Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

Catch the aurora from Faxaflói Bay. I like the way this Northern Lights cruise combines open-water views with heated indoor seating, and I like that thermal overalls are supplied instead of forcing you to buy costly winter gear. The free photo downloads and crew help with camera settings are another real plus. The catch is simple: cloudy skies, rough seas, or weak aurora activity can leave you with a long, dark boat ride.

This 2-hour-30-minute outing leaves from central Reykjavik and heads away from some city light. Guide Lukas has earned praise for his clear explanations, while other crew members have helped people point cameras in the right direction. You can stay warm inside with WiFi and a hot drink, or step onto the deck for the best view. At $108.13, it is fair value if you see a strong display, but the repeat-ticket policy matters because nature, not the operator, controls the main event.

Key points to know before sailing

• Thermal overalls are included: Children’s sizes are available, and you should put the suit on before heading outside.
• The boat offers a warm fallback: Heated indoor seating, WiFi, toilets, and refreshments for purchase make this easier than standing beside a roadside coach for hours.
• The aurora is never guaranteed: Clouds, rain, wind, sea conditions, and solar activity can all change the result.
• You can try again for free: If you join the cruise and see nothing, you receive another ticket for the next available day.
• Photos are included: Pictures taken during each outing can be downloaded at no charge, and crew members can help with photography.
• The group may be large: Capacity is listed at up to 198 people, so deck space can feel tight after a cancellation causes people to rebook.

Leaving Geirsgata for Faxaflói Bay

Your evening begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, in central Reykjavik. The cruise finishes at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the harbor. Hotel pickup can be added directly through the supplier for an extra charge, but it is not part of the basic ticket.

The trip takes place in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is close to public transportation. Most people can take part, but remember that this is a boat excursion in Icelandic winter conditions. If you have limited mobility or are uncomfortable on a moving vessel, check your needs with the operator before booking.

At departure, you board a sightseeing boat and receive a thermal overall. The overalls are a smart touch. A calm harbor can feel manageable, yet the wind becomes much sharper once you move out into open water. One useful tip is to choose a larger overall size if you are between sizes, since you may want to wear warm layers underneath.

The fleet can vary. One outing used the Andrea, described as a good-sized boat with plenty of lower-deck seating. Other departures may feel smaller, and one account described a cramped boat with little room to change. That difference matters, especially on a busy sailing, so do not assume every departure will have the same amount of deck space.

The first stretch, getting settled indoors

The boat normally spends the opening part of the trip moving out from Reykjavik. This is a good time to find a seat, learn where the indoor viewing area is, and ask the crew about the best outdoor access. You may hear an introduction to the aurora, including both scientific facts and Icelandic stories about the lights.

The science is straightforward but fascinating. Charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing the colored glow known as the aurora borealis. Green is the color you are most likely to see, though the strength and shape can change quickly. The guide’s job is not just to point at the sky, but to help you understand why the display moves and why one night can differ so much from the next.

The storytelling has been one of the strongest parts of the outing. Guide Lukas has been singled out for making the explanations lively and easy to follow. Other guides have used humor and informal commentary to keep the mood up during long periods of waiting. That matters because the first hour may involve more watching than seeing.

The boat has a small onboard food and drink service. You can buy refreshments, but they are not included in the ticket. Descriptions range from hot chocolate and snacks to a compact service area with chocolate bars, chips, powdered cocoa, hot water, and limited supplies. Treat it as a useful convenience, not a full café.

Finding darker water beyond Reykjavik

The main reason to choose a boat is the chance to move away from Reykjavik’s strongest lights. The operator aims for an area with less light pollution, then slows or adjusts the route while the crew watches the sky and weather conditions. That can give you a broad horizon and a better sense of the stars.

Still, the boat does not magically remove every city light. One outing found the darkness no better than expected, and another person wished the vessel had gone farther out. A cruise also cannot chase clear skies in the same way a road vehicle can change direction. If clouds sit over the bay, the boat may have fewer options.

Once the boat reaches its viewing area, you can step outside to scan the sky. The deck is where you get the cleanest view, but it is also where cold and wind hit hardest. The thermal suit helps, yet you should still wear warm clothing, gloves, and a hat. The overalls are insulation, not magic armor.

Inside, you have heated seating and access to a hot drink for purchase. This is the cruise’s main comfort advantage. You can warm up, use the facilities, and then return outside when the guide spots a possible opening in the cloud. If sea conditions are rough, however, the crossing may feel uncomfortable. One person described significant movement in strong wind, while another found the final part of the trip unpleasant because of speed and weather.

Waiting for the sky to change

Aurora watching requires patience. A forecast may look promising, then clouds roll in. A weak glow may appear as a pale arc, only to strengthen into moving ribbons a few minutes later. On one successful outing, the lights appeared just as the group was close to giving up, and the crew extended the viewing time so people could watch longer.

