Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

The best part of this cruise is the chance to watch the aurora from the water, with three outdoor decks giving you room to scan the sky. I like the heated indoor cabins and the supplied flotation overalls, since an Icelandic night at sea can be bitterly cold. The crew also offers motion-sickness tablets and keeps the boat out for the show when conditions look promising.

I also like the free return ticket if no lights are seen, which softens the gamble built into any aurora outing. The catch is that the cruise is fully dependent on clear skies and safe sea conditions. Some departures are canceled, and some sailings return without a sighting.

Key things to know before booking

• The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours, with departure and return at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik.
• The boat has three outdoor decks, heated indoor cabins, toilets, and free WiFi.
• Warm flotation overalls are included, but you should still wear proper warm clothes and good shoes.
• No aurora means a free chance to try again, using your booking number and subject to the operator’s arrangements.
• Snacks and drinks cost extra, including hot chocolate and alcoholic drinks sold on board.
• Weather can cancel the trip, so keep an eye on email and the operator’s daily diary before leaving for the harbor.

Leaving Reykjavik for darker skies

The cruise begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point has caused confusion for some customers, especially in the dark, so do not rely only on a general map pin. Read the departure email carefully, then check the company’s daily diary and your email again on the day of the cruise.

Pickup is not included. You can arrange it for an extra charge, but the tour itself starts and ends at the stated meeting point. The boat returns there after the search, so you do not need to arrange a second destination.

Once aboard, the experience is simple. The boat moves away from the strongest city lights and looks for a position with a better view of the sky. You might still see lights from Reykjavik, hillside homes, roads, or passing cars. This is not the same as being in a remote countryside field, and the boat cannot guarantee total darkness.

That distinction matters. The cruise offers an appealing view across the water, but it does not remove the main problems of aurora watching: clouds, snow, moonlight, light pollution, and weak solar activity. The boat can change position, but it cannot order the northern lights to appear.

What the 2 to 3 hour sailing feels like

The advertised duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, though the included description gives a range of two to three hours. The first part is the trip away from the harbor and city glow. The middle portion is the main sky watch, and the return journey brings you back to the same meeting point.

There are no sightseeing stops in the usual sense. The attraction is the sky, not a port, island, or landmark. If the aurora appears, the boat gives you a broad horizon and the chance to see the lights from several angles. Some people find that more memorable than sitting in a parked bus.

The outdoor decks are the place to be when the sky is active. You can move around and look for brighter patches, faint green bands, or motion spreading across the sky. The tradeoff is cold. Even with flotation overalls, you will want a hat, gloves, warm socks, and layers that you can adjust.

The cabins give you a break. They are heated and have toilet facilities, which makes this more manageable than standing outside for the full sailing. Still, the boat’s interior is not the point of the trip. Some people find the indoor area plain, with food and drinks available for purchase rather than included in the fare.

When the northern lights finally appear

Aurora forecasts help, but they are not promises. A low forecast can still produce a fine display, and a promising prediction can end under cloud. One successful outing began with only a faint glow, then developed into a much stronger show after about an hour and a half. The lights continued to appear as the boat returned toward the harbor.

That is one reason patience matters. The display may begin as a pale smear that is hard to see with the naked eye. It can then strengthen into moving curtains or bands. Two shooting stars were also seen on one outing, though that is an extra stroke of luck rather than part of the tour.

You should also know that photographs can look more vivid than what your eyes see. Your camera may pick up color and detail that is faint in person. Bring your camera, but do not spend the entire sailing staring at a screen. The best part of the experience is watching the sky change in real time.

The crew may stay out a little longer when the aurora becomes active. That flexibility has made a real difference on successful nights. It does not mean every trip will be extended, but it shows why you should not judge the cruise only by its scheduled return time.

Warm clothing, seasickness, and boat comfort

The supplied flotation overalls are one of the most useful inclusions. They add warmth and protection, but they are not a substitute for your own winter clothing. Wear good footwear, since the approach to the boat and the deck may be wet, cold, or slippery.

The sea can be rough. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available, and you should ask for them before you feel unwell. If you know you get seasick, plan ahead and follow the directions on any medication you use. A short cruise can feel long when the water is moving and you are trying to watch the sky.

Some people found the boat cold even with the protective gear. That is not surprising on an open-water night, but it is worth taking seriously if you dislike cold-weather outings. Bring an extra layer and consider packing a small blanket if you have room.

The heated cabin is a useful fallback, not a complete solution. You may spend time going in and out as you warm up, check the sky, and return outside when the crew points out activity. This stop-and-start rhythm works well for some people and feels tedious to others.

Guides, announcements, and the onboard atmosphere

The guides are there to explain the aurora, help you watch the right part of the sky, and keep the outing organized. Several successful outings were helped by friendly, attentive crew members who offered information about the aurora and assisted with motion sickness.

