Iceland · Cruise & Sailing

Reykjavík Northern Lights & City Cruise

2 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Evening cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
02 Chance to see the Northern Lights over Faxaflói bay
03 Views of Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline from the water
04 Heated indoor saloon and open 360° viewing platform
05 Warm overalls, blankets, and onboard café available
06 Live commentary in English from an expert crew
07 Help with camera settings and photo assistance
08 Northern Lights guarantee or join again for free

Set sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour on an evening cruise that combines city lights, open-water views, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights over Faxaflói bay. As the vessel leaves the shoreline behind, enjoy Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline from the water while keeping watch for the aurora in the night sky.

On board, you can relax in the heated indoor saloon or head to the 360° viewing platform for uninterrupted views. Warm overalls and cosy blankets help keep you comfortable, while the crew shares live commentary about Reykjavík and its surroundings and can assist with your camera settings during the tour.

Each departure offers a different experience depending on the conditions, making every cruise unique. Whether you come for the city nightscape, the peaceful atmosphere at sea, or the possibility of seeing the aurora, this is a memorable way to spend an evening in Iceland.

Set sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour on an evening cruise that combines city lights, open-water views, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights over Faxaflói bay.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Reykjavik

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

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 naturalist 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 crew may even take some photographs during the tour, which you can request 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.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

1,5-2,5 hr. Northern Lights & City Cruise
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
Excellent live commentary in English
Free WiFi access during the cruise
Photos taken by crew when conditions allow
Assistance with taking your own photos

What's Not Included

Pick-up and drop-off service available for an additional fee
Refreshments can be purchased onboard

Know before you go

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 Lightsfrom 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!

Logistics