Reykjavik: Northern Lights Cruise & City Skyline

Chasing the Aurora from Reykjavik's Harbor

You board a small heated boat in downtown Reykjavik and sail into Faxaflói bay for a 2-hour search for the Northern Lights, with views of the city's illuminated landmarks along the way. You can stay warm indoors with Wi-Fi and hot drinks, or watch from the outdoor platforms in borrowed overalls. If the aurora doesn't appear, you get free tickets to return another night: no refund, just a genuine second attempt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening Northern Lights and City Cruise

• Board cruise in downtown Reykjavik
• Sail into Faxaflói bay
• View Reykjavik skyline and landmarks
• Admire Imagine Peace Tower if lit
• Search for Northern Lights
• Enjoy outdoor platforms or indoor saloon
• Listen to crew insights about Aurora
• Use onboard café and facilities

The experience

You're standing on the dock in downtown Reykjavik at dusk, and the crew hands you a pair of warm floatable overalls. It's a bit awkward getting into them (you feel like you're suiting up for something more serious than a boat ride), but then you realize that's exactly the point. The Northern Lights cruise leaves from the harbor here, and if the aurora shows up, you want to be ready to stay outside and watch it happen instead of being stuck indoors because you're freezing. The boat itself is small enough to move through the water without too much fuss, but big enough that you're not crammed in with fifty other people all holding their phones up at the same angle.

Once you're out on Faxaflói bay, the city falls away behind you pretty quickly. The first part of the cruise is almost a different tour. You're sailing past the illuminated Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church, and if it's October through December, the Imagine Peace Tower sends its beam straight up into the dark. Your guide points out what you're looking at and explains how the lights work, which is useful because most people have no idea why the sky might suddenly start moving in green waves, or what you're actually supposed to be looking for. The heated indoor saloon is there if you need a break (there's Wi-Fi, hot drinks, and a café), but most people end up back outside on the platforms, waiting.

Here's the thing nobody tells you: the Northern Lights are genuinely unpredictable. Some nights they don't show. The cruise comes with a sighting guarantee, which means if the aurora doesn't appear during your tour, you get free tickets to try again on another night. It's not a refund. It's a second chance, which is actually more useful because you're already in Reykjavik anyway. The crew knows this, so they're not going to rush you back to shore early just because the sky is dark. They'll keep sailing, keep looking, and keep explaining what conditions would make the lights visible if they were going to appear. It's honest, and it takes the pressure off trying to force a natural phenomenon to perform on schedule.

Bring a hat and gloves even though the overalls are warm. Your face gets cold faster than you'd think, and the wind off the bay doesn't care how many layers you're wearing. The boat is wheelchair accessible, though steep stairs and high thresholds mean the indoor areas aren't fully open to everyone, so let the crew know when you book if you need assistance. The whole thing runs about two hours, and you'll either see the aurora dancing across the sky or you'll be back in the city with a voucher and a clear night to try again.

What’s included

• Approximately 2-hour Northern Lights cruise departing from downtown Reykjavik.
• heated indoor saloon with Wi-Fi and onboard café.
• warm floatable overalls.
• knowledgeable crew guidance.
• views of Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja church, and the Imagine Peace Tower (October–December).
• sighting guarantee: free return tickets if no aurora appears during your tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 21:00Last departure this season: 15 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (16 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet us in the ELDING ticket office located at Ægisgarður 5c by the Old Harbour district in Reykjavík. Once at the pier, simply follow the red colour to find us! Be sure to arrive at least 15 min.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Elding Whale Watching

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to search for the Northern Lights without arranging your own boat, timing, or navigation: the fixed schedule and included guarantee mean you can try twice if needed, and the heated cabin keeps you comfortable whether you're watching from inside or outside.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What time does the Northern Lights cruise leave Reykjavik?

The cruise departs in the evening and runs for approximately 2 hours. Exact departure times vary by season. Check your booking confirmation for the specific time on your date.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?

No sightings are guaranteed because the aurora is a natural phenomenon and highly unpredictable. However, if you don't see the lights during your tour, you receive complimentary tickets to try again on another night at no extra cost.

Can I stay inside the boat the whole time?

Yes. The boat has a heated indoor saloon with Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and an onboard café serving hot drinks and snacks. You can watch from the outdoor platforms or stay inside. It's your choice.

What should I bring on the Northern Lights cruise?

Bring a hat and gloves for warmth. Warm floatable overalls are provided, but your face and hands need extra protection from the wind and cold. Dress in layers.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can bring a lightweight chair on board. However, steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities. Notify the operator in advance if you need assistance with boarding.

What landmarks do you see on the cruise?

You sail past Reykjavik's illuminated skyline, including Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church. From October to December, you also pass the Imagine Peace Tower if it's lit.

What happens if the tour is cancelled?

If weather or sea conditions are unfavorable, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. You'll be notified by phone or email, and you can reschedule or receive a refund.