From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

Seeing the Northern Lights from a boat in Reykjavik makes the whole hunt feel calmer and more cinematic. I love the way the city lights start to dim as you move out, then you’re left looking up at stars over open water, with blankets waiting for you on deck.

Two things I really like: the two observation decks (so you can choose outside cold or inside warmth without losing the view), and the way the crew and guides actively help you spot activity. Names that come up in reports include Steingreimur and Hólmar, plus Christina, who are praised for pointing things out and keeping people focused while you wait for the aurora to show. One drawback to plan for: seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, and weather can mean cloudy skies or low activity even when you do everything right.

Key Highlights to Decide If This Cruise Fits Your Night

• Double observation deck setup so you can switch between warm indoor viewing and colder deck watching
• Blankets provided for comfort while you wait for the first green flicker
• Guides who actively scan the sky and direct where to look, including named guides like Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina
• City light fade-out as you head beyond Reykjavik’s glow, improving your odds
• Warm, modern boat feel that helps when the wind makes deck time feel like a cold challenge
• Free wi-fi to share or check photos once you’re back on shore

Your 2-Hour Northern Lights Plan, From Reykjavik Harbor to Open Water

This is a 2-hour Northern Lights sightseeing cruise built around one goal: get you far enough from city lighting to make aurora watching realistic, then keep you comfortable while you wait.

The timing matters. You don’t just sit in one place. You leave the harbor, you spend time out at quieter waters, and you get a proper chance to look up with fewer distractions. That’s why this style of tour can feel better than a quick stop or a cramped ride, especially if you want to actually watch the sky, not just rush through it.

Step 1: Check-in at Old Harbour House (Get Your Seat Faster)

You’ll check in 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavik. The process is straightforward: scan the bar/QR code on your ticket at the self-service kiosk.

Why I think this is worth being early for: the ship is a comfortable place, but aurora nights can get busy fast once people realize the sky is alive. Showing up on time helps you settle in, get your camera ready, and avoid scrambling when it’s dark and windy.

Step 2: Boarding and the First Look as Reykjavik Starts to Fade

Once you’re aboard, the crew gets you settled with an unobstructed view of the sky. Then the cruise heads away from the coastline so the city glow falls behind you.

This is a key moment. In Reykjavik, the lights from buildings and streets can wash out subtle aurora. Out on the water, the difference is immediate. You feel it in your eyes before you even notice it in photos.

On the water, you also get that ocean sound backdrop. It’s not “party music.” It’s steady and soothing, which makes the waiting feel less like waiting and more like a long, quiet countdown.

Step 3: Quiet Water Aurora Hunting (This Is Where the Magic Starts)

The heart of the trip is the aurora hunt in open water. That’s where you’re meant to stare up, slow down, and watch for the first hint of color.

The guides play an active role here. In reports, you can see a pattern: guides scan, they communicate what they’re seeing, and they help you stay oriented. Some guides, including Steingreimur and Hólmar, are specifically praised for finding activity and then calling attention to stronger emerging lights. Another named guide, Christina, is praised for doing it in a way that keeps things fun and organized, not chaotic.

This active guidance is more useful than it sounds. Aurora can be faint at first, and your eyes take a little time to adjust. If someone tells you where to look, and when, you stop guessing.

Step 4: Deck Time vs Indoor Warmth (Don’t Let Cold Ruin Your Photos)

You’ll have access to a double observation deck. That matters because aurora watching is a temperature game.

You’ll feel comfortable longer if you use the strategy this setup allows: step outside for a focused look, then duck back in when your hands start to go numb. Blankets are provided for deck comfort, and reports mention the boat feeling cozy and warm inside.

One practical note from people who’ve done this: cold is real, especially on the top deck. If your fingers stop working, your camera settings will suffer. That’s why the layout helps. You can keep your eyes on the sky while your body stays functional.

Step 5: Heading Back In, With One Last Sky Check

After the hunt, you turn back toward port. Even when aurora doesn’t peak immediately, the crew often keeps an eye out and may point out a final stronger moment on the way back. People describe guides pausing on the return to make sure everyone gets one last chance to see activity.

That’s a smart approach, because aurora timing can be unpredictable. One hour you get nothing. The next, the sky decides to cooperate.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and Why It Affects Your Budget

At $88 per person for a 2-hour cruise, you’re not paying for a big dinner plan. You’re paying for the experience design: ocean time, a better viewing setup, guidance, and comfort.

