Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise on the North Atlantic Ocean
2 hoursMin 1 guests
Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise on the North Atlantic Ocean
From €47.41
Listing ID : 20864
Duration2 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavík Harbour
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland Night Sky Experience
Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavík
Set sail into the Arctic darkness and watch the sky come alive with colour.
A Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavík is one of the most rewarding ways to witness the Aurora Borealis, taking you away from the city's light pollution and out onto the open water for a clearer view of the celestial display above.
Solar particles drawn into the Earth's atmosphere by Arctic magnetic fields create cascading curtains of green, white, violet, and red across the night sky. The sea provides an unobstructed horizon, making a boat the ideal vantage point for aurora hunting.
The cruise departs from Reykjavík harbour and ventures into darker waters, giving passengers a genuine opportunity to observe the phenomenon in conditions that land-based tours cannot always match.
It is worth noting that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and cannot be guaranteed on any given night. Clear, dark skies are essential, and the crew monitors conditions carefully to choose the best route for each departure.
Tour Highlights
Escape Reykjavík's light pollution on the water for optimal aurora viewing conditions.
Board a comfortable vessel purpose-suited for night-time Northern Lights expeditions.
The crew navigates toward the darkest skies based on real-time weather and cloud data.
Witness natural displays of green, white, violet, and red dancing across the Arctic sky.
The open deck provides unobstructed sightlines ideal for photography of the aurora.
A concise two-hour duration makes this an accessible evening activity within any Iceland itinerary.
What to Expect
1
Meet at Reykjavík Harbour
Guests gather at the designated meeting point at the harbour before boarding. The crew provides a briefing on safety procedures and what to watch for during the cruise.
2
Departure into Open Waters
The vessel leaves the harbour and heads away from the city lights. The crew charts a course based on current sky and weather conditions to maximise aurora visibility.
3
Aurora Hunting on the Sea
Passengers watch the night sky from the deck as the boat positions itself for the best viewing angle. Staff assist guests in spotting and photographing the lights.
4
Return to Harbour
After approximately two hours on the water, the vessel returns to Reykjavík harbour. Guests disembark having experienced one of Iceland's most celebrated natural attractions.
Included and Not Included
What Is Included
Two-hour Northern Lights cruise
Guided experience with knowledgeable crew
Onboard facilities and shelter from the elements
Safety equipment and briefing
What Is Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and beverages
Gratuities for crew
Aurora sighting guarantee
Important Information
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. Sightings depend entirely on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed on any departure.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours from departure to return at the harbour.
Meeting Point
Reykjavík Harbour. Guests should arrive a few minutes before the scheduled departure.
What to Bring
Warm, windproof layers are essential. Thermal underlayers, hats, gloves, and waterproof outer clothing are strongly recommended for an open-deck sea cruise in Arctic conditions.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the specific terms provided at the time of booking before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour is rated very easy in terms of physical difficulty. Contact the operator in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Age Range
The cruise is suitable for most ages. Children should be supervised on deck at all times. Check with the operator regarding any minimum age restrictions.
Reserve Your Place on the Water
Spaces on each Northern Lights cruise are limited. Secure your spot in advance to avoid missing out on this iconic Icelandic experience.
Is a Northern Lights sighting guaranteed on this cruise?▼
No. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that depends on solar activity and clear, dark skies. The crew does everything possible to position the vessel for the best conditions, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Why is a boat better for viewing the Northern Lights than a land tour?▼
A boat can move away from Reykjavík's city light pollution and navigate toward areas with clearer skies. The open water also provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of the horizon.
What should I wear for the Northern Lights cruise?▼
Dress in multiple warm layers including thermal underlayers, a fleece or insulating mid-layer, and a windproof and waterproof outer jacket. Hats and gloves are essential as temperatures on the water are significantly colder than on land.
How long does the cruise last?▼
The cruise is approximately two hours in duration from departure to return at Reykjavík harbour.
When is the best season to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?▼
The Northern Lights season in Iceland generally runs from late September through to early April, when nights are long and dark enough for aurora activity to be visible.
Is the cruise suitable for children?▼
The tour is rated as very easy in terms of physical difficulty and is generally suitable for families. Children must be supervised on deck at all times, and it is advisable to check minimum age requirements with the operator before booking.
Northern LightsAurora BorealisReykjavíkIcelandNight CruiseSea TripArctic ExperienceWinter ActivityBucket ListNight SkyBoat TourIceland Night Tour
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.
Reviews
Share this experience
This tour departs from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, situated on the southwestern coast of the island in the North Atlantic. Reykjavík lies well within the auroral zone, making it one of the most accessible cities in the world for Northern Lights viewing. The cruise heads out from the city harbour into the darker waters of Faxaflói Bay, away from urban light pollution, to improve the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Iceland's position near the Arctic Circle means the Northern Lights season spans from late September through early April, with long, dark nights providing optimal viewing windows. The surrounding landscape of volcanic terrain, geothermal activity, and proximity to the Arctic adds significant natural and geographic context to this experience.
Northern Lights Cruise | Reykjavík | Iceland | Aurora Borealis | Arctic Night Sky | Winter Season Activity
