Iceland · Cruise & Sailing

Exclusive Northern Lights Luxury Cruise

3 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private Northern Lights yacht cruise from Reykjavík
  • 02 Cruise through Faxaflói Bay away from the crowds
  • 03 Views of Reykjavík landmarks including Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager
  • 04 Professional English-speaking guide and photographer on board
  • 05 Warm drinks, cozy blankets, and heated indoor lounge areas
  • 06 Edited photo package included after the tour
  • 07 Tailored route based on daily conditions for the best possible experience

Set sail from Reykjavík for a private Northern Lights cruise designed for comfort, privacy, and unforgettable views beneath the Arctic sky. Aboard a luxury yacht in Faxaflói Bay, you’ll leave the city lights behind and enjoy a more intimate setting to search for the Aurora Borealis, with Reykjavík’s waterfront landmarks glowing in the distance.

With a professional English-speaking guide and photographer on board, this experience combines expert local insight with lasting memories. Warm drinks, cozy blankets, and heated indoor spaces help keep you comfortable throughout the evening, while your guide captures edited photos for you to keep after the tour.

Ideal for couples, families, or private groups, this 3-hour cruise offers a stylish and personalized way to experience one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural phenomena.

Set sail from Reykjavík for a private Northern Lights cruise designed for comfort, privacy, and unforgettable views beneath the Arctic sky.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Exclusive Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavík

Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Cruise Aboard Harpa
An intimate and stylish voyage beneath the Arctic sky

Set sail on an intimate and luxurious private Northern Lights cruise aboard your very own chartered yacht, gliding silently through the calm waters of Faxaflói Bay. Far from the crowds, this tailor-made 3-hour experience invites you to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena — the Aurora Borealis — in ultimate comfort and style.

Private Tour Highlights

  • Private vessel reserved exclusively for your group
  • Front-row viewing of the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays
  • Stunning views of Reykjavík by night, including the Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager, and Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island
  • Luxurious onboard amenities, including panoramic lounge seating, warm blankets, hot drinks, and optional extras like champagne or Arctic tapas
  • Personal English-speaking guide sharing local stories, folklore, and Aurora science
  • Flexible route planning to ensure the best conditions for Northern Lights viewing
  • Optional photography assistance to help capture your perfect Arctic moment

Your Private Cruise Experience

Your adventure begins at Reykjavík Old Harbour, where you and your group are welcomed aboard a modern, stable luxury yacht – such as the elegant MY Harpa, refitted in 2019 for upscale cruising. With heated indoor salons and spacious exterior decks, you’ll have both warmth and open sky above to enjoy the dazzling Arctic display in peace.

Your private crew continuously monitors Aurora conditions to chart the best route into Faxaflói Bay, minimizing light pollution and maximizing your chances of a vivid, unforgettable encounter with the lights. Meanwhile, your guide enriches the journey with storytelling, history, and optional stargazing tips under the Icelandic sky.

What’s Included

  • Private yacht rental for up to 35 guests (smaller groups welcome)
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Warm beverages: coffee, hot chocolate, tea, water
  • Warm blankets and cozy onboard atmosphere
  • Free onboard WiFi
  • Flexible departure time based on best conditions (default: 22:00 from Sept 1–30 & Mar 15–Apr 15)
  • Aurora Guarantee: If the lights don’t appear, we welcome you back for another chance – free of charge

Optional Add-Ons

  • Champagne & Arctic Tapas pairing
  • Professional Aurora photography service
  • Live acoustic music or storytelling entertainment on board
  • Firepit-style deck heaters & outdoor winter comforts

What to Bring

  • Dress warmly and according to the season
  • Camera & binoculars
  • Sense of wonder  

Good to Know

  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings cannot be guaranteed, though we make every effort to ensure the best chances.
  • Foldable wheelchairs are welcome aboard with advance notice
  • Recommended minimum age: 7 years (younger children may be accommodated with prior arrangement)
  • Departure Point: Reykjavík Old Harbour, easily accessible from most city accommodations
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before departure for boarding and briefing

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Reykjavík 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional Northern Lights Guide and Photographer
  • Access to a hot tub under the Northern Lights
  • Private Group

Photo package included.

All photos will be edited and sent to the client within 14 days via a downloadable drive.

What's Not Included

Possibility to add:

  • Fully tailor-made feast ranging from Arctic Tapas to chef´s table
  • Wine and food pairing, based on Icelandic Cuisine and Fine Drinks
  • An educational session led by a renowned Icelandic astronomer, unveiling the mysteries of the cosmos.
  • A hands-on Northern Lights photography lesson, so you can capture this magical experience forever.

Know before you go

Please note this tour is tailored to you and the daily conditions. Your guide may call you and adjust the pickup time accordingly to maximise your experience.

The Northern Lights in Iceland can only appear wherever there is no cloud cover and even with clear sky's they might not be visible.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Reykjavík, IS
Tour start
Reykjavík, IS
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Reykjavík.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

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