REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik
Book on Viator →Operated by Elding Whale Watching · Bookable on Viator
Cold night, big sky.
This short Northern Lights & city cruise turns Reykjavik’s lights into a backdrop while you chase the aurora over Faxaflói bay. You’ll glide past major landmarks like Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímkirkja, and in the right months you may even sail by the Imagine Peace Tower’s beam.
Two things I really like about this trip are the warm borrowed overalls (so you don’t have to hunt for gear) and the mix of outdoor decks plus a heated cabin for breaks without giving up your view. One thing to consider: the lights are never guaranteed, and the boat’s inside areas may involve steep steps/high thresholds, so mobility needs planning.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Reykjavik at night, but from the water
- The route and timing: what you’ll actually see
- What the boat is like on a winter night
- Outdoor decks: worth it, but dress for wind
- Heated cabin: your reset button
- Size and vibe: not a tiny boat, not a stadium
- The “warm overalls” detail that actually matters
- Aurora viewing: how the crew sets you up for success
- The camera rules that affect your results
- Stop 1: Elding Whale Watching and why it’s a good base
- Price and value: is $105 worth it?
- Who this cruise suits best
- Who might want a different plan
- A realistic guide to expectations (so you enjoy the night)
- Getting the most from your booking
- Should you book this Northern Lights cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Northern Lights cruise?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is hotel pick-up included?
- What’s included in the ticket?
- Are snacks included?
- Do you get to go inside during the cruise?
- When can you see the Imagine Peace Tower?
- What if the Northern Lights don’t show?
- Is the tour accessible for limited mobility?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key points before you go
- Warm overalls are included, but bring your own hat and gloves for comfort.
- Heated indoor saloon + outdoor decks means you can switch between warm and wind.
- You see Reykjavik from the water before the aurora hunt starts.
- Free return cruise if no lights show on your sailing.
- Smallish boat for the city (max 150), with room to find a viewing spot.
Reykjavik at night, but from the water
Reykjavik’s winter nights can be a shock at first. Cold wind hits fast, and the dark arrives early. This cruise is a smart way to enjoy that atmosphere without committing to a longer, full-night plan, because it’s built around about 2 hours on the water.
The payoff is that you’re not staring at the sky from one spot on land. From the bay, you get open viewing time, and you also get that Reykjavik sparkle across the water. Early in the evening, you’ll cruise past familiar landmarks while the sky is still darkening—so even before the aurora shows, the trip doesn’t feel like you’re just waiting.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Reykjavik
The route and timing: what you’ll actually see
Your evening starts at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in central Reykjavik, and the cruise ends back at the same meeting point. The schedule is simple, which is good news when you’re dealing with winter cold and limited daylight.
Once you’re aboard, the plan is to sail into Faxaflói bay and look for aurora activity. On the way, you’ll get panoramic views of Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímkirkja church. If you’re sailing during October to December, you may also have a chance to admire the Imagine Peace Tower when it’s lit, as you pass by.
A practical note: the aurora hunt depends on sky conditions, and even a clear-looking night can vary. Expect the crew to adjust their focus and keep searching for openings in the sky, but still keep your mindset flexible.
What the boat is like on a winter night
This is a real “winter comfort” cruise, not a bare-bones viewing platform. You’ll have access to both outdoor viewing decks and a heated cabin so you can warm up without giving up the chase.
Outdoor decks: worth it, but dress for wind
Even when the trip feels calm, the top deck can get brutally cold and windy. You’ll be outside long enough to notice it in your face and fingers. The good part is that the outdoor decks are where you’ll want to be when the aurora arrives.
If you plan to take photos, think about where you’ll stand and whether you can hold a camera steady while the boat moves. Some rocking is normal on the water, and if you’re on an upper deck during chop, it can feel more intense.
Heated cabin: your reset button
When you need a break, the onboard saloon is there for you. You’ll find toilet facilities, free Wi‑Fi, and a warm space to wait out the cold. The onboard café sells hot drinks and snacks, which is useful when you want something warm in your hands right away.
One small comfort hack: if you get motion sickness, bring your own meds and be ready to step inside when you need to. The boat experience is generally manageable for many people, but winter water can still be bouncy.
Size and vibe: not a tiny boat, not a stadium
The tour caps out at 150 travelers, which helps with crowding compared to huge mass departures. Still, it can get busy on popular decks when the lights appear. The indoor seating also tends to fill up quickly on nights when everyone wants to thaw at the same time.
The “warm overalls” detail that actually matters
This cruise includes warm floatable overalls. That’s not just a nice gesture—it changes how your night goes.
If you’ve ever tried to chase the aurora in Reykjavik wearing normal winter clothes, you know the problem: wind finds the gaps. Overalls help block that, and they’re practical if you’re traveling light. You can show up without perfect cold-weather gear and still feel comfortable enough to stay outside when the sky does something magical.
Still, don’t treat overalls as your entire plan. Bring a hat and gloves, and consider a scarf or neck warmer. Even with overalls, cold air can creep in around your face and hands.
Aurora viewing: how the crew sets you up for success
Northern lights sightings are unpredictable, but this cruise is built to maximize your odds in a city setting. The crew shares context about the aurora and the surroundings so you understand what you’re looking at—and when to look harder.
