Three decks and one dark horizon do it. On a Reykjavik Northern Lights yacht tour from the Old Harbor, you head out into Faxafloi Bay to cut the city glow and watch the aurora colors (green, pink, and sometimes white) shift across the sky from multiple angles. The three panoramic decks make it easier to find your best spot as the lights change.

I love the small-yacht feel and the freedom to move between indoor warmth and outdoor viewing without feeling stuck. You’ll also appreciate the comfort basics: warm blankets plus sea-sickness tablets, Wi‑Fi on board, and a bar/lounging area if you need a break from the cold. One possible drawback is simple but important: aurora viewing isn’t guaranteed, so you should be ready for clouds—and plan to use the option to reschedule if nothing shows up.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Three deck zones for better sky angles: You can spread out and avoid being stuck behind other people when the aurora appears.
• Sailing away from city lights: The cruise starts near Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and moves out toward darker water to improve your odds.
• Warmth and comfort on a 2-hour run: Blankets, indoor seating, and a bar help you stay outside long enough to catch the show.
• Photo support that actually helps: Guides will point out what to look for, and some will help with phone camera settings.
• Extras can happen: On some departures, you might spot whales or catch other night-sky surprises during the waiting time.

From Old Harbor to Faxafloi Bay: how the yacht finds darker skies

This tour starts at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor area, with check-in at the Old Harbour House (Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík). I recommend arriving about 30 minutes early so you can scan your ticket at the self-service kiosk and get aboard calmly.

Once you’re on the yacht, you’ll begin with the familiar sights of the harbor and the Reykjavik coastline. The goal is to get away from city light fast enough that you’re not just staring at a bright sky. You’ll sail among small islands in Faxafloi Bay and along the coast before heading farther out from the lights of the city.

That movement matters because aurora viewing is very time-sensitive. The lights tend to appear in pulses and waves, and you don’t want to waste your best viewing window near bright shoreline glow. Even when clouds roll in, getting out on the water still gives you the clearest shot the night can offer.

Your viewing setup: three panoramic decks plus a cozy bar

The headline here is viewing from three panoramic deck areas. Translation: you’re not forced into one overcrowded perch. You can hop to the top open air spot when the sky looks promising, then move inside to warm up when the wind cuts through.

On board, you’ll also have an indoor bar and lounge area. Drinks are available for purchase, but the big win is having a warm room to return to between sightings. You’ll get warm blankets, and you’ll find basic comfort tools that make a difference when you’re watching for a long stretch in cold air.

Seating is flexible. Many people like that the yacht feels less packed than the larger “cattle boat” style cruises, which helps when you need to reposition for photos. The top deck is where most people naturally gather, so it can get busier there, but you can always shift to an indoor-covered area to regroup.

The 2-hour flow: sailing out, spotting, and timing your photos

This is a 2-hour guided cruise, which is a smart length if you don’t want to spend half a night chasing the aurora. It also helps because you’re balancing two competing needs: staying outside long enough for the lights to show up, but not getting so chilled that you lose patience.

A typical flow goes like this:

1) You depart the harbor and settle in while you head toward darker water.

2) You wait and scan the sky—aurora often arrives in waves, not as one constant blanket.

3) Once it appears, the mood shifts. People spread across the decks, and the guide usually helps you track what you’re seeing.

4) Then you turn back toward the harbor once the best viewing window has passed.

The waiting part is real. Some nights bring lights within minutes of leaving the dock, and others start slow. On clear nights, you might get a longer run of dancing light across the sky, but on cloudy nights you may only see brief glimpses before the clouds return.

Photography is a mixed bag on boats, and it’s worth planning for that. One practical thing I’d count on: the ocean motion can make long exposure shots tricky. The good news is that guides can guide your viewing and help with phone settings, so you’re not stuck guessing.

Also, keep your expectations grounded. You’re watching a natural phenomenon. When you do see it, the experience feels instant—one moment the sky looks normal, and the next you’re watching color start to move.

Price and value at about $93: what you’re actually paying for

At about $93 per person for 2 hours, this tour lands in the middle of what most aurora excursions cost in Reykjavik. The best value isn’t just the boat—it’s what’s included.

