Sailing out for the lights is the point. This Northern Lights by boat cruise mixes the fun of Reykjavik at night with real time spotting on the water, plus practical ship comfort like a heated indoor saloon. I especially like the heated cabin with plenty of seats and toilets, and I also love how the guide runs the show when the sky starts acting up. The only real drawback is the big one you can’t control: the aurora can be shy, and you may end up with more “maybe tonight” energy than guaranteed fireworks.

You’ll meet at the Elding boat in Reykjavik Old Harbour, then head into Faxaflói Bay for dark-sky viewing and skyline passes you can actually take in without freezing your eyeballs off. If the Imagine Peace Tower is lit during October to December, the beam is part of the route too, which adds a cool Reykjavik-specific stop.

If you’re hoping to nail Northern Lights photos from a moving boat, go in with flexible expectations. The cruise can help with camera settings, but the motion of the ship still makes sharp shots harder.

Key things I’d pay attention to before you book

• Heated indoor saloon plus outdoor viewing decks so you can warm up fast and then rejoin the cold for the best sky views
• Warm overalls, rain gear, and blankets included, which makes dressing for Iceland much less stressful
• A guide who actively watches and calls out aurora activity rather than leaving you to guess what you’re seeing
• Faxaflói Bay route for dark sky while still getting Reykjavik landmarks lit up along the way
• Imagine Peace Tower sightings in Oct to Dec adds an extra Reykjavik moment beyond the aurora
• Sighting guarantee with a free try again if the lights don’t show

Why Reykjavik’s night skyline pairs so well with the aurora

Reykjavik at night is not just a backdrop. It is part of the experience, because the city lights give you something to look at while you wait for the sky to cooperate.

Once you sail out from Old Harbour, you get this satisfying rhythm: Reykjavik landmarks slide along the shoreline while you settle in, then the view shifts toward open sea and darker sky. That matters because the Northern Lights can be faint at first, and having city lighting nearby helps you stay oriented without losing the sense of where you are.

I like that this cruise does not treat the aurora like a lottery ticket. You still keep your expectations realistic, but the structure is there: the guide monitors conditions, and you’re guided through the timing and what to watch for.

The ship experience: heated comfort, warm gear, and real bathroom access

This is one of the best parts of the tour. You get a heated indoor area with ample seats and toilets, which sounds basic until you remember how cold Iceland can be and how long you might want to stay out looking.

On top of that, the cruise supplies warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets. This is more than convenience. It changes the whole feel of the evening, because you’re not stuck doing the classic Iceland move of huddling in layers you brought that might not be quite enough.

When you want fresh air, you can step out to the open viewing platforms. Then you can duck back inside to reset fast. In other words, you can actually enjoy the trip instead of spending it in pure survival mode.

Also, the on-board café sells hot drinks and snacks, so you can keep going without jumping off the boat mid-experience. People have mentioned the drinks being reasonably priced for a boat setting, which is exactly what you hope for when you’re stuck at sea for a couple hours.

The route in plain terms: Old Harbour to Faxaflói Bay for dark sky

Your night starts in Reykjavik Old Harbour, meeting at the Elding Whale Watching boat at Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík. From there you head out toward Faxaflói Bay, the idea being simple: you want open sky away from the brightest light sources.

As you leave, the coastline views are part of the fun. You’ll see Reykjavik’s lit-up shoreline, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja. Those landmarks are great for orientation, and they also give you something scenic to enjoy while you wait for the aurora to strengthen.

The timing is built around the idea that the sky can change during the cruise. So even if the lights start faint or not at all right away, you’re not just standing around. You’re out on the water, in the right place, with a crew watching and checking conditions before you sail further into the bay.

What it looks like when the aurora finally shows

Northern Lights nights are weird in the best way. At first you might see subtle hints, and then, if conditions are right, the sky turns into a moving glow show.

This tour’s guide helps you interpret what you’re seeing. Once the lights begin, the guide calls it out, which is important if you’re new to aurora spotting. It is easy to miss faint aurora even if you are looking straight at the sky.

It also helps to have that “team watching” feeling. A few people have described the lights starting while still near the harbour, which tells you the guides are paying attention early, not only after you’re fully out. If the sky stays quiet, the guide and captain keep checking the forecast to optimize your chances during the sailing window.

And yes, nothing is guaranteed in nature. That said, this cruise does take the uncertainty seriously with a sighting guarantee (or a free return try).

The Imagine Peace Tower stop, October to December

If you’re traveling in October through December, the cruise includes a Reykjavik-specific moment: the Imagine Peace Tower.

When the tower is lit, the ship sails by so you can admire the beam. This is a rare case where a Northern Lights tour adds something tangible and local even if the aurora is faint. You get a strong sense of place, not just sky watching.

It also means the cruise has a built-in “win moment,” even on slower nights. The aurora might be the star, but that tower pass gives you a clear point of interest you can enjoy right away.

