Iceland has so many incredible things to do, why limit yourself to just one a day? With some thoughtful itinerary planning, it’s possible to combine daytime tours with indulgent post-sightseeing visits to geothermal lagoons or thrilling Northern Lights hunts that capitalise on dark skies. Any traveller looking to immerse themselves into quintessentially Icelandic experiences will find a wealth of inspiration on the Reykjavik Excursions website. If that’s you, why not check out the exciting possibilities and round off your day with these afternoon and evening tours that conveniently depart from Reykjavik?

What types of afternoon and evening tours are available from Reykjavík?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of tour: those that continue on into the late afternoon and those that return to Reykjavik’s BSÍ terminal in time for you to connect with a separate evening activity. So long as you’ve signed up for the activities you want, it doesn’t really matter which you choose as we’ll take care of the logistics and transfer leaving you free to enjoy your day.

The Northern Lights

When it comes to evening tours from Reykjavik, nothing beats a Northern Lights excursion. The dreamy green and purple ribbons, curtains and arcs have mesmerised people for centuries and it’s easy to understand why as soon as the display begins.

When do Northern Lights tours depart from Reykjavik?

During aurora season, the most popular evening activity is without a doubt a Northern Lights tour. The aurora is active in the earth’s upper atmosphere throughout the year when solar activity is high enough. However, at ground level, we need dark skies to be able to view its hypnotising dance across the heavens. In Iceland, that means you’ll have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights from around the middle of August to the end of April. Statistically, activity is greatest around the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September, although many visitors associate an aurora chase with the depths of winter. It’s particularly magical when there’s snow on the ground.

What kinds of aurora tours are offered by Reykjavik Excursions?

If you’re keen to take a Northern Lights tour while you’re in Iceland, Reykjavik’s a convenient base. Though it can be hard to see the aurora in all its glory in the city – light pollution is to blame – the good news is that there is plenty of pitch black countryside within an easy drive of the capital. On a tour, someone’s also on hand to help you photograph the Northern Lights as well. There are a number of tours to choose from. Our introductory tour uses a full sized coach and is ideal for travellers on a budget. It’s also possible to add this activity to a Golden Circle sightseeing tour. Pick up times vary according to the season – in winter we set off earlier as it’s dark by late afternoon – but there’s plenty of time to enjoy dinner in Reykjavik before you head out as departure times are typically around 9 or 10pm. If you’re keen to upgrade your experience, we recommend a small group super jeep tour. These adaptable vehicles can cope with more rugged terrain and so can venture deeper into the countryside. This means our driver guides can position you right beneath the aurora if you’re blessed with clear skies and auroral activity. Sip a mug of hot chocolate as you gaze up at the sky in a remote spot. It’s also possible to see the Northern Lights from on board a boat. Comfortable vessels chug out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for a two to three hour cruise around coastal waters. You are welcome to shelter inside until the aurora is sighted if it’s cold out on deck. Sometimes, such tours have to be rescheduled because of windy conditions but for many it’s a fun way to experience the Northern Lights.

The aurora is fickle

One of the reasons a sighting of the Northern Lights is so special is because it can’t be guaranteed. Our guides have a wealth of information at their fingertips and know a thing or two about interpreting the data. Yet conditions change rapidly in Iceland and forecasts can quickly become inaccurate. This late-night experience from Reykjavik is admittedly a bit of a gamble, but one that’s worth taking. As a consequence, reputable tour organisers such as Reykjavik Excursions not only manage client expectations, we also have generous rebooking policies. For instance, if a boat trip is cancelled because it’s too windy on a night when the land-based tours are going ahead, you’ll have the option to switch. Guests who join our small group tours but return without being able to see the aurora are offered a follow-up coach tour free of charge. You’ll be updated in good time about whether tours are going ahead or not. Our efficient admin team takes care of rearranging tours on those occasions when weather or low solar activity makes sightings highly unlikely. For that reason, we recommend you reserve a spot on a Northern Lights tour early in your stay to give yourself the best chance of rescheduling it for later in your trip should that be necessary.

Virtual aurora sightings

Though nothing compares to seeing the Northern Lights with your own eyes out in the Icelandic countryside, customers who book a small group tour with us receive an added bonus. Until the end of March 2026, you’ll qualify for free admission to Aurora Reykjavik, where you can enjoy the interactive exhibits, a screening of an aurora time-lapse movie and a virtual reality experience. You might also consider building in a visit to Perlan during your Reykjavik stay. This landmark museum, perched on top of Öskjuhlíð hill overlooking the city, boasts an 8K planetarium where you can view a jaw-dropping aurora presentation that fills your entire vision. Meet on location; this virtual view of the Northern Lights is guaranteed year-round.

