Northern Lights Yacht Cruise

Northern Lights Yacht Cruise: A Unique Way to Chase the Aurora in Reykjavik

Imagine gliding quietly across the Reykjavik coastline on a comfortable yacht, blankets wrapped around you, as the night sky begins to dance with the aurora borealis. This 2 to 3-hour evening tour, costing around $99.61 per person, offers an intimate and relaxed way to witness Iceland’s most famous natural wonder. The tour departs from the Old Harbour, with stops in scenic spots like Viðey Island and the Faxaflói Bay, combining sightseeing, cultural stops, and the hope of seeing the northern lights.

What appeals most about this experience are its small-group setting—most trips host fewer than 35 guests—and the chance to enjoy comfortable indoor lounges with warm blankets and onboard refreshments. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who prefer a more laid-back, less crowded atmosphere than larger, bus-based tours. The expert crew also makes a difference, with guides like Einar known for their knowledge and dedication to finding clear skies.

One thing to keep in mind is that Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on the weather. If clouds or snow obscure the sky, the crew will often offer a free rebooking or even a second trip free of charge. So, this tour is well-suited for those who are flexible and optimistic about nature’s unpredictability, but perhaps less so for travelers expecting a guaranteed sighting.

This cruise is an excellent fit for adventurers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and authentic Iceland experience. If you enjoy marine settings, have a curiosity for natural phenomena, and appreciate personalized service, you’ll find this tour quite rewarding.

Key Points

• Comfortable, small-group experience ensures a less crowded and more intimate setting.
• Multiple stops along Reykjavik’s coast and Viðey Island offer scenic and cultural highlights.
• Weather-dependent; clear skies increase chances of a spectacular aurora show.
• Rebooking policy allows for a second attempt if the lights don’t appear initially.
• Onboard amenities include a cozy lounge, blankets, Wi-Fi, and a bar/café (additional costs).
• Expert guides like Captain Einar are known for their knowledge and dedication to spotting the lights.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point at the Old Harbour

Your adventure begins at Ægisgarður 2 in Reykjavík. The meeting point is straightforward, near public transportation, and the tour staff is friendly and ready to welcome you aboard. After a quick check-in, most guests settle into either the inside lounge—which is cozy and heated—or the outdoor decks, where you can stand under the vast Arctic sky. The boat’s maximum capacity is under 40, making it feel more like a private boat than a crowded ferry.

Scenic Coastal Views & Harbour Highlights

Once underway, the yacht cruises along Reykjavik’s coastline. Expect to see views of the city from the water, notable landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall, and the harbor’s vibrant activity. Some reviews appreciate the less crowded environment compared to larger vessels, often with around 20 guests onboard, which allows for a more relaxed experience.

Visiting Viðey Island

One of the tour’s noteworthy stops is Viðey Island, a peaceful spot with a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, home to the Imagine Peace Tower—a tribute to John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Guests can explore trails, take in sweeping ocean views, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere away from city lights. It’s a quiet haven that adds depth to your trip, especially if the Northern Lights are elusive.

Sailing in Faxaflói Bay

Next, the yacht heads into Faxaflói Bay, renowned for its marine life and chance to spot whales, such as humpback and minke whales, if the weather permits. You might see seabird colonies or other marine creatures. The crew often keeps a constant lookout for the Aurora Borealis, and communication between boats ensures they don’t miss a rare sighting.

Aurora Borealis: The Main Attraction

The highlight, of course, is the chance to see the Northern Lights. The crew does their best to find the clearest skies, often positioning the yacht behind islands or away from city illumination. As some reviews mention, the lights are unpredictable—you might see a vivid display or sit in anticipation, sometimes for a long while.

What the Reviews Reveal: Authentic Perspectives

Many travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and spectacular views. Helen_S, who booked twice, praised the comfortable yacht and friendly, informative crew, adding, “I enjoyed this evening and would recommend this company to anyone.” Others like Kiera_K describe the experience as “spectacular” and “much more relaxed” than larger boats, emphasizing the fewer people onboard.

However, some reviews point out the limitations. Clare_K was disappointed, criticizing the fixed route—claiming the boat stayed close to the shoreline without actively searching for better viewing spots. She also mentioned the short explanations about the Northern Lights, which she found unsatisfactory. The tour’s weather dependence also comes through—adverse weather or clouds mean the auroras might not show, but the tour offers free rebooking if that happens, which many travelers find reassuring.

