Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

The best part of this cruise is the chance to wait for the aurora from a warm yacht, rather than standing beside a dark roadside for hours. You sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, pass Harpa and Viðey Island, and settle in around Faxaflói Bay while the crew watches the sky.

I like the comfortable indoor lounge and the crew’s practical help with camera settings. I also like the smaller-yacht feel when MY Harpa is used, with space to step outside and move around. The main drawback is simple: the boat follows a set coastal route and does not chase every patch of clear sky, so a bus tour may cover more ground.

Key points to know before you book

• Aurora viewing from the sea: You leave the city harbor and cruise toward sheltered waters near Viðey and the small islands off Reykjavik.
• Warm indoor refuge: Blankets, heating, bathrooms, a café-bar, and Wi-Fi make waiting easier in Icelandic weather.
• Helpful photography advice: The crew can help you prepare phone settings and explain where to aim your camera.
• Repeat trip if the lights fail: An additional yacht trip is offered if the northern lights do not appear, though the exact redemption terms should be confirmed when booking.
• Boat size matters: MY Harpa carries up to 35 people, while MY Amelia Rose can carry up to 95, so ask which yacht is scheduled.
• Price and timing: At $100.82 per person for roughly two to three hours, this is a comfort-focused aurora outing, not the cheapest way to search the sky.

Leaving Reykjavik from the Old Harbour

The meeting point is Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2, close to Reykjavik’s waterfront attractions. This is a convenient place to begin an evening because it is near Harpa concert hall, restaurants, cafés, and public transportation.

The cruise starts after dark, when the northern lights might be visible. You should arrive early enough to check in and get settled, since the yacht may wait only briefly for late arrivals. The activity returns to the same meeting point, so there is no complicated end-of-night transfer.

From the harbor, the first views are urban and maritime. You see Reykjavik’s old harbor, the coastline, and Harpa from the water. Harpa’s glass façade looks different from offshore, especially after dark, when the building’s colored panels catch the city lights.

This opening section is scenic, but it is not the main reason to book. The value comes from combining a short Reykjavik harbor cruise with a sheltered place to wait for the aurora. If the lights never appear, you still get a nighttime look at the city and bay, though you should not confuse that with a dedicated sightseeing cruise.

Harpa, the coastline, and Viðey Island

Harpa is one of the most recognizable buildings in Reykjavik. Seeing it from the water gives you a fresh angle on a place many people visit only from the street. The boat then follows the coast, with views toward the city and the open water of Faxaflói Bay.

Viðey Island is one of the most interesting points along the route. It sits just offshore and gives the cruise a quieter counterpoint to Reykjavik’s harbor. The island is known for walking paths, historic sites, public art, and the Imagine Peace Tower, the memorial created in honor of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Do not assume that this is an island landing excursion. The supplied route describes Viðey as part of the cruise experience, so you should expect to view the island from the yacht rather than spend time ashore. If you want to walk Viðey’s trails or visit its landmarks closely, plan a separate visit.

The island matters for aurora viewing as well. The crew uses the waters behind the islands for shelter when conditions are rough. That choice can make the ride steadier, but it also explains why the yacht does not simply head far into the bay. A calm viewing position is more useful than a long, uncomfortable run into heavy seas.

Waiting for the northern lights on the yacht

Aurora hunting is a waiting game. The lights need enough activity to be visible, and you need clear sections of sky. Iceland’s weather can shift quickly, with snow and cloud giving way to open sky in a short time, or the reverse.

That uncertainty is the central risk of this experience. No boat, bus, or guide can guarantee an aurora display. A cloudy departure does not always mean a lost evening, but a clear afternoon does not promise clear skies later.

The yacht gives you a more comfortable base while you wait. You can sit inside, warm up under blankets, buy a hot or cold drink, and use the onboard bathroom. A bar and café are provided, with options that include coffee, tea, beer, champagne, and other drinks. Wi-Fi is also available.

I see this as the cruise’s strongest practical advantage. On a bus outing, you may travel farther in search of clear skies, but you can spend much of the evening sitting on a bus or standing outside in a cold parking area. Here, you trade some mobility for shelter, a restroom, and a place to wait indoors.

When the crew believes the lights are appearing, you can head outside to the viewing areas. Several accounts describe the aurora beginning as a faint green mark, sometimes easier to see in a photograph than with your eyes. That is why the crew’s help with phone settings can be useful, especially if you have never photographed the northern lights.

What the crew adds to the evening

Capt. Einar is associated with the yacht operation and has extensive experience with whale watching and aurora outings in Faxaflói Bay. The crew also keeps watch and communicates with other boats, which helps reduce the chance of missing a visible display near the route.

The guidance is practical rather than a full astronomy lecture. You may hear a short explanation of how the lights appear and where to look, followed by updates when the crew spots activity. Several people have particularly valued help with camera focus and phone settings.

That assistance can make a real difference. Smartphone cameras often record green or purple light that your eyes barely notice, but a poor focus setting can turn the whole sky into a blurry mess. Ask for help before the aurora appears, not after everyone is already rushing outside.

The guiding style may not suit everyone. Some people want a detailed scientific talk and constant movement toward changing cloud cover. Others prefer a relaxed boat ride with occasional announcements. The guide’s commentary, music, and timing are part of the experience, so expectations matter.

