Reykjavík Northern Lights & City Cruise
By Elding Adventure at SeaBest of
Step aboard for an evening cruise where nature and the city meet in a breathtaking light show. As we sail into Faxaflói bay, enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline, including Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the city’s sparkling skyline reflected in the water, before…
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- September to April
- Getting there
- Pickup available
- Book by
- 1 hour before
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24 h before
from
14.500 ISK
per adults
Check dates & bookNext departures
- Wed 30 Sept · 21:00
- Thu 1 Oct · 21:00
- Fri 2 Oct · 21:00
- Sat 3 Oct · 21:00
Runs: September to April
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Secure payment, confirmation from the operator
- No account needed
The Grapevine's take
Elding Whale Watching
Elding's boats leave the Old Harbour and sail 40 minutes into Faxaflói bay, where whales the size of buses do whale-shaped things. Humpbacks are the stars and sometimes roll belly-up like giant dogs, which is more emotionally involving than you'd expect. Minke whales, dolphins, and summer puffins fill the supporting cast. Guides call sightings by clock position and cut the engines when close, because it is not polite to harass a whale for more than half an hour. Bring a jacket. Bring two.
On The Reykjavík Grapevine's Best of list. See the whole list.
Prices
| Adults16+ years | 14.500 ISK |
|---|---|
| Children0 - 6 years | 0 ISK |
| Youth7 - 15 years | 7.250 ISK |
Prices for the next departure, checked Wed 30 Sept. They can change with the date; the booking shows the exact price.
About this tour
Step aboard for an evening cruise where nature and the city meet in a breathtaking light show. As we sail into Faxaflói bay, enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavík’s illuminated shoreline, including Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja, and the city’s sparkling skyline reflected in the water, before turning our gaze to the northern skies in search of the mesmerising Aurora Borealis.
When the Imagine Peace Tower is lit, we sail by to admire its powerful beam - a moment our guests especially enjoy. Then, as we leave the city behind, our attention turns to the northern skies in search of the mesmerising auroras dancing above the horizon.
Relax in our heated indoor saloon or step onto the open 360° viewing platform for uninterrupted views. Warm overalls are available to borrow, and our onboard café serves hot drinks and snacks to keep you cosy throughout the journey.
Our experienced crew continuously monitor the weather and solar activity to maximise your chances of witnessing the lights, and we sail as long as conditions at sea are favourable. Whether it’s the natural wonder of the auroras, the glowing Imagine Peace Tower, or Reykjavík’s shimmering city lights, every evening offers its own kind of magic.
Join us for an enchanting blend of nature and city nightscapes, where Reykjavík’s charm meets the northern lights at sea.
Eager for more sea adventures? Combine this activity with whale watching or check out some of our other tours!
What's included
- 1,5-2,5 hr. Northern Lights & City Cruise
- Northern Lights guarantee or join again for free
- Spectacular views of Reykjavík’s illuminated skyline
- Access to Visitor Centre and souvenir shop
- Heated indoor saloon and café with hot drinks and snacks
- 360° viewing platform for uninterrupted views
- Use of warm overalls and cosy blankets
- Excellent live commentary in English
- Free WiFi access during the cruise
- Photos taken by crew when conditions allow
- Assistance with taking your own photos
What to bring
Remember to dress according to weather and wear a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear. Feel free to borrow our thermal overalls if needed.
Good to know
This cruise is subject to suitable conditions at sea and therefore it could get cancelled on short notice. We will do our best to notify you in good time in this case, but please check our Northern Lights Diary for updates!
While Reykjavík offers the ideal conditions for aurora viewing from September to April, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are therefore unpredictable. If there are none seen on your tour, you will be offered a complimentary return ticket.
Capturing the Northern Lightsfrom a moving boat can be challenging, so we recommend bringing a stabiliser for improved camera steadiness. While this is not a dedicated photography tour, we do offer assistance with your equipment if desired. Alternatively, feel free to just relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking display!
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup is available: choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator here.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.
For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*
*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.
Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io
Questions
- How long is Reykjavík Northern Lights & City Cruise?
- About 2 hours, not counting pickup.
- How much does Reykjavík Northern Lights & City Cruise cost?
- From 14.500 ISK. Adults (16+ years): 14.500 ISK. Children (0 - 6 years): 0 ISK. Youth (7 - 15 years): 7.250 ISK. Prices are per person unless the category says otherwise, and can change with the date.
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Pickup is available: you choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator at the start.
- When does it run?
- September to April, going by the departures listed for the next twelve months.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
- How hard is it?
- The operator rates it easy.
Explore more
Read next: Northern lights in Iceland: when, where and which tours
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