Iceland Northern Lights Cruises: 10 Boat Nights to Book

1.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93Our pick

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay on a two-hour northern lights yacht cruise. Guides such as Maria, Brianta, Julian, and Lucky explain the aurora and help with phone photography. You can watch from three decks, warm up with a blanket and hot drink, or wait inside at the bar and lounge.

“Absolutely amazing and we got tonsee the Northern Lights. All crew members very friendly and Guid was very good and informative. Boat really nice. Not overly busy. Good bar. Departure was on time. Very good evening, highly recommend”

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2.Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Sail from downtown Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay for about two hours in search of the aurora. You’ll have outdoor decks, a heated saloon, Wi-Fi, toilets, hot drinks, and warm overalls. Guides explain the lights and help with camera settings. If the sky stays dark, you can return free.

“First, I didn't get to see the lights, which was very unfortunate. However, I'm still giving the 5⭐ review because of the company. My original date had to be rescheduled due to weather. Rescheduling was a breeze. Then, I realized that it was a longer walk to the local than I anticipated, so at the last minute. I requested a pick up. Not a problem. The boat itself was beautiful. Very spacious. The onboard staff was kind and helpful. The boat trip was fun regardless of catching the Lights. Finally, my driver was my favorite driver of the trip.”

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3.Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 2 hours · from $88Best value

Join an English-speaking guide for a two-hour Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Sail away from city lights, watch the mountains fade into the darkness, and use the double observation deck to scan the sky. Blankets, indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and a bar make the wait easier, but sightings depend entirely on nature.

“Lovely experience, stayed out longer to see the aurora”

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4.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a two-hour evening cruise among Faxaflói Bay’s islands and along the city coast. Guides explain the aurora, point out the lights, and offer photography tips. You can watch from the open deck or warm up inside with Wi-Fi, drinks, blankets, and a bar. If the aurora stays hidden, you receive a free return ticket, subject to availability.

“Very friendly and helpful guides on the boat, we were lucky enough to experience the beauty of the northern lights on our tour, amazing! The yacht was lovely, warm and cosy inside with a spacious viewing deck. Definitely recommend.”

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5.Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 345 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay for about two and a half hours while a guide explains aurora science and Icelandic myths. Step outside for stars and lights, then warm up indoors with WiFi and hot drinks for sale. Thermal overalls, free downloadable photos, and a free retry if no aurora appears are included.

“I had wanted to go and see the Northern Lights for ages. The challenge was to find a way to do this without having to freeze for hours driving around without access to a bathroom. The boat tour was a perfect solution- 2 hours long and access to warmth and amenities throughout. Some aspects of seeing the lights are down to luck. We were very lucky! We sailed slowly out into the harbour and almost immediately, there was an arc of lights above us, like a pale green rainbow. As we sailed on, further away from the shore, the lights grew stronger, eventually waving and dancing, a beautiful green curtain…”

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6.Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 202 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik Old Harbour for about 2.5 hours aboard Rósin or Andrea, reaching darker water in 15 to 30 minutes. Your English-speaking guide helps spot the aurora, with warm overalls, heated seating, WiFi, and free tour photos. If weather blocks the cruise, you may be offered a land hunt or another sailing.

“we unfortunately didn't see the lights but we were invited back the following night, the crew were very informative and attentive”

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7.Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 133 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $99

Sail from Reykjavík Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. Your crew searches darker waters for the aurora while pointing out Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager, Höfði, and Viðey. You get indoor seating, Wi-Fi, blankets, and bar service, though cloudy weather can still hide the lights.

“Cloudy skies but we got a glimpse of the northern lights”

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8.Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 127 reviews · 6 hours · from $205

Spend 2.5 to 3 hours searching Faxaflói Bay for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises, then return after a break for a two-hour northern lights cruise. Guides such as Rebekka, Lucas, and Daniel have helped make these trips special. Warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, toilets, and free rebooking for missed sightings are included.

“Amazing. We were so lucky to see 2 types of whales and dolphines. The tour was amazing and very informational.”

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9.Northern Lights Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 104 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $111

Join Elding Adventure at Sea for a 2.5-hour evening cruise from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. You’ll see Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and, from October through December, the Imagine Peace Tower before heading into Faxaflói Bay. Warm overalls, indoor seating, toilets, a café, and a free return option make the wait easier.

“Everything was excellent. The Northern Lights even started before we left the Harbour. Guide was fantastic helped everyone with camera settings as well as giving us lots of information. We were also provided with warm boiler suits which we needed as it was so cold. There was a warmer cabin downstairs and also a bar for snacks and drinks.”

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10.Northern Lights Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Sail from Geirsgata 11 into Faxaflói for a two-hour Northern Lights search. Your English-speaking guide explains the science, Icelandic legends, and camera settings. Warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, toilets, and a free return trip after no sighting make this a practical choice, though nature decides what you see.

“We didnt see the lights very strongly, and were offered a further trip which we were unable to take up as had to come home. Good trip though.”

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