A boat turns Northern Lights hunting into part of the show. I love the heated comfort and warm overalls that let you actually stay outside, and I like how the crew positions you to see the sky away from city glare. One catch: the lights are never guaranteed, so you may end up chasing clouds.

In the evening, you get Reykjavík glowing like a postcard while you sail past big-name landmarks. The standout for me is the friendly, professional operation, plus a guide who keeps you informed when the sky finally behaves. If you’re traveling in October–December, the Imagine Peace Tower adds a special moment to the route.

Key takeaways

• Warm overalls and a heated indoor saloon mean you’re not stuck shivering for 2.5 hours
• Faxaflói Bay views give you a better shot at darker skies and city-night photo angles
• Live English naturalist guide keeps the experience organized and calls out aurora activity
• Imagine Peace Tower beam (Oct–Dec) is built into the cruise route
• A sighting guarantee (or try again free) reduces the stress of a fickle forecast
• Photography from a moving boat is challenging even when you see the lights

Why Faxaflói Bay is the Northern Lights sweet spot

This cruise starts in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and heads into Faxaflói Bay, where you trade crowds-for-now and city light-for-better-sky odds. The basic idea is simple: the farther you are from bright lights, the easier it is for the aurora to show. That’s the big value of getting out on the water instead of staying on land with the same buildings staring back at you.

And even when the lights are slow, the evening still delivers. You get a full sweep of Reykjavík’s shoreline glow—think concert hall and church silhouettes lit up against the night. So you’re not stuck with only one expectation. You’re collecting small wins while you wait for the main event.

Also, this isn’t a chaotic free-for-all. The crew checks the weather and forecast before you sail. That matters because Northern Lights tours often succeed or fail based on timing, and you want operators who react intelligently rather than just shrugging and going.

Boat comfort: heated cabin, overalls, and real toilet access

Let’s talk about the part that actually changes your experience: comfort. This cruise gives you warm overalls (and raincoats and blankets too), plus a heated indoor saloon with plenty of seating and toilets. That setup is why I consider this one of the more practical Reykjavík Northern Lights options.

Here’s how it plays in the real world. Iceland winter evenings can turn your “I’ll just stand outside for a bit” plan into “I can’t feel my fingers anymore.” With warm gear and an indoor space you can rotate back into, you’re more likely to stay outside long enough for the aurora to build. You’re not just enduring. You’re observing.

There are also open viewing platforms on board. That’s important, because the lights look best when you can see upward with minimal glass interference. The cruise keeps you balanced: warm inside for resets, out on deck when the sky starts to show.

And if you’re the type who gets cold easily but still wants the full aurora experience, the overalls plus heated cabin combo is the difference between enjoying the night and counting minutes.

Reykjavík by night: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Imagine Peace Tower beam

The cruise isn’t only about the sky. You also get a moving, nighttime panorama of Reykjavík’s big landmarks, lit up for evening. As you sail, you’ll pass the glowing harbor shoreline with sights like Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church.

That city-sky pairing is what makes the mood so different from the typical Northern Lights-only outing. In one direction you’re watching black water and dark sky; in the other you’re seeing a real city at night, with sharp silhouettes that make the aurora hunt feel like an event, not a chore.

If you’re going in October, November, or December, there’s an extra highlight: the Imagine Peace Tower is lit, and the boat sails by so you can admire its radiant beam. It’s one of those moments that gives you an instant “I’m in Iceland” feeling even before the aurora really gets going.

If your goal is purely aurora photos, the tower might be a distraction. But if you want variety—city magic plus the Northern Lights—that’s a real plus.

How the cruise runs on the water (and what to watch for)

This trip is short enough to keep your energy up and long enough to give the sky time to cooperate: about 2.5 hours. After meeting at Elding’s boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour (Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík), you board and get settled.

From there, the cruise moves in a logical flow:

• You sail out into Faxaflói Bay while the shoreline landmarks slide by in night lighting.
• If the Imagine Peace Tower is active (Oct–Dec), you’ll pass it on this route.
• Once you’re out, you shift your attention to sea and sky from the heated cabin or the open deck.

The naturalist guide helps you stay oriented. They keep things informative and call out when the Northern Lights begin. That’s handy because auroras can start faint—easy to miss if you’re staring at the wrong corner of the sky or distracted by the boat rocking.

One useful tip from how the experience is run: you’ll likely spend time switching between indoor warmth and outside viewing. Do that. Don’t force yourself to be hard for the sake of it. The aurora can intensify slowly, and being comfortable helps you stay patient.

Also, the boat moves, and the night is cold. The crew’s job isn’t just finding you a view—it’s managing safety, comfort, and expectations while the sky does its thing.

The sighting guarantee: what it means if the lights don’t show

A sighting is never a sure thing, but this cruise reduces the risk with a guarantee: if you don’t see the Northern Lights, you’re offered to come another night for free. In plain terms, that means your money isn’t tied to one single sky event.

That matters because Northern Lights tours can feel emotionally lopsided if the sky stays quiet. The difference between “sorry, tough luck” and “we’ll get you another try” is huge when you’re on a tight Iceland schedule.