Here’s what you get without paying extra:

• Northern lights cruise (2 hours)
• Live English guide
• Warm blankets
• Sea-sickness tablets
• Wi‑Fi on board
• Hotel pickup if selected (from hotels in the Reykjavík area, optional)

Drinks and souvenirs are not included, but the bar gives you warm options to keep you comfortable. People especially like hot chocolate, including versions with alcohol, during the colder stretches. That matters because you’re paying for the chance to stay out on deck long enough for the lights to do their thing—not for a lounge that’s useless outdoors.

If you’re comparing options, the key value question is this: do you want a shorter, more comfortable night on a yacht with quick chances to get outside, or do you want a longer haul that may keep you colder for more time? This tour’s 2-hour format is a strong fit if you want maximum aurora time without turning it into an endurance event.

Comfort in the cold: what to bring so the night stays fun

This cruise is outdoors waiting plus brief surges of deck activity, so dressing is the difference between a great night and a miserable one.

Bring:

• Warm clothing (layers beat one thick coat)
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll shift around on deck)
• A camera (phone or real camera)

Even on a calm sea, you’ll feel the wind. The yacht has indoor warmth and blankets, and the crew provides sea-sickness tablets if you need them, but you still want your body prepared for Iceland cold.

A smart approach is to treat it like nighttime winter sports. Wear layers you can move in, add gloves so you can actually hold your camera, and consider thick socks and boots/footwear that won’t make you regret standing outside.

Also, don’t underestimate how much you’ll want to move. People often switch between decks as the aurora changes or as the crowd shifts. If you dress for motion and comfort, you can actually enjoy the experience instead of fighting your own gear.

Bonus chances: whales, meteors, and what to do if clouds win

One thing I like about this cruise is that it doesn’t only rely on aurora magic. On some nights, extra wildlife shows up. Humpback whales have been spotted on at least one departure, and there have also been reports of shooting stars or other night-sky surprises during the aurora window.

If clouds block the main show, the good news is that you aren’t just left with a shrug. Viewing isn’t guaranteed, but the activity provider offers a way forward. If you don’t see the lights on your scheduled night, it’s possible to reschedule for free.

That matters because the whole aurora hunt game is weather. Reykjavik can change fast—what looks like a lost night might clear just in time to turn the sky on.

Also, if you’re staying only a short time in Iceland, this kind of reschedule flexibility can reduce the stress of planning your entire itinerary around one single sky event.

Who this Northern Lights yacht tour suits best

This tour is especially good for:

• Couples or small groups who want an easier, more comfortable aurora hunt than long bus rides
• Travelers who want 3 deck viewing options so you can change positions as the light appears
• People who dislike the idea of spending hours outside in one fixed spot
• Anyone who values comfort included with the ticket: blankets, sea-sickness tablets, and indoor warmth
• Families or travelers who want a shorter ride length but still want real aurora time

It may not be ideal if you hate being outdoors for even small stretches. You’ll likely step out onto deck when the lights appear, and it can get very cold in open-air areas—so you’ll want to commit to proper layering.

Should you book this Reykjavik Northern Lights yacht tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a comfortable aurora experience with multiple viewing angles and included cold-weather basics. The price feels fair for what you get: a guided night cruise, warm blankets, comfort help for motion (sea-sickness tablets), and the chance to watch from three panoramic decks while avoiding the city glow by sailing out into Faxafloi Bay.

I’d think twice only if you’re extremely sensitive to cold or you’re traveling on a night when you can’t handle the possibility of clouds. If you can use the reschedule option and you’re dressed for winter, this is one of the most practical ways to chase the aurora without turning it into a half-day ordeal.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights yacht tour in Reykjavik?

The cruise runs for 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Check in at the Old Harbour House, Aegisgardur 2, 101 Reykjavík.

When should I check in?

You should check in 30 minutes before departure.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are the Northern lights cruise, a live English tour guide, warm blankets, sea-sickness tablets, and Wi‑Fi on board. Hotel pickup is included only if you select that option.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available for purchase on board.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

No. Viewing is not guaranteed. If lights aren’t seen, it’s possible to reschedule for free with the provider.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is optional from hotels in the Reykjavík area.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.