NORTHERN LIGHTS · NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISES

15 Northern Lights Cruises Worth Flying For

24 tours  ·  from $82 a head

A boat leaves the harbour glow behind in ten minutes and puts the whole horizon in front of you. The 15 below run out of Tromso and Reykjavik, priced and timed, with a note on which ones serve dinner and which hand you soup.

Tromsø: Evening Aurora Cruise (dinner optional) - Searching the dark water around Tromsø
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Tromsø: Evening Aurora Cruise (dinner optional)

1.Evening Aurora Cruise (dinner optional)

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,570 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $100Our pick

Sail from central Tromsø at 8pm with Polar Adventures, searching the dark sea and sky for the Aurora Borealis. Guides such as Ken, Holly, Thomas, and Hans Eric help with camera settings and explain the lights. Warm drinks, cookies, toilets, an indoor cabin, and deck access keep the night comfortable, though the Aurora is never guaranteed.

“Comfortable boat and entertaining crew. we went out on a night-time fjord cruise, with complementary hot drinks and cookies on board. We were shown how to rod fish, and I caught my first ever fish- an Atlantic cod! The chef on board even prepared it for us and some of the other guests to have a taste. Unfortunately the 'green lady' did not smile on us, as it was quite a cloudy night, but this was well worth going on anyway. 5*”

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Tromsø: Northern Lights Cruise with 2nd Chance Guarantee - Leaving the pier behind Nerstranda shopping center
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Tromsø: Northern Lights Cruise with 2nd Chance Guarantee

2.Northern Lights Cruise with 2nd Chance Guarantee

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,280 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $114

Join a 2.5-hour evening cruise from Tromsø with English or Norwegian guides such as Yana, Valeria, Douaa, and Magnus. You’ll watch the Aurora from outdoor decks or a warm lounge, hear its science and legends, get photography help, and receive a free second cruise if you see no lights.

“Very professional crew and guides. They can't guarantee you'll see the Northern Lights but it's a very comfortable way to attempt to catch a view of the lights. Warm inside the main cabinet, free tea, coffee, plenty of room on deck outside to view the scenery and ... lights if they are displaying.”

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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour - Three decks for watching the aurora
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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into Faxafloi Bay on a two-hour northern lights yacht cruise. You can watch from three panoramic decks, warm up inside with a drink, and get help with night photography from guides such as Maria, Julian, or Lucky. Hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, blankets, and sea sickness tablets are available.

“Beautiful yacht with a lovely atmosphere and great guide. Amazing way to see the lights and really adds to the experience”

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Tromsø: Aurora Dinner Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran - Snowy mountains, the Arctic Cathedral, and the first tasting
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Tromsø: Aurora Dinner Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

4.Aurora Dinner Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 727 reviews · 3 hours · from $198

Spend three hours cruising Tromsø’s dark fjord waters aboard Brim Explorer’s heated hybrid-electric catamaran. You’ll enjoy a three-course Arctic seafood dinner, with a vegetarian option available by advance request, while an English-speaking guide points out the Arctic Cathedral, snowy mountains, and aurora activity. The boat has warm indoor saloons and 360-degree views.

“Managed to see aurora 3 times. Food is delicious. Crew members are friendly”

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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik - Searching Faxaflói Bay for the northern lights
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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

5.Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Join Elding’s two-hour evening cruise from central Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay. Look for the aurora from outdoor decks, warm up inside with hot drinks, and see Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja, and the Imagine Peace Tower. English guidance, Wi-Fi, warm overalls, and a free return ticket if the lights stay hidden are included.

“The Northern Lights Cruise was a GREAT way to see the Northern Lights, albeit it’s all about luck. It’s a two hour experience vs the five hour bus tours. We were very, very, lucky and had an INCREDIBLE viewing of the Northern Lights which lasted the entire two hours. It was truly a majestic experience. We went on this tour in January and it was pretty cold so make sure to bundle up. You can go inside and they do offer water and wind proof coveralls. The staff on the boat were also helpful in figuring out the best settings for pictures.”

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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise - Two Observation Decks and a Warm Place to Wait
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From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

6.Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

You’ll sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into quieter water, watching the city lights fade as guides scan the sky for the aurora. The boat has two observation decks, warm indoor seating, blankets, Wi-Fi, and a bar. Guides such as Steingreimur, Hólmar, and Christina have helped passengers spot faint lights and set up night photos.

“First day could not see but got free second try and had a wonderful sighting of the lights. Amazing experience. Highly recommend.”

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Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik - Reading the northern lights with the crew
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Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

7.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about two hours aboard a warm, comfortable yacht while searching for the aurora over Faxaflói Bay. Guides explain the lights, help with photography, and point out whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds when conditions allow. The boat has Wi-Fi, a bar, blankets, bathrooms, and a spacious viewing deck.

“-Great views of the Northern Lights and Islands. -Friendly and knowledgeable staff. *Can become very cold over the water. Be sure to bundle up.”

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Tromso Electric Northern Lights Cruise - Following the Tromsø fjords after dark
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Tromsø: Electric Northern Lights Cruise

8.Electric Northern Lights Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 346 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $124

Sail from Tromsø for 3.5 hours aboard a quiet electric boat, following forecasted clear skies toward Kvaløyvågen, Ramfjorden, or Kvaløya. English-speaking guides share Aurora science, folklore, and local stories while you warm up with vegan soup. Guides can help photograph the lights, and the return offers fine views of Tromsø and the Arctic Cathedral.

