Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik
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Reykjavik, Iceland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a special way to hunt for the northern lights when you set off an evening boat tour from Reykjavik. Once the night sets in, make your own way to the waterfront departure point, hop aboard your vessel, and keep your eyes to the skies: your guide will do everything they can to help you discover the aurora. While cruising, admire the coastline, look out for wildlife, and grab a snack or drink from the on-board café.
- Combine a boat trip with northern lights viewing on this evening tour
- Soak up spectacular views from the boat’s observation deck
- A restroom, Wi-Fi, and an on-board café are provided for your comfort
- Get another tour for free if you don’t see the northern lights
What's Included
- Drinks and snacks are available for purchase
- Spacious observation decks
- Panoramic views
- Professional guides
- All Fees and Taxes
- Restroom on board
- WiFi on board
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Old Harbour House | Food, Drinks & ToursÆgisgarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
We are located at the Reykjavík Old Harbour close to the city's center. It is the main port of departure for whale watching and northern lights tours. *Please arrive at the meeting point 30 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Old Harbour (Pass By)
Faxaflói (Pass By)
Reykjavik (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Laura_G
Fantastic, Maria and crew, you are exceptional! So knowledgeable and kind. It was a fantastic experience, thank you. The lights were stunning!
Reviews
4.3
based on 65 reviews
Mark_N, Mar 2026
Although it would have made no difference to the outcome of seeing the Northern Lights it is worth mentioning that the boat (Harpa) we went on was not the boat advertised in the booking pictures, It was significantly smaller and as a result the ‘observation deck’ was minimal in size.
Philomena_D, Mar 2026
Totally enjoyed our trip went out on 2 evenings but unfortunately northern lights did not appear. Overall we enjoyed the experience.
Laurie_f, Feb 2026
We had a lovely time on the boat tour. It's not a huge boat so the experience felt intimate. Our guide gave us an overview of how the Northern Lights occur as well as pointed out some constellations. We didn't see the lights our first night, but rebooking for the next night was absolutely painless!
Lisa_M, Feb 2026
Absolutely amazing we had the best time and saw the northern lights highly recommend it. The boat was amazing we had the best time
Michelle_B, Feb 2026
It was very cold but we had a clear night and got lots of great pics! The boat tour was the way to go!
Laura_G, Feb 2026
Fantastic, Maria and crew, you are exceptional! So knowledgeable and kind. It was a fantastic experience, thank you. The lights were stunning!
Peter_A, Feb 2026
This was a fantastic experience. We had Isabella doing a great job behind the bar and Maria who stayed outside giving us a commentary on where the lights appeared which was magical when it happened. Superb trip and well worth doing.
Tonia_V, Nov 2025
All of our group went on the bus tour and we chose the boat tour, and we were a little unsure about that. Come to find out, we were the only ones that saw the northern lights that night! The boat goes far enough out that you can go past the clouds to see the lights. They had an opportunity for you to go inside and warm up, but once we saw the lights, we didn’t even care that we were cold. The captain was super informative and really tried his best to point out any lights we should be looking at. I would highly recommend this trip! And even if you don’t see the lights, the city was beautiful from the water! This trip is a win-win.
Claire_E, Nov 2025
We were really lucky to see the lights almost as soon as we went out. The guide was really informative, it was an incredible experience. Boat had a nice toasty lower section where could warm up and buy a hot drink, wrap up warm it is coooooold on the top but worth it!
Linda_R, Oct 2025
Absolutely AMAZING!!! I know they cannot control the Northern lights, but we saw a spectacular show that lasted two hours solid!! We had done the bus tour and seen only a gray streak but the greens and reds were vivid! The guide was great and as excited as we were. Bundle up!
BRUCE_T, Oct 2025
Do NOT book this tour in advance! Wait until you are in Reykjavik to make sure the Northern Lights are going to appear that night, and then book a tour. Unless it is absolutely pouring, this boat will go out even if they know there is extremely little chance, just so they can take your money. Then they will tell you that you can go again no charge, but meanwhile they have your money! It's a nice boat, but the goal is to see the Northern Lights - not float around in the harbor. Again - do not book this in advance!
Kathleen_M, Oct 2025
Excellent!! The crew was great and informative! Would recommend and do it again next time I'm in Iceland
Firdoze_B, Sep 2025
There’s a 15% discount at the Old Harbour Restaurant - however you must first check in for the trip to retrieve it. We had dinner but could not use the discount because we were not aware of the 15% until after we paid for our meal.