Dress smart: overalls help, but your body still matters

The tour supplies warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, which is huge. Still, you should treat this like a real cold-weather outing, because you’ll be outside at times looking up for the lights.

I’d wear layers you can move in. Think warm base layers plus something insulating on top. Then let the provided overalls take care of the outer cold protection.

One practical note: boat evenings can be chilly even when the cabin is warm, because you’re bouncing between indoor warmth and outdoor viewing. The easiest way to make it comfortable is to use that heat-and-go pattern. Step outside for a few minutes, check the sky, then go warm up again.

Photography on a moving boat: helpful, but not magic

If you want to photograph the Northern Lights, the tour can support you. There’s guidance onboard, and people have said the crew helped with camera settings.

But here’s the honest part: photography from a moving boat is tough. The ship motion can blur images, especially if you’re using longer exposures. One person noted that their pictures were blurry because of movement, and that experience is exactly what you should expect if you’re hoping for super crisp shots like the postcard versions.

So if photography is your top goal, you should go in knowing you might get mixed results. You can still capture something meaningful. Just don’t expect every frame to look like a static tripod night.

Timing and duration: what 2.5 hours feels like in reality

On paper, the cruise runs about 2.5 hours. In practice, you may find the ship spends extra time on the water depending on conditions, and it’s not unusual for a crew to adjust when the aurora action ramps up.

That flexibility is a plus. You’re not on a strict schedule where everyone has to rush back the moment the first hour passes. When the aurora is active, staying out longer often improves your chances of seeing stronger displays.

The key is to plan your evening so you’re not sprinting across Reykjavik right after the cruise. Keep a little breathing room for dinner or a post-boat walk.

Price and value: is $111 per person worth it?

At around $111 per person for a roughly 2.5-hour cruise, this is not the cheapest option in Reykjavik. But it can be good value because you’re getting multiple things bundled into one night.

You’re paying for:

• a boat ride into Faxaflói Bay for better viewing
• warm overalls, rain gear, and blankets included
• a naturalist guide who helps you spot and understand what you’re seeing
• a heated indoor cabin with seats and toilets
• the big safety net of a sighting guarantee with a free try again

When you add up those inclusions, the cost feels more rational. You’re not just buying the chance to see aurora. You’re buying comfort, guidance, and a fallback plan if the lights don’t appear.

For first-time aurora watchers, that guarantee and coaching can be especially valuable. You avoid the disappointment spiral of trying to improvise on your own with gear that may or may not be enough.

Who this cruise is best for, and who should think twice

This is a strong fit if you want an easy, guided Northern Lights night. You’ll like it if you:

• hate being cold for long stretches (you can warm up fast)
• want city lights plus sea views, not only open sky
• appreciate a guide who calls out what the aurora looks like as it strengthens
• want a plan with a backup option if the sky stays quiet

It may be less ideal if your main goal is high-quality aurora photography. Even with help on camera settings, the moving boat factor can make it harder to get consistently sharp results.

It also might feel too “standard night out” for people who want a deeper, specialized focus on geology or long Arctic-style hiking. This cruise is about the lights and the experience level comfort.

Practical tips to get the most out of your evening

A few habits can make a big difference.

First, dress for cold even though you get overalls. Layers under the provided gear keep you comfortable during indoor-outdoor transitions.

Second, bring patience. Northern Lights can shift slowly, and faint aurora can build. The guide helps, but your eyes also need a minute to adjust.

Third, don’t overplan the rest of your night. If the lights show later, you’ll be glad you didn’t schedule a complicated dinner reservation two minutes after departure.

Finally, if you want photos, stabilize your expectations. The crew can help with settings, but the sea and boat motion are part of the deal.

Should you book this Reykjavik Northern Lights cruise with Elding?

If you’re choosing between trying on your own and booking something guided, I’d lean toward booking. The combination of heated comfort, warm gear, and an on-board guide who actively helps you watch makes this an easier win on an unpredictable night.

I’d especially book if it’s your first night in Iceland or your first Northern Lights attempt. You’ll get more guidance than you would wandering around in the dark, and the free try again safety net takes some of the stress out of planning.

If your number one goal is perfect aurora photography, consider tempering expectations and bringing the right mindset. You might still get great shots, but the boat movement is real, and the tour isn’t designed only for photographers.

Overall, this is a practical, good-value way to experience Reykjavik at night while giving yourself strong chances to see the aurora.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights cruise start?

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

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 2.5 hours.

What comfort items are included on board?

The cruise includes warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets, plus a heated indoor area with ample seats and toilets.

Is a Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

Yes. The tour includes a sighting guarantee (or try again for free), and if the lights do not appear you are offered to come another night free of charge.

Do you have a guide, and what language is it in?

Yes, there is a live tour guide and the tour is in English.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights on this tour?

You can try, but photographing from a boat can be challenging. The tour is not recommended for those especially hoping to photograph the Northern Lights.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, but it may be available for an extra charge.