Northern lights from a yacht can feel dreamy. This 2-hour cruise sails from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and keeps you hunting along the nearby islands and coastline. I like the uninterrupted views from the decks and the comfort of the warm cabin while you wait. I also like that onboard Wi-Fi lets you upload live photos as the sky changes.

The main thing to understand up front is the nature part. The lights can be faint, cloudy weather happens, and sightings are never guaranteed. One more practical note, the yacht may not get far enough into total darkness to wipe out all city glow, which can make a weak aurora harder to see.

Still, this is a very solid way to “do aurora” without standing in one freezing spot. You also get bonus wildlife chances in Faxaflói Bay, with an experienced team helping you look in the right places.

Key points to know before you go

• Old Harbour departure: You start right in Reykjavik, then head among small islands and the Reykjavik coast.
• Aurora plus wildlife: Minke and humpback whales are common targets, with dolphins and porpoises possible.
• Wi-Fi onboard: You can upload live photos while you’re out on the water.
• Warm yacht setup: Get cozy inside, then step out for photos and sky watching when the action starts.
• Free return if no lights: If the aurora does not appear, you’re offered another day ticket depending on availability (valid up to three years).
• Small-ish crowd for a cruise: Maximum group size is 125 travelers, so it stays manageable.

Why Reykjavik’s Old Harbour Yacht Ride Works for Aurora Chasing

Reykjavik is built for light watching. In winter, you’re surrounded by night, and the city goes quiet enough that the sky starts to matter. This cruise adds a big advantage: you’re not stuck in one place. Instead, the yacht is moving through Faxaflói Bay and along the coast, which gives you a shifting view of the horizon while you search.

The boat format also helps your mood. You can go from deck to cabin fast. That matters because the northern lights can appear and fade quickly, and you don’t want to spend the entire time shivering.

What I love most here is the combo: aurora hunting plus a real wildlife chase. The cruise route gives you time to look into the water as well as up at the sky. If the aurora is quiet, you still might be watching whales or dolphins.

What the 2-Hour Schedule Feels Like in Real Life

This trip runs about 2 hours. That short window is not a downside. It’s actually a good match for chasing aurora, because you’re trying to catch a narrow chance on the best nights, not build a whole day around a maybe.

You’ll set sail from the Old Harbour area and spend your time scanning both sea and sky. The vibe tends to be focused but relaxed. Many people describe the guides as friendly and helpful, including explanations of what to look for and when to pay attention.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a clear plan with a flexible payoff, this format fits well. It is also easier to fit into a tight Reykjavik itinerary than a longer midnight outing.

Boarding at Old Harbour House: Getting Set Without Stress

Your meeting point is Old Harbour House, also listed with the address Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not have to worry about a long transfer after you get off the boat.

I like meeting at a well-known spot like Old Harbour. It keeps the start simple, and you can walk in with time to spare. The tour notes say it is near public transportation, which is handy if you are not using a rental car.

One practical tip for this kind of outing: plan to dress for time outside, even if you mostly stay warm inside. The deck is where you get the best angles for the sky, and the air over water can feel colder than you expect.

Faxaflói Bay Wildlife: Your Plan B When the Sky Gets Cloudy

Faxaflói Bay is one of the reasons this cruise stands out. The sailing path puts you in good position to look for wildlife while you search for the aurora.

The most common sightings include:

• Minke and humpback whales
• Dolphins and porpoises

There is also a chance for orcas, often called killer whales, plus other species. The key phrase is chance. You should go ready to be surprised, not locked into a specific animal checklist.

This part matters for value. Northern lights nights can be hit or miss. When the sky does not fully cooperate, whale and dolphin spotting can still give you that wow feeling. It also keeps your attention from getting bored or fixated on only one outcome.

Northern Lights Expectations: How This Cruise Handles the Reality of Winter

Let’s be honest: the northern lights are not a movie you can count on. The operator is clear that this tour takes place in wild nature and that sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed. That is not marketing fluff. It is the weather math of Iceland.

So what do you do with that information?

First, you treat the aurora as the big bonus. You come for a night on the water with a guided hunt. Second, you pay attention to how the crew works. Many guests highlight that the team updates everyone when the aurora appears and helps with guidance for viewing and photographing it.

There’s also a meaningful safety and comfort factor: the yacht stays set up for viewing. Instead of everyone crowding one corner, you can rotate between decks and warm interior space.

Now for the drawback to think about. A couple of reviews point out that the yacht may not go far from land light sources. If the aurora is faint, city and ambient light can make it harder to see. That does not mean you will not see the lights. It means your odds improve on clear, darker nights.

The Yacht Experience: Warm Cabin, Deck Photos, and a Real Bar

This is not a bare-bones cold boat tour. The yacht is described as clean and well maintained, with warm and cozy cabin areas. People also mention spacious viewing deck time for taking photos.

