Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

Setting out on a Northern Lights yacht cruise might not be the most typical way to chase the Aurora, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable. Instead of braving icy roads or crowded viewing spots, you get to sail smoothly away from city lights, soaking in Iceland’s natural beauty from the water. This experience offers a blend of serenity, wildlife encounters, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights— the dancing Northern Lights.

What we love about this cruise is its personal touch: a cozy yacht with knowledgeable guides who keep you informed, the chance to spot whales and dolphins along the way, and the onboard Wi-Fi that lets you upload those elusive photos instantly. The quality of the crew’s expertise earned high praise from travelers, and the flexibility of rebooking if the lights don’t appear makes it more appealing.

A single potential drawback is the unpredictability of the lights—as with any Aurora viewing, success depends on weather and solar activity. Some reviewers mention feeling the boat doesn’t always go far enough from Reykjavik’s city glow, but overall, the experience remains a fantastic option for adventurous travelers seeking a more intimate Northern Lights tour.

If you’re someone who appreciates wildlife, expert guides, and the thrill of a night on the water with a good chance of seeing the Aurora, this cruise will likely hit the right notes. It’s especially well-suited for those who value comfort and flexibility over large group excursions or those keen to combine wildlife spotting with Aurora chasing in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights from the comfort of a yacht provide a more private experience.
• Wildlife sightings are common, with whales, dolphins, and sometimes orcas making an appearance.
• Expert guides help with Aurora spotting and photography tips, enhancing the experience.
• The onboard amenities, like Wi-Fi and heated indoor spaces, add comfort and convenience.
• Weather and Aurora activity are unpredictable, but rebooking options make the experience less stressful.
• The tour is generally praised for friendly staff, a well-organized process, and good value considering the experience.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Schedule

The cruise departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a lively hub that’s easy to reach either by foot or public transit. The meeting point at Food, Drinks & ToursÆgisgarður 2 is straightforward, and most travelers find it convenient to start their Northern Lights hunt here. The boat sets sail in the evening, around 2 hours long, giving ample time to enjoy the water, wildlife, and hopefully, the lights.

The Itinerary and Sailing Route

Once underway, the yacht takes you among the small islands of Faxaflói Bay. As you cruise along Reykjavik’s coast, you get a unique perspective of the city skyline against the dark water—a view that many say is worth the price alone. The vessel then heads further into the bay, away from the city’s glow, aiming for spots where light pollution is minimal.

Travelers report that the team makes a dedicated effort to position the boat optimally for Aurora sightings, though conditions can vary. Some reviews suggest the boat doesn’t always go far enough from the harbor, but the crew’s experience means they’re always trying to find the best spot possible.

Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Highlights

One thing that makes this cruise stand out is the chance to see whales, dolphins, and porpoises during the trip. Several reviews mention that professionals onboard are skilled at spotting these creatures, adding an exciting wildlife element to your evening. The most common sightings include minke and humpback whales, with some lucky travelers spotting orcas.

Beyond wildlife, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik’s coastline, particularly beautiful during sunset or early evening. The combination of city sights, wildlife, and open water creates a rich tapestry of Icelandic nature and urban charm.

Viewing the Northern Lights

The main event—seeing the Aurora—is what most travelers book the tour for. Guides are very knowledgeable, often giving detailed explanations about what causes the lights and how best to photograph them. Several reviewers comment that the crew keeps everyone updated when the lights appear, and some have even learned how to capture the Aurora better thanks to onboard tips.

However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings are never guaranteed. Bad weather, clouds, or lack of solar activity can mean cloudy skies or no Aurora. The tour’s policy reflects this, as no refunds are provided if the lights don’t show up. Instead, passengers receive a voucher to rejoin the tour on another night—up to three years in some cases.

Comfort and Amenities

Inside the yacht, you’ll find a warm, clean space with enough room for everyone to relax. Many guests appreciate the heated indoor area and blankets offered during cold nights, which allow you to enjoy the show comfortably. The onboard bar enables you to warm up with a drink while watching the sky, and the free Wi-Fi is a handy addition for sharing live updates or uploading photos instantly.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 125 travelers, the cruise maintains an intimate and manageable atmosphere. Smaller groups mean less crowding on the observation deck and more space to settle in with blankets or find a good vantage point. The crew is generally praised for being friendly, helpful, and well-informed, often sharing interesting facts about the local marine life and Icelandic nature.

Practical Considerations: Price, Duration, and Booking

At around $94 per person, this cruise offers a good balance of value and experience. For the price, you’re not just paying for a boat ride but for expert guidance, wildlife sightings, and the potential magic of the Northern Lights. The 2-hour schedule fits well into an evening in Reykjavik, especially after a day exploring the city or other activities.

Most travelers book about 55 days in advance, which suggests that the tour remains popular, especially during peak Aurora season from September to March. Flexibility is a strong suit here, thanks to the rebooking policy if conditions aren’t ideal on your first try.

Weather and Safety

Because the tour operates in open water and in wild nature, weather conditions are a critical factor. The operators carefully assess conditions before departure, prioritizing safety. If seas are rough or the skies are too cloudy, the trip might be postponed or canceled, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a quieter, more personal Aurora experience. It suits travelers who are comfortable on the water, enjoy a bit of wildlife spotting, and want to avoid large, crowded tours. It’s also excellent for those who want to combine Aurora hunting with learning from expert guides and capturing photos with tips from knowledgeable staff.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights yacht cruise offers a compelling blend of adventure, comfort, and authenticity. While it’s not a guarantee of seeing the Aurora (as with any outdoor natural spectacle), the well-regarded guides, wildlife sightings, and cozy onboard amenities make it a worthwhile choice for many travelers. The flexibility to rebook if the lights don’t cooperate adds peace of mind, and the chance to see whales or dolphins makes it more than just a Northern Lights tour.

If you’re after a more intimate experience in Iceland’s natural surroundings and want to combine wildlife with Aurora hunting, this cruise is one of the best options available. Just remember to dress warmly, bring your patience, and keep your camera ready—those magical moments can happen at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise is approximately 2 hours long, providing enough time to enjoy the water, wildlife, and Aurora searches without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at Food, Drinks & ToursÆgisgarður 2, a convenient location in the city center.

Can I see whales during the cruise?
Yes, the professional crew often spots whales, dolphins, and porpoises along the way. Minke and humpback whales are among the most commonly seen, with some chance of seeing orcas.

Is the onboard experience comfortable?
Absolutely. The yacht features heated indoor spaces, blankets, and a bar, making it cozy even on cold nights. Wi-Fi is available to share or upload photos instantly.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, they can’t be guaranteed. If you don’t see them, you are offered a free rebooking for another night within three years, weather permitting.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s generally suitable for families, provided children are comfortable on boats and in cold weather.

How far does the yacht go from Reykjavik?
The boat sails among small islands in Faxaflói Bay and along Reykjavik’s coast, aiming to reach areas with minimal light pollution. Some reviews suggest it may not always go far enough away from city lights, but the crew does their best to optimize viewing conditions.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. If weather conditions cause cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply eager to witness the Northern Lights in a peaceful setting, this yacht cruise offers a charming, authentic way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders. Just prepare to embrace the unpredictability of nature and enjoy the journey—who knows, you might just find yourself lucky enough to see the sky dance.