Some guides are great with photography basics. For example, one guest noted that the host helped with camera settings, which is exactly what you want if you’re trying to capture more than a green blur. Even if you’re shooting on your phone, being told where to stand and how to avoid common mistakes can help.
The camera rules that affect your results
You’ll be given safety and photography guidance onboard. One theme from actual experiences: follow the instructions about camera flashes, because they can interfere with low-light viewing and night-sky attempts.
If you want to get decent photos, keep it simple:
- stay steady when the boat rocks
- avoid sudden movements when the lights flicker
- be ready to move to the best deck spot when the crew points it out
Stop 1: Elding Whale Watching and why it’s a good base
Even though the “stop” is listed as Elding Whale Watching, in practice it’s your anchor point for the whole evening. It’s where you board, get your overalls, settle in, and start your search.
This matters because your time is precious in winter. You don’t want long transfers, complicated station changes, or extra time outside before you even get to the bay. Starting here also keeps the ending simple since the cruise returns to the same meeting point.
The area is also well-positioned for getting back to the city after you disembark. If you’re heading to a meal or a warm drink afterward, you’re not stranded across town.
Price and value: is $105 worth it?
At $105 per person for around 2 hours, the value comes from three things:
- You’re paying for both comfort and convenience. You don’t just get an outer-deck view; you get an onboard heated space, toilets, Wi‑Fi, and included winter gear.
- You get city views plus aurora time. A lot of aurora tours feel like pure waiting. Here, you’re also seeing Harpa, Hallgrímkirkja, and the bay during the cruise.
- You get a free try again if you don’t see lights. That safety net matters because you can do everything right and still get clouds. The tour is explicit that if sightings don’t happen, you’ll be offered complimentary tickets to return another night.
Is it “cheaper” than the longer land options? Not always in pure dollars, but you are buying a shorter night out and staying on a boat with comfort built in. For many people, that’s the real value.
Who this cruise suits best
This is a strong match if you:
- want a shorter aurora plan that fits a Reykjavik evening
- don’t want to mess with layering and gear logistics
- prefer a guided hunt with warmth nearby
- want to see Reykjavik’s landmarks from a different angle
It’s also a good choice if you’re not staying far outside the city. From the water, you get a better chance than most in-town viewing spots that are hit hard by light.
Who might want a different plan
If your top priority is max distance from city lights and maximum hunting time, you might prefer a longer land-based aurora trip. This cruise goes out into the bay, but you’re still relatively close to the city. On nights when the lights are faint, that proximity can matter.
If you’re very sensitive to crowding, be aware that decks fill fast when aurora activity spikes. You’ll still likely find a spot, but plan to shift around.
A realistic guide to expectations (so you enjoy the night)
Here’s the truth: sometimes you get a show for the whole cruise, and sometimes you get little more than a few moments or nothing at all. This tour leans honest about that. The best mindset is to enjoy the ride whether the aurora arrives early or not.
You’ll probably get some of the best moments when:
- the sky opens up
- the air is cold and clear
- you’ve dressed well enough to stay outside without rushing back inside
And if the lights don’t show, don’t write the night off. The tour offers a free return option, so your money isn’t just for one shot.
Getting the most from your booking
This cruise is popular. On average, it’s booked about 45 days in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute if you have specific dates in mind.
Also, check your own comfort priorities:
- If you hate wind, plan extra warm layers for when you’re on deck.
- If you get motion sickness, consider taking medication before you board.
- If you’re relying on photos, review basic camera settings before you go so you’re not learning in the cold.
Should you book this Northern Lights cruise?
Book it if you want a warm, guided, efficient aurora experience right from central Reykjavik. The combo of overalls, a heated cabin, real landmark views from the water, and the free try again option makes it a practical choice for most first-time visitors.
Skip or consider a different style of tour if you’re chasing the absolute highest odds of distant, dark-sky viewing and you’re okay with a longer, colder night outside. Also think twice if mobility inside the boat is a major concern, since stairs and thresholds can limit access.
If you’re on a Reykjavik schedule and you want one solid shot that doesn’t turn into an uncomfortable cold ordeal, this cruise is a very reasonable bet.
FAQ
How long is the Northern Lights cruise?
It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).
Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.
Is hotel pick-up included?
No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.
What’s included in the ticket?
Included are guidance, warm floatable overalls, free Wi‑Fi on board, and a sighting guarantee with a complimentary return if you don’t see the northern lights.
Are snacks included?
No. Snacks are available for purchase at the onboard café. Hot drinks are also available for purchase.
Do you get to go inside during the cruise?
Yes. There is a heated cabin/indoor saloon, plus outdoor viewing decks.
When can you see the Imagine Peace Tower?
The tower is lit October to December, and the cruise may sail by to admire it during that period.
What if the Northern Lights don’t show?
If conditions prevent sightings, you’ll be offered complimentary tickets to try again on another night at no extra cost.
Is the tour accessible for limited mobility?
Passengers with limited mobility are welcome, but the boats are not fully accessible due to steep stairs and high thresholds, which can affect access to inside areas and toilet facilities.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.