The bar shows up as another real-world perk. Guests talk about a fully stocked bar and the presence of a helpful bartender. That might not sound like a big deal on paper, but on a cold Iceland night it changes the comfort level. You can stay patient without feeling like the trip is purely endurance.

Bathrooms are mentioned as clean too. That matters more than you think when you are out for only a couple of hours but still want to relax during the waiting game.

One more thing I would plan for: motion. Some guests say the water can be calm, which helps if you get seasick. But if you are sensitive, dress accordingly and take it slow on the deck. Keeping your core warm also helps you feel steadier.

Wi-Fi and Live Photos: Turning the Best Moments into Instant Memories

A standout feature is onboard Wi-Fi, specifically so you can upload live photos. For many travelers, that shifts the whole experience. You are not just capturing the lights and hoping the file syncs later. You can share or back up while you’re still out there.

But manage expectations with one photo reality: the northern lights often require low-light settings. On a moving boat, long exposure can be harder. Still, the crew can provide photography guidance, including tips on what to aim for and how to make pictures work.

My advice: bring a charged battery, keep your phone warmer in an inside pocket if it gets cold fast, and consider taking both quick shots and slower exposures. Even if one attempt fails, another angle often lands.

Price and Value: Is $94 Worth It for This Aurora Strategy?

The price is $94.00 per person, and the cruise runs about 2 hours. That is not a bargain price, but it also is not trying to be the cheapest way to chase aurora.

Here’s why it can be good value:

• You are paying for time on the water with better viewing options than standing onshore.
• You are paying for a warm setup, including a cabin and a viewing deck.
• You get the wildlife hunt at the same time, which can deliver a second type of payoff.
• If the aurora does not show, you receive a ticket for another day, depending on availability, valid up to three years.

Also, the overall rating is 4.1 from 428 reviews, which suggests consistent quality more often than not. The most praised themes include friendly, helpful crew members, warm comfort onboard, and strong support for viewing and photography.

The main value question is risk. Northern lights nights are unpredictable. If you are only in Iceland for a short visit and you cannot do a return attempt, then the uncertainty matters more. If you have flexibility in your schedule, the free return option can turn this into a smarter bet.

Best Fit: Who This Cruise Suits (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided aurora hunt with warm indoor comfort
• A short, manageable outing instead of a long night
• A chance at wildlife in Faxaflói Bay
• The ability to upload live photos with onboard Wi-Fi

It is also a good option if you enjoy structured help. Several guests mention crew members giving introductions about what to look for, explaining constellations or aurora behavior, and offering photography pointers. If you like learning while you watch, you’ll likely enjoy the vibe.

It might not be ideal if:

• You expect a deep, pitch-black horizon where city light disappears completely.
• You need guaranteed aurora on your first night only.
• You really dislike the idea of waiting for nature to cooperate.

How to Think About the Odds Before You Book

Here is the simple way I’d plan it. Book your northern lights experience, but do not gamble your whole trip on one night. The ability to go again if the lights do not show is a big deal, especially when clouds and weather can turn plans.

Also keep your clothing plan ready. The deck can get very cold, and people specifically recommend bundling up. Treat the cruise like a night out in winter weather, not like a casual sightseeing hour.

If you are traveling with camera gear, plan for cold battery drain and condensation. If you are traveling with kids or anyone who gets cold quickly, rotating between deck and cabin will be key.

Finally, pick the mindset. Aurora nights are partly luck. When you approach it like a guided winter adventure on the water, the experience stays fun even on the tougher nights.

Should You Book the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a comfort-first northern lights chase that also gives you a real chance at wildlife. The warm yacht setup, onboard Wi-Fi, and crew support make it feel like more than just a boat ride. And the free return ticket concept is the kind of safety net that matters when nature decides to stay quiet.

I would hesitate only if you are planning a single, fixed night with no flexibility and you need perfect aurora conditions. In that case, the city light and weather variability may frustrate you.

If your schedule has wiggle room, this is a strong way to go after the aurora while enjoying Faxaflói Bay’s wildlife potential from the best seat in the house, out on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from in Reykjavik?

You meet at Old Harbour House (Ægisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, this experience is offered in English.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard for photos?

Yes. The cruise includes onboard Wi-Fi so you can upload live photos while you are out at sea.

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The tour takes place in wild nature, and sightings of the northern lights cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

What happens if the northern lights are not seen?

If there are no lights on your tour, the operator offers a free return to join the tour depending on availability, valid for up to three years. Refunds are not offered for missed sightings.

What wildlife might you see during the cruise?

You may spot minke and humpback whales, along with dolphins and porpoises. There is also a chance of seeing orcas.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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 paid is not refunded.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.