Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

Aurora hunting feels better when you’re warm. This 2.5 hour cruise from Reykjavik into Faxafloi Bay mixes thermal overalls with aurora science and local storytelling, while moving you away from the city’s light. I like that the guide explains what you’re seeing instead of leaving you guessing, but the big reality check is that weather can shut the show down.

I also love the practical comfort. You get heated indoor seating plus free WiFi, so even if the wind picks up, you can thaw out and still keep your eyes on the sky. One consideration: depending on the night and how busy things are, space outside can feel tight, so you may need to choose your viewing spot early.

The best nights can feel almost unreal, like the sky turns into a soft green curtain you can see with your own eyes.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Thermal overalls are the whole point: you stay warm enough to focus on the sky, not your frozen hands.
• Myths and science in plain English: you learn why auroras happen and what’s story versus fact.
• A real try-again safety net: if you miss the lights, you can rebook for free for another night.
• Photo support is built in: photos are taken on board and downloaded free, and crew can help with shooting angles.
• Less light pollution, more sky time: you sail out into the bay rather than watching from the city edge.

Faxafloi Bay at Night, Close Enough but Darker

Reykjavik is bright at night compared to far-flung rural Iceland, so the strategy here is simple: get you out onto the water and away from the worst of the glow. The cruise sails into Faxafloi Bay, where the sky has a better chance to reveal the aurora.

This works especially well if you’re short on time. You get a compact outing that fits early nights in Iceland, without turning your evening into a full road-trip mission. And because it’s a boat, you also get that stargazing rhythm, deck time when things might happen, then warmth when the weather reminds you you’re in winter.

Thermal Overalls and Heated Comfort That Let You Stay Focused

The smartest inclusion on this tour is the thermal overalls. I’d still pack warm layers, but the suit system makes a big difference when you’re standing outside waiting for the sky to cooperate. Several reviews call out how much easier it is once you’re properly bundled, not just “a little cold.”

Inside, the tour adds warmth where it counts. You have heated indoor seating, and you can slip inside whenever the wind is biting. There’s also free WiFi, which can be useful if you want to quickly check how to adjust your camera settings or just keep in touch while you’re waiting for the show.

You still need to expect that deck time means cold. One of the most honest takeaways from the experience is that the ocean can be windy and the boat can move, so the best comfort plan is to treat this as a layered evening, not a single outfit kind of night.

What the Guide Actually Does: Myths, Science, and Photo Coaching

This tour isn’t only “look up, good luck.” Your guide narrates what’s happening in the atmosphere and separates aurora myths from scientific reality. That matters because aurora spotting is part luck, part technique.

A lot of people love the mix of information and humor. On the better nights, guides also help you react fast when the aurora appears, and some sessions even extend viewing time if the lights start to show up right as the group is about to move on.

Photo help is another big deal. You get assistance onboard, and your guide can steer you toward the angles that work in cold, moving conditions. If you’re wondering why your photos look dull compared to what you saw with your eyes, this kind of coaching is often the missing link.

One small detail I appreciate from the overall setup: there’s less pressure on you to manage everything at once. The tour includes photos taken on board, so you’re not relying only on your own shooting to capture the night.

The Cruise Flow: Boarding, Sailing Out, and Watching in Two Modes

The structure is straightforward. You meet at Special ToursGeirsgata 11 in Reykjavik, then step aboard a sightseeing boat for about 2 hours 30 minutes. The boat heads out into Faxafloi Bay to hunt for northern lights away from city brightness.

Once you’re out, you’re in a two-mode setup:

1. Deck time for stargazing and quick reactions when the sky shifts.
2. Viewing area time where you can stay comfortable with a hot drink.

Hot drinks and refreshments are available to purchase on board. This is useful because you can keep your hands warmer and stay outside a bit longer without feeling like you must leave the deck the moment the wind hits.

After the hunt, the tour returns you to the meeting point. If you selected it, there can also be hotel drop-off, but the core ending is back where you started.

Photo Downloads and On-Board Help, Without the Stress

If you’ve ever tried to take aurora photos while also trying to enjoy the moment, you know how quickly it becomes a trade-off. This tour reduces that stress in two ways.

First, photos are taken on every tour and are available to download free of charge. That’s a practical safety net, because aurora colors and motion are hard to capture consistently, especially in cold weather.

Second, crew members can help with photography onboard. That can mean guidance on settings or just practical advice like where to stand so your shot isn’t blocked by railings, people shifting, or a low angle that won’t catch the glow.

One more reality check: the boat can move, and wind makes camera control harder. If you prioritize crisp photos above all else, be prepared for some nights to be more challenging than you expected, even with help.

