One of the best Reykjavik nights is on the water. This Northern Lights cruise from downtown Reykjavik pairs an aurora search with city views from Faxaflói bay, plus warm gear and an onboard café to keep the evening comfortable.

What I like most is the practical comfort. You get warm floatable overalls for the outside decks, and the boat also has a heated indoor saloon with toilets, free Wi‑Fi, and a café for hot drinks and snacks you can buy.

The main thing to consider is the big one: Northern lights are never guaranteed. Even on a clear night, the aurora can be faint, short-lived, or hidden by cloud—so you should book with patience, not expectations of a perfect light show.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Warm overalls + heated shelter so you can actually stay out long enough to catch the aurora.
• Two hours feels manageable compared with longer bus-style hunts when you’re staying in Reykjavik.
• City landmarks at night: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and (in Oct–Dec) the Imagine Peace Tower beam.
• Outdoor decks with real viewing space plus an option to duck inside when the wind bites.
• Free return coverage if you don’t see the lights, including vouchers valid for an extended period.

A 2-hour Reykjavik cruise built around the aurora (and the skyline)

This tour is short by Iceland standards—about 2 hours—which is part of its appeal. You’re not committing to a full evening bus chase. Instead, you get a focused night outing that blends the search for the aurora with sightseeing from the water.

The timing matters. In winter, Reykjavik nights can feel long and dark. Being on a boat gives you something to do during the wait: scanning the sky, watching the shoreline glow, and getting a guided explanation of what you’re looking for. If the lights do show up, you’re already set up in the right place and dressed for it.

And even if the aurora doesn’t cooperate, the cruise still works as a “night in Reykjavik” experience—especially if you’re based downtown and don’t have a car.

Getting to Elding Whale Watching: start and end right in Reykjavik

You’ll meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and the cruise returns to the same spot. That simple out-and-back setup is a plus when you’re trying to keep logistics easy in winter weather.

The tour is offered in English, and the boat operation is set up for a fairly busy schedule (this is commonly booked about 45 days in advance). The company also caps the group at up to 150 travelers, so you’re not stepping onto a tiny craft—there’s room for people to move between decks.

One more practical note: it doesn’t include hotel pickup and drop-off. Plan to get yourself to the meeting point on your own (the meeting area is described as near public transportation). After the cruise, you’ll also be back at the same place, which makes getting a taxi or continuing your night simpler.

Heated cabin, outdoor viewing decks, and the overalls you’ll want

Let’s talk comfort, because this is the difference between a trip that feels magical and one you just want to end. The cruise provides warm floatable overalls (you borrow them for the evening), and the boat has a heated indoor saloon you can use whenever you need a break.

On a winter night, your time outside will be limited by wind and cold, not just by the aurora. So I like that the setup is “two-mode”:

• You can stand out on deck to watch the sky.
• When you start freezing, you can step inside to warm up without missing everything.

There are also toilets onboard, plus free Wi‑Fi. That may sound like a small perk, but it’s handy when you’re checking aurora info, sharing photos, or just taking a breather from the cold.

The onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks. Snacks aren’t included, so if you want to eat, budget a little extra. In return, you get the option to keep it casual instead of building a meal into your plans.

What to bring yourself

Even with overalls provided, the cruise info specifically points out that you should bring a hat and gloves. That’s good advice, because layers work better when you control the parts that touch your skin most.

Faxaflói bay views: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Peace Tower beam

One reason I’d consider this cruise even on a “maybe aurora” night: you see Reykjavik’s landmarks from a new angle.

As the boat sails into Faxaflói bay, you get panoramic views of the city’s illuminated skyline. The route includes sights like:

• Harpa Concert Hall
• Hallgrímkirkja church

Then, in October–December, the cruise also passes by the Imagine Peace Tower when it’s lit, so you can admire its radiant beam. This is the kind of bonus that makes the evening feel like more than a weather lottery.

If you’re new to Reykjavik, night views are often where the city surprises people. Daytime sightseeing can be crowded or rushed. On water, the light stays the focus, and landmarks look more dramatic against the dark.

How the crew guides your aurora hunt (and how to photograph it)

You’re not left to wander around with blind hope. The crew provides insights about the surroundings and the aurora phenomenon throughout the tour. That matters because aurora watching is half sky science, half practical spotting.

A few things stand out from the way people describe the experience:

• Some trips find the aurora within minutes of leaving the port.
• On other nights, you might wait longer and see it later in the cruise.
• The experience feels strongest when you can stay outside long enough to get multiple looks.

When it comes to photos, one detail I’d call out is that at least some guides help with camera settings. For example, a guide named Mia has been mentioned as assisting passengers with camera setup. That kind of hands-on help can turn a “didn’t work” photo night into a folder full of usable shots.

One practical caution: people have noted that safety and photo instructions can be tricky in a crowded environment with audio challenges. So if you care about photography, arrive prepared to follow staff direction quickly—especially around how to shoot without ruining other passengers’ experiences.

Where to stand when it’s crowded

The outdoor deck is the main show, but it can get packed. I’d treat the top deck as a “good view if you can get a spot” option. If it’s too crowded where you’re standing, moving toward a less blocked vantage point can make a visible difference. Staying flexible is part of the success formula.

The reality check: northern lights can be faint or missing

Here’s the honest truth your booking should account for: the northern lights are unpredictable. Cloud cover and night-sky conditions can make even strong aurora forecasts look weak—or invisible.

