Northern Lights Boat Cruise: A Mesmerizing Aurora Borealis Experience from Reykjavik's Old Harbour

59 Ratings

Reykjavík

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Embark on a mesmerizing boat cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to witness the enchanting Northern Lights. Learn about the science behind this natural phenomenon and enjoy an alternative activity if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Book now!

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Special Tours - Join our Northern Lights by Boat tour, sailing out into FaxaflÃ³i Bay to search for the beautiful aurora borealis. If conditions are not suitable to see the northern lights you are automatically signed up for an alternative activity

What's Included

Short Northern Lights photography workshop at Whales of Iceland.
Entry, Northern Lights drink, short film, and guided tour of Whales of Iceland.
Free downloadable pictures from every boat tour.
Guaranteed alternative activity for unsuitable weather conditions.
Access to warm overalls, free wi-fi, restrooms, and snack bar on the boat.
-…

What's Not Included

Snacks
Hotel transfers are not included but can be added for an additional cost directly with supplier.

Additional Information

Embark on an evening journey to witness the stunning aurora borealis from Reykjavík’s Historic Port. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the science behind this celestial display, narrate tales and myths, and satisfy any curiosities you may have about this wonderful phenomenon.
The visibility of the Northern Lights is reliant on suitable weather…

Location

Geirsgata 11

Geirsgata

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.2

(59 Ratings)

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Momsrocktoo

Mar 17, 2026

10/10 - This was a ten out of ten! We had a great crew. Joe has a great sense of humor and kept us all lay while we were learning!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

216cayliec

Mar 17, 2026

Great experience - Such a wonderful experience getting to see the Northern Lights. Joe was absolutely incredible as our “guide” and the team is very knowledgeable on where to find the best spots to see the lights. Tour was 2 hours long.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

852tracin

Mar 16, 2026

One the best tours in iceland - It was one amazing tour. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Peterkn9097rx

Mar 9, 2026

Nature failed me but Special Tours did all that they ciuld - The ship and the crew were marvelous. Despite all that they could do, Nature was not helping out any. Would recommend this trip to anyone AND before embarking on any other tour visit the Special Tours office as they have discounts for other must see items

Review provided by Tripadvisor

I7117kncathyg

Feb 9, 2026

Fun and Informative! - Great cruise to see the lights..and we did! Used the warm oversuit (definitely put one on!) and Patrick was fun and informative. Well worth going on!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Nilanjanc2026

Jan 20, 2026

Northern lights sighting from Iceland - Absolutely fantastic! The Northern lights sighting was excellent and beyond expectation. The boat trip lasted 2 hours. The staff was very knowledgeable, witty, professional and courteous.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Simon

Jan 16, 2026

Novel way to see the lights - The boat trip was a different way of seeing the lights, both the Northern Lights as well as the lights of Reykjavik. It's nice to be able to go in the warm at times to defrost!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Julieec2016

Dec 15, 2025

Great views of the Northern Lights - Excellent view of the Northern Lights with helpful tips and good commentary throughout. Comfortable boat for this two hour trip.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Edwin_f

Mar 15, 2026

No Alternate Activity - Well, we certainly understand not sailing in bad weather; which is why we purposely booked the Northern Lights Tour WITH ALTERNATE ACTIVITY. So, if the yacht tour was cancelled or postponed, we still had something to do that evening. Well, they also cancelled the indoor alternative activity (Whale museum) WHY? We don’t know. So it left us scrambling to find something else to do. Viator did say they would issue a full refund (haven’t seen it yet, but in fairness the yacht tour was supposed to be last night). We knew the odds of actually seeing the Northern Lights was slim (perfectly understandable- you can’t predict nature) but we figured at least we would have a boat ride, or at worst, an alternate activity. Very disappointed. Don’t offer an alternative accommodation if you can’t provide it. The assumption was that we definitely would have something to do yesterday. That was not the case.

Review provided by Viator

Yvette

Feb 13, 2026

NOT SO SPECIAL TOURS AVOID AT ALL COSTS - This trip was priced at an extortionate £100. It was a thoroughly dismal and disappointing experience. We sailed out towards a nearby island on very basic, public ferry “no frills”type of boat. Fortunately, we saw the Northern lights. however, If nature hadn’t put on a free show, I fail to understand what on earth this trip had to offer. During the sail a guide gave a commentary on some history and folklore but you had to stay outside on the top deck for the entire trip to hear any of it. There was a crackly speaker available down stairs on the enclosed cafe deck but it was so noisy and busy it was impossible to hear a single word coming from the speaker. The Northern lights were spectacular but I couldn’t wait for the miserable boat ride to be over. I contacted the company afterwards to ask for a 50% refund as a gesture of good will which was refused. There was zero customer service, care, concern or consideration. I would advise anyone to give SPECIAL TOURS a very wide berth

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $81

up to 12 guests

1 - Adult