Seeing the Northern Lights from the open sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As your boat glides quietly across Arctic waters, the city lights fade, and the sky opens up to reveal the aurora borealis in its full glory. The reflections of green and violet waves shimmering on the water make the view even more breathtaking.
Cruises from Tromsø and Reykjavik combine comfort — heated cabins, hot drinks, and expert guides — with the thrill of watching nature’s greatest light show unfold above the horizon.
The ultimate EXPERIENCE
Why Choose a Northern Lights Cruise?
Best Northern Lights Cruises in Tromsø
Bestselling Cruise in Tromsø Fjords
Sail through Tromsø’s fjords on a 3.5-hour eco-friendly electric boat tour, guided by local experts as you search for the magical Northern Lights.
Includes
- Electric cruise through the Tromso fjords
- Professional local guide
- Warm coffee, tea, and a snack
- Fish soup on the way back to Tromso
- Thermal suits for all guests
- Fishing gear
Scenic Arctic Evening Cruise with Aurora Chance
Set out on an Arctic sea voyage in search of the Northern Lights. Sip a warm drink, enjoy cookies on deck, and watch the “green lady” dance across the sky.
Includes
- One seat for each guest
- An Informative and knowledgeable crew
- Possibility to be out on the deck during the whole tour
- Warm and relaxing indoor boat cabin
Best Northern Lights Cruises in Iceland
Luxury Yacht Experience with Aurora Views
Boost your chances of seeing the Aurora on this evening tour from Reykjavík. Guided by real-time forecasts, you’ll visit the best viewing spots, enjoy hot chocolate with Icelandic pastries, and receive souvenir photos of your Northern Lights experience.
Includes
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
- Live commentary on board
- Professional driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Photos (if conditions allow)
What Makes a Cruise Different from a Land Tour?
5 Tips for Your Northern Lights Cruise
When Is the Best Time for a Northern Lights Cruise?
Top Choice Small Group Aurora Hunt in Tromsø, Norway
Set out from Tromsø on an evening bus tour to chase the Northern Lights and enjoy a full Arctic experience.
Includes
- Roundtrip transportation from the meeting point
- Guide
- Tea and hot chocolate
- Marshmallows and snacks
- Campfire experience
- Includes 2 professional landscape photos
- Thermal suits
- Drop-off to your accommodation/hotel
Unique Arctic Adventure with Huskies
Witness the Northern Lights at a remote husky camp near Tromsø, guided by experts and complemented with a traditional Norwegian dinner.
Includes
- English-speaking expert
- Transfers from Tromso to the husky camp
- Interaction with Alaskan huskies
- Warm thermal overalls
- Traditional Norwegian dinner
- Northern lights viewing at a remote camp
Bestselling Classic Aurora Experience
Join an evening bus tour to witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll head to the best spots to chase the Northern Lights.
Includes
- Guide
- Transportation
- Thermal suit
- Hot drinks
- Photo workshop and portrait photo
- Hotel drop-off
Top Choice with Aurora Guarantee in Rovaniemi, Finland
Join Rovaniemi’s original Aurora hunters, tracing roots back 20 generations to the 1600s. Enjoy guaranteed Northern Lights, expert small-group guidance, brand-new 2025 4×4 vans, unlimited mileage, and professional photos of your experience.
Includes
- Unlimited mileage & time (typically 6–10 hours)
- Professional photography (DSLR photos included)
- Certified, first-aid trained Northern Lights guide
- Pickup & drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi
- Thermal overalls for Arctic conditions
- Hot drinks & light snacks
Most Magical Aurora Experience with Reindeer Ride
Ride through the snowy Lappish forest on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, with convenient pick-up and drop-off from Rovaniemi city center.
Includes
- English-speaking guide
- Pick-up & drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center
- Reindeer sleigh ride through Lappish forest
- Visit to a traditional reindeer farm
- Winter clothes
- Finnish snacks & hot blueberry juice
Authentic Aurora Experience with Arctic BBQ
Set out from Rovaniemi to hunt the Northern Lights. Relax by a lakeside camp, enjoy a traditional Lappish BBQ, and stay warm with hot tea as you await the aurora.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off to selected hotels accommodations
- English-speaking guide
- Winter clothing
- BBQ: Lappish bread, pork sausages, salmon soup, and blueberry tea
Bestselling Aurora Tour in Reykjavik, Iceland
Join a 4-hour evening bus tour in Iceland and witness one of nature’s greatest wonders. Leave the bright lights of Reykjavik behind as you journey into the countryside in search of the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Includes
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Hot Chocolate
- Stops to take photos
- Free follow-up tour if you do not see lights on your first attempt
Most Popular Small Group Experience with Extras
Boost your chances of seeing the Aurora on this evening tour from Reykjavík. Guided by real-time forecasts, you’ll visit the best viewing spots, enjoy hot chocolate with Icelandic pastries, and receive souvenir photos of your Northern Lights experience.
Includes
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
- Live commentary on board
- Professional driver/guide
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Photos (if conditions allow)
Top-Value Combo with Blue Lagoon Admission
Enjoy Iceland’s perfect mix of adventure and relaxation with a soothing soak in the Blue Lagoon followed by an unforgettable Northern Lights hunt.
Includes
Blue Lagoon
- Admission to the Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask at the Blue Lagoon
- Use of a towel at the Blue Lagoon
- Drink of choice at the Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights hunt tour
- Professional English-speaking local guide during the aurora hunt
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (as per option selected)
Bestselling Combo with Golden Circle Highlights
Explore Iceland’s geological wonders on a guided bus tour, with an optional visit to Kerid Crater, before ending the day chasing the Northern Lights.
Includes
- Live guide
- Transfers (across the different places)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off (as per option selected)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
FAQ - About Northern Lights Cruises
How much does a Northern Lights cruise cost?
The cost of a Northern Lights cruise depends on the destination and type of boat. In Tromsø, evening fjord cruises typically start at €90–120 per person, while Reykjavik yacht tours range from €100–130. Most cruises include heated cabins, hot drinks, and expert guides. Compared to land tours, cruises offer a more intimate setting and the unique chance to see the aurora reflect on Arctic waters.
→ Browse our Northern Lights Cruises for current options and prices.
Is a Northern Lights cruise worth it?
Yes, a Northern Lights cruise is worth it if you want a unique perspective of the aurora borealis. From Tromsø fjord cruises to Reykjavik yacht tours, sailing away from city lights gives you clearer skies and stunning reflections of the aurora on the water. Our Northern Lights Cruises include heated cabins, expert guides, and prices starting at €90–120, making them both comfortable and unforgettable.
What is the best month for a Northern Lights cruise?
The best month for a Northern Lights cruise is during the peak aurora season, from October to March. These months offer long nights and high solar activity, giving you the best chances of spotting the lights. In Tromsø and Reykjavik, evening cruises usually depart around 8–9 PM, combining scenic Arctic waters with the magic of the aurora.
→ Check our Best Time to See the Northern Lights guide to plan your trip.
Which tour agency is best for the Northern Lights?
There isn’t one single best agency ; the best Northern Lights tour depends on your destination and travel style. That’s why we’ve handpicked the top-rated Northern Lights tours in Iceland, Norway, and Finland on our website. Whether you want a budget bus trip, a small-group minibus chase, a cruise, or a glass igloo stay, Northern Lights Tours comparison helps you book with confidence.