to land and city light, so on some nights the aurora is harder to see at its best.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Reykjavik Old Harbour departure: quick access from the city, then straight out to search skies over Faxaflói Bay
• Aurora-focused pacing: the crew watches for the lights and keeps you out longer once aurora appears
• Wi-Fi onboard: you can upload live photos while you’re still out on the water
• Wildlife along the route: minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, with a chance at orcas
• Warmth on a cold night: cosy indoor cabin space plus deck time for photos and spotting

Setting Sail from Old Harbour, with Faxaflói Bay as the stage

This cruise starts at Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2 in Reykjavík. Expect a smooth, city-to-water experience with a short time window, about 2 hours total, and an English-speaking team onboard.

As you leave, the route runs through Faxaflói Bay among small islands and along the Reykjavik coastline. That matters because it shapes what you see, you get classic views of Reykjavík from the water, and you also get a better sense of where the aurora might be visible as the crew searches.

I also like that the boat is positioned for real waiting time. You are not rushed from one stop to the next, you are out there, scanning sky and sea, with the crew updating you as conditions change.

How the hunt for the northern lights really works

Northern lights are never a sure thing. The operator is clear that the tour happens in wild nature and sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

On the positive side, multiple parts of the experience are designed to improve your odds once you’re out. The crew stays focused on finding the lights, and if they do appear, they tend to keep the yacht out longer so you get proper viewing time rather than a quick pass.

Now for the reality check. Some people note that the yacht does not go very far offshore, so you may still be in view of land and city glow. That can reduce contrast, which is exactly what you want for aurora photography and for seeing faint bands with your eyes.

If you’re the type who wants the darkest possible skies no matter what, you should treat this cruise as a smart Reykjavik option, not a guaranteed escape from light pollution. The flip side is that the route is scenic, and even when aurora is faint, the experience of the night at sea can still feel special.

The aurora comes with a bonus: whales, dolphins, and porpoises

This is one of the nicest “two-for-one” aspects of the cruise. While you search the sky, you’re also scanning the water and the route through Faxaflói Bay.

The most common wildlife sightings are minke and humpback whales, plus dolphins and porpoises. There’s also always a chance of orcas, sometimes called killer whales, along with other marine species the team may pick up during the cruise.

Why this matters for your trip planning: even if the sky is not cooperating, you still have a natural “Plan B.” And because the professional crew is used to spotting wildlife patterns from the water, you’re more likely to notice movement quickly than if you were just looking on your own.

One more practical detail: the bay can feel very cold over the water. That means wildlife spotting is best done by layering up for deck time, and then retreating inside when you need a break.

The yacht experience: warm cabins, open decks, and Wi-Fi

The boat is part of the value. People consistently describe the yacht as warm, cosy, and clean, with comfortable indoor space to wait out the sky.

The deck setup is what you’d expect for aurora hunting: you need open views for looking up and for taking pictures. At the same time, many nights in Iceland mean you will be moving between cold deck air and warmer indoor areas, so plan to use both.

Onboard, there’s also a fully stocked bar and beverage area, and the bartender is called out for being helpful. Bathrooms are described as clean too, which sounds like a small detail until you’re out on a cold night and you really appreciate not having to stress about it.

And yes, there is onboard Wi-Fi, so you can upload live photos. This is especially useful if you like sharing in real time, or if you want to show your group back home what the night looks like before you sort through your photos later. Bring a fully charged phone and consider a power bank because cold weather eats battery life.

What it’s like on board: group size, timing, and photo realities

The cruise has a maximum of 125 travelers, which helps keep it from feeling like a packed stadium while still allowing a full, lively group. The experience stays structured around the crew’s spotting and guidance rather than letting everyone drift off on their own.

Timing is also key. When aurora appears, you want to be in the right place and you want enough minutes to see the movement. Several people note the captain and crew react once lights show up, including staying out longer after the first sighting, which helps you get more than a brief glance.

Photography is where expectations should be adjusted. People mention that it can be tricky to get long-exposure shots from a rocking boat. That doesn’t mean you can’t capture great images, it just means you should expect some extra effort, and let the crew’s photography tips guide you.

One practical take I’d follow: if you care about photos, keep your camera setup simple, and prioritize getting your viewing first. You can always improve technique later, but you cannot replay the exact aurora moment.

Price and value at $94, for aurora plus wildlife

At $94 per person, this is not a budget impulse buy, but it also isn’t “once-in-a-lifetime only” pricing. You’re paying for three things at once: a warm, comfortable yacht experience; aurora-focused positioning and crew attention; and a wildlife cruise component.

The onboard comfort is a real part of your value. If you had to stand around in wind for hours to chase the lights, the cost would feel harder to justify. Here, you can warm up inside, then return to the deck for another scan.

I also like the company’s attitude toward the natural-phenomenon risk. They offer a ticket for another day if the lights are not seen on the tour. In plain terms, this lowers the “I paid and got nothing” stress, as long as you can use the rebooking window.

That said, it’s still weather and sky dependent. Iceland is Iceland. If you want a high probability night above all else, you’ll still need flexibility with your schedule.

Who should book this yacht cruise, and who should think twice

This cruise is a great fit if you want a mix of northern lights searching and real wildlife watching without turning it into an all-night endurance test. The warm cabin, spacious viewing deck, and bar options make it comfortable for many people, even those who do not love freezing for long periods.

It also fits if you like a crew-led experience. People mention guides giving updates when the aurora appears and sharing constellation and sky context, which helps you feel like you are doing more than just staring into darkness.

Where it may not match your expectations: if you are the type who expects the yacht to go far offshore into the darkest possible skies, the “still in sight of land” experience could disappoint. If that matters most to you, you might consider a different type of northern lights outing that prioritizes maximum distance from city lighting.

Practical checklist so you enjoy the night, no matter what the sky does

Cold over water is the big theme here. Even when you’re warm inside, you will spend time on deck, and the difference between inside comfort and deck chill can be dramatic.

Pack like you’re going out for real winter air: warm layers, hat, gloves, and boots you trust. Then use the yacht like it’s part of your strategy, warm inside between scans, and back outside when the crew calls attention to the sky.

If seasickness is a concern, note that some people say the bay was calm and the ride was smooth. Still, bodies vary, so if you know you react to boat motion, bring your usual prevention.

Finally, if you’re serious about aurora photos, treat the boat movement as part of the challenge. Follow the crew’s tips, but also remember the best “photo” is sometimes the one you take while you’re actually watching, not fighting settings.

Should you book the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a comfortable Reykjavik night that combines aurora hunting with wildlife on a single, well-run outing. The warmth onboard, the helpful crew, and the fact that you are not only chasing the sky make the experience feel worthwhile even when the lights are faint or slow to show up.

Book it if your schedule has some flexibility and you’re okay with the reality that northern lights are weather dependent. If you need guaranteed darkness away from the city lights, then you might want to compare options before committing.

If you do book, go in ready to layer up, use the onboard spaces, listen for the crew’s updates, and give the night time. The best aurora memories are the ones where you stayed patient long enough to see it turn on.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

The cruise runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start in Reykjavík?

You meet at Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Can I see wildlife on this cruise?

Yes. The route is set up for viewing marine life, with chances to spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and occasional orcas.

If I do not see the northern lights, is there any help?

The lights are not guaranteed. If there are no sightings on the tour, you do not get a refund, but you receive a free return to join the tour depending on availability, valid up to three years.

What if weather cancels the tour?

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