Tours & experiences

Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

About this experience

The Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavík is all about connecting you with Iceland’s stunning natural beauty. There’s something magical about sailing under the Arctic night sky, searching for the Aurora Borealis, and creating moments you’ll never forget. It’s an experience designed to let you experience the magic of the Northern Lights in an enjoyable and unique way.

At a glance

  • Duration: 2 hr

Choose your tour option

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

Northern Lights Cruise
On board facilities: Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, toilets, heated indoor saloons and ample seating an be found on the boat.
Duration: 2 hours: ~2 hour Northern Lights Cruise from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík.
Refreshments: Snacks and drinks can be purchased on board.
Faxaflói bay: We sail from the Old Harbour into the southern part of Faxalfói bay, where we can expect to see Northern Lights.
Monohull / Catamaran: This tour is operated on large passenger boat, capable of carrying up to 196 passengers.

Plan your experience

Time on the tour2 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

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

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a light-weight chair on board our larger boats. If possible, please notify us of your arrival in advance, as assistance with boarding may be required.

What is included

  • Sighting guarantee - or try again for FREE!
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Warm floatable overalls
  • Excellent guidance

Not included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Available for purchase at the onboard café

Itinerary and highlights

Join this ~2 hour evening Northern Lights & City Cruise in search of the enchanting Aurora Borealis as they dance across the night sky in a stunning display of colour and movement. As we sail into Faxaflói bay, enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline and landmarks such as Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrímskirkja church. When the Imagine Peace Tower is lit (October-December), we sail by to admire its radiant beam before turning our gaze to the northern skies.

Enjoy the scenery from one of the outdoor platforms or relax inside our heated indoor saloon, where you have access to free Wi-Fi, toilet facilities, and an onboard café serving hot drinks and snacks.

Our knowledgeable crew provide fascinating insights into our surroundings as well as this natural phenomenon throughout the tour. Warm overalls are available to borrow, but be sure to bring a hat and gloves for extra comfort. While northern lights sightings can’t be guaranteed, we’ll make every effort to provide an unforgettable experience!

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • 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. before departure to ensure enough time to check in and to board the boat.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Elding Whale Watching

Accessibility and practical details

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Passengers with limited mobility are warmly welcome. However, please note that our boats are not fully accessible, as steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities.
  • Wheelchair users are welcome to bring a light-weight chair on board our larger boats. If possible, please notify us of your arrival in advance, as assistance with boarding may be required.
  • If conditions are unfavourable, the tour may be cancelled at short notice. Should this happen, we will notify you by phone or email.
  • The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be highly unpredictable. If no sightings occur during your tour, you will be offered complimentary tickets to try again on another night at no extra cost.

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.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 6–15; Adult tickets: age 16+; Senior tickets: age 71+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Passengers with limited mobility are warmly welcome. However, please note that our boats are not fully accessible, as steep stairs and high thresholds may limit access to inside areas and toilet facilities.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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