Reykjavik: Northern Lights Cruise
Step aboard an elegant yacht and sail into the darkness of the North Atlantic in search of one of nature’s most magical spectacles. This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavík offers a serene, comfortable, and unforgettable way to experience the Aurora Borealis far from city lights.
Begin your evening at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, where the yacht Amelia Rose awaits to take you into Iceland’s pristine night skies. As you glide away from the glowing shoreline, the city slowly disappears, replaced by open horizons, Arctic air, and a sense of quiet anticipation. The ocean provides a unique viewing platform, free from light pollution, giving you some of the best possible conditions to witness the Northern Lights.
On board, you’ll enjoy spacious decks and warm indoor seating areas designed for comfort in winter conditions. Wrap yourself in a blanket, step out onto one of the panoramic observation decks, and scan the sky as experienced guides track aurora forecasts and cloud movement. Along the way, they share fascinating insights into the science, folklore, and colors of the Aurora Borealis, enhancing the experience while you wait for the sky to awaken.
When the lights appear, the moment feels almost unreal. Curtains of green, white, violet, or red may ripple above the dark sea, sometimes mirrored on the water below, with distant mountains framing the scene. While nature cannot be controlled and sightings are never guaranteed, the journey itself—sailing through Icelandic night waters under the stars—is deeply atmospheric. If the aurora remains hidden, guests are offered a free return tour or a long-valid voucher, ensuring your chance to try again.
Approximately 2 hours
- Sail away from Reykjavík’s lights for optimal Northern Lights viewing
- Experience the Aurora Borealis from the open North Atlantic
- Enjoy triple observation decks and warm indoor seating
- Learn about auroras from professional local guides
- Free rebooking or voucher offered if no lights are seen
Prices start from 89 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).
- Northern Lights yacht cruise (1.5–2.5 hours)
- Professional and knowledgeable guides
- Triple observation deck access
- Panoramic coastal and ocean views
- Warm blankets
- Heated indoor seating area
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Restroom facilities
- Drinks and snacks available for purchase
- Optional hotel pick-up for an extra charge
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Check-in at the Old Harbour House, Ægisgarður 2, 30 minutes before departure.
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Boarding and welcome briefing from crew and guides.
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Departure from Reykjavík Harbour and sailing into darker waters.
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Northern Lights search with live commentary and viewing guidance.
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Time to move freely between indoor lounge and outdoor decks.
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Return to the harbor after approximately two hours.
- Meeting point: Ægisgarður 5b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Booking cut-off: 30 minutes before departure
- Dress warmly in layers; bring good footwear and a camera
- Tour is weather-dependent and may be cancelled for safety reasons
- No refund if lights are not seen; free return tour or voucher (valid up to 3 years) offered
- Cancellation policy: 100% fee if cancelled 1 day or less before the event
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From the moment we boarded, this cruise felt special. The guides were passionate and shared great stories about the auroras and Icelandic folklore. When the Northern Lights appeared—first subtle, then vivid—it felt like time stood still. The setting, far from light pollution and with mountains in the distance, made it an epic bucket-list experience.
Even without strong aurora activity, this cruise was a peaceful and memorable way to spend an evening in Reykjavík. We saw faint ribbons of green, and the star-filled sky was stunning. The boat had a cozy indoor space and plenty of deck room for photos. Dress warmly and enjoy the serenity—it’s a great way to experience Iceland’s night sky.
This cruise was pure magic from start to finish. Escaping the city lights gave us an incredible view of the night sky, and we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance for nearly an hour. The reflections on the water made the moment feel even more surreal. Warm overalls, hot drinks, and great commentary made the night comfortable and fascinating.