Exclusive Northern Lights Luxury Cruise from Reykjavík
A private voyage across Faxaflói Bay beneath the Arctic sky
This Northern Lights luxury cruise offers a rare opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis from the deck of a privately chartered yacht, away from crowded harbours and busy viewpoints. Gliding silently through Faxaflói Bay, your group of family, friends, or colleagues has the entire vessel to itself for a full three hours of Arctic wonder.
The cruise departs from Reykjavík Old Harbour aboard the MY Harpa, a modern luxury yacht refitted for upscale polar cruising. Heated indoor salons sit alongside open exterior decks, giving guests the choice between sheltered warmth and unobstructed sky views as the evening unfolds.
A professional English-speaking guide accompanies every journey, combining Aurora science with Icelandic folklore and real-time route adjustments to maximise viewing conditions. The crew continuously monitors atmospheric data and steers the vessel toward areas of minimal light pollution within the bay.
A dedicated photographer travels on board to document the evening, ensuring guests return home with edited images of the lights and their group against the Arctic backdrop. This service transforms a sightseeing cruise into a lasting personal record of the experience.
Tour Highlights
Entire vessel reserved exclusively for your group, with no other passengers sharing the experience.
An onboard professional photographer captures and edits your Aurora images for a personalised photo package delivered after the tour.
Warm beverages including coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and water are provided throughout the cruise.
Flexible routing into Faxaflói Bay allows the crew to seek the clearest skies and darkest horizons each night.
Panoramic night views of Reykjavík landmarks including the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island.
Complimentary onboard WiFi keeps guests connected throughout the voyage.
An Aurora guarantee means the group is invited back for a complimentary second cruise if the lights do not appear during the original booking.
How the Evening Unfolds
Guests are asked to arrive thirty minutes before departure for boarding and a brief orientation. The crew introduces themselves, reviews safety procedures, and outlines the route plan based on current Aurora forecasts.
The yacht leaves the harbour and moves steadily into the open waters of the bay, heading away from city light sources. The guide begins sharing information about the Northern Lights, their science, and their place in Icelandic cultural history.
Once positioned in optimal conditions, guests gather on deck or in the panoramic lounge to watch for the Aurora Borealis. The onboard photographer assists with camera settings and documents the group throughout this phase of the cruise.
The yacht makes its way back to Reykjavík Old Harbour as the guide wraps up the evening with final stories and local recommendations. Edited photographs from the cruise are sent to guests digitally following the tour.
What Is Included
Included
- Private yacht charter for up to 35 guests
- Professional English-speaking guide and photographer
- Warm beverages: coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and water
- Cozy blankets and heated indoor lounge access
- Complimentary onboard WiFi
- Personalised edited photo package delivered after the tour
- Aurora guarantee with complimentary rebooking if lights are absent
Not Included
- Champagne and Arctic tapas pairing (optional add-on)
- Live acoustic music or storytelling entertainment (optional add-on)
- Firepit-style deck heaters and extended outdoor winter comforts (optional add-on)
- Personal travel insurance
- Transport to and from the departure point
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Arctic Cruise
Spaces on this private charter are limited by the nature of exclusive bookings. Secure your group's place aboard the MY Harpa and prepare for an evening on the waters of Faxaflói Bay under the Icelandic night sky.
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