You should still plan realistically. Even with good planning, clouds and forecast uncertainty happen. On nights where the lights are faint or slow to appear, you might see only a glow at first, then something stronger later. The best approach is to treat it like a night out with a goal—because even the partial shows can feel magical when the sky finally moves.

Photography expectations from a moving deck

If you want Northern Lights photos, here’s the blunt truth: photographing the aurora from a boat is possible, but it’s challenging. The tour isn’t recommended for people who are especially hoping to capture great images.

Why? A few practical reasons show up on this kind of cruise:

• The boat is moving, which can blur long-exposure shots.
• The best moments can be quick, and you’ll be juggling settings.
• Cold weather affects camera handling and battery life.

That said, the crew and guide can help you with basics like camera settings and how to get started. You’ll be given warm gear, which helps keep your hands working. One thing I’d keep in mind: even when you don’t get crisp, magazine-perfect photos, seeing the lights clearly with your eyes is still the core payoff.

So I’d frame photography like this: aim for a few decent attempts, not guaranteed masterpieces. If you’re traveling with a serious photography plan, expect to spend more time troubleshooting than composing.

Price and value: what $111 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $111 per person for a 2.5-hour cruise, you’re paying for three things:

1. A staff-run hunt for better skies (including weather checks)
2. Real comfort equipment that changes how long you can stay outside
3. A structured, guided experience that keeps you watching the right moments

That value improves because the essentials are included: warm overalls, raincoats and blankets, plus a naturalist guide and a sighting guarantee. You’re also not going to be stuck without a warm place to sit—the heated indoor saloon matters in Iceland winter.

What’s not included is also worth knowing. Hotel pickup is not part of the base price (it’s available for an extra charge), and refreshments beyond the included support gear cost extra. There is an onboard café that sells hot drinks and snacks, so you can warm up and refuel, but you’ll need to budget for that part.

For me, this price is reasonable if you want the “do the work for me” convenience. It’s less of a deal if you’re just chasing aurora and would rather take your chances with a do-it-yourself viewing spot. On this cruise, your odds aren’t magically guaranteed—but your comfort and organization are.

Who should book this cruise, and who might prefer something else

This Northern Lights cruise suits you best if:

• You want comfortable viewing without gambling with cold-weather endurance
• You like the idea of seeing Reykjavík’s illuminated sights while you wait
• You appreciate clear guidance when the aurora starts (when it’s faint, that guidance helps)
• You need a plan that includes a try-again safety net if lights don’t show

It might not be the best fit if:

• You’re ultra-focused on photography and want the easiest path to sharp aurora shots
• You dislike boats or get seasick easily (the data provided doesn’t spell out a specific approach here, so you should consider how you handle motion in general)

If you’re visiting for a first Iceland night, this is a strong option because you get both the city atmosphere and a Northern Lights attempt in one outing. It also works well for couples and solo travelers who want structure without feeling rushed.

A few practical details before you go

You’ll meet at the Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. The cruise runs in English with a live guide, and the duration is listed as 2.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

On board, you can expect warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, plus a heated indoor area with seats and toilets. There’s also an onboard café selling hot drinks and snacks, which is a real comfort when you’re out on deck.

One more expectation-setting note: the Northern Lights depend on the sky, not wishful thinking. The guide and captain optimize your chances, but the atmosphere still calls the shots.

Should you book this Reykjavík Northern Lights cruise?

Yes, if you want the most balanced package: a guided aurora search that also treats the evening like a Reykjavík night out. The comfort setup (warm overalls plus heated indoor space) makes this tour feel realistic in winter, not like a “just hope you can stand outside” experiment.

Book it if you value structure and a professional crew. You’re not only buying a boat ticket—you’re buying a team that watches forecasts, manages safety, and keeps you informed when the aurora begins. And the try-again guarantee is the practical safety net that makes the risk feel smaller.

I’d skip it or look for another style of tour if your main goal is guaranteed aurora photography results. From a moving deck, that’s a tough ask, and this experience is not built specifically around getting perfect images.

If you can accept that the sky might be unpredictable, this cruise turns that uncertainty into a fun, well-run evening with real Reykjavík views while you wait.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The cruise duration is about 2.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavík?

Meet at the Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík.

Are warm overalls included?

Yes. Warm overalls are provided to borrow, along with raincoats and blankets on board.

Is there a heated indoor area?

Yes. There’s a heated indoor saloon with ample seats and toilets, plus heated comfort so you can warm up between deck viewing.

Is there a guarantee if the Northern Lights do not appear?

Yes. There’s a sighting guarantee, or you can try again for free if the lights don’t show.

When do you see the Imagine Peace Tower?

The itinerary includes sailing by the Imagine Peace Tower when it is lit, which is October through December.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Hotel pickup is not included in the base price, but it is available for an extra charge.

Are drinks and snacks available on board?

Yes. The onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks, though other refreshments are not included.

Is this tour recommended for people hoping to photograph the aurora?

It can be challenging. Photographing the Northern Lights from a boat is not impossible, but it requires skill, and the tour is not recommended for people who are especially hoping to photograph the Northern Lights.