A fixed route, not a high-speed sky chase

This is the point to weigh carefully. The yacht goes behind the islands close to Reykjavik and stops in a sheltered area. It does not operate like a bus that can drive inland, turn down side roads, and keep pursuing every clear patch.

The operator’s reasoning is that the aurora occurs high above the earth, so moving a short distance farther from the city does not necessarily improve the view. Cloud cover is the bigger concern. The yacht aims to get far enough from the brightest city lights while keeping the sea calm.

That argument makes sense, but it does not remove the trade-off. Some outings may feel as if the boat sails out, waits at one location, and returns. If you want an aggressive search strategy, choose a land-based tour that actively follows weather maps and cloud breaks.

The boat can still provide a good view from its route. Several successful outings involved the sky clearing late in the evening, with the crew holding the position long enough for people to see the display. The setting is less rugged than a remote countryside viewpoint, but it is also much easier on your feet and hands.

MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose?

The boat assigned to your departure affects the feel of the evening. MY Harpa is described as the smaller yacht, with capacity for 35 people. It has an enclosed lounge, outdoor viewing areas, blankets, a bar, and bathrooms.

The operator also uses MY Amelia Rose, a larger yacht with capacity for 95 people. This is important because the activity information gives a maximum of 35 participants, while the operator states that two yachts may be used. I would contact Harpa Yachts before booking if a small group is essential to your decision.

A smaller boat usually means fewer people around the rails when the aurora appears. You may find it easier to move outside, take photographs, and hear the guide. The larger vessel may offer more room overall but can feel less personal when the passenger count is high.

Do not book this expecting a private or luxury yacht charter. The boats are comfortable yachts used for shared excursions. The atmosphere can be calm and pleasant, but it depends on the group and the vessel assigned that night.

Is $100.82 a fair price?

At $100.82 per person, the cruise sits in the middle-to-upper range for an aurora outing. You are paying for a two-to-three-hour experience with a yacht, indoor warmth, blankets, bathrooms, a café-bar, Wi-Fi, and a city-and-coast cruise built into the evening.

The price makes more sense if you value comfort. A basic northern lights trip may cost less, but it may also involve a long wait outdoors or a less comfortable vehicle. Here, you can treat the boat ride itself as part of the night, even if the sky stays stubbornly dark.

The value drops if your only goal is to maximize your odds by moving quickly between weather zones. A fixed yacht route cannot cover as much ground as a road vehicle. It also does not offer a guarantee, and the repeat-trip policy cannot recover a lost evening if you are leaving Iceland soon.

I would book it for a first Reykjavik visit when you want a pleasant evening on the water and are willing to accept nature’s terms. I would not book it as your sole chance to see the aurora unless you have enough nights in Iceland to try again.

What happens if the lights do not appear?

The operator offers an additional yacht trip when the northern lights do not appear. The response provided by the company describes free repeat trips and, in one case, access for up to three years. Because redemption details can vary, confirm the current policy before you rely on it.

This benefit is useful if you have several nights in Reykjavik. You can try again when the forecast improves without paying another full tour fee. It is much less useful on the final night of a short trip, when a free future sailing does not help you see the lights during this visit.

Do not confuse a failed sighting with a weather cancellation. If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the boat sails but the aurora does not show, the repeat-trip offer is the relevant remedy.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and anyone who dislikes spending a cold night outdoors. The bar, lounge, blankets, and bathrooms make it easier to wait, and the boat adds a pleasant maritime element even during a quiet sky.

It also suits photographers who want help preparing a phone or camera. You should still bring warm clothing, since the best views are outside and the deck can feel cold even when the cabin is comfortable.

This is less suitable for you if you want a remote wilderness setting, a highly mobile search, or a long educational program about auroras. It may also disappoint if you expect a small yacht but are placed on the larger vessel, so clarify that point before paying.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of weather.

Should you book the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

Book this cruise if you want the most comfortable way to wait for an uncertain natural show from Reykjavik. The crew can help with photographs, the yacht provides warmth and basic comforts, and the route gives you Harpa, the coast, Viðey Island, and Faxaflói Bay in one evening.

Skip it if your top priority is chasing clear skies across Iceland. The fixed route is the key limitation, and the $100.82 price is hard to justify if you do not care about the boat ride itself.

My practical advice is to schedule it early in your stay, not on your last night. That gives you a chance to use the repeat-trip offer, and it lets you enjoy the cruise as a worthwhile evening even if the aurora keeps its curtain closed.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise start?

It starts at Old Harbour House, Food, Drinks & Tours, at Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the Old Harbour meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two to three hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $100.82 per person.

Which sights are included along the route?

The route includes Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, views of Harpa from the sea, the Reykjavik coastline, Viðey Island, Faxaflói Bay, and a chance to see the aurora.

Does the cruise stop on Viðey Island?

The provided route includes Viðey Island as a point of interest, but it does not state that passengers disembark there. You should expect to see the island from the yacht unless the operator confirms otherwise.

Is food or drink available onboard?

Yes. The yacht has a bar and café with hot and cold drinks and alcoholic options.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

Yes, Wi-Fi is provided on the yacht.

What happens if the northern lights do not appear?

You are offered an additional yacht trip if the lights do not appear. Confirm the current repeat-trip terms with Harpa Yachts before booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded, and a weather cancellation offers a different date or a full refund.