Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

This is interesting because it turns the northern lights hunt into a timed, guided night out, with a boat ride that gets you away from Reykjavik’s worst light pollution. I really like the included thermal overalls, because they mean you can show up without hunting down expensive winter gear first.

I also like that the guide breaks down what’s real, what’s myth, and how to improve your chances of getting a shot, with named guidance like Lukas showing up in reports. One catch to know up front: the aurora depends on favorable weather, so you should be ready for the possibility of no lights that night.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Faxafloi Bay positioning: you sail out to a darker viewing area so your eyes and camera have a better shot
• Thermal overalls and heated comfort: warmth on deck plus heated indoor seating keeps the night from turning into a punishment
• Free re-try ticket if nothing is seen: if the aurora does not show, you can join again on the next available day
• Free onboard photos: pictures are taken every tour and you can download them at no extra cost
• Help with photography: crew members can help with shooting and tips while you’re on the water
• Guide mixes myths and science: you get explanations for how the aurora happens, not just folklore and jokes

Faxafloi Bay and a boat ride for your aurora odds

A northern lights cruise only helps if it solves the two big problems: light pollution and comfort. This one does both. You start in central Reykjavik, then step aboard and cruise out into Faxafloi Bay to look for the aurora borealis. The aurora forms when charged particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, creating those moving curtains of color overhead. On this kind of night, the science matters, but so does the practical reality: you need darkness, not just hope.

The tour includes a heated indoor area and you can switch between outdoor viewing and getting warm again. That rhythm is huge. In Iceland winters, standing still and cold for two hours can grind you down fast, and when you’re miserable, you miss the moment the lights actually appear.

Group size is capped at 198 travelers. That doesn’t sound small, and it shows up in the experience level on some nights. If the boat is full, you can find it tight to move around outside. Still, the overall setup is designed for one goal: getting you out far enough and keeping you warm enough to keep looking.

On board: suits, heated seating, and a steady viewing plan

The basic flow is simple. You board the sightseeing boat, you head out to search, and you spend time on deck stargazing. If you want to warm up, there’s indoor seating and you can hunker down with a hot drink while you wait for the sky to do its thing.

Here’s what’s especially useful for first-timers:

• Thermal overalls are included, and they come in children’s sizes too. This is the sort of inclusion that quietly saves your trip. You do not have to gamble on finding the right gear on arrival.
• You’re not stuck outside the whole time. Heated indoor seating and a viewing area give you a chance to reset.
• Free WiFi is onboard. It’s not the main reason to go, but it helps if you need to message home or quickly coordinate with a travel partner.
• Photos are taken on every tour and you can download them free of charge. You’re paying to see the aurora, but you’re also paying for someone to document the moment.

Food and drink are available to purchase on board, but they are not included. So think of the tour as a warm, guided viewing session, not a dinner cruise.

Timing is about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). On at least one reported departure, sailing lasted roughly from 9 pm to around 11:30 pm. In other words, you’re in the dark hours. That’s exactly when you want to be out on the water.

The guide experience: myths, science, and photo coaching

A big reason this cruise scores well is the way the guide runs the night. The goal is not just to point at the sky. You learn how the aurora works, and you also get help sorting myths from science, which is a smart use of your time.

In reports, the guide experience is described as friendly, chatty, and hands-on. Lukas is one name that stands out in feedback, and crews are also credited with helping people aim cameras at the right spot. Even if you’ve shot night skies before, it helps to get local guidance on what to watch for first.

A practical note from real-world aurora behavior: you can think the show is ending, then it comes back. More than one account describes lights appearing around the time the crew was about to wrap up, and staff extending the time so everyone could keep watching. That tells you they’re paying attention, not just reading a script.

One more truth you should plan around: your naked eyes might see less than your camera. Some of the aurora shows clearly only in photos, which is why it’s smart to have your camera ready as soon as you’re outside, not five minutes into the hunt.

What “good chances” really means, and the free re-try ticket

Northern lights are never guaranteed, even with a perfect plan. This tour deals with that reality in two ways.

First, you’re sailing away from the brightest areas, which helps your eyes and camera. Second, you get a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen on your tour. That re-try is a major value boost because you’re not stuck with a single attempt.

A few important details shape how this plays out:

• If you join the tour and there are no sightings, you can get another ticket to join on the next available day.
• The offer does not expire and can be used later, even years after, as long as you keep the ticket and follow the rules of the service.
• If you’ve already joined once and used the re-try, refunds are not available in that situation.

Also, there are weather-driven swaps. If conditions to see the lights still look good but sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus alternative instead of staying out on the water. The bus option is the same price as the boat option, and if you choose it in these circumstances, you should expect no refund. In plain terms: if they have to change the format for safety or comfort, you’ll want to accept that you’re still paying the same amount either way.

