The lights look better on a moving boat. This evening cruise from Old Harbour pairs a northern lights hunt with sailing out over Faxaflói Bay, so the trip feels like more than waiting in the dark. You’re also treated to an evening view of Reykjavík from the water while the crew watches the sea for wildlife.

I love that you get two chances to be wowed: a good shot at the aurora, plus the real excitement of whale-spotting in the bay. I also like the onboard comfort, including Wi-Fi and an on-deck plan that lets you warm up when the cold bites. The main consideration is simple: the northern lights can be hit or miss, and on a weak night you’ll be staring at a sky that refuses to put on a show.

Key highlights at a glance

• Boat-first northern lights viewing: Go farther out than a shore lookout so you can sometimes get past cloud cover.
• Whales are part of the deal: Minke and humpback whales are common, with dolphins and porpoises, and an orca sighting is possible.
• Live spotting and guidance: The crew actively points out where to look as the sky changes.
• Comfort on board: A restroom, Wi-Fi, and an onboard café (hot drinks help a lot).
• A free follow-up if you miss the lights: If the aurora doesn’t show, you’re offered another chance.

Reykjavík’s Old Harbour: why the departure is half the magic

If you only do one northern lights outing in Reykjavík, I like choosing one that gives you something to do the whole time. Leaving from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour means you’re not starting the night in the middle of nowhere—you begin with city lights, easy access, and a clear sense of what kind of evening you’re in for.

This cruise is about timing and atmosphere. You’re out at night, on a boat that moves through Faxaflói Bay and along the Reykjavík coastline, so you’re not stuck with one fixed view. Even when the lights don’t come through, the contrast of dark water, bright harbor reflections, and Reykjavík’s colorful waterfront makes the trip feel like an experience, not a gamble.

The group size is capped at 75, which matters more than it sounds. You’ll still feel like a group, but it’s not the kind of mass event where you can’t find a viewing spot when your guide calls something out.

Faxaflói Bay whale-spotting: the tour’s built-in backup plan

The best northern lights tours have a safety net. This one’s safety net is the sea itself.

As the ship sails out, you cruise among small islands in Faxaflói Bay and along the coast. That route puts you in prime whale habitat, and it also gives you chances to scan for wildlife while you wait for the sky to cooperate. The most commonly reported sightings include minke and humpback whales, along with dolphins and porpoises. There’s also always a chance of orcas, though nobody can promise that.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps the mood alive. You’re not just standing outside hoping for color in the sky. When whales surface, it becomes a shared event—someone spots, the guide updates you, and suddenly you’re watching the ocean do its own show.

There’s also a geography bonus. Faxaflói Bay sits on the southern shore of Reykjavík, and on clear evenings you can sometimes see the peninsula of Akranes. From a distance, people may even catch sight of Snæfellsjökull (about 120 km away). That won’t replace the northern lights, but it adds layers to the night: water, city, distant Iceland landmarks, and the feeling that you’re surrounded by place.

On-board comfort that actually matters when it’s cold

Northern lights watching can turn miserable fast if a tour treats comfort as optional. This cruise doesn’t. You’ll have a restroom, Wi-Fi, and an on-board café, and you can move between indoor and outdoor seating as conditions change.

Several people specifically mention a toasty lower section where you can warm up, plus opportunities to buy hot drinks. That’s a big deal because on-deck viewing works in short bursts. You want enough warmth in your body so you can stay outside long enough to catch the aurora when it appears.

I also appreciate that the boat setup seems designed for real observation, not just sightseeing. You’re not forced to huddle in one spot. If you need a break, you can get it without feeling like you’ve abandoned your chance to see the lights.

One practical note: Wi-Fi is helpful, but it shouldn’t be your main plan for seeing the sky. Aurora watching works best with your own eyes, even if it takes a minute for your eyes to adjust.

How the crew guides you to the sky (and why it helps)

This kind of tour lives or dies on the guidance. A good aurora crew keeps the search organized. They’re scanning, updating, and helping you line up what you’re seeing with what to look for.

On board, the professional team is dedicated to spotting. Some guests mention guides such as Maria delivering commentary outside when the lights appeared. Others describe Lucky helping the group and keeping everyone on track. There’s also bar service by people like Isabella, which matters because it means you can warm up without waiting around.

The key thing is that the crew doesn’t just point once and walk away. They keep you updated as the aurora strengthens or shifts, and they try to help you understand where the lights are likely to show up next.

That’s also why this cruise can feel better than a bus-only option. A boat outing gives the guide more freedom to look for conditions that improve on the water. People have noted that the ship can go far enough to pass beyond clouds, which is exactly the kind of advantage you want when aurora nights feel unpredictable.

