Tours & experiences

Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik

About this experience

Hunting the northern lights on the North Atlantic Ocean is an amazing experience. Sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik, and seeing the Aurora Borealis out on the water, with beautiful, snow-capped mountains in the distance is something to remember forever.

Please check-in at our sales office at Aegisgardur 5b, 101 Reykjavík (Sea Trips Reykjavik) at the old harbor 30 minutes before departure.

Please note
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and unpredictable, so remember to bring patience and optimism with you. If the northern lights are not seen on your tour, we do not offer refunds, but instead, give our passengers a complimentary ticket to use another day.
Weather is a big factor for the tour, and we may have to cancel the tour.

At a glance

  • Duration: 2 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Northern Lights Boat Cruise + Reykjavík Pickup & Drop-Off
Reykjavík Pickup & Drop-Off: Includes pickup and drop-off at eligible central Reykjavík hotels and official bus stops. A pickup location is required.
Pickup included
Northern Lights by Boat

Plan your experience

Time on the tour2 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), English (written information)

Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Panoramic views
  • WiFi on board
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Drinks and snacks are available for purchase
  • Professional guides
  • Spacious observation decks
  • Restroom on board

Itinerary and highlights

The ship sets sails from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour and during your journey, you’ll sail among the small islands in the Faxaflói Bay, as well as along the coast of Reykjavík, providing you with a fantastic view of the city as you search for the wildlife in the water.

The most common sights are minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. However, there is always a chance to spot a few orcas (also known as killer whales) as well as a wealth of other species. The professional team onboard is very experienced in spotting whales and is dedicated to making sure their passengers leave with a smile!

Faxafloi bay is situated on its southern shore. From Reykjavik it is possible to see the peninsula of Akranes in the northeast and even the Snæfellsjökull at a distance of about 120 km (75 mi). This bay has few islands and the ones it does have are close to land, in particular contrast to the bay directly north of it, Breiðafjörður, which has the most islands of any bay in Iceland.

Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland, is a unique and colorful city that will make you want to take a picture in the evening.

Meeting and pickup information

  • 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.
  • Pickup and return drop-off are included only with the pickup-inclusive option. Select an eligible central Reykjavík hotel or one of the listed official tour bus stops before completing your booking. Pickup starts up to 50 minutes before departure. Please be ready outside at the selected location.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • English — Written
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Iceland Discover

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 2 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pickup and return drop-off are included only with the pickup-inclusive option. Select an eligible central Reykjavík hotel or one of the listed official tour bus stops before completing your booking. Pickup starts up to 50 minutes before departure. Please be ready outside at the selected location.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), English (written information).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 0–6; Youth tickets: age 7–15; Adult tickets: age 16+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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