On one night, some people reported the backup plan being something like a whale museum visit after a cancellation due to weather. That kind of substitute can be fine if you’re flexible, but it can feel like a letdown if you booked with one very specific dream in mind. If you ever get a cancellation message, it’s worth asking what the substitute activity is before you accept it.

Value check: why $108-ish can be a fair deal in Iceland

The price is $108.13 per person, for an experience that is about two and a half hours. In Reykjavik winter, that doesn’t just cover a boat. It covers a bundle of things that would otherwise add up fast.

You get:

• Thermal overalls (including kids sizes), which is often the most expensive “unknown” for visitors
• Heated indoor seating plus a warm, guided viewing setup
• Free WiFi
• Pictures taken on every tour, downloadable free of charge
• Help with photography while you’re onboard
• A free re-try if the aurora does not show

Not included:

• Food and drinks, which you can purchase on board

When you add that up, this feels closer to a “northern lights package” than a raw boat rental. The included photos alone can be a nice bonus if you’re not sure you’ll get good shots, or if you’d rather spend your time watching instead of fiddling with settings all night.

Your best value comes if you actually see the aurora and enjoy the comfort. But the free re-try also adds cushion. You’re not just buying a single roll of the dice.

Comfort and reality: space, wind, and what to plan for

The best nights are the easy ones. Clear skies, active aurora, and calm enough water. On the less ideal nights, the cruise is still useful, but you need to know what discomfort can look like.

A few practical realities show up in feedback:

• If the boat is full, outdoor space can feel limited and you may not have much room to reposition.
• If the wind picks up, the boat can move more than you expect. That can be a little unnerving for people who get seasick.
• Even with thermal gear, you’ll likely want to layer smartly under the overalls. The overalls do the heavy lifting, but your comfort still depends on how you dress.

One tip from experience is about sizing: some people suggest going a bit larger with the suits so you can move and layer better. If you’re at the edge of two sizes, that’s a reasonable approach, since being able to shift comfortably matters on deck.

Also, remember the nature of the sky. Sometimes lights are quick, then stronger later. If the guide and crew keep hunting and giving you photo cues, it can help you catch the moment even if you missed the first wave.

Where you start, where you end, and how to get there

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. If you select hotel drop-off, it can be included after the cruise, but that’s an option rather than guaranteed in every booking. Hotel pick-up may also be available by booking directly with the supplier, with extra fees.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which matters because Reykjavik parking and winter navigation can be annoying. If you’re staying in the center, you may find it’s simpler to arrive on foot or by bus rather than driving.

Who should book this northern lights cruise

This cruise is a good fit if you:

• Want a guided hunt for the aurora that keeps you warm
• Are traveling with kids or family and appreciate included thermal overalls in children’s sizes
• Care about getting photos without needing to master night-sky camera settings
• Prefer a guided science-and-myth explanation over just a self-guided night walk

It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to spend hours moving around Reykjavik in winter trying to line up viewing spots on your own. The boat gives you a built-in plan and a darker area to search.

If you know you get very seasick, you should consider your comfort level carefully. The tour is on the water, and wind and sea conditions can vary.

Should you book? My take

Yes, you should book this if you want the best mix of comfort, guidance, and repeat chances. The included thermal overalls, heated seating, free onboard photos, and the free re-try if the aurora does not show are exactly the kind of practical extras that make a northern lights night feel less stressful.

One more decision tip: book with your schedule in mind. A free re-try only helps if you can actually return another night. If your trip is very tight, you may prefer a plan with refund protection, but that depends on the option you choose and the weather situation you face. In this exact setup, the strongest value comes from having at least a little flexibility.

Finally, go in with the right mindset. You’re paying for a serious attempt, not a guarantee. When you do get clear skies, it can be the kind of moment you remember for a long time, especially when the aurora shows in a way your camera captures more clearly than your eyes at first.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the tour start in Reykjavik?

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel drop-off included?

Hotel drop-off is available if you choose the option, otherwise the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What is included with the ticket?

You get use of thermal overalls, free WiFi and heated indoor seating, pictures taken on every tour (downloadable free of charge), and a free ticket to try again if nothing is seen. Crew members can also help with photography on board.

Are refreshments included?

Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase refreshments on board if you want them.

What happens if there are no northern lights on my cruise?

If there are no sightings, you can join the cruise again for free on the next available day. The offer does not expire.

Does the tour guarantee that the aurora will be visible?

No. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions.

What if the tour is canceled due to inclement weather?

If cancelled due to poor weather, you are offered an option to reschedule or receive a full refund (if you have not joined the tour previously).

Are there any weather-related alternatives if sea conditions are poor?

If conditions look good for the lights but sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead. In that situation, choosing the coach tour means a refund is not offered.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 198 travelers.

If you’d like, tell me your travel dates and whether you have 1 spare night or not, and I’ll help you decide if booking one attempt or holding flexibility makes more sense for your plan.