When you don’t see the lights: the value of a free return

Here’s the honest truth: you can do everything right and still miss the aurora. That’s not failure. That’s Iceland weather.

This tour includes a free follow-up option if you don’t see the northern lights. This is one of the reasons I consider it better value than tours that treat the aurora like a guaranteed product. You’re paying for a planned search, not an engraved promise.

Some guests also report a long window to rebook for free (one person mentioned up to three years). I can’t promise that exact timing for every booking, but it points to the bigger idea: the provider seems set up to make a disappointing night less final.

If you’re traveling with only one night in Reykjavík, I’d still choose this kind of tour only if you’re prepared for the possibility that you might need that second chance. If you can, give yourself more than one evening, because even a perfect itinerary can’t control cloud cover.

Price and value: what $78 buys you for two hours

At about $78 per person for roughly two hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to chase the aurora from Reykjavík. But it’s also not a luxury-price escape hatch.

You’re paying for three things at once:

• A moving viewing platform on the water (not just a shore lookout)
• Active guidance from a crew focused on spotting
• Onboard comfort that helps you stay outside and actually watch

That combo is where the value shows up. A bus tour can be great, but it often turns into a stop-and-start routine. On the boat, you get time, motion, and the chance to scan a wider slice of sky while staying comfortable enough to wait.

Also, the cost becomes easier to justify if you remember the backup plan. If the lights don’t show, you may get another attempt, which changes the math in your favor.

If you want to maximize value, pair this with a calm meal before you go and keep your expectations realistic. This is a chase, not a show you can demand.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you want a balanced night: a northern lights hunt with a built-in activity. The whale-spotting part helps families, couples, and groups stay engaged even when the aurora takes its time.

It’s also a good choice if you’re staying close to the harbor. The meeting point is at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2), and the tour ends back at the same place. That keeps the night simple.

Because most travelers can participate and the group is limited to 75, you generally shouldn’t feel lost in the crowd. Service animals are allowed too, which is a real practical plus.

Who might think twice? If you’re the type who only wants one thing—pure aurora, no wildlife scouting, no ocean time—then you may find a weak aurora night frustrating. But even then, the city-at-night views and the boat experience are usually worth it as a Reykjavík memory.

Practical tips before you go: make the night easier

Here are the things that help most, based on how this kind of tour plays out at night.

Dress for the deck, not the cabin

Iceland evenings can get very cold, and the cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it changes how long you’ll want to stand outside. Plan on layers you can peel on and off. Bring gloves and something warm for your head. Your goal is to stay outside long enough for the lights to make an appearance.

Use the onboard plan: warm up without giving up

The boat’s setup is there for a reason: go out to look, then retreat briefly when you need warmth. If you keep moving between inside and outside, you stay alert and you avoid the fatigue that makes aurora watching harder.

Eat nearby, but double-check any meal perk

One review tip worth knowing: the Old Harbour Restaurant has been mentioned as offering a 15% discount when you check in for the trip and retrieve the discount with your ticket. The key is timing—someone noted they didn’t apply it because they learned about it after paying. If you plan to eat beforehand, I’d ask at the check-in moment or confirm the process so you don’t miss the perk.

Don’t expect instant color

The aurora can show up quickly, or it can take a while. The crew keeps updating you as conditions change, so hang in there instead of assuming the first few minutes are your whole night.

Should you book this northern lights boat cruise?

I think this is a smart booking if you want a realistic shot at the aurora without turning the evening into a one-dimensional wait. You’re paying for more than lights: you’re getting a boat ride from Old Harbour, chances at whale sightings in Faxaflói Bay, and onboard comfort that lets you keep watching instead of freezing out.

Book it if:

• You want a tour that stays interesting even when the sky is slow
• You like the idea of whale-spotting as a backup
• You can use the free return option if needed
• You’ll dress for the cold and stay patient

Skip it (or consider a different style tour) if:

• You only care about aurora color and you’d be deeply disappointed by a weak night
• You’re unwilling to spend time outside in Iceland winter or shoulder-season weather

If you can give yourself more than one aurora night in Reykjavík, even better. This cruise gives you a strong way to start the chase, and the combination of sea life plus sky watching makes it feel like an evening you’ll remember either way.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavík?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík) and ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $78.00 per person.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is there a restroom and places to buy drinks or food onboard?

Yes. The boat provides a restroom and an onboard café, and Wi-Fi is available as well.

Will I see whales on this cruise?

There is a chance to see minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. Orcas are also possible, though sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Does the tour include Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is provided onboard.

What happens if I don’t see the northern lights?

If you don’t see the northern lights, you get another tour for free.

Is the tour limited in size?

Yes. The maximum group size is 75 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.