Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Yacht Cruise: An Authentic Arctic Adventure

Imagine gliding across the dark waters of Faxaflói Bay, the crisp Icelandic air on your face, as the sky above begins to shimmer with the elusive dance of the aurora borealis. For around $94 a person, you can spend about two hours aboard a comfortable yacht, departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, with the goal of catching one of the world’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. This tour is not just about seeing the lights; it’s about experiencing Iceland’s wild beauty from a different perspective—on the water, with the city lights behind you, wildlife in sight, and a cozy onboard bar at hand.

What we love about this experience is how it combines wildlife watching—including potential sightings of whales and dolphins—with the thrill of chasing the northern lights, all from the warmth and comfort of a yacht. The professional crew is well-versed in spotting wildlife and keeping guests informed, which adds a layer of confidence and enjoyment. Another highlight is the onboard Wi-Fi, allowing you to share your magical moments in real time, even while still out in the open sea.

Of course, no matter how well-organized or scenic, there’s always a chance that the lights might not perform on schedule—nature is unpredictable. Weather plays a crucial role, and sometimes the journey is postponed or rebooked for another night. For travelers seeking a guaranteed spectacle, this is an important consideration.

This tour appeals most to those who are excited about a unique, active experience—combining boat travel, wildlife observation, and the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights. If you’re someone who appreciates a more intimate setting over large tour buses, and values the chance to be out on the water instead of a roadside viewpoint, this cruise could be just right.

Key Points

• Uninterrupted Aurora Views: The yacht takes you away from city lights, offering better chances to see the Aurora Borealis.
• Wildlife Opportunities: Expect to see whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with occasional orca sightings.
• Comfort on the Water: The boat includes onboard heating, blankets, a bar, and Wi-Fi, making it cozy despite the cold.
• Flexible Rebooking Policy: If the lights don’t appear, you can rejoin later, sometimes up to three years later.
• Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-sensitive, with cancellations possible for safety or poor visibility.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of 125 travelers, the experience remains more personal than large bus tours.

This experience made our article of Which Reykjavik Sailing Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 9 Best.

The All-Important Details: What You Can Expect

This Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik is a well-planned two-hour journey that starts from the historic Old Harbour, a hub for tourist boats and fishing vessels alike. You will board a yacht that’s designed for both comfort and wildlife spotting, with up to 125 fellow travelers sharing the experience. The crew, led by experienced guides, navigates among small islands in Faxaflói Bay to find the best vantage points for viewing the northern lights and wildlife.

The Itinerary: From City to Sea

The adventure begins at Old Harbour, a lively area filled with boats, cafes, and a distinctly maritime feel. Once aboard, the yacht heads out among the small islands; here, the landscape offers a stark contrast to Reykjavik’s urban skyline. As you sail, the crew actively looks out for whales like minke and humpbacks, along with dolphins and porpoises, which are common sights. Rarely, you might catch a glimpse of orcas—also known as killer whales—adding an extra thrill.

The boat’s navigation depends heavily on weather conditions and light pollution levels. The aim is to reach an area with minimal light pollution—an essential factor for seeing the northern lights clearly. From the observation deck, you’ll have a panoramic view of the darkened sky, perfect for watching the Aurora dance overhead.

While waiting for the lights to appear, you can cozy up inside the boat, which is equipped with heating and blankets. Many reviews mention how surprised they were by the comfort of the vessel, especially given Iceland’s chilly weather. The onboard bar offers drinks to keep you warm, and the Wi-Fi connection helps you upload photos or contact friends with live updates.

Wildlife and Scenic Views

One of the tour’s great virtues is the blend of wildlife sightings and scenic beauty. As one review notes, “We loved the way the crew shared knowledge about the area,” which makes the experience more than just a light chase—it’s educational and engaging. You’ll enjoy watching the coastline of Reykjavik as the boat slips past, providing a different perspective on the city.

Many travelers appreciated the professional guidance that ensures safe and strategic positioning of the boat for optimal viewing. Even in cases where the lights don’t appear, guests report that the experience remains worthwhile due to the warm onboard atmosphere and the chance to see whales or dolphins.

Weather and Visibility: The Critical Factors

As noted by reviewers, weather is the biggest variable in this tour. Clear, cold nights with little wind are ideal for aurora viewing, but Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. Sometimes tours are postponed or rescheduled, and the crew is generally communicative and accommodating—many reviews mention staff being proactive in rebooking or informing guests about weather conditions.

If the northern lights fail to show, the company offers a free rebooking—a generous policy that reflects their confidence in future sightings. That said, the unpredictability is part of the appeal: you’re not just paying for a guarantee but for the chance of witnessing something extraordinary.

Pricing and Value

At $94 per person, this tour offers a reasonably priced way to combine wildlife encounters with the possibility of seeing the northern lights. Compared to land-based tours or larger group excursions, the small group size and onboard amenities tend to make it feel like good value. Plus, if you don’t see the lights on your first try, the option to rejoin or reschedule adds to the overall value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise best suits adventurous travelers who enjoy being out at sea, appreciate wildlife, and are patient with the unpredictability of nature. It’s ideal for those who want a more intimate experience than a bus tour and are comfortable in a boat environment. If you’re excited about the possibility of whale sightings or just want to experience the Northern Lights from a different vantage point, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik offers a captivating blend of wildlife, scenic views, and the thrill of chasing the aurora. With attentive guides, cozy onboard amenities, and the chance to escape city lights, it’s a compelling option for those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure. Its flexible rebooking policy and smaller group size make it more personal, even if the aurora’s appearance remains a gamble.

While weather can be unpredictable—and sometimes the lights don’t cooperate—the overall experience is often described as magical, especially by travelers who see the sky shimmer overhead. For those willing to embrace Iceland’s wild, weather-dependent nature, this cruise provides an excellent possibility to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a romantic couple, or a curious traveler, this experience beautifully captures the unique charm of Reykjavik’s natural environment. It’s a chance to enjoy the sea, the stars, and hopefully, the northern lights—all in one memorable night on the water.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and Aurora viewing.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a lively area with cafes and boats.

What if I don’t see the northern lights?
The tour offers a ticket for another day if the lights don’t appear during your trip, sometimes valid for up to three years.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Yes, expect to see whales such as minke and humpbacks, along with dolphins and porpoises. Rare sightings of orcas are also possible.

Is the boat comfortable?
Absolutely—many reviews mention the onboard heating, blankets, and a bar, making it cozy even in Iceland’s chilly weather.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 125 travelers can join, but the vessel’s design ensures a more intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but check the specific requirements or contact the provider if you have special needs.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, in layers, and bring a hat and gloves. The boat provides blankets, but staying warm is essential.

Are food and drinks included?
Drinks are available for purchase onboard. There are no mention of included meals, so consider bringing a hot beverage or snack.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe or unsuitable for viewing, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled.

This detailed account should help you decide whether this Northern Lights Yacht Cruise aligns with your Iceland adventure. It combines the excitement of wildlife, the luxury of comfort, and the hope of witnessing one of the most mesmerizing displays of nature—an experience worth considering if you want something a little different in Reykjavik.