Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

The Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise offers a memorable chance to witness the awe-inspiring display of the Northern Lights from the comfort of a boat in Faxaflói Bay. Priced at $108 per person, this 2.5-hour tour departs from the Reykjavík Old Harbour and combines scenic views of the city with the thrill of chasing the aurora borealis. The tour is well-suited for those eager to experience this natural wonder in a relaxed setting, equipped with warm overalls, blankets, and a naturalist guide to enhance the experience. While the Northern Lights are unpredictable, the tour’s focus on weather checks and the option to reschedule promising a good chance of seeing the lights if conditions cooperate.

This cruise stands out for its comfortable onboard amenities, expert guidance, and the opportunity to enjoy Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline while waiting for the sky to dance with colors. Review data indicate that good guides and value for money are key strengths, though travelers should be aware that capturing photographs on a moving boat can be challenging, and the lights are not guaranteed every night. This tour offers a solid option for those seeking a cozy, scenic, and educational way to experience Iceland’s most famous natural phenomenon.

Key Points

• Price and duration: At $108 per person for 2.5 hours, this cruise offers a compact yet immersive experience.
• Departure point: The tour starts at Elding Whale Watching boat in Reykjavík Old Harbour.
• Included gear: Warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets are provided to keep you comfortable in cold conditions.
• Expert guidance: A naturalist guide leads the tour, explaining the aurora borealis and helping with photography tips.
• Sighting guarantee: If the Northern Lights do not appear, guests can try again at no extra cost.
• Limitations: The tour relies heavily on weather and aurora activity; clear skies are essential for a good view.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Reykjavík Old Harbour for a Scenic Departure

This tour begins right in Reykjavík Old Harbour, at the Ægisgarður 5 location. Here, participants gather before heading onto the Elding II, a comfortable vessel designed for whale watching and aurora viewing alike. The proximity of the meeting point allows for a smooth check-in, with staff offering guidance and preparations for the journey ahead. The boat’s heated lounge provides a cozy space to relax, watch informative videos, or review images about the Northern Lights before heading out into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay.

This setup makes the experience accessible and less stressful, especially during Iceland’s cold winter nights. The group size tends to be moderate, ensuring everyone can enjoy the views and receive attention from the crew and guides. The meeting point is also conveniently the starting and ending location, simplifying logistics and minimizing travel disruptions.

Inside the Comfort of Elding II: Lounge and Viewing Platforms

Once onboard, travelers are welcomed into the vessel’s heated lounge, where they can sit comfortably, enjoy light refreshments, or simply take in the views. For those wanting a more direct connection with the night sky, the tour provides warm overalls and blankets so guests can brave the outside deck.

The viewing platform is the prime spot for catching the Northern Lights when they appear. Because the boat is designed for viewing, guests can look out over the dark waters of Faxaflói Bay, with Reykjavík’s lights shimmering in the background. The guides and captain keep a close eye on the weather and aurora forecast, calling out when the lights begin to dance across the sky. This combination of comfort and opportunity maximizes the chances of witnessing this incredible natural show.

The Guided Experience and Photography Tips

A naturalist guide accompanies the cruise, providing detailed explanations about the Northern Lights, Iceland’s weather, and the best ways to photograph the phenomenon. This guidance is highly valued in reviews, with many travelers appreciating the friendly, knowledgeable guides who help optimize camera settings and explain what to look for.

However, capturing the Aurora Borealis from a moving boat can be tricky. While some guests manage to take photos, the moving vessel and low light conditions make it a challenge. The tour is primarily designed for viewing rather than photography, so those hoping for perfect pictures should keep expectations realistic.

The Impact of Weather and Aurora Activity

The success of this tour heavily depends on weather conditions and aurora forecast. Clear skies are essential, and the guides always check the forecast beforehand to maximize the chances of seeing the lights. If the Aurora Borealis is not visible, guests are offered the chance to reschedule for another night free of charge.

This flexible policy provides reassurance, especially given the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that, like all natural phenomena, the lights do not appear on command and depend on atmospheric conditions.

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What Travelers Say About the Experience

Reviews highlight the expertise of the guides and the warm, comfortable onboard facilities. Many appreciate that guides help with camera adjustments and provide informative commentary, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Some travelers mention that lights may not be super strong or that blurry photos can result from boat movement, but overall, the chance to see the Aurora Borealis outweighs these challenges. One guest appreciated the rescheduling option after a canceled tour due to weather, emphasizing the flexible and considerate nature of the provider.

The value for money is generally well-rated, with many praising the included gear and friendly staff. The bar and cafeteria options are available onboard, offering a place to warm up after the viewing.

Comparing This Tour to Other Reykjavík Northern Lights Tours

This cruise is among several options for Northern Lights viewing in Reykjavik, with alternatives including guided minibus tours and deluxe yacht trips. What sets this boat cruise apart is the opportunity to combine scenic city views with the aurora experience, all from the comfort of a boat designed for viewing and comfort.

The price point at $108 is competitive, especially considering the included gear and the sighting guarantee. The 2.5-hour duration provides a good balance between opportunity and comfort. While some tours may focus more on photography or have longer durations, this cruise tends to prioritize a relaxed, scenic experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Practical Tips for a Successful Northern Lights Cruise

To make the most of this experience, it’s best to dress warmly in layers, as you’ll spend a significant amount of time outside on deck. Guests should also have reasonable expectations about photography, recognizing that capturing the lights from a boat is challenging.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak Aurora season, and the flexible cancellation policy allows for peace of mind. If the weather looks unfavorable, the staff will advise on rescheduling, ensuring you don’t miss out on the chance to see the lights.

Final Thoughts on the Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise

This cruise offers a comfortable, guided way to experience Iceland’s famous Aurora Borealis, combining scenic Reykjavík views, expert guidance, and warm onboard amenities. Its sighting guarantee and rescheduling policy add confidence to the adventure, even if nature doesn’t always cooperate.

It suits travelers who want a relaxed, educational experience with the chance to see the Northern Lights, without the need for strenuous activities or long outings. While the photography may be challenging, the overall viewing experience and friendly staff make this cruise a worthwhile choice for many visitors.

For anyone eager to add an aurora cruise to their Iceland itinerary, this tour from Elding Adventure at Sea provides a reliable, enjoyable option with a good balance of comfort and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this cruise?
No, the Northern Lights depend on weather and atmospheric conditions. If they don’t appear, you can reschedule for a future night at no extra cost.

What should I wear on the cruise?
Dressing warmly in layers is essential. The tour provides warm overalls, raincoats, and blankets to help keep you comfortable during outdoor viewing.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights from the boat?
While it is possible, it can be challenging due to boat movement and low light. The guides help with camera settings, but capturing the lights may require some skill.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour starts at the Elding Whale Watching vessel in Reykjavík Old Harbour, Ægisgarður 5.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes warm gear, a naturalist guide, and a sighting guarantee. Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard but are not included in the ticket price.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, including time for boarding, the cruise, and returning to the harbor.

This Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise delivers a practical, cozy, and guided way to chase the aurora borealis, making it a well-rounded choice for travelers eager to experience Iceland’s spectacular night sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby