Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise

Search for Aurora Borealis away from the city lights, on this thrilling winter cruise.

Search for Aurora Borealis away from the city lights, on this thrilling winter cruise. Watching the lights constantly change in intensity, colour and movement in the vast starry space with the gentle lull of the ocean beneath is a thrilling, unique experience. The Northern Lights are best displayed under dark, clear skies and you can find these conditions in Reykjavík from September until the end of April. 

Tour Description

Hunting the auroras on a boat gives you more comfort as we have heated inside areas, an onboard café and great 360° viewing platform for panoramic views. Our expert aurora guides help you enjoy the lights and cruise to the fullest by giving you information about the auroras as well as answering any questions you may have. They even take pictures on the tour which you can request by email when you get back home! You can borrow one of our overalls to keep you warm, just remember to bring a hat and gloves.

Meet us at our ticket office by the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavík, where you will exchange your pre-paid voucher for boarding tickets. Our expert guide will then greet you in our Visitor Centre, which is facilitated on board an old fishing vessel permanently placed at the pier. We will take you out into the dark blue yonder of Faxaflói bay in search for the mystical phenomenon that are the auroras; leaving behind the bright city lights of the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavík. 

As the northern lights are a natural phenomenon we cannot guarantee that we will see them, but we are professional aurora hunters with years of experience searching for the lights around Reykjavík. For an optimal aurora pursuit we need three things; solar activity, clear skies and darkness. A lot of other tour operators will cancel their tours if the forecast is not in their favour - well, we don’t! We know that you don’t have many days to search for the lights and that the weather can change in mere minutes, anywhere from a full cloud forecast to clear skies. We want to maximise your chance the best we can and so WE WILL ALWAYS GIVE IT A GO! Our searching area is close to shores and around small islands, far enough away from city lights and therefore it is ideal for a smooth and comfortable sailing. 

If the lights fail to make an appearance we do not refund the tour price but in stead offer you to try again another day. You are free to go as many times as needed (within two years) to catch the show - at no extra cost!

Please note that for your enjoyment and safety, this tour is subject to conditions at sea and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. We will do our best to notify you in good time.

What happens if you do not see the Northern Lights?

If the lights fail to make an appearance we do not refund the tour price but in stead offer you to try again another day. You are free to go as many times as needed (within two years) to catch the show - at no extra cost!How long is the tour?

Duration

1.5 - 2.5 hours

Book online and get instant reservation confirmation

Why book through us?

Our promise is to offer great products and superior customer service.

If you need to cancel, make changes or any help you can count on us to be there by your side.

Pickup

Pick-up is from designated locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu at the time of booking. Note: Pick-up starts 45 minute(s) before departure.

Meeting Point

Please stop by the Elding office in the Old Harbour no later than 15 min. prior to tour departure to collect your ticket(s).

Elding ticket office: Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavík 101, IS

What's included?

  • Access to Visitor Centre

  • Use of warm overalls 

  • Excellent live guidance 

  • Assistance with photography

  • Free WiFi onboard

  • Northern Lights guarantee (or try again for free)

  • Pictures taken by crew (if any)

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks

  • Bus fare

  • Pickup

  • Refreshments

Please note

  • There are no refunds if you do not see the Northern Lights.

  • Duration is 1.5 - 2.5 hours.

  • You can reschedule as many times as you want up to 2 years in the future.

  • This tour is subject to conditions at sea and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice.

  • We cannot guarantee you seeing the Northern Lights

What do I need to bring?

  • Sturdy footwear

  • Warm clothing (thermals, hat, scarf and gloves)

  • Tripod for better camera stability (if taking photographs)

Cancellation policy

  • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before event

Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise Reviews

  • It was soooo cold, but we ended up seeing them, so it was worth it. The guide was there the whole time giving us tips on where and what to look for, how to set our cameras, information about the auroras

    sci_iulia

  • We were lucky enough to see stunning Northern Lights on our trip. My iPhone took outstanding photos capturing green and mauve in the Lights. (Some folks with fancier cameras had trouble with the boat's movement.) The cruise was well run, and the views around the harbor of Reykjavik and Snaefellsnes at sunset were outstanding. Crew also offered to send their photos by email, which is so nice. This was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip -- definitely recommend.

    cem5445

  • Stunning tour, we didn’t see anything on the first tour but the British tour guide from near Manchester U.K. was a really nice guy and gave loads of interesting information. We didn’t see anything that first night but they gave us free tickets for the next night and we save the light and WOW . Was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip

    Ian Watt

  • Super quick boat trip with friendly crew and fabulous warm overalls to keep you warm. Despite being one of the last tours of the season we were lucky enough to see the lights! Would recommend.

    Suequ

  • Amazing trip. The staff were all very helpful. The whole trip was seamless from booking to departing. A fantastic way to see the lights.

    Harry

  • It took a while for the lights to appear but when they did it was amazing! The boat itself was also great!

    Emily W