Communication has not been perfect on every departure. Some passengers found a guide difficult to understand from the outdoor deck, especially when the guide spoke in a quiet or monotone voice. On a dark boat with wind and engine noise, clear announcements matter. If you cannot hear, move closer to the guide or ask for the information again.

The mood also depends heavily on the result. With a strong display overhead, even a basic boat feels special. Without the lights, you are mainly on a late-night harbor cruise with coastal lights, cold air, and not much scenery. Snacks, hot chocolate, and drinks can make the wait more pleasant, but they do not replace the aurora.

Food and beverages are not included in the $93 price. That is worth noting when comparing this cruise with a land-based outing. The onboard selection gives you something to buy, but you should not expect a full meal or a complimentary drink.

The real value of the $93 price

At $93 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an evening. The cost covers the sailing, guides, warm flotation overalls, indoor cabins, toilets, WiFi, and the chance to return at no charge if no lights are seen. It does not cover pickup, snacks, or drinks.

The repeat-trip policy is the strongest value point. Aurora watching is a gamble, and a free second chance makes the initial price easier to accept. You still need enough time in Iceland to use it, and you must contact the operator with your booking number. Do not assume the second trip happens automatically.

The cruise also offers something a bus tour cannot: a view across open water and the chance to watch the aurora from several outdoor levels. If the sea is calm and the sky clears, that setting can feel dramatic. If you want the darkest possible conditions, however, a countryside trip may suit you better.

One practical issue is group size. The boat can carry up to 198 people. That is a sizeable crowd for an experience that depends on everyone seeing and hearing the same guide. The three decks help spread people out, but the outing will not feel private or intimate.

Cancellations and the problem of Icelandic weather

Bad weather is not a minor possibility here. Snow, cloud, wind, and rough seas can cancel a departure. The company says it will cancel when sea conditions are unsafe, and you will then be offered another date or a full refund.

This policy is sensible for safety, but it can disrupt a short holiday. Some visitors had several weather cancellations across different excursions, especially in winter. February can be especially difficult because it is cold, dark, and prone to rough conditions, although no month can guarantee clear skies.

Check your email several hours before departure, not just the night before. Also check the daily diary on the operator’s website. Important changes may arrive close to sailing time.

The standard cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would consider this cruise if you want the novelty of seeing the aurora from the water, like having indoor shelter available, and can give yourself another evening in case the first attempt fails. It suits adults and older children who can handle a late, cold outing and possibly rough water.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed sighting, dislike boats, have limited patience for waiting, or are visiting Reykjavik for only one or two nights. The free repeat ticket has little value if you are flying home the next morning.

Families should think about bedtime and cold. The sailing can be tiring, and one account specifically advised caution about bringing children because of the late hour and low temperatures. Most people can take part, but anyone concerned about mobility should note that access to the offices and boat may include cold or slippery surfaces.

For the best odds, book early in your stay rather than your final night. That gives you room to use the repeat option or switch to another plan if the weather cancels the sailing.

Cruise or land tour?

The boat’s main strength is atmosphere. You are on the water, away from some city glare, with a wide view and the chance to watch the lights appear over Reykjavik as you return. When the aurora is strong, the setting can be unforgettable.

A land tour may offer more flexibility in chasing clear skies and darker areas. The cruise cannot simply drive to another valley when clouds arrive. It is also more exposed to wind and waves.

I would choose the boat if the water setting appeals to you and you want a straightforward evening from central Reykjavik. I would choose a land excursion if your top goal is the darkest possible sky or if you are prone to seasickness.

Should you book the Northern Lights Cruise?

Book it if you can accept uncertainty and value the chance to try again. The crew, safety setup, heated cabins, outdoor decks, and repeat-trip policy give the $93 fare some practical value. The strongest outings can deliver exactly what you came for: green light spreading across a dark sky, sometimes close to the harbor.

Skip it if you need certainty or have very limited time. A cloudy or rough night can turn the experience into an expensive, cold boat ride, and some passengers found the meeting instructions and guide commentary less clear than they expected.

My advice is to schedule it early in your Reykjavik stay, arrive 30 minutes ahead, check your email and the daily diary, and dress more warmly than you think necessary. If the sky cooperates, the cruise can be a memorable way to see Iceland’s most famous natural show. If it does not, the free return option is what keeps the gamble reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, with the listed duration averaging about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes the northern lights cruise, professional guides, warm flotation overalls, WiFi, heated indoor cabins, toilet facilities, and complimentary seasickness tablets. A free ticket to join again is offered if no northern lights are seen.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are available to purchase on board, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup may be available for an extra charge. The standard tour starts and ends at the meeting point.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. Even with the supplied flotation overalls, the outdoor decks can be very cold.

What happens if the northern lights are not visible?

You can use your booking number to arrange another tour with the operator. The ticket is valid for a future repeat trip, according to the stated repeat-sailing policy.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise requires suitable weather and safe sea conditions. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.