Golden Circle Tour and Evening Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Exploring the Golden Circle and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: A Practical Review

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and looking to squeeze in some of the country’s top sights along with a chance to see the Northern Lights, this Golden Circle Tour combined with an evening Northern Lights cruise might catch your eye. We’ve looked into what this experience offers, and here’s the honest lowdown.

First off, what makes this trip appealing? We love the way it combines a comprehensive day of exploring Iceland’s natural wonders—think geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic boundaries—with a relaxing boat cruise at night. Plus, if luck’s on your side, you might catch that elusive northern lights display shimmering across the sky. On the flip side, it’s worth mentioning that this tour has a few hiccups, like mixed reviews on punctuality and value, which could impact your decision.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and a chance to relax in the evening, especially if you’re after that unique aurora experience without spending additional nights out. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a long day, around 10 to 11 hours, and are interested in a guided experience with knowledgeable guides. If your time in Iceland is limited but you want a taste of the country’s highlights, this could work well, especially since it covers some of the most iconic stops.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering geothermal areas, waterfalls, and geological sites
• Includes a boat cruise at night with hopes of seeing the Northern Lights
• Guided experience with expert guides providing background and insights
• Punctuality issues noted by some travelers, so be prepared for the possibility of delays
• Cost analysis suggests decent value for the scope of sights and activities included
• Weather dependence is a factor, especially for the Northern Lights viewing

What’s Included and What’s Not?

This tour offers transportation and admission to all the main stops, plus a guided experience—key ingredients for a hassle-free day. The boat cruise includes warm overalls, WiFi, a café, and restrooms, making it a cozy way to wait for those potential auroras. Food and drinks, however, aren’t included, so plan your meals accordingly. If you want hotel pickup, it’s available but at an extra cost, which adds some flexibility to those staying outside central Reykjavik.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Fridheimar Greenhouse

Our journey begins at the Fridheimar greenhouse, where you’ll learn how Iceland uses geothermal heat to grow tomatoes sustainably. It’s a unique glimpse into eco-friendly farming practices in a country known for its volcanic activity. We loved the chance to see how greenhouses operate in such a chilly climate, and the guide explained their innovative methods clearly.
Duration: 40 minutes; Admission included

Stop 2: Geysir and Strokkur

Next, you’ll visit the famous Geysir area, home to the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts roughly every 8-10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters in the air. Watching a geyser in action is always a thrill, and the multimedia show at Geysir adds a bit of extra context. It’s a busy spot, so expect some crowds, but the spectacle is worth it.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes; Free admission

Stop 3: Gulfoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, Gulfoss, offers a breathtaking view as Hvitá river plunges into a deep crevice. We loved the raw power of the rushing water and the chance to snap photos from different viewpoints. The walk around the falls is fairly straightforward but can be slippery in wet weather, so sturdy shoes are advised.
Duration: 50 minutes; Free admission

Stop 4: Thingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a highlight. It’s not just about the stunning landscapes—here you stand on the tectonic rift between the North American and Eurasian plates, visible above ground. Plus, it’s historically significant as the site of Iceland’s oldest parliament. We appreciated the mix of geology and history, making it more than just a pretty view.
Duration: 55 minutes; Admission included

Evening Northern Lights Cruise

Departing around 9 or 10 pm (depending on the season), the boat cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour offers warm overalls and onboard amenities like WiFi and a café. The goal is to spot the aurora borealis, but it’s always weather-dependent. Some reviews mention disappointment when the lights don’t appear, but that’s part of the adventure. It’s a relaxing way to wind down while hoping for a spectacular sky show.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes; Included

The Realities of This Tour

While the itinerary covers many of Iceland’s signature sights, some travelers have experienced issues with punctuality, especially with hotel pickups. A few reviews mention being left waiting or having to reschedule, which can be frustrating if your schedule is tight. However, the tour operator states that if the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you can opt for a full refund or an alternative date.

Value-wise, the tour costs about $197.55 per person. When you consider the number of stops, guided insights, transportation, and the boat cruise, it’s not a bad deal—especially if you’re keen to see these highlights without arranging separate trips. But keep in mind that food isn’t included, so budget extra for meals.

What’s the Experience Like?

Expect a full day of sightseeing, with a knowledgeable guide providing context at each stop. The stops at Geysir and Gulfoss allow for plenty of photo opportunities, while Thingvellir offers a chance to walk on or near the tectonic plates—an experience that really sticks with you. The boat cruise is straightforward but offers a different perspective of Iceland’s coastline, and if conditions are right, you might glimpse the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

The reviews show a mix of experiences: one traveler called it “a great day seeing beautiful Iceland,” highlighting the landscape and their learning experience. Others had trouble with hotel pickups or felt the value was lacking when not seeing the lights. The guide’s knowledge and the stunning scenery are consistent positives, but punctuality and weather are variables outside the tour’s control.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits those who want a rundown of Iceland’s classic sights in one day. It’s perfect if you’re interested in geology, waterfalls, and geothermal activity, with the bonus of a potential Northern Lights experience in the evening. If you’re traveling with a group who enjoys guided tours and doesn’t mind the long hours, it’s a good choice.

However, if punctuality or flexible scheduling is critical for you, or if you’re mainly after the Northern Lights, you might want to consider how weather-dependent the cruise is, and whether a more tailored experience would suit you better.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid intro to Iceland’s natural beauty, with the added excitement of a night cruise in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. The stops are well-chosen, and the presence of a guide helps turn what could feel like a long, disjointed day into an educational journey. It’s a fair value, especially if you want to tick off several must-see sites without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

That said, keep your expectations realistic—delays can happen, and the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. If you’re prepared for a full day and flexible with your timing, this tour can be a memorable part of your Iceland adventure. Just be sure to arrive with good footwear, an open mind for weather changes, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup is available for an extra fee if booked directly with the supplier. Otherwise, you’ll need to meet at the designated starting point.

What should I wear on the boat cruise?
Warm overalls are provided for everyone, so just bring your warm clothes and possibly a hat and gloves, especially if the weather is chilly.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
You might see the lights if the weather cooperates. The tour departs at night with hopes of spotting the auroras, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect around 10 to 11 hours total, including all stops, transfers, and the evening cruise.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour keeps groups small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent the Northern Lights cruise or if the tour is canceled, you can choose an alternative date or get a full refund.

What are the main highlights of the day?
The highlights include geothermal tomato farms, bubbling geysers, stunning waterfalls, tectonic rifts, and, if lucky, the Northern Lights from the boat.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long hours and outdoor stops; it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with a full-day outing.

How is the guide’s knowledge?
The guides are generally well-regarded for their insights, helping you understand the sights beyond just taking photos.

Final Word

If you’re after a balanced introduction to Iceland’s natural attractions coupled with a chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour offers a lot in a single day. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy guided trips, don’t mind long hours, and want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal planning. Just remember to keep expectations realistic about weather and the elusive nature of the auroras. For the right traveler, it can be a memorable part of your Iceland trip—one worth considering if you want to see the iconic sites and perhaps catch that magical northern glow.