“It's hard to give so many stars when you don't actually see the lights but sadly, that part of the trip is out of everyone's hands. The boat was nice, the added info on the area was good to know, I didn't see that we got welcome wine and soup in advance so that was a nice surprise. It would have been so excellent had the lights appeared.”

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Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos - Seeing the Lights, or Waiting for Them
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Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

9.Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 345 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Cruise from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay for about 2.5 hours while guides explain aurora science and Icelandic myths. Use thermal overalls, heated indoor seating, WiFi, onboard refreshments, and free downloadable photos. If the lights stay hidden, you receive another ticket for a future departure, subject to availability.

“First trip on the boat we were unable to see the Northern Lights due to the weather. Was informed that we could come back again at no extra charge. The next night was amazing!! Took many great photos!!! Great guide and very informative!!”

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From Tromsø: Northern Lights Cruise on a Cozy Vintage Vessel - Four hours through Tromsø’s dark fjords
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From Tromsø: Northern Lights Cruise on a Cozy Vintage Vessel

10.Northern Lights Cruise on a Cozy Vintage Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 249 reviews · 4 hours · from $100

Join a four-hour evening cruise from Full Steam Museum aboard the veteran MS Strønstad. Your English or Norwegian guide explains the aurora, tracks recent conditions, and leads the search across Tromsø’s fjords. Expect warm lounges, free coffee, an onboard bar, and optional sauna or jacuzzi time. Guides such as Jana, Tobi, and Oleg have helped make this a friendly, informative outing.

“It was amazing, we didn’t catch the aurora lights, but atmosphere and city view was really nice.”

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Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - Arriving at Kaigata 6 in winter
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Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

11.Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 217 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $203

Brim Explorer’s three-hour evening cruise circles Tromsøya aboard a quiet electric boat. You’ll receive a welcome drink, a three-course dinner, northern-lights commentary, and chances to step onto the viewing deck. The cruise leaves at 19:00 and returns at 22:30. Crew members including Elli, Alberto, Fani, Andrea, and Francesca have been praised for friendly service.

“Very well organized and a pleasant adventure into the arctic bay. Food was perfectly prepared and enjoyable.”

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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour - Warm overalls, hot drinks, and a cold deck
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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

12.Northern Lights Guided Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 202 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour aboard Rósin or Andrea, heading 15 to 30 minutes offshore to escape city glow. An English-speaking guide such as Patrick or Hanna may explain the aurora while you watch from the deck or heated cabin. Warm overalls, WiFi, photos, and a free second trip are included.

“This was a great experience and I’d highly recommend it to any travelers in the area! I visited in mid-March (toward the end of northern lights season) so we were only able to see a couple bands of light, but it was still worth it nonetheless. The lights we did see were beautiful, and it was also an incredible view of the night sky and Reykjavik. Because we didn’t get a fill northern lights display, everyone was given a credit so they could return for free and view them again. I’ll definitely be doing this as soon as I’m back in the area!”

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Luxury Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub from Tromsø - What happens after you board at 6:45 p.m.
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Luxury Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub from Tromsø

13.Luxury Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub from Tromsø

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $344Top rated

Join Captain Kenneth and Sachi aboard Stella Oceana for a four-hour evening cruise from Tromsø. The small group searches for the northern lights while you enjoy reindeer soup, hot drinks, a warm cabin, and hot tub time on deck. Bring swimwear, a towel or robe, and proper windproof clothing. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed.

“This was exceptionally delightful experience. Our boat was crewed by a husband and wife. He was a 27 year Norwegian Navy veteran and lifelong resident of this area. He got just as excited about Aurora Borealis as we did. His wife was the best hostess and chef. Her reindeer stew was beyond fantastic. We would book with them every time and we did see northern lights, and stayed very comfortable the entire time!”

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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise - Faxaflói Bay and the search for darker skies
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Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

14.Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 133 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $99

Cruise from Reykjavik Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose. Your Icelandic or English-speaking guide explains the aurora while you watch for lights beyond the city glow. Expect indoor seating, Wi-Fi, blankets, a bar, and views of Harpa, Sun Voyager, Höfði, and Viðey.

“The yacht was very nice and the inside cozy. Many people chose to sit outside from the beginning. I recommend if you do this that you stay inside and warm, till you reach the destination (you can see the view through the windows). The guide will tell you if there is activity and you can go outside for that. Unfortunately we didn’t see the lights due to cloud cover. But that can happen! I will say that while the northern lights tours on water are more comfortable and being on the water is pretty, you have a limited area the boat travels to. On land the jeeps have a better…”

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Tromso: Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub & Dinner - Leaving the harbor for Grindøysundet
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Tromso: Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub & Dinner

15.Luxury Northern Lights Cruise with Hot Tub & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 129 reviews · 4 hours · from $309

Join Captain Kenneth and Sachi aboard Stella Oceana, a 32-meter yacht limited to 12 people. Over four hours, you’ll cruise the Arctic fjords, enjoy reindeer stew, hot drinks, and cookies, then take a 30 to 45 minute hot tub session while searching for the aurora. Bring swimwear and a towel.

“The sailboat is operated by a lovely couple, and it is beautifully and warmly decorated, reflecting their great care for the vessel. Captain Kenneth is very welcoming and engaging, and he navigates the boat with remarkable stability—you hardly feel any movement at all. His wife, Sachi, makes delicious soup that adds to the experience. Although we didn’t see the northern lights due to the heavy snowfall, and we couldn’t enjoy the hot tub because we forgot to bring my swimsuit, it was still an incredibly enjoyable experience.”

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