Vibrant Northern Lights glowing above the sea in Iceland
Travelers enjoying a Northern Lights boat tour near Reykjavík
Green aurora waves moving across the dark Icelandic sky
Northern Lights visible above Reykjavík’s coastline during a boat tour
Boat guests watching the Northern Lights over the ocean
Bright green Northern Lights stretching across the night sky above the sea
Aurora Borealis glowing above a boat near Reykjavík at night
Green Northern Lights reflecting over the ocean during a night cruise
Tour passengers photographing the Northern Lights from a boat deck
Spectacular Aurora Borealis display over the ocean near Reykjavík
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Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavik

(3)
Reykjavík, Iceland
Boat ToursNature ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsShore ExcursionsCity Breaks

About this activity

Hunt for the Northern Lights from a heated boat departing Reykjavik's harbour, combining Iceland's most sought-after natural phenomenon with the unique perspective of viewing from the sea. This 2.5-hour adventure offers warmth, refreshments, and stellar views of the city coastline—with a free return trip guarantee if the aurora doesn't appear.

Experience the Northern Lights like never before.

You would like to head out on an adventure that will leave you feeling breathless, and we want to give you the opportunity to do just that. We would like to take you on an experience that you will remember forever, guiding you on a Northern Lights tour by sea in Iceland.

It’s a unique experience to see the Northern lights from sea. You can relax in a nice atmosphere in our warm overalls and enjoy snacks and refreshments available on board.

On our tour you will experience incredible view over Reykjavik city from the coastline.

NOTE: You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Please be aware that due to environmental reasons during certain times of the year our trips may be delivered on a shared boat with one of our partners. At Reykjavik Sailors we are committed to ensuring the environment is kept pristine by making sure fewer boats are on the water.

Please note: Northern Lights is a natural activity governed by the laws of the weather. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather, the Northern Lights ticket is refunded if following tour was not joined before or you can change your reservation to next available day.

Please, check our DAILY DIARY before you come for the tour. All the important daily information of all our tours will be notified on our website.

If you don't see a Northern Lights, you have the option to take the tour again for free.

Disclaimer for pick ups

Pick-ups must be booked with a minimum of one hour before the tour departure time, all pick-ups booked after that will be discarded.

Pickup service (round trip) fee applies to first boat tour, if due to lack of sightings tour is joined for free again, pickup service must be added and paid again.

Northern Lights Cruise departure times :

15th March - 15th April: 22:00

September: 22:00

October - 14th March: 21:00

The Northern Lights Cruise takes approx. 2-3 hours.

Highlights

  • ✓View the Northern Lights from the sea—a rare vantage point unavailable from land tours
  • ✓Heated cabin with provided warm overalls for comfort in Arctic conditions
  • ✓Snacks and refreshments available on board
  • ✓Stunning coastal views of Reykjavik from the water
  • ✓Free re-booking if Northern Lights aren't visible due to weather
  • ✓Small-group experience with environmentally conscious shared-boat options

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive 30 minutes early at the departure point to avoid missing your boat—punctuality is essential for optimal aurora-viewing windows
  • ★Check the operator's daily diary on their website before arrival; tour schedules and conditions change based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts
  • ★Dress in layers beneath the provided warm overalls; the sea adds wind chill and unpredictability
  • ★The boat may be shared with partner operators during peak season for environmental sustainability—this doesn't diminish the experience but reduces overall fleet impact

Good to know

  • •Duration is 2 hours 30 minutes; plan additional time for arrival and disembarkation
  • •Northern Lights visibility depends entirely on weather and aurora activity—cloudless, dark skies are essential; heavy cloud cover may result in cancellation
  • •If cancelled due to poor weather, you receive a full refund or can reschedule to the next available date at no extra cost
  • •Warm overalls and basic refreshments are included; no additional winter gear rental required
  • •Tours operate year-round, but Northern Lights are only visible in darkness (September to March roughly)

Who it's for

First-time Northern Lights seekers wanting a guided, comfortable introductionCouples and romantic travellers prioritising an intimate sea-based experienceShore excursion guests with limited time in ReykjavikNature photographers and aurora enthusiasts seeking unique compositional angles from the water

Best time to visit

Book during Iceland's dark season (September to March) when nights are longest and Northern Lights most active. Winter months (December–February) offer the longest viewing windows, though weather cancellations are more frequent; shoulder months (September–October, February–March) balance aurora potential with clearer skies. Clear, moonless nights are ideal; check real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover before departing.

Frequently asked questions

From
€94
per person