Northern lights on the water feels different. This 2-hour evening cruise from downtown Reykjavik mixes aurora searching with glowing city landmarks from the bay, and I like that you get both outdoor viewing decks and a heated cabin when the wind bites.

Two things I really appreciate: the staff-style guidance (they talk about what you’re seeing and how to spot it) and the comfort perks, like warm floatable overalls plus free Wi-Fi and onboard toilets. You’re not stuck in the cold the whole time.

One consideration: the experience is short, so if aurora activity is weak or brief, you may feel like you never fully got the show. On top of that, the boat can get busy, and some announcements can be harder to catch in a noisy crowd.

Key Things To Know

• Warmth is handled for you with borrowed overalls, but you still need hat and gloves for extra comfort.
• Two viewing modes: outdoor decks for aurora hunting, plus a heated indoor saloon when you need a reset.
• City lights come with the cruise: Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Imagine Peace Tower beam (Oct–Dec) are part of the ride.
• The northern lights aren’t guaranteed, but you get a sighting promise or a free try if they don’t appear during your slot.
• Most people stay on the outside in winter, so expect wind chill and limited breathing room on crowded decks.
• Group size caps out at 150, which is big enough for energy, but small enough to still find a spot.

Sailing Out of Reykjavik: What the 2-Hour Plan Really Feels Like

This cruise keeps your evening simple: arrive at the start point near downtown, board, and spend about two hours on the bay. You get moving time right away—less waiting in a cold line, more time hunting the sky.

I like this timing because it suits the way Reykjavik evenings work. If you’re only here a few days, you may not want to commit to a long late-night bus ride. A 2-hour cruise can fit nicely into dinner plans, a quick stroll around the harbor, or that “third option” nightlife that doesn’t involve loud bars.

There’s also a practical reality: aurora success depends on cloud cover and solar activity. The crew can’t control that. What they can do is get you out onto the water and keep you watching the right places at the right time, with a schedule that doesn’t drag on forever.

Downtown Reykjavík Views From the Bay: Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Tower Beam

You’re not just chasing lights in the dark. As you sail into Faxafaflóí bay, you get a moving photo tour of the city at night.

From the water, Reykjavík’s skyline is sharper and more dramatic than it is from the street. You’ll pass the Harpa Concert Hall, the Hallgrímskirkja church, and—if your date falls in October through December—you’ll also cruise by the Imagine Peace Tower when it’s lit. That beam is one of the few “guaranteed wow” moments in the experience because it’s man-made and timed.

A nice bonus: even if the aurora is shy that night, the boat experience still feels worthwhile because the city landmarks look different once you’re rocking gently on the water and the harbor glow fades behind you.

Aurora Viewing Setup: Decks, Overalls, and How to Actually Get Good Shots

Here’s how I’d think about the aurora viewing: your best chances come from watching continuously, staying warm enough that you don’t quit early, and being ready to look when activity appears.

You’ll have outdoor viewing platforms for sky watching. The top decks can be cold and windy in winter—so don’t treat the provided gear as optional. The cruise supplies warm floatable overalls, and you should still bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort. That combination is what lets you stay outside long enough to catch the real moment.

Inside, the heated cabin gives you an escape hatch. You can warm up, use the free Wi-Fi, and use the toilet facilities, which matters more than most people expect once you’re out there in sub-zero temps.

On the “getting photos” side, the crew gives practical help. People have reported guidance for camera settings and even reminders about what not to do—like avoiding camera flash while photographing the aurora. If you’re serious about taking long-exposure shots, it helps to listen closely and stand where the crew tells you; crowd placement and deck movement can affect blur.

One more note for expectation-setting: sightings can be fast or faint. Some nights deliver a long, vivid display; others bring brief streaks. The cruise is built to keep you watching long enough for either outcome.

Comfort on Board: Heated Saloon, Wi-Fi, Toilets, and the Café

This boat is designed for comfort in winter weather. You’ll have access to a heated indoor saloon where you can dry off, warm up, and sit. It includes free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade compared with some cold-weather excursions.

There’s also an onboard café. Hot drinks and snacks are available for purchase, so you can keep your hands warm (hot chocolate is a standout) and refuel without leaving the ship.

The ship itself is large enough to spread people across multiple levels, but it still feels like a winter event—meaning you’ll be sharing space with other photographers and aurora hunters. A few people noted crowding on the top deck, which can make the outer viewing spots competitive. If you’re the type who hates being squeezed, plan to rotate between deck and cabin as needed.

Sea conditions vary. Most reports describe a smooth ride, but some mention rocking and recommend motion-sickness help. If you’re prone to nausea, consider bringing your own remedy and listen for staff instructions once you’re aboard. (Some passengers have also said the staff provided sea-sickness support.)

The Free Return Ticket: How Much Risk This Really Reduces

Let’s talk value, because this is the heart of the northern lights problem: nature is unpredictable.

This cruise includes a sighting guarantee—or you get complimentary return tickets to try again if you don’t see the aurora during your scheduled trip. One helpful detail from people who used the offer: the replacement tickets were described as valid for two years, which reduces the stress of planning around one single night.

That matters because Reykjavík’s weather can change fast. Even with clear skies at the start of your evening, cloud cover can roll in. The “try again” option is what turns this from a gamble into a plan.

There’s still one unavoidable truth: you might get no aurora at all, and you might feel like you spent hours staring at nothing. If that happens, the free return is the safety net—but it doesn’t replace the disappointment of a first attempt.

For me, the fairness comes from how the cruise offers a second shot instead of pretending luck isn’t involved. If aurora hunting is a priority for you, that policy is a big part of why this cruise makes sense.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Prefer Land)

This fits best if you want an easier, city-friendly aurora night.

Book it if:

• You’re staying in or near downtown Reykjavík and don’t want long overland drives.
• You like the idea of boat viewing decks but also want a warm indoor backup.
• You want a guided experience that includes city sights like Harpa and Hallgrímskirkja, not just the sky.

You might consider another option if:

• You hate crowds and want quiet, private viewing space.
• You’re hoping for a guaranteed full-hour aurora show every time. No one can guarantee that.
• You’re easily bothered by noise. Some people found onboard announcements hard to hear, especially if multiple conversations overlap.

Guides can make a big difference. A passenger mentioned a guide named Mia as especially strong, and other reports praise crews for pointing out where to look and for helping with photos. A good guide helps you translate what you see (or don’t see yet) into smart viewing instead of blind staring.

Should You Book Elding’s Northern Lights Cruise From Downtown Reykjavík?

If you want a winter evening that mixes city lights and aurora hunting with real comfort, I think this cruise is a solid pick. The overalls, the heated cabin, and the free try again promise mean you’re not just paying to hope.

I’d book it if your schedule allows a second attempt and you can handle the nature reality that the sky might not cooperate. If your main goal is to maximize raw distance from city glow and you’d rather chase farther out by bus, you could compare options—but for a downtown launch with warm gear and multiple viewing levels, this one earns its place.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The tour starts at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the northern lights cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Warm floatable overalls are provided, but you should bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort. The top deck can be very cold and windy.

Is Wi-Fi and a bathroom available onboard?

Yes. There is free Wi-Fi and toilet facilities onboard, and you can access a heated indoor saloon.

What happens if I don’t see the northern lights?

You’ll be offered complimentary tickets to try again at no extra cost.

Can the tour be canceled due to weather?

Yes. If conditions are unfavourable, the tour may be canceled at short notice. If that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.