Geothermal lagoons

Another popular afternoon or evening activity is a visit to one of Iceland’s incredible geothermal lagoons. It’s the ideal accompaniment to a day’s sightseeing activities, offering a chance to unwind and discuss the highlights of what you’ve seen as you relax in your warm water cocoon. It certainly complements more conventional Reykjavik evening activities. And that’s not all: if you’re at one of these lagoons after dark, you might also be treated to a sighting of the Northern Lights – truly the bucket list activity to end all bucket list activities. We offer late afternoon tours that incorporate transfers to three of the best geothermal lagoons in Iceland. In addition, on our website you’ll find standalone tickets for self-drive visitors to baths such as Laugarvatn Fontana, Vök and Krauma or day-tour based admission to Krauma (with the Silver Circle) and newcomer Laugarás Lagoon (with the Golden Circle).

Sky Lagoon

Upscale Sky Lagoon has quickly become a visitor favourite, in part because of its convenient location on the outskirts of downtown Reykjavik but also because of the high end finishes and attention to detail once there. This luxurious lagoon enjoys a breathtaking outlook over the water with an infinity edge pool to maximise the effect. Book admission with a round-trip transfer from Reykjavik’s BSÍ terminal for maximum convenience. Buses depart on the hour from 11am to 7pm; the later departures tie in nicely with sightseeing tours such as those looping the Golden Circle. They return on the half hour with the latest departure being 9.30pm – allow plenty of time to indulge in the lagoon’s famous seven-step ritual.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Since it opened a few years ago, Hvammsvik Hot Springs has captured the imagination of overseas tourists. We offer two departures a day, at 10am and 5pm, with the latter being perfect for those who’ve already planned the earlier part of their day. Round trip transfers and included admission means all you need to do is show up with your swimsuit packed. After tracing the shore of Hvalfjörður, enter the Hvammsvik premises and you’ll quickly realise why it has been such a success. Its rustic chic vibe extends from the changing rooms to the various hot pots that litter a black sand beach. Stylish and secluded, you will be captivated by the view as you soak. Hvammsvik Hot Springs really is a treat.

Blue Lagoon

A slew of new lagoons have appeared on the scene but nothing quite compares to the iconic Blue Lagoon, whose location between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport makes it a tempting proposition on your way in or out of Iceland. Our late afternoon admission with return transport (we offer departures until 5pm) makes it a tempting proposition midway through your trip as well.
Another popular option on top of the Blue Lagoon evening tours is our Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights combo tour. Departing from Reykjavik’s BSÍ Terminal at 1pm, you’ll spend a delightful afternoon pampering yourself in the milky blue water of the Blue Lagoon. Dry off in the sleek and sophisticated changing rooms, blow dry your hair and return to Reykjavik on a comfortable, WiFi-equipped coach. Once back and dressed warmly, you’ll head out again, this time in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. Your guide will try their hardest to track down a spot where there’s good activity. If you’re looking to book something that is unique to Iceland, then this aurora and lagoon combo tour is absolutely it, whether you’re a family, couple or solo traveller.

Other afternoon tours from Reykjavik

If you’re hoping to spend the morning in the Icelandic capital or have other plans, then our varied selection of afternoon tours from Reykjavik are just the ticket. A number of exciting activities can be booked which keep the morning free for a leisurely amble around city streets, a nose around a museum or a visit to fun attractions such as FlyOver Iceland or LAVA Show. Wildlife enthusiasts will be interested to learn that you can take an afternoon whale watching cruise from the Old Harbour in Reykjavik, departing at 1pm. Iceland’s waters are home to an array of cetaceans. From spring until late summer, the Puffin Express is another tempting option if you’re keen to get a glimpse of these cute and comical birds. Meanwhile if you’re keen to explore below ground, Lava Tunnel tours also set off at 1pm. They unlock the secrets of past volcanic eruptions as you explore the mineral-rich, rocky spaces that result. Over on the Golden Circle, close enough to be done in a half day, diving in Silfra fissure is a unique way to explore the gap between Iceland’s diverging tectonic plates. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then it’s hard to beat a ride on Iceland’s Mega Zipline, located close to the ring road near the geothermal town of Hveragerði. We bundle it up with transfers to and from Reykjavik for convenience. Buggy safaris are another thrilling option, a fun way to get out into the countryside for the afternoon but be back in the city in time for dinner. Using carbon-neutral transport and running small group tours where possible to minimise the impact on Iceland’s sometimes fragile environment, these evening tours from Reykjavik are a must while you’re in town. Night time in Iceland shouldn’t just be about dining in characterful restaurants and drinking in bars, as our Northern Lights tours and geothermal lagoon visits prove.