Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

The best part of this cruise is the chance to watch the northern lights from the water, with Reykjavik fading behind you and three outdoor decks giving you room to scan the sky. On a good night, the aurora may appear faintly, then brighten and ripple overhead while the boat is still returning to port.

I like two things right away: the free return ticket if you see nothing, and the practical cold-weather setup. Warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, toilets, WiFi, and complimentary seasickness tablets make this a more comfortable option than simply standing outside on a dark roadside.

The catch is simple: this is nature, not a stage show. Cloud, snow, rough seas, city lights, or weak auroral activity can lead to a long, cold boat ride with no lights at all. Some departures are also canceled when conditions make sailing unsafe.

Key points before you book

• The boat leaves central Reykjavik: Meet at Geirsgata 11 at least 30 minutes before departure, then return to the same point.
• You watch from three outdoor decks: Outdoor viewing gives you the clearest chance to spot the aurora, while heated cabins offer shelter between checks.
• No sighting means another chance: The operator offers a free ticket to join again, with the booking number used to arrange the repeat trip.
• The cruise lasts about 2 to 3 hours: This is long enough to search the sky, but the time may feel slow if clouds block the view.
• Cold and seasickness are real concerns: Wear warm clothes and solid footwear. Tablets are available, though rough water can still make the ride uncomfortable.
• The price is $93 per person: That is fair for a specialized evening outing with equipment and a repeat option, but less attractive if you have only one night in Reykjavik.

Leaving Geirsgata 11 after dark

Your meeting point is Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik, and the boat returns there at the end. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The departure area can be hard to find in the dark, and unclear directions have caused stress for some people, so do not cut it close.

You receive confirmation when you book, and the operator sends important updates by email. Check your email several hours before leaving for the harbor, then check it again shortly before the tour. Weather can change quickly in Iceland, and a departure time or sailing decision may be updated during the day.

Pickup is not included, though it is available for an extra charge. The meeting point is near public transportation, so you can reach it without paying for a transfer if you are staying in Reykjavik. A taxi may be useful in bad weather or if walking surfaces are icy, but it adds to the evening’s cost.

The cruise accepts up to 198 people. That is a fairly large maximum, so do not expect a small private boat or a quiet guide at your elbow. The three outdoor decks help spread people out, but popular departures may still feel busy.

Searching the sky from Reykjavik’s harbor

The boat’s purpose is to get away from the strongest city glare and find darker water where the aurora has a better chance of showing. You leave the harbor, head out for the search, and eventually return to the same meeting point. The exact route and stopping area depend on the conditions that night.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a series of shore stops. The main activity is standing outside, looking up, waiting, and moving around the decks as the crew searches for a clear view. That makes the trip wonderfully simple when the sky cooperates, but it can feel repetitive when clouds cover everything.

A few details from the trip reports are worth taking seriously. Some people saw faint lights soon after leaving the harbor. Others saw the aurora become stronger well into the outing, with the display continuing as the boat came back toward Reykjavik. In at least one successful outing, the crew stayed out a little longer because the lights were active.

That is the real advantage of a boat. You are not limited to one patch of land, and the crew can search for a darker angle over the water. Still, you should not assume the boat will travel far from Reykjavik. Some departures have stayed close to the harbor or stopped near hillside homes, where house lights and passing car headlights reduced the darkness.

If your top priority is the darkest possible setting, a land-based tour that drives away from Reykjavik may suit you better. If you like being on the sea and want a different view of the sky, the cruise has a clear appeal.

Three decks, heated cabins, and Icelandic cold

The northern lights may look magical, but watching them means spending time outside in winter weather. The supplied warm flotation overalls are a major help. They protect against cold air and wind, and they are especially useful when you are standing still for long periods.

Do not treat the overalls as a replacement for proper clothing. Wear warm layers underneath, plus a hat, gloves, and good footwear. The operator specifically recommends warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Cold feet can ruin an otherwise successful sighting, and wet or icy access areas around the office can be awkward.

The boat has three outdoor decks. This gives you more than one place to watch and makes it easier to step away from a crowded rail. You will want to move outside whenever the crew spots activity, since glass and cabin lighting can interfere with photographs.

The indoor cabins are heated and have toilet facilities. They are useful for warming up, changing layers, or taking a break from the wind. The cabins are not the reason to book this tour, though. If you stay indoors for most of the trip, you may miss a brief burst of aurora.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, including hot chocolate. They are not included in the $93 price. A warm drink can be welcome on a cold night, but bring that extra cost into your planning rather than expecting a complimentary refreshment.

Free WiFi is included on board. It is a handy extra for checking messages or sharing a photo, but it should not distract you from the sky. The best moments can arrive quickly, and the aurora does not wait while you finish uploading.

How the northern lights actually shape the evening

The operator cannot promise a sighting. Clear skies are needed, and auroral activity must also be strong enough to see. A favorable forecast improves your odds, but it does not guarantee a show. Even when the lights appear, they may be pale green or gray to the naked eye, then look stronger in a camera image.

