Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise and Aurora Exhibition
Sail beneath Iceland's celestial curtains after an evening of aurora science and storytelling.
This four-hour evening experience pairs a self-guided walk through the Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise and Aurora Exhibition with an open-water cruise across Faxaflói bay, giving travellers both the knowledge and the opportunity to witness one of nature's most captivating phenomena.
The Aurora Reykjavík exhibition sets the tone for the night, guiding visitors through the mythology and science behind the aurora borealis. Interactive displays, a dedicated camera-settings photo booth, and a 20-minute HD film projected on a seven-metre screen provide a thorough grounding before you ever set foot on the dock.
Once aboard, the ship's enthusiastic guides continue the conversation, pointing out city landmarks such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church as Reykjavík's skyline falls behind. The vessel offers open-air viewing decks for unobstructed sky-watching alongside a heated indoor lounge and an onboard café serving warm refreshments.
The northern lights are best observed between September and the end of April, when Iceland's long, dark nights produce the clear skies that allow the aurora to perform at full intensity. On nights when the team captures photographs of the display, those images can be requested by email the following day.
Tour Highlights
Watch the aurora borealis from open-air decks on Faxaflói bay with unobstructed views of the northern sky.
Experience a 20-minute HD aurora film projected on a seven-metre cinema screen with surround-sound music at the exhibition.
Use the interactive photo booth to learn camera settings before attempting your own aurora photography on the cruise.
Cruise past the illuminated skyline of Reykjavík, including Harpa Concert Hall and the Imagine Peace Tower beam when lit.
Warm up in the heated indoor lounge and try the signature Northern Lights punch at the onboard café.
Learn aurora mythology, science, and expert hunting tips through interactive displays curated by knowledgeable staff.
Request professional aurora photographs taken by the crew during the cruise, delivered to your inbox the next day.
How the Evening Unfolds
Begin the evening at the Aurora Reykjavík centre. Explore interactive displays covering aurora science and mythology, practice camera adjustments in the photo booth, and settle in for the 20-minute HD cinema film showcasing Iceland's finest auroral displays.
Make your way to the ticket office at Ægisgarður pier in Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Exchange your voucher for admission slips and board the cruise vessel with the rest of the group.
As the vessel departs into Faxaflói bay, take in illuminated views of Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja church, and, when active, the radiant beam of the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island.
Guides direct attention to the northern sky while the ship moves away from city light pollution. Guests may move freely between open-air viewing decks and the warm indoor saloon throughout the search.
Visit the onboard café for warm drinks and light snacks. Crew members remain available to assist with camera settings and to photograph the lights for you on request.
The vessel returns to Ægisgarður pier concluding the approximately four-hour experience. Crew-captured aurora photos, if any were taken, can be requested by email the following morning.
What Is Included and Excluded
Included
- Entry to Aurora Reykjavík exhibition
- Northern lights cruise aboard a dedicated vessel
- Expert guide on the cruise
- Access to heated indoor lounge and open-air decks
- Crew aurora photography available on request by email
- Camera setting assistance from guides
Not Included
- Food and beverages onboard (available for purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed on any given night. The exhibition visit is flexible and does not require a timed reservation, but plan your visit to allow time before the cruise departure.
Reserve Your Aurora Evening
Secure your place on one of Reykjavík's most complete northern lights experiences, combining indoor aurora education with a live search across Faxaflói bay.
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