That’s why this cruise includes a sighting guarantee: if you don’t see the lights, you’ll be offered a chance to try again for free. In practice, that can take some of the pressure off. But it also means you should mentally schedule this as an aurora search, not a guaranteed fireworks show.

A few travel-style tips that match the way these cruises work:

• Dress for cold first. Aurora odds are meaningless if you can’t stay outside.
• Assume the best moment could come any time during the two hours.
• Don’t ignore the boat’s guidance about where to look and when to look.

If you’re sensitive to cold, plan for shorter outside breaks and longer warm-inside intervals. If you’re sensitive to motion, plan for that too—more on that next.

Sea comfort: rocking, motion, and staying in control

A boat ride in winter can feel more like a weather element than a stroll. The good news: people report the ride as smooth on some departures, and warm overalls make standing outside more doable.

The “not always perfect” side is motion. Some passengers describe the boat as rocking, especially when standing on the top area. A few also note that long exposure photos can turn blurry when the boat pitches.

If you’re prone to seasickness, take it seriously. There’s at least one mention of staff providing sea sickness tablets. If you know you get sick easily, bring your own motion plan (and consider taking medication before you feel bad).

Free return if you don’t see the lights: a strong value feature

This tour stands out because it doesn’t treat the aurora like a one-shot lottery ticket. You get a return option if no lights are seen, described as complimentary return tickets valid for an extended period (in the information you’re given, that’s up to two years).

That’s meaningful value when you’re spending money to chase auroras and you might not return to Iceland soon. Instead of paying again the next night, you can use the voucher when conditions align—or when you’re back in Reykjavik.

In addition, the cruise may be rescheduled if the weather is poor. So if your dates are flexible, the “free try” aspect can turn a disappointing aurora night into a second chance rather than a total loss.

What to do if your aurora night is a dud

Don’t skip the free-option mindset. If you miss the lights, treat the voucher as part of your Iceland plan. Many people don’t see the aurora on their first attempt, and having a built-in retry changes how you should feel about that.

Price and value: how $105 fits into an aurora strategy

At $105 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to look for northern lights—but it can still be a good value depending on your priorities.

Here’s the math that matters:

• It’s about 2 hours, so you’re not spending a whole evening or losing most of another day.
• You get warm overalls, heated shelter, and onboard comfort features (toilets, Wi‑Fi, and hot drinks available).
• You get a return option if you don’t see the aurora.

Compared with longer bus hunts, you’re trading time and distance for comfort and simplicity. Bus tours may go farther into darker areas, but they often take longer and can be more tiring after a day of Iceland driving. This cruise keeps things concentrated near Reykjavik and focuses on the aurora plus city night views.

The potential downside on value is that the harbor area has light from the city. That’s not the tour’s fault—it’s just physics and geography. So this cruise can be best when aurora activity is strong enough to cut through the glow, and when the cloud layer isn’t working against you.

Also, you should be aware that some departures can feel crowded. If you hate sharing space or you need an uncrowded quiet zone, you may find the onboard seating situation less ideal than a smaller, more remote option.

Who this cruise fits best in your itinerary

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a downtown-friendly aurora outing without renting a car or committing to a long drive.
• Like the idea of Reykjavik at night plus aurora watching, instead of a pure sky-chase.
• Appreciate comfort upgrades like overalls and a heated interior when the wind cuts through.

It’s also a decent choice if you’re traveling in a group that includes different comfort levels. Some people can stay outside for photos; others can warm up inside and rejoin when the lights appear.

A couple considerations:

• The boats aren’t described as fully accessible. There may be steep stairs and high thresholds, which can limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities, even though passengers with limited mobility are welcomed.
• If you really want long, remote darkness, a city-based harbor cruise might feel shorter than you’d like—especially if you’re hoping the boat will travel far beyond the city’s glow.

Cancellation and weather: what you should expect for planning

This experience requires good weather, and it can be canceled at short notice if conditions are unfavorable. If that happens, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

Since the northern lights themselves are unpredictable, cloud cover is the bigger threat than most people expect. If forecasts look rough, don’t panic, but do keep an open mindset. The cruise’s whole design (short duration, onboard warmth, and free return) is built for these realities.

Should you book this Northern Lights cruise from downtown Reykjavik?

If you want an aurora experience that’s comfortable, centrally located, and paired with nighttime Reykjavik views, I’d book it—especially if you’re staying in the city. The provided overalls, the heated cabin, and the free return option are the big reasons this works as real value, not just a “maybe lights” gamble.

I’d reconsider if you:

• Need a guaranteed spectacle and can’t handle uncertainty.
• Strongly prefer remote darkness over a city-and-bay setting.
• Are very sensitive to crowding or motion and don’t plan ahead.

For most visitors, though, this cruise hits a sweet spot: two hours, downtown convenience, real viewing options on deck, and a second chance if the aurora doesn’t show up.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Cruise from downtown Reykjavik?

It runs for approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The cruise starts at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. You can borrow warm floatable overalls to help you stay comfortable on the outdoor decks.

Is there a heated area onboard?

Yes. There is a heated indoor saloon where you can warm up.

Is Wi‑Fi available during the cruise?

Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available onboard.

Do they sell food and drinks?

There’s an onboard café where you can buy hot drinks and snacks. Snacks are not included in the tour price.

Are northern lights guaranteed?

A sighting is not guaranteed, but the tour offers a sighting guarantee in the form of a free return cruise if you don’t see the northern lights during your scheduled trip.

What months include a stop by the Imagine Peace Tower?

The cruise mentions sailing by the Imagine Peace Tower when it’s lit during October–December.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. 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 will not be refunded.