That is why I would not judge the cruise only by the first sighting, or lack of one. The crew may keep monitoring conditions and give you directions about where to look. Clear nights can bring more than the aurora. People have also spotted shooting stars and constellations from the deck.

The quality of the display varies. A strong show can look like a green curtain moving across the sky, clearly visible to the naked eye. A weaker display may appear as a faint gray or green band that your camera records more clearly than your eyes. This is normal, not a trick. Modern cameras can gather more light during a long exposure than your eyes can in a quick glance.

The guide and crew can help you make the most of a brief appearance. They may point out the direction of the lights and offer advice for taking pictures. You can also ask a crew member for photography assistance. Keep your camera ready, since the best moment may last only a short time.

Free photos and practical camera help

Pictures are taken on every tour and are available to download free of charge. That gives you a useful record even if your own phone struggles in the dark. Do not expect every image to capture the exact view you saw from the deck, but the included service adds value to the ticket.

The crew can also help with basic photography. This is particularly useful if you have never photographed the night sky. A phone may record a green glow, while a proper camera on a stable setting can capture more detail. On a moving boat, sharp pictures are harder because the vessel rocks and the subject is far away.

Wind is another problem. Even a strong aurora can produce disappointing photographs if your hands are cold or the boat is moving. Use the supplied suit, keep your device protected from moisture, and ask for help before the lights become intense. You may not have much time once the display begins.

What happens when the lights do not appear

The repeat-ticket policy is the biggest financial safeguard. If you take the cruise and see no northern lights, you receive a free ticket for the next available day. The ticket does not expire and can be used years later, according to the supplied conditions.

That sounds generous, but you need to understand the limits. The offer is useful only if you have another night in Reykjavik, or if you return later. A full sailing can also make rebooking difficult. One person tried to return but found the next departure full, and there was confusion about whether to contact the booking platform or the cruise company.

If the operator cancels before you sail because of poor weather, you can choose another date or a full refund, provided you have not already joined the tour. If conditions look suitable for the aurora but the sea is too rough, the company may offer a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead. That bus option costs the same as the boat, so choosing it does not create a refund.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Inside that window, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Since weather forecasts can shift quickly, this policy makes timing important. If your schedule allows, booking early in your Iceland stay gives you more chances to use the free retry.

How the $108.13 price holds up

At $108.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to look for the aurora. You are paying for the boat, indoor warmth, thermal overalls, a guide, WiFi, included photography, and the chance to repeat the trip after a blank night. You are not paying for food, drinks, or hotel transfer.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who values comfort. A boat gives you a bathroom, a place to sit, and a way to escape the cold without ending the outing. The free retry can also protect your budget if you have several nights available.

The value drops if you have only one evening in Reykjavik. The lights may fail to appear, and the repeat ticket then offers little immediate help. In that situation, check the weather and cloud forecast on the day before committing to any northern lights activity. Also consider that a boat cannot turn down every road or leave the cloud cover as easily as a vehicle.

A full boat is another value issue. With a maximum of 198 people, deck space may be limited. One busy departure had little room to move outside, partly because earlier cancellations had pushed people onto the same sailing. If personal space and easy photography matter more to you than indoor comfort, a smaller outing may suit you better.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would point this cruise toward you if you want the aurora without spending two or three hours standing outdoors. It suits couples, families, and first-time visitors who like having a warm indoor base and clear explanations in English. Children can use the available thermal overalls, which makes the outing easier for families.

It also works well for anyone who likes the sea at night. Even a blank aurora night can provide harbor views, dark water, stars, and a change of pace from Reykjavik’s streets. You may find the slow cruise peaceful, though people who want constant activity could find the waiting dull.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike cold wind, or have only one night to try. Rough water can make the deck uncomfortable, and a cloudy outing can feel like two hours of waiting. If you prefer a mobile search with more route options, a bus tour may be a better fit, especially when sea conditions are poor.

Should you book the Northern Lights cruise?

Book it if comfort, onboard facilities, and a free second chance matter to you. The best parts are the thermal suits, warm seating, helpful photography support, and guides such as Lukas who can make the science and local stories worth hearing. When the lights appear, the open view over the bay can be spectacular.

Book with realistic expectations. You are buying a well-equipped search, not a guaranteed light show. Check the forecast close to departure, schedule this early in your Reykjavik stay, and keep a spare evening free for the repeat ticket. If you can accept that nature gets the final vote, this is a sensible and comfortable way to hunt for the aurora from the capital.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are thermal overalls included?

Yes. Thermal overalls are included, and children’s sizes are available.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

You receive a free ticket to try again on the next available day. The ticket does not expire, but you cannot receive a refund after you have already taken the tour and used the service.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Are hotel transfers available?

Yes. Hotel pickup can be booked directly with the supplier for an additional fee.

What happens if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

You can be offered another date or a full refund, provided you have not previously joined the tour. If sea conditions are poor but aurora conditions still look promising, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.