Price and Value: What $108.13 Includes, and What It Doesn’t

At $108.13 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, you’re paying for three things: getting out to sea for darker skies, staying warm enough to actually wait for the aurora, and having guide narration that improves your odds.

What you get for that money is meaningful:

• Thermal overalls in children’s sizes too
• Free WiFi and heated indoor seating
• Pictures taken on board, downloadable free of charge
• Photography assistance from crew
• A free try-again ticket if you don’t see the lights

What you pay separately:

• Food and drink (available to purchase on board)

For me, the value comes down to risk reduction. The aurora is never fully predictable, so anything that improves comfort and gives you another chance is a real add-on, not a marketing line.

Also, the tour caps group size at up to 198. That’s not tiny, but it’s large enough that you should expect some crowding on the outside deck during key moments.

Weather Reality: When You Might See the Aurora (and When You Won’t)

This tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. That can sound vague, but you’ll feel it immediately on a boat. Cloud cover, rain, and wind can ruin visibility even if solar activity is strong.

When you do see aurora, it can be spectacular. Some people describe dancing lights that appear quickly after sailing away from the shore. Others note that the lights were visible to the naked eye, which is always a morale boost because you’re not just photographing an invisible ghost.

When you do not see aurora, the important part is what happens next. The tour includes a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen during your cruise. That shifts the experience from one gamble to a longer pursuit, as long as you can return on another night.

Backup Plans: Rebooking for Free and the Bus Option

Here’s how the evening can adapt based on conditions.

If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather, you’re offered a reschedule or a full refund (as long as you have not joined before). If the skies still look promising but the sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a northern lights by bus tour instead.

A key fine point: if you choose the bus option in those sea-conditions circumstances, the refund may not apply the same way. Also, if you join the tour and there are no sightings, you get another ticket to join on the next available day. This try-again offer does not expire, even years later, though you should know that refunds do not apply if you already used the service once.

In practical terms, I like the philosophy. You’re not paying twice just because the sky held out. But you should be flexible, because the best plan works only if you can spare another night.

Boat Comfort, Crowds, and the One Thing to Watch

Most people describe the crew as pleasant and helpful, and the ship as comfortable, especially when it’s used as intended, warm indoors and thoughtful deck time. Many also praise the guide’s pacing and how the crew helps people with viewing and photos.

Still, there are trade-offs:

• Some departures can feel full, so outside movement is limited.
• If the boat is on the smaller or more cramped side for your specific departure, you may struggle to put on suits or find your spot quickly.
• Windy nights mean rocking. That can be exciting for some, but for others it makes photos harder and the evening less relaxing.

If you’re sensitive to motion or you mainly want quiet time to take photos, you might prefer a car-based tour instead. The good news is you can still benefit from the free rebooking approach if your first night isn’t ideal.

Who Should Book This Northern Lights Cruise

This is a strong match if you:

• Want warmth provided, not just advised
• Appreciate a guide who explains what you’re seeing, not a silent photo session
• Plan to stay in Reykjavik and can handle a second night if needed
• Value photo help, including free downloads

It’s also a smart option for families since thermal overalls are available in children’s sizes and the heated indoor space helps you take breaks.

Where it might not be ideal is if you expect a calm, easy evening with wide-open deck space. On busy nights or rougher water, the experience becomes more about waiting and managing conditions than about strolling around freely.

Should You Book This Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?

If you want the best balance of comfort, guidance, and odds, I’d book it. The included thermal suits, heated indoor seating, and photo support are the backbone of a good aurora night. Then the free try-again ticket turns the whole thing from a single gamble into a second chance.

Book it when you can be flexible with your dates, and when you’re ready for the aurora to be weather-dependent. Skip it if you cannot spare another night and you need certainty.

One practical tip before you go: treat this as an aurora experience, not a sightseeing cruise. Focus on warm layers under the suit, your camera plan, and staying patient. When the lights do show up, you’ll be glad you were prepared to actually see them, and not just survive the wait.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is WiFi included?

Yes. Free WiFi is included, along with heated indoor seating.

What warmth is provided for the cruise?

You get thermal overalls, and heated indoor seating is available onboard. You can also buy hot drinks and refreshments on the boat.

What happens if I do not see the northern lights?

If there are no sightings during your tour, you receive a free ticket to try again on the next available day. This offer does not expire.

Are photos included?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every tour and are available to download free of charge. Crew members can also help with photography on board if needed.

Is hotel drop-off included?

Hotel drop-off is available if you choose that option. Hotel pick-up can be booked directly with the supplier for an extra fee.

What is the cancellation policy if the weather changes?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund (if you have not joined the tour previously).