Common Praise

• Friendly, knowledgeable staff who are eager to help and share insights
• Comfortable, well-equipped yachts with indoor lounges and outdoor decks
• Good value for money, especially considering the small group size and personalized service
• Flexibility, with options to rebook if the lights are not visible

Common Criticism

• Sometimes the viewing locations are limited, especially if the boat stays close to Reykjavik’s shoreline
• The short, basic explanation of Northern Lights science may leave some wanting more depth
• The weather always plays a crucial role, and cloudy nights can result in no sighting despite the effort

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Comfort Factor

Most reviews highlight the yacht’s comfortable interior lounge, with cozy blankets, Wi-Fi, and even a bar offering hot drinks, beers, and champagne (at extra charge). The smaller yacht (around 35 seats) often leads to a more intimate experience—less crowded, more freedom to wander and find the best viewing spots.

The Crew and Guides

Guides like Einar stand out for their dedication and expertise. They’re known for their constant watchfulness and quick communication with other boats, increasing the chances of catching the Northern Lights when they appear. Several guests mention how helpful guides are in giving camera tips so you can capture the lights, even in challenging conditions.

The Route and Stops

The fixed route limits how far out the yacht goes, but it’s designed to be close enough to Reykjavik to hunt for clear skies while avoiding light pollution. Stops at Viðey Island and the bay make the experience more than just a dark boat ride—they add scenic, cultural, and marine elements that enrich the evening.

The Weather and the Aurora

Since the Aurora Borealis is a nature’s show, sightings are never guaranteed. But the crew keeps guests informed about weather conditions and the likelihood of seeing the lights. Many reviews mention that even if the lights don’t appear on the first try, the rebooking option means you might get a second chance free of charge.

Value and Practical Considerations

When weighing the cost of roughly $99.61, consider what’s included: expert guides, a comfortable yacht, indoor and outdoor viewing, and the possibility of a second trip if the lights don’t show the first time. The small group size makes it more personalized than larger tours, and the chance to combine sightseeing, cultural stops, and aurora hunting offers a well-rounded evening.

However, keep in mind that heavy clouds or snow can ruin the chances of seeing the auroras, regardless of the effort. Flexibility and patience are your best assets here.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurers who value comfort and a relaxed atmosphere over a crowded bus ride. It’s perfect if you want to combine scenic coastline views, cultural stops, and the hope of seeing the northern lights with a knowledgeable crew in a cozy setting. It also suits those who prefer a more intimate, less touristy atmosphere than larger boats or bus tours.

The Sum Up: The Perfect Fit for Certain Travelers

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise offers a comfortable, scenic, and personal way to chase the aurora in Reykjavik. The small group size, expert guides, and cozy onboard amenities make it stand out from more crowded, hectic tours. While weather conditions can affect your chances, the tour’s rebooking policy provides peace of mind.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate marine environments, enjoy relaxing evenings out, and are willing to be flexible with conditions. If your goal is a more intimate experience with knowledgeable guides and a chance to see the Northern Lights in a beautiful setting, this tour won’t disappoint.

For those seeking a relaxed, cultural, and scenic experience in Reykjavik, combined with the thrill of possibly witnessing the Aurora Borealis, this cruise is a solid choice. Just keep your fingers crossed for clear skies—and a cozy boat to enjoy the view.

FAQ

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
It depends on the weather and sky conditions. The crew does their best to find clear skies, and if the lights don’t appear, you can rebook for free to try again.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t know much about the Northern Lights?
Yes. The crew provides short explanations, and guides like Einar are known for their knowledge and helpfulness, making it accessible even if you’re new to auroras.

What amenities are available onboard?
The yacht has a comfortable lounge with blankets, Wi-Fi, and a bar/café (additional costs). There are also bathrooms on the lower deck.

How many people typically go on this tour?
Most trips host around 20 guests, making it much less crowded than larger boats, which can have over 200 people.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. Guides often give tips on camera settings to help you capture the Northern Lights.

What is the route of the cruise?
The yacht stays behind islands close to Reykjavik, avoiding city lights and focusing on spots where the aurora might be visible. It doesn’t go far into the bay, but the crew tries to find the best vantage points.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents sighting of the Aurora, the tour offers a full refund or the option to rebook at no additional cost.

In essence, this yacht cruise combines comfort, scenic beauty, and the thrill of chasing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. If you’re patient, flexible, and eager for a more personal experience, it offers a memorable way to spend an evening in Iceland’s capital.