Search for Aurora Borealis away from the city lights, on this thrilling winter cruise. Northern lights are best displayed under dark, clear skies. You can find these conditions from September until the end of April in Reykjavík. Watching the lights constantly change in intensity, colour and movement in the vast starry space with the gentle lull of the ocean beneath is a thrilling, unique experience.
Available:
1 September – 30 September at 22:00
1 October – 14 March at 21:00
15 March – 15 April at 22:00
Duration: 1,5-2,5 hours
The Northern Lights Cruise commences at our ticket office by the Ægisgarður pier in the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik. There you can buy tickets or exchange a voucher for a prepaid trip. A guide will meet you in the Whale Watching Centre, which is facilitated on board an old fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier. At night it takes on a magical form with a multimedia northern lights show. The 10 minute show includes images, time-lapse footage of the lights while explaining the science behind the northern lights.
On the tour we will take you out into the dark blue yonder of Faxaflói bay in search for the mystical phenomenon we call the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, leaving behind the bright city lights of the capital Reykjavík. Our open top viewing decks provide the perfect platform for witnessing the dazzling spectacle while our heated indoor lounge is a great place to take a break and warm up in between sightings. Our expert guide will be at hand to answer your questions while you enjoy Mother Nature’s light show and starry skies wrapped up in one of our warm overalls. On board you will find several outdoor viewing platforms and a large indoor saloon with toilet facilities and café where you can buy light refreshments.
COMBO: Combine this activity with Whale Watching or check our other combo tours!
ADD ON: We recommend booking the Dinner add on at RIO Reykjavík
Please note that for your enjoyment, this tour is subject to weather, conditions at sea and visibility and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. In this case we will contact you with as much notice as possible with the information you provide in the booking process.
Tour details
Departures
21:00 / 22:00 /
Duration
2:00 hours
Hot tip
Dress warmly and don’t be shy to also put on our warm overalls!
What’s included?
Access to Visitor Centre
Multimedia show
Use of warm overalls
Excellent guidance
Onboard WiFi
TOUR AREA
The Northern Lights cruise is focused mainly on the southern part of Faxaflói, just off Reykjavík. Each day we check weather reports and northern lights forecast to get an idea of the situation out there and make a decision on whether or not to sail based on that. The boat tour provides great opportunity to view the Auroras without having to go far away from the city.
Looking for a more video/photography-friendly tour? We recommend the Northern Lights on Viðey Island.