Couple in red survival suits smiling on a boat with northern lights and full moon over Reykjavik waters
Aurora borealis illuminating the deck of a boat cruise in Reykjavik with crew members visible at night
Tourists in red survival suits watching northern lights from a boat deck in Reykjavik at night
Tourists on a boat watching vivid green northern lights swirling over Reykjavik harbor at night
Tourists in red jackets watching vibrant green northern lights aurora borealis from a boat in Reykjavik
Northern lights aurora borealis glowing green over Reykjavik city lights and dark mountain silhouette
Vibrant green northern lights aurora over snow-capped mountains and calm water near Reykjavik
Passengers in red suits watching vibrant green northern lights from a boat deck in Reykjavik
Tourists on a boat watching vibrant green northern lights aurora borealis over Reykjavik at night

Reykjavik, Iceland

Northern Lights Boat Tour in Reykjavik | Winter Cruise

2 hoursMin 1 guests
Listing ID : 22145
Duration2 hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavík Old Harbour
LanguagesEnglish
Northern Lights Cruise · Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík Northern Lights Cruise

Sail into Faxaflói Bay where the city glow meets the Aurora Borealis above the North Atlantic.


This Reykjavík Northern Lights cruise takes guests out onto Faxaflói Bay for a 2-hour evening voyage combining the illuminated Reykjavík shoreline with a dedicated search for the Aurora Borealis dancing across the northern sky. The experience is rated very easy, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers.

From the moment the vessel leaves the Old Harbour, passengers are treated to panoramic views of iconic landmarks including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja reflected in the dark water below. When conditions allow, the route passes the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island, whose powerful beam rising into the night sky is consistently one of the most memorable moments guests report.

The ship is equipped with a heated indoor saloon so passengers can stay warm while watching for activity in the skies above. A 360-degree open viewing deck provides unobstructed sightlines for photography and aurora observation without the distraction of light pollution from city streets.

The onboard crew monitors real-time weather data and solar activity throughout the journey to place the vessel in the best possible position for aurora sightings. If the lights do not appear on a given night, guests may return on another evening at no additional cost, with this guarantee valid for up to two years from the original booking date.

Tour Highlights

Sail across Faxaflói Bay in active search of the Aurora Borealis under expert crew guidance.

Pass Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja reflected on the water for a striking city nightscape.

Sail by the Imagine Peace Tower when lit, witnessing its iconic beam rise above the horizon.

Borrow warm overalls and access a heated saloon to stay comfortable throughout the voyage.

Enjoy hot drinks and snacks from the onboard café while scanning the skies from the open deck.

Access the 360-degree open viewing platform for uninterrupted sightlines in every direction.

Return at no extra cost within two years if the aurora does not appear on the original night.

How the Evening Unfolds

1
Departure from Reykjavík Old Harbour

Guests board at the Old Harbour and the vessel sets out into Faxaflói Bay as the city lights begin to reflect across the calm water.

2
Reykjavík City Nightscape

The route passes close to the illuminated shoreline, offering views of Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the sparkling city skyline from the water.

3
Imagine Peace Tower Viewing

When the Peace Tower is active on Viðey Island, the vessel sails by so guests can observe its powerful beam rising into the night sky.

4
Northern Sky Aurora Search

As the ship moves away from city light pollution, the crew focuses attention on solar activity readings and positions the vessel for the best possible aurora viewing conditions.

5
Return to Harbour

The vessel returns to the Old Harbour after approximately two hours, with guests free to continue their evening in Reykjavík.

What Is Included

Included

  • Evening boat cruise on Faxaflói Bay
  • Use of heated indoor saloon
  • Access to 360-degree open viewing deck
  • Warm overalls available to borrow
  • Hot drinks and snacks from onboard café
  • Crew monitoring of weather and solar activity
  • Free return visit if aurora does not appear (valid 2 years)

Not Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages

Important Information

This tour operates in the evening in open coastal waters. Guests should dress warmly regardless of season. The aurora sighting guarantee allows unlimited return visits within two years at no additional charge.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours on the water, with sailing time adjusted based on sea conditions.
Meeting Point
Reykjavík Old Harbour. No hotel pickup is included with this tour variant; guests make their own way to the departure point.
What to Bring
Warm, layered clothing and waterproof outer layers are strongly recommended. Overalls are available to borrow onboard.
Cancellation
If the lights do not appear, there is no refund of the tour price; instead, guests receive a complimentary return visit valid for up to two years.
Accessibility
The tour is rated very easy. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance to confirm suitability.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome onboard and the heated saloon makes the voyage manageable for families.

Reserve Your Place on the Water

Spots on this evening cruise fill quickly during aurora season. Secure your booking now and set sail for one of Iceland's most iconic natural phenomena.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed on this cruise?
Aurora sightings depend on solar activity and weather conditions, so they cannot be guaranteed. If the lights do not appear, guests may return on another evening at no extra cost for up to two years from the original booking date.
What should I wear for the Northern Lights cruise?
Warm, layered clothing and waterproof outer layers are recommended, especially for time spent on the open viewing deck. Warm overalls are available to borrow onboard at no additional charge.
Does this tour include hotel pickup from Reykjavík?
This particular tour variant does not include hotel pickup. Guests are required to make their own way to the departure point at Reykjavík Old Harbour.
Can I combine this cruise with whale watching?
Yes, the operator offers combo tours that pair this Northern Lights cruise with whale watching departures. Check the operator's other available tours for current combo options.
Is there shelter onboard if the weather is cold or wet?
Yes, the vessel has a heated indoor saloon where guests can warm up at any point during the cruise. Hot drinks and snacks are also available from the onboard café.
What is the Imagine Peace Tower and will we see it?
The Imagine Peace Tower is a light installation on Viðey Island near Reykjavík that projects a powerful beam into the night sky during specific periods of the year. When it is lit, the vessel sails by the island so guests can observe it.
Northern LightsAurora BorealisReykjavík CruiseIceland Night TourFaxaflói BayEvening Boat TourImagine Peace TowerIceland WinterWhale Watching ComboReykjavík HarbourAurora Cruise IcelandFamily Friendly Iceland
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: reykjavik-northern-lights-cruise-no-pickup

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

2 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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