Reykjavík Northern Lights & City Cruise

Step aboard for a 1,5-2,5 hour evening cruise where nature and the city meet in a breathtaking light show. As we sail into Faxaflói bay, enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline, including Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the city’s sparkling skyline reflected in the water, before turning our gaze to the northern skies in search of the mesmerising Aurora Borealis.

When the Imagine Peace Tower is lit, we sail by to admire its powerful beam – a moment our guests especially enjoy. Then, as we leave the city behind, our attention turns to the northern skies in search of the mesmerising auroras dancing above the horizon.

Relax in our heated indoor saloon or step onto the open 360° viewing platform for uninterrupted views. Warm overalls are available to borrow, and our onboard café serves hot drinks and snacks to keep you cosy throughout the journey.

Our experienced crew continuously monitor the weather and solar activity to maximise your chances of witnessing the lights, and we sail as long as conditions at sea are favourable. Whether it’s the natural wonder of the auroras, the glowing Imagine Peace Tower, or Reykjavík’s shimmering city lights, every evening offers its own kind of magic.

Join us for an enchanting blend of nature and city nightscapes, where Reykjavík’s charm meets the northern lights at sea.

Eager for more sea adventures? Combine this activity with whale watching or check out some of our other tours!

Northern Lights guarantee or join again for free
Spectacular views of Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline
Access to Visitor Centre and souvenir shop
Heated indoor saloon and café with hot drinks and snacks
360° viewing platform for uninterrupted views
Use of warm overalls and cosy blankets
Expert live guidance from our professional crew
Free internet access during the cruise
Photos taken by crew when conditions allow
Assistance with taking your own photos

This cruise is subject to suitable conditions at sea and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. We will do our best to notify you in good time in this case, but please check our Northern Lights Diary for updates!

While Reykjavík offers the ideal conditions for aurora viewing from September to April, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are therefore unpredictable. If there are none seen on your tour, you will be offered a complimentary return ticket.

Capturing the Northern Lights from a moving boat can be challenging, so we recommend bringing a stabiliser for improved camera steadiness. While this is not a dedicated photography tour, we do offer assistance with your equipment if desired. Alternatively, feel free to just relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking display!

Check-in & Boarding
Arrive at our ticket office in the Old Harbour in Reykjavík at least 15 minutes before departure to check-in for the tour. Meet our crew at the Visitor Centre, on board a converted fishing vessel at the pier, where you will board the cruise.
Northern Lights & City Cruise
Step on board the comfortable vessel equipped with heated indoor areas, ample seating, lavatories, an onboard café, and a 360° viewing platform. Suit up in our thermal overalls and head out to deck as we leave the city behind and sail into the open waters of Faxaflói bay.

Your expert guide will provide interesting information about Reykjavík and its surroundings as we head out to see the Northern Lights, in addition to helping with your camera settings, if desired. The guide may even take some photographs during the tour, which you can request by email (if available), after the tour.
Return to Reykjavík
After approximately 2 hours we will return to our home base in Reykjavík. Once back in the harbour, you can enjoy a lovely stroll back to the city centre. Should you need a ride to your hotel, please contact a member of the crew so we can assist you with organising a transfer.

Remember to dress according to weather and wear a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. Feel free to borrow our thermal overalls if needed.

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