
Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik worth booking?
Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik is a 10-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $188 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (4)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $188 per person
Experience the thrilling forces of nature on a daytime Golden Circle tour and evening Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik. Follow Iceland’s famous sightseeing route to discover its three natural wonders: Geysir geothermal field, the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park; and the spectacular Gulfoss Waterfall. Then, enjoy a 2-3 hour Northern Lights cruise to look for nature’s magic show in the night skies. The exact length of the tour depends on the sightings. Watch for the lights from deck as you learn about the phenomenon and sip on warming hot drinks. Please note: the Golden Circle tour is available with German guidance on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. You can select this option when booking. The Northern Lights by Boat tour is always guided in English.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the thrilling forces of nature on a daytime Golden Circle tour and evening Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik. Follow Iceland’s famous sightseeing route to discover its three natural wonders: Geysir geothermal field, the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park; and the spectacular Gulfoss Waterfall. Then, enjoy a 2-3 hour Northern Lights cruise to look for nature’s magic show in the night skies. The exact length of the tour depends on the sightings. Watch for the lights from deck as you learn about the phenomenon and sip on warming hot drinks. Please note: the Golden Circle tour is available with German guidance on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. You can select this option when booking. The Northern Lights by Boat tour is always guided in English.
What's included
Included
- Northern Lights by Boat: WiFi, cafe & restrooms on board
- Experienced guide on both tours
- Golden Circle: bus transportation & admission to all activities
- Northern Lights by Boat: warm overalls for every passenger
Not included
- Food and drinks (unless otherwise stated)
- Gratuities
- Pick-up service (available upon request for an additional fee)
What you'll see and do
Fridheimar
Your Golden Circle tour starts with a visit to Fridheimar greenhouse. You will learn about greenhouses in Iceland, how to grow tomatoes in an eco-friendly way (their specialty) and how they use innovative methods to manage pests with biological controls.where we learn about the magical methods of managing pests by using biological controls.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Geysir
Geysir is located in the south of Iceland, near an area called Laugarvatn. The most popular feature of Geysir is called Strokkur, which is a very active geysir that shoots water into the air for up to 30 meters (98 feet) every few minutes.
90 minutes here
Gullfoss Falls
The tour continues to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland: Gullfoss. This waterfall is created by the Hvítá river, which plunges dramatically into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep, giving you amazing views and great photography opportunities.
50 minutes here
Thingvellir National Park
Finally, Þingvellir National Park is famous both for historic and geologic reasons. It is the site of the oldest parliament in the world, the Alþingi. You can also see the Mid-Atlantic ridge above the ground, where the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates are pulling the land apart by a few centimeters each year. Your Golden Circle tour ends with a drop off to your hotel back in Reykjavík. You will then have 3-4 hours before your Northern Lights by Boat tour departs.
55 minutes here · Admission included
The Northern Lights tour departs at 21:00 from October 1st – March 14th, and at 22:00 from March 15th – April 15th & September 1st – September 30th. If you have added hotel the extra pick-up for this tour it will begin 60 minutes prior to departure. Our tour sets sail from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík’s city center, and in just 15-20 minutes you will be in a prime location away from the pollution from the city lights – perfect for viewing auroras! Your guide will share facts on the science science behind the magical phenomenon of the Northern Lights, and tell you stories & myths about the lights from different cultures around the world. The tour takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on how early/late the lights might appear.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
This is the starting point for the Northern Lights by Boat tour - Special Tours Ticket Office. If you have not added hotel transfers for this portion of the tour, please meet directly on location 30 minutes prior to the departure time.
Meeting point
Reykjavik
If you do not wish to have the pick-up for the Golden Circle, please meet at the BSI Bus Terminal at least 15-20 minutes before the 9:00 departure.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This is the starting point for the Northern Lights by Boat tour - Special Tours Ticket Office. If you have not added hotel transfers for this portion of the tour, please meet directly on location 30 minutes prior to the departure time.
Ends at
If you do not wish to have the pick-up for the Golden Circle, please meet at the BSI Bus Terminal at least 15-20 minutes before the 9:00 departure.
Options you can book
9AM GC / 9PM NL
9am Departure / 9pm NL: Departs at 9AM for the Golden Circle - German guidance. Evening Northern Lights tour departs at 9PM - English guidance.
9AM GC / 10PM NL
9am Departure / 10pm NL: Departs for the Golden Circle at 9AM - English guidance. Evening Northern Lights tour departs at 10PM - English guidance.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Special Tours Iceland
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If this experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Hotel pick up: Available to book directly with supplier (extra fees apply).
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We had a great day on this tour...
<p>We had a great day on this tour seeing beautiful Iceland! We saw so many beautiful places in Iceland and had an amazing day and learned a great deal about the country and the people - certainly a highlight of our trip. The landscape is otherworldly and we had plenty of time to see the sites and eat at the Glacier stop, which was very expensive. We loved the greenhouse stop and enjoyed expensive Bloody Mary's made with organic tomatoes from the geo thermal green house! The Northern Lights Cruise was cancelled for us 2x due to weather, no fault of the tour company...we were offered a place on the next cruise but alas our time was shorty in Iceland. I'm giving 4 stars because the bus wifi didn't work at all, despite us asking about it, which was troublesome for my party.</p>
via Viator
We had a very bad experience with...
<p>We had a very bad experience with this tour. We were not picked up for the tour even though we confirmed the address and time of pick up. We tried calling the number provided and the hour of operation was an hour after we were supposed to be picked up. We ended up moving the tour to the next day which sort of change our whole itinerary.</p>
via Viator
A really enjoyable way to spend the...
<p>A really enjoyable way to spend the day. We enjoyed the glacier walk and black beach tour more, but still a great tour.</p>
via Viator
The actual trip was good and very...
<p>The actual trip was good and very interesting. However, we were disappointed that we were not collected from the hotel as agreed. The lady did not attempt to find us and left alone. Fortunately the hotel staff organised a pick up from another organisation.</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Special Tours Iceland, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.
See everything Special Tours Iceland runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik cost?
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Prices start at $188 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Included: Northern Lights by Boat: WiFi, cafe & restrooms on board; Experienced guide on both tours; Golden Circle: bus transportation & admission to all activities; and Northern Lights by Boat: warm overalls for every passenger. Not included: Food and drinks (unless otherwise stated); Gratuities; and Pick-up service (available upon request for an additional fee). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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This is the starting point for the Northern Lights by Boat tour - Special Tours Ticket Office. If you have not added hotel transfers for this portion of the tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik offered in?
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It is offered in German and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Reykjavik. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include organization. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
What booking options are available for Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including 9AM GC / 9PM NL, 9AM GC / 10PM NL. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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