Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

Planning perspective

How I’d plan this experience

I’d choose this cruise if the idea of looking for the aurora from the water appeals more than committing to a long land-based chase. It is a two-hour shared outing from Reykjavík Old Harbour, with a proper indoor-versus-deck choice built into the experience: stay comfortable between scans of the sky, then head out when conditions look promising. My advice is to treat it as an atmospheric night at sea with a chance of a natural spectacle, rather than a guaranteed Northern Lights viewing.

Who this cruise suits best

I think this is especially well suited to visitors staying in Reykjavík who want an evening activity without a complicated overland itinerary. The harbour is close to the city centre, and the route combines Faxaflói Bay’s small islands with Reykjavík’s coastline. That gives the trip a recognisably maritime setting even if the aurora is elusive.

The practical setup also makes it a reasonable pick for mixed-age groups and anyone who values the ability to alternate between an outdoor view and indoor shelter. There are spacious observation decks, onboard restrooms and Wi‑Fi, while the activity is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels. I’d still frame the open deck as the place for looking rather than lingering if you feel the cold easily.

Choose pickup for simplicity; self-arrival for control

There are two useful ways to structure the evening. I’d choose the pickup-and-drop-off option if you are at an eligible central Reykjavík hotel or official bus stop and would rather have the harbour transfer folded into the plan. Pickup can begin up to 50 minutes before departure, so it is the more hands-off choice but potentially makes the overall evening longer.

I’d choose the cruise-only option if you are already comfortable getting to Old Harbour yourself, especially if you prefer to control when you leave your accommodation. In that case, build in the requested 30-minute early arrival for check-in; arriving at the harbour at departure time is not a good gamble on a night trip.

Plan around uncertainty, not just the forecast

The central trade-off is straightforward: the lights cannot be predicted or guaranteed, and weather can stop the sailing altogether. I’d put this cruise early in a multi-night Reykjavík stay where possible. That gives you more flexibility if the trip is cancelled or if you need to use the no-sighting return offer, rather than making the cruise the single make-or-break event of your visit.

A no-sighting sailing is not refunded, but a free return is offered subject to availability and is valid for up to three years. That is a meaningful safety net for travellers likely to return to Iceland, but I would not treat it as equivalent to seeing the aurora on this holiday. Weather cancellations are notified by email, and the stated cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead.

Manage the cold and your expectations on deck

My advice is to dress for time outside even though there is an indoor area. Traveller feedback repeatedly highlights a warm, cosy interior and blankets, but also stresses how cold it can become at sea. I’d use the cabin to warm up, then return to the deck for regular sky checks rather than expecting to stand outside continuously for two hours.

It is also worth accepting the visual limitation of a coastal cruise: the route follows Reykjavík’s coast, and feedback notes that remaining in sight of land can mean ambient light. I’d choose this option for the comfort and convenience of a city-harbour departure, not for the assumption that it will deliver the darkest possible viewing conditions.

Planning analysis informed by the tour itinerary and traveller feedback · Updated October 28, 2026