You may see a weak glow at first. On a successful night, that glow can spread, brighten, and form moving ribbons across different parts of the sky. Several outings have produced this kind of gradual reveal, with the best display arriving after the boat had already been at sea for quite some time.

The moon matters, too. A bright moon can wash out weaker aurora, yet a strong display can still be visible. One outing produced a memorable show despite a bright moon and a low reported KP value of 1.67. That is a useful reminder that a low forecast number does not automatically mean you should give up.

On the other hand, a positive forecast can still lead to nothing. Snow and cloud are common reasons for disappointment. If the sky is completely covered, the boat cannot solve the problem.

The crew can share information and point you toward areas of activity, but the quality of the explanation may vary. One particularly negative account described a guide whose voice was difficult to understand outdoors. You should expect basic guidance in English, not a polished astronomy presentation. Bring patience, pay attention to where other people are looking, and ask questions if you miss an announcement.

Rough water, seasickness, and the late-night timing

The trip lasts about two and a half hours, with the official duration described as two to three hours. It is usually a late outing, since darkness is required. That makes it a poor match for very young children or anyone who struggles with late nights and cold conditions.

The sea can be rough. Free seasickness tablets are available, which is thoughtful, but they do not guarantee a smooth ride. If you know you are sensitive to motion, take your usual precautions before boarding and ask the crew for help. One account described the sea as very rough and suggested that a larger adult might need more than one tablet, but follow the product directions and your own medical advice rather than copying someone else’s dose.

A large boat may feel steadier than a small vessel, but size does not remove motion. You can spend part of the outing indoors if needed, though that means less time under the sky.

The cold and late hour also affect children. Some families have enjoyed the trip, but this is not an easy outing for every child. If you are traveling with children, consider their ability to stay awake, stand outdoors, tolerate wind, and accept that the aurora might not appear.

What the $93 price really buys you

At $93 per person, the cruise is not a bargain sightseeing ride, but it is reasonably priced for a specialized aurora search. Your fee covers roughly two to three hours on the water, an English-speaking professional guide, warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, toilets, WiFi, and seasickness tablets.

The free repeat option changes the value calculation. If no lights appear, you can use your booking number to arrange another trip. The ticket is valid for another tour with the operator, and the stated guarantee allows you to try again within two years.

That sounds generous, but it is only valuable if you have another opportunity in Reykjavik or plan to return to Iceland. If your holiday ends the next morning, a repeat ticket may not help. Contact the operator early if you want to reschedule. Slow replies close to departure have made it difficult for some people to use the second chance.

The food and drink bill is separate, and pickup costs extra. Add those items if you want a warm drink, a snack, or door-to-door transport. Also remember that the tour may be canceled before departure, which can protect you from an unsafe trip but disrupt a tightly packed itinerary.

I would not make this your only northern-lights plan if the aurora is the main reason for your Iceland visit. Pair it with a land-based option, keep one flexible evening open, or book early enough to allow a repeat outing.

Weather cancellations and the best way to plan

The operator cancels when sea conditions are unsafe. Snow, wind, and rough water can stop the boat from leaving, and this happens more often during the coldest part of winter. If the tour is canceled for poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. These rules matter because you may be tempted to wait until the forecast improves, but waiting too long can cost you the fare.

Keep your schedule loose. Do not place this cruise on the same evening as another activity that cannot move. Check the operator’s daily diary and your email before setting out, then make sure you know the correct departure instructions.

The tour is booked an average of 51 days ahead, so it is sensible to reserve early during a busy winter visit. Early booking alone does not improve the sky, but it gives you more choice of dates and more room to try again.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you enjoy boats, do not mind waiting in the cold, and like the idea of seeing the aurora from the water. It is also a good fit if you want indoor shelter available without giving up outdoor viewing space.

You will get the most from it if you have two or more possible evenings. That way, a cancellation or a clouded-out trip does not consume your only chance. The repeat ticket is especially useful for a longer stay.

I would think twice if you want a small, quiet, highly personal tour. The boat can carry up to 198 people, and the experience may feel more like a group outing than a private search. I would also compare it with a land tour if darkness is your main concern, since some parts of the cruise may remain close enough to Reykjavik for hillside lights to be visible.

Should you book the Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably equipped boat outing and accept that the aurora is never guaranteed. The crew can stay out longer when conditions are promising, and a strong display from the water can be a memorable Iceland moment. The repeat ticket makes a no-show less painful, especially on a longer visit.

Skip it if you have only one night, dislike rough seas, or need a guaranteed dark setting. For the best chance of success, choose a night with a promising cloud forecast, arrive early, dress warmer than you think necessary, check your email, and keep another evening free.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Cruise depart from?

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 two to three hours, with the usual stated duration around two hours and 30 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup is available for an extra charge, but it is not included in the tour price.

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.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages, including drinks available on board, are sold separately.

What happens if I do not see the northern lights?

You receive a free ticket to join the tour again. You can use your booking number to arrange another trip with the operator, and the repeat ticket is stated to be valid for up to two years.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires suitable weather and sea conditions. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking for a refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.