Sightseeing Cruises

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

Person steering a boat under the Northern Lights near Reykjavik.

Northern Lights over a coastal landscape viewed from a boat.

Northern Lights over snowy mountains viewed from a boat in Norway.

Cruise ship under Northern Lights in Reykjavik night sky.

Duration

2 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Pickup available

4.5/5

(89)

Svetlana

Jan 2026

Verified Partner Review

I came solo, just me and a thousand layers of clothing, and WOW I am still buzzing. Whole trip I kept peeking nervously out the windows like a kid. The crew were super chill, kept checking on us and cracking jokes. I thought maybe the clouds would ruin it but no, the lights were just GORGEOUS. Bring gloves tho, my camera hand nearly froze solid. Hot chocolate from the bar saved me. Ur not allowed to use a tripod on the deck (safety thing?) but I propped mine on the railing and got some blurry but fun shots. Would go again just for the stories.

Fatima

Jan 2026

Verified Partner Review

Took the night cruise with my husband and our two teens. Wasn’t sure if the kids would be into it, but even my surly 15-year-old said it was ‘cool’ (high praise). Whole team made it fun, especially the guide with her goofy stories about Icelandic elves. Free use of thermal suits = GENIUS. We saw the lights for almost an hour, sometimes faint, sometimes like a giant green curtain. Don’t try to watch through your phone, just soak it in. Bring snacks if ur kids are snack monsters like mine.

Zoe

Jan 2026

Verified Partner Review

Holy moly, what a NIGHT. Me and my boyfriend nearly missed the boat, but they actually waited a few mins for us (shoutout to the chill captain). Once we got going, the guide explained everything, even gave us some camera tips (low ISO, long exposure, I totally forgot it all in the excitement). The lights were INSANE and it felt like everyone on board was just totally electric with excitement. The boat does get bouncy when you’re out at sea, so hold your drinks tight. Worth every penny.

Chase the Aurora Borealis under clear, dark skies away from city lights, with warm overalls, WiFi, and onboard WCs for comfort.

Expert guides share insights into the aurora, with crew assistance for capturing your perfect photo.

Heated indoor seating and an onboard café/bar let you relax while awaiting the night sky’s dazzling display.

If the Northern Lights don’t appear, enjoy a complimentary ticket to try again, your adventure isn’t over yet.

Opt for a ticket with a guaranteed backup plan, enjoy a Northern Lights-themed museum visit, film, and cocktail if the cruise is cancelled.

Guided Northern Lights cruise

Use of warm overalls (available in children's size as well)

Excellent live guidance

Heated indoor seating

Free WiFi onboard

Restrooms onboard

Northern Lights guarantee (or try again for free)

Pictures taken by crew (when possible)

Pre-recorded Northern Lights video (as per option selected)

Café/Bar & Souvenir shop (as per option selected)

Back-up plan (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

89 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Svetlana
Jan 2026
Verified Partner Review
I came solo, just me and a thousand layers of clothing, and WOW I am still buzzing. Whole trip I kept peeking nervously out the windows like a kid. The crew were super chill, kept checking on us and cracking jokes. I thought maybe the clouds would ruin it but no, the lights were just GORGEOUS. Bring gloves tho, my camera hand nearly froze solid. Hot chocolate from the bar saved me. Ur not allowed to use a tripod on the deck (safety thing?) but I propped mine on the railing and got some blurry but fun shots. Would go again just for the stories.
Fatima
Jan 2026
Verified Partner Review
Took the night cruise with my husband and our two teens. Wasn’t sure if the kids would be into it, but even my surly 15-year-old said it was ‘cool’ (high praise). Whole team made it fun, especially the guide with her goofy stories about Icelandic elves. Free use of thermal suits = GENIUS. We saw the lights for almost an hour, sometimes faint, sometimes like a giant green curtain. Don’t try to watch through your phone, just soak it in. Bring snacks if ur kids are snack monsters like mine.
Zoe
Jan 2026
Verified Partner Review
Holy moly, what a NIGHT. Me and my boyfriend nearly missed the boat, but they actually waited a few mins for us (shoutout to the chill captain). Once we got going, the guide explained everything, even gave us some camera tips (low ISO, long exposure, I totally forgot it all in the excitement). The lights were INSANE and it felt like everyone on board was just totally electric with excitement. The boat does get bouncy when you’re out at sea, so hold your drinks tight. Worth every penny.
Yana
Jan 2026
Verified Partner Review
Epic experience! Never seen anything like it. I dragged my boyfriend out at 10pm, he complained the whole time until the lights showed up and then he was just as obsessed as me. Was worried I’d get seasick but honestly barely felt the boat moving. Crew gave out these massive thermal jumpsuits—looked silly, felt AMAZING. The guide told some wild stories about the aurora, made us all laugh. Only thing, wish I’d brought better gloves – fingers = icicles.
Kenji
Jan 2026
Verified Partner Review
Took my parents (both in their 70s) and honestly, the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Dad got seasick, but the guide had ginger candies and even offered him a quiet spot inside. Lights took a while to show up, lots of waiting, everyone getting little antsy, but then BAM, sky just exploded green. Kinda crowded on deck, but you can sneak out to the bow if you want a better view. Bring extra socks, you’ll thank me.

Exploring the mystical Aurora Borealis

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness one of nature's most stunning displays, the northern lights of Aurora Borealis, aboard a cruise from Reykjavik. Your adventure begins at the Visitor Centre, housed in a vintage fishing vessel, offering charming insights into Iceland's seafaring past. Here, expert guides welcome you and provide an enlightening overview of the science and myths behind the ethereal lights. Journey into the dark blue yonder of Faxaflói Bay, leaving behind the city lights of Reykjavik. With heated indoor areas, a 360° viewing platform, and warm overalls provided, your comfort is assured as you set sail under the star-studded sky. If cancelled due to unfavourable conditions, you'll receive free tickets to embark on the search on another day as many times as needed within 2 years.

Aurora Reykjavik Museum and backup plan

Amplify your experience with an optional visit to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum, a unique chance to delve deeper into the phenomenon of the northern lights with interactive displays and a therapeutic cinema experience featuring mesmerising auroral displays. This cruise also offers a backup plan to ensure you don't miss out on this natural spectacle – if the elusive northern lights fail to make an appearance on your cruise, your booked evening at Whales of Iceland for Auroras ensures your spot. Plus, you retain your ticket for the boat tour, valid for the next available night. With refreshments available at the onboard café, engaging live guidance, free Wi-Fi, and even assistance with aurora photography, this cruise promises a memorable experience.

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID for check-in.

Dress warmly and according to the weather; wear a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

Warm overalls are provided on board, but good shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.

Consider bringing a camera and a stabiliser if you wish to photograph the Northern Lights; crew can assist with camera settings.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Smoking is not permitted on board the vessel.

Accessibility

The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact the operator in advance if you have specific mobility needs.

Additional information

The cruise is subject to suitable sea and weather conditions and may be cancelled on short notice for safety reasons.

Sightings of the Northern Lights are not guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon. If no lights are seen, you will receive a complimentary ticket to try again.

If the boat tour is cancelled, a backup experience or alternative tour may be offered, or you may be able to reschedule or request a refund, depending on your ticket type.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.