Included:

• Northern Lights hunting cruise
• Double observation deck
• Guides (English)
• Free wi-fi

Not included:

• Drinks (available for purchase on the boat)

Here’s how I think about the value. You’re paying to trade “guessing” for “positioning,” and you’re paying to avoid the worst parts of cold weather with blankets and deck access. Also, this avoids the stress of many land-based options where you can end up stuck with crowds and limited sky angles.

If your priority is seeing the aurora with real chances and less discomfort, this price can make sense. If your priority is the cheapest option, you’ll want to weigh that risk because the sky is the boss.

Northern Lights Odds: How to Set Your Expectations Before You Board

The tour is built to improve your odds by getting you away from Reykjavik light pollution and into quieter waters. But the viewing is not guaranteed. Weather and aurora activity decide the outcome.

The tour operator offers a possible out if the lights do not show. If the Northern Lights aren’t visible, you can likely reschedule for free with the operator. That’s why booking earlier in your trip can be useful. You give yourself time to try again if the first night is clouded out.

A detail worth noting from reports: some people see lights quickly after departure, while others see them later in the cruise. Sometimes the aurora appears as a subtle glow before it turns into obvious green motion. So plan for patience, not instant fireworks.

Photography Tips That Actually Help in Iceland’s Cold

Aurora photos depend on two things: camera settings and patience. You can’t control the sky, but you can control how your phone behaves.

One useful tip that comes up is for Android users: switch to Pro mode and try an exposure around 1 second. That can help your camera capture faint aurora that your eyes might only barely detect in real time.

A simple practical routine:

• Take a quick look with your eyes first, then switch to your camera settings
• Step between deck and indoor warmth as needed, so you don’t freeze before the moment hits
• If you’re moving your phone a lot in the cold, you’ll waste time. Keep it steady on a stable surface when possible

Also, if the aurora is active early, you’ll want to focus on viewing first. People often find that once the show begins, the best “settings” are the ones that keep you calm and watching.

Comfort and Real-World Boat Experience on Aurora Nights

This isn’t just a sightseeing block. It’s a comfortable setup for a cold weather task.

Reports describe the boat as modern and clean, with cozy warmth inside and plenty of space to move. People also appreciate not feeling trapped like they might on a bus tour. Two decks plus the ability to circulate makes it easier to keep your viewing angle changing as conditions shift.

Two comfort-related details are repeatedly important:

• Blankets for deck time
• Warm indoor areas to reset when wind bites

If you’re the type who gets frustrated when a plan turns into standing in the cold for hours, this tour design is a good match. You can actually manage your energy during the waiting period.

Pickup, Where You Start, and How to Choose the Right Night

You can start in one of two ways:

• Go to the Old Harbour House check-in yourself
• Or choose optional pickup from hotels in the Reykjavík area

Either way, you’re heading from Reykjavik toward quieter water for the sky watching. Pickup can be nice on a tight itinerary, but if you enjoy arriving early and getting settled with time to spare, the harbor check-in can be smoother.

For picking your night, here’s my practical advice: schedule at least one Northern Lights option early in your Iceland trip when you can afford a redo. If your first attempt is blocked by clouds or low activity, you’ll be glad you left room to try again.

Who This Cruise Is Best For (and Who Might Prefer a Different Approach)

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A comfortable Northern Lights experience without a long, all-day commitment
• Real time on the water rather than a quick roadside stop
• Guides who help you spot activity instead of leaving you alone with the sky

You might prefer something else if:

• You hate cold enough that even deck watching feels like a dealbreaker, because you’ll likely want to go outside at least part of the time
• You’re only willing to pay if the aurora is guaranteed, because nature sets the rules here

In general, I’d put this in the “best value for most people” category. It’s short, guided, and designed to keep you warm while still giving you what you came for.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise?

I’d book it if you want the aurora experience to feel organized, comfortable, and actually built for sky watching. The two-deck setup, blankets, and the way guides scan and point you to where to look make a big difference when aurora activity is faint at first. And the fact that you can potentially reschedule for free if the lights do not show adds real peace of mind.

I’d think twice if you only have one night in Iceland and you can’t risk the weather. In that case, you may still love the cruise even without lights, but you’re gambling on the sky.

My rule: if you can spare at least one possible retry night, this is a smart, comfortable way to hunt the Northern Lights from Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights sightseeing cruise?

The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Where do I check in before departure?

Check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík. You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

Is pickup available from hotels in Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup is optional from hotels in the Reykjavík area.

Are blankets provided for the deck?

Yes. Blankets are provided to help you stay warm on the deck.

Is the Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. Viewing is not guaranteed. If the Northern Lights aren’t visible, you may be able to reschedule for free with the tour operator.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase on the boat.

Is wi-fi included?

Yes. Free wi-fi is included on the cruise.