Reykjavík Iceland | Northern Lights by Boat with Shuttle Service
・Witness the colorful northern lights dancing in the night sky
・Observe the cityscape from the boat
Product Info
－What You Can Expect－
Depart from Reykjavik’s old harbor for a two-hour boat cruise to see the enchanting aurora borealis. Know more about what makes the northern lights possible from a professional tour guide.
Head out on the deck to gaze at the sky or enjoy cozy seating inside the boat. Delight in warm drinks and Icelandic delicacies sold onboard. Take in this magical spectacle surrounded by mountains and Reykjavik's city lights.
Witness the captivating northern lights on this cruise tour.
Witness the glorious northern lights
Gaze at the starry night sky
Purchase Notice
- Please enter the hotel name and bus stop name in the Pickup Details section when booking
- Free admission for children aged under 7, please notify the number of eligible children in the "Note" section when booking and carry the child's passport on the day of the tour for verification
- The departure time will be 22:00 in Sep and 21:00 in Oct-Dec, please refer to the voucher for the actual information
- Due to the regulation of Reykjavik, buses are not permitted in certain areas of the city. If your hotel is not in the pick-up service zone, you will meet the pick-up bus at the closest bus stop to your hotel
- Roads are sometimes subject to closure due to maintenance. Under such circumstances, the bus stops will be temporarily closed. Travelers are recommended to check the bus stop operating info on the official website. If a bus stop is closed, the official website will provide clear indications. Travelers may use the map to find the nearest bus stop and access it accordingly
- The cruise is not a barrier-free environment, please consider this before booking
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 3 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 00:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Visibility is dependent on weather conditions; northern lights sightings are not guaranteed on the day of tour
If no northern lights are seen on the first tour, travelers may participate once again for free. Please ask your tour guide on-site for more information
The boat tour will be replaced with a bus tour if the weather conditions are deemed unsafe. You will also be able to join the next boat tour at no additional cost
Restrooms and WiFi are available on-board, food and drinks are also available for purchase at traveler's own expense
Please refer to the voucher for the actual information
Please enter the hotel name and bus stop name in the Pickup Details section when booking.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The prime season to witness the Northern Lights from Reykjavik is typically from late August to April. During these months, the nights are long and dark, offering optimal viewing conditions. While sightings are never guaranteed, a boat tour maximizes your chances by seeking out clear skies away from city light pollution, providing an unobstructed view.
Absolutely. A Northern Lights boat tour offers a unique perspective of the aurora away from city lights, with the stunning silhouette of the mountains and Reykjavik's coastline as a backdrop. It provides a distinct, tranquil viewing environment, and expert guides often share fascinating facts and folklore about the aurora, enriching the overall experience.
Boat tours provide a unique vantage point on the open water, away from city light pollution, offering an unobstructed 360-degree view of the sky. You get to see Reykjavik's illuminated coastline from afar. Land-based tours might travel further inland by bus to find clear skies, but they lack the distinct maritime atmosphere and panoramic views of the city from the water.
On a cruise tour, you can expect a comfortable journey along Reykjavik's coastline. Key features include the chance to witness the colorful Northern Lights dancing in the night sky, observe the cityscape and surrounding mountains from the boat, and learn fun facts and folklore from an expert tour guide. The open water offers expansive, clear views for aurora spotting.
Northern Lights boat tours depart from Reykjavik's Old Harbour and typically head out into Faxaflói Bay. The goal is to move away from the city's light pollution, providing a darker environment for better aurora visibility. The exact route depends on prevailing weather conditions and where the best chances of sightings are predicted for the evening.
Expert guides on a Reykjavik Northern Lights boat trip share valuable insights into the aurora borealis. They explain the scientific phenomena behind the lights, their colors, and common patterns. Additionally, they often delve into local Icelandic folklore and historical tales related to the Northern Lights, making the experience both educational and captivating for participants.
Dressing warmly in layers is essential for a comfortable Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik. Temperatures can be very cold, especially on the water. It's recommended to wear thermal underwear, a warm sweater, a waterproof and windproof outer jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves, and thick socks. Insulated, waterproof boots are also highly advisable to protect against the cold.
Yes, one of the unique aspects of a Northern Lights boat tour from Reykjavik is the opportunity to see both the aurora and the illuminated cityscape. As the boat moves away from the harbor, you get a panoramic view of Reykjavik's lights twinkling along the coastline, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark sky where the Northern Lights might appear.
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