Northern Lights Boat Cruise
A 2.5-hour evening cruise from the Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay — away from city light pollution — to hunt the aurora. September to mid-April only.
About this tour
Boats give you something land tours can't — escape from city lights without a long highland drive, and a 360-degree horizon. The trade-off is movement; if you're prone to seasickness, a land tour to Þingvellir is a better choice on rough nights. Tours run September through mid-April only and are weather-dependent: we cancel and re-book free of charge when forecasts are poor.
What's planned
Check in at the Old Harbour
30 minArrive at the Sterna desk on Pier 1, 30 minutes before departure. Collect your insulated overall and walk down to the boat.
Sail into Faxaflói Bay
30 min30 minutes outbound to clear the city's light pollution. Cabin doors stay open so you can step outside whenever the aurora appears.
Aurora hunt
1 hr 15 minCaptain positions the boat to optimise viewing angles based on the night's KP index and cloud cover. We'll point out constellations during quiet stretches.
Return to Reykjavík
30 minBack to Pier 1. If conditions did not show aurora, your guide hands you a re-book voucher valid for the rest of the season.
Highlights
- Sail away from city light pollution into Faxaflói Bay
- Indoor heated cabin and outdoor viewing decks
- Aurora forecasts checked daily — cancelled or rescheduled if conditions are poor
- Free reschedule if no aurora is seen
- Great alternative to road tours when highland weather closes routes
What's included
- 2.5-hour cruise from Reykjavík Old Harbour
- Insulated overall and warm boots provided
- Hot drinks on board
- Free re-book on a future date if aurora not seen
Not included
- Hotel pickup — walk to the Old Harbour
- Food and alcoholic drinks (cash bar on board)
- Children under 5 cannot board
Pickup & meeting point
Meeting point
Harpa Concert Hall
Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Ready to book Northern Lights Boat Cruise?
From €69 per person