Where to See the Northern Lights from a Boat: The 15 Best Aurora Cruises Worldwide

1.Evening Aurora Cruise (dinner optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,570 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $100Our pick

Sail from central Tromsø at 8 p.m. with Polar Adventures for 3.5 hours of Aurora hunting on the Arctic sea. Guides such as Holly, Ken, Thomas, Hans, and Christina help explain the lights and set up phone cameras. Warm drinks, snacks, toilets, indoor seating, and deck access are included. Dinner is optional.

“Trip was fantastic. A lovely clean ship, with plenty of space indoors and on deck. Hot drinks and biscuits included in the price. The guides were very knowledgeable and amusing. We very very lucky to and had an amazing northern lights display. All in all, a pretty perfect trip”

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2.Northern Lights Cruise with 2nd Chance Guarantee

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,280 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $114

Sail from Tromsø for 2.5 hours aboard a warm, spacious catamaran with panoramic windows, outdoor decks, free tea and coffee, and English or Norwegian guides. Yana, Valeria, Hannah, and other guides share Aurora science and photo tips while the crew searches the fjords. If clouds hide the lights, you receive a free second cruise.

“overall experience was good both guide Jenny and Donna was very nice and we get to see the northern”

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3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

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

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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4.Aurora Dinner Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 727 reviews · 3 hours · from $198

Board Brim Explorer beside Skarven Kro for a three-hour evening cruise around Tromsø. You’ll enjoy a three-course Arctic seafood meal, with a vegetarian option, while an English-speaking guide shares local stories and watches for clear skies. Heated cabins, 360-degree windows, and outdoor viewing areas make this a comfortable way to seek the Northern Lights.

“We loved the sustainability emphasis while on our Aurora dinner cruise! The hybrid-electric catamaran was so nice and quiet. Our meal was awesome and thoughtfully prepared. Our guides on the boat taught us interesting facts throughout the night, and our captain made sure we had a perfect opportunity to step outside to see an INCREDIBLE dancing northern lights show when the clouds cleared! We’ll never forget this experience and loved how convenient it was to embark and return! Thank you!!”

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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Electric Northern Lights Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 346 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $124

Set out from Tromsø for a 3.5-hour electric cruise through the Arctic fjords. Your English-speaking guide explains Aurora science, folklore, Tromsø, and local wildlife while the captain searches for clearer skies. You can warm up in heated lounges, enjoy vegan soup, buy drinks, and step outside for photos when the lights appear.

“Great trip great guy telling us about everything and the bonus of the northern light”

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9.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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10.Northern Lights Cruise on a Cozy Vintage Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 249 reviews · 4 hours · from $100

Set out from Full Steam Museum in Tromsø aboard the veteran MS Strønstad for a four-hour Northern Lights cruise. You’ll get a short aurora presentation, fjord views, hot coffee, and access to cozy indoor spaces. Guides such as Tobi, Jana, and Janna have led recent trips. Book the sauna or jacuzzi ahead, and bring swimwear.

“It was amazing, we didn’t catch the aurora lights, but atmosphere and city view was really nice.”

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11.Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 217 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $203

Board Brim Explorer in Tromsø by 18:45 for a 19:00 departure around Tromsøya. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course dinner, aurora commentary, and time on the viewing deck. The electric boat is smooth and quiet, but sightings depend entirely on clouds and solar activity.

“What an epic experience!! Let’s start with the crew Elli, Alberto and Fani were absolutely fantastic, full of knowledge and really helpful! The food, beautifully presented and very tasty, all the food was fish, I think maybe different choices for children under 16 should be available - but this is a minor critique!! The boat was clean, and the ride was smooth! We got super lucky during a week of heavy rain that we managed to see the lights, and they were epic!! We saw them dance throughout the whole cruise! A truly memorable and magical experience”

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12.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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13.Luxury Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub from Tromsø

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $344Top rated

Join Captain Kenneth and Sachi aboard Stella Oceana for a four-hour evening cruise from Tromsø. The small group searches for the aurora while you enjoy reindeer soup, hot drinks, a warm cabin, and scheduled hot tub time. Bring swimwear, a towel or robe, and proper winter clothing. Sightings and cruising distance depend on weather.

“Do this tour! The captain and his wife are both absolutely lovely people who will ensure you have a good trip. We went out in a clear night and the stars from the boat alone are worth it. However, we were lucky and the northern lights put on a great show when we were in the Hot Tub. This was an experience like no other! Food and drinks are also good, the ship is clean and the atmosphere is perfect. Would definitely do it again. 12/10 experience!”

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14.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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15.Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 129 reviews · 4 hours · from $309

Join Captain Kenneth and Sachi aboard Stella Oceana, a 32-meter yacht limited to 12 people. This four-hour evening cruise combines Arctic fjord views, a 30 to 45-minute hot tub session, reindeer soup, hot drinks, and a warm saloon. The northern lights are never guaranteed, but the boat remains comfortable and inviting even beneath cloudy skies.

“The most amazing experience! Lovely guides, a delicious meal, wonderful atmosphere. Worth every penny!”

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