Watching aurora from a boat feels different. You