The boat and crew are wonderful.
Hannah_B, Jul 2025
Lovely boat, really knowledgeable staff who told us a lot about the lights. We were lucky and got some amazing pictures, you can see the lights from the shore (maybe we got lucky) but the boat trip was a lovely experience
Leslie_B, Feb 2025
It was freezing (february 24) and couldn't see the lights with naked eye (camera caught some). Boat crew and guide were great. They offered to take us out again while we are still in Reykjavik but we just don't have time. I'm glad I at least tried, but I should have put on at least one, maybe 2 extra layers...brrrr.
Nicole_D, Feb 2025
Great guide. Nice atmosphere. Crew kept us up to date with where to see the lights. We got a slight show which was lovely. Thank you!
Elizabeth_C, Feb 2025
Great northern lights cruise, the staff crew member was really friendly and funny and kept us up to date with updates. Shame we didn’t see any lights after leaving the harbour but absolutely nothing the team could’ve done! Nice boat with lots of outdoor and indoor seating options.
If you plan on having food beforehand, make sure you pick your ticket up from the machine in the restaurant first before you eat to get 15% off with your ticket when you present it on paying! We didn’t know that sadly and ate at the restaurant without getting a discount, but the restaurant was great with good prices too and food.
tony_W, Dec 2024
Lucky this time to see the northern lights
Decent boat ,crew good at talking informative regarding the lights
Samira_M, Nov 2024
It gets very cold and we didn’t really see any lights. You have to look through your phone which was really disappointing. The photo I included was the best shot. I would suggest doing this tour if you do on your first day because they let you come back if you don’t see the lights.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your feedback. While we can’t control the weather or guarantee the strength of the lights, we strive to provide the best possible experience. It's worth noting that viewing conditions vary, and we do offer a return policy for guests who don’t see the lights. We hope you’ll give it another try!
Lyndsay_s, Nov 2024
Comfortable boat and facilities.
Did not see the lights unfortunately but was offered the chance to go again which we will.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your feedback. While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed, we’re glad you appreciated the boat and facilities. We look forward to welcoming you back for another chance to see the lights!
Adrian_S, Nov 2024
Great crew. Fun time with the option of going inside for drinks and stay out of the rain.
We got to see some amazing lights towards the end of the boat trip
Ann_D, Oct 2024
Unbelievable experience. Beautiful boat, amazing amenities and good prices for drinks and lovely onboard team to look after us. Our tour guide was superb and incredibly informative and helpful. An absolute must for chasing the Northern ligjts!
Shawna_B, Oct 2024
We did see some of the northern lights but the colors where not there. The boat is great along with the crew. Being on the water and seeing the beautiful stars was great. Checking in was a bit difficult. The check in is a red building that is a restaurant. ( food was great there! )
ELIZABETH_J, Oct 2024
Boat was very clean with multiple seating options indoor and out. Everyone was friendly and plenty of food and drink options. We didn’t see the lights but will go back to try again.
Phil_C, Sep 2024
Staff on board was fantastic and the ride was very smooth. We were able to get some great views of the Northern Lights.
Shari_A, Apr 2024
There are many options for Northern Light excursions from the city but we picked this over bus tours as we were staying close to the harbor. We had to reschedule due to weather for the last outing of the season, but they made it super easy so if you have more than one night in town give yourself some buffer and you may get lucky :) Thanks to the crew for a lovely outing!
Vera_C, Apr 2024
We had an amazing time and we’re so overjoyed to see the Northern Lights! Thanks to the crew for their hospitality!
Andrew_B, Mar 2024
Whilst the tour was well organised and on a very large/nice boat. however we were unlucky and hardly got to see the lights (very very very faint whilst squinting eyes and having to use lots of imagination). Main gripe was guide telling everyone what great views and experience we all had as obviously not wanting to offer a repeat opportunity to see them properly.
Jane_J, Mar 2024
Unfortunately didn’t get to see the light and have emailed today to arrange booking again for tomorrow as I return home to England on Friday and haven’t heard anything yet
donnawakelam, Jan 2024
I can not fault the service provided, I’m just disappointed we didn’t get to see the lights. And I won’t be able to make use of the free return trip as I go home tomorrow. Otherwise very professional and a good trip.
From $78.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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