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A northern lights cruise on a yacht from Reykjavík's Old Harbour. You watch for the aurora from open deck space or a warm indoor lounge, on a more stable ride than a small speedboat.
Want your own guide instead? See all private and luxury Northern Lights tours.
This tour takes you out onto Faxaflói Bay by yacht to look for the northern lights, away from most of the city's light pollution but without the drive that a bus or jeep tour needs. The boats used are larger than typical whale-watching RIBs, so the ride is steadier and there's a proper indoor cabin to warm up in between checks of the sky.
Trips run from September to April, departing in the evening, usually around 21:00 or 22:00. Like every aurora tour, sightings depend on clear sky and solar activity, so nothing is guaranteed on any given night, but if the lights don't show, you can join again for free.
It's an easy option if you don't want to be outside in the cold for hours: you can watch from the windows and only step onto the deck when something is happening. Bring warm layers anyway, since deck time in an Icelandic winter wind is genuinely cold.
Yes. The yacht has an indoor lounge with panoramic windows, so you don't have to stay out on deck the whole time.
You are welcome to join the cruise again free of charge.
From the Old Harbour House at Ægisgarður 2 in Reykjavík. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure. Pick-up can be added when you book.
Yes, the minimum age is 7.
This tour was stylish and relaxing. The crew was professional, and we enjoyed drinks while waiting for the aurora. When the green waves lit up the night sky, the whole boat went silent—it was magical. Highly recommend if you want to see the lights in comfort.
Ana S.We didn’t want to sit on a crowded bus for hours, so the yacht cruise was perfect. It was quiet, comfortable, and felt so exclusive. Even when the lights took a while to show, the views of the coastline at night made it worthwhile.
Michael B.My husband and I booked this yacht cruise as a romantic night out, and it exceeded our expectations. The boat wasn’t crowded, the staff were friendly, and when the aurora appeared, it was breathtaking. One of the most romantic experiences of our lives.
Hannah W.We loved being able to relax indoors while waiting for the lights, then stepping out onto the deck when they appeared. It’s chilly out there, so bring a warm hat and gloves! The reflections of the lights on the water made it extra special.
Isabella R.This was hands down the most elegant Northern Lights tour we did. Soft seating, blankets, hot drinks, and plenty of space to move around. Seeing the aurora from the deck with Reykjavik’s skyline in the distance was pure magic.
JonasWatching the Northern Lights dance above the ocean was surreal. The yacht was cozy and warm inside, and we could step out on deck when the sky lit up. It felt so peaceful compared to bus tours. Truly unforgettable.
Rachel, U.This cruise offered a cozy, unique way to view the Northern Lights. The yacht was comfortable, and the crew was fantastic. We saw an amazing aurora display, and the quiet setting on the water made it magical. Worth every penny!
James S.The yacht cruise for the Northern Lights was perfect! The atmosphere was comfortable and the views were amazing. We were lucky to see the lights dancing, and the crew’s hospitality made the night even more special. Highly recommend!
Rachel G.This tour was wonderful! The yacht provided comfort, and the crew was great. When the Northern Lights appeared, it was magical! The guide gave us tips on capturing photos, and the entire experience was beyond what we expected.
Mark R.This yacht cruise was a fantastic way to see the Northern Lights. The setting was cozy, and the crew was attentive. We got amazing views of the aurora, and being on the water added a unique touch. Highly recommend this tour!
Linda G.Watching the Northern Lights from the yacht was magical! The crew provided blankets and hot chocolate, and our guide made sure we understood the science behind the aurora. We saw an incredible display—an unforgettable night!
Alex W.Seeing the Northern Lights from a yacht was magical! The crew made sure we were comfortable with blankets and hot chocolate, and our guide explained the auroras as we waited. When the lights appeared, it felt like we had the best seat in the house. A truly unforgettable experience!
Sarah¡Una experiencia mágica! Ver las auroras boreales desde el agua fue inolvidable. El yate era muy cómodo, y el equipo fue increíble, ofreciéndonos mantas y chocolate caliente. Nuestro guía sabía todo sobre las luces y nos ayudó a capturar fotos perfectas. ¡Una noche que nunca olvidaremos!
Ana · November 2024This yacht cruise was a dream come true! Seeing the Northern Lights from the water made for a magical October night. The crew was fantastic, keeping us warm and sharing photography tips. An unforgettable experience!
Brian · October 2024This Northern Lights Yacht Cruise was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Sailing out from Reykjavik on a comfortable yacht to chase the aurora was a fantastic way to spend the evening. The crew provided cozy blankets and hot chocolate, and our guide shared interesting information about the Northern Lights and helped us capture great photos. The lights appeared after some time, and it was a surreal moment seeing them dance across the sky. The atmosphere on the yacht was intimate and relaxing, making this a truly unforgettable night.
David K. · October 2024The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise was unforgettable. We sailed out from Reykjavik on a beautiful, comfortable yacht, and the crew made sure we had everything we needed, including hot drinks and cozy blankets. The guides shared interesting stories about the Northern Lights and helped us with photography tips. When the aurora finally danced across the sky, it was even more magical than I could have imagined. The smaller group on the yacht made it feel like a private show, and seeing the lights from the water added a unique touch. If you’re looking to catch the Northern Lights, this is the way to do it!
Emily L. · October 2024The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Iceland was an unforgettable experience! As we sailed across the dark waters, the sky lit up with mesmerizing colors that danced above us. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about the auroras and the surrounding landscape. The intimate setting on the yacht made for a cozy atmosphere, perfect for capturing stunning photos. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to see the northern lights in a unique and breathtaking way. Truly a magical night!
Sarah T. · October 2024The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise was an unforgettable experience! Watching the aurora dance across the sky from the comfort of a yacht was truly magical. The crew was friendly and informative, and the views were breathtaking. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Iceland!
Ryan L. · September 2024The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We were incredibly lucky to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory. The lights were so bright and vivid, dancing across the sky in stunning waves of green and purple—it was absolutely mesmerizing.
The yacht itself was comfortable and offered a great viewing experience, with plenty of space to move around and take in the breathtaking sights. The crew was knowledgeable and made sure we had the best possible experience, sharing interesting facts about the aurora and Iceland's natural beauty.
Seeing the Northern Lights from the water, away from the city's lights, made the experience even more magical. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Reykjavik—it's something you'll never forget!
This Northern Lights tour was the top of our trip in December 2023. We loved that this tour was on a smaller boat than the other aurora boat tours and the group was small - not crowded at all.
Also enjoyed meeting the Icelandic guide on the tour and to chat about life in Iceland with him. Great overall experience!
Amazing experience on the yacht northern lights tour in Reykjavik, my favorite city in the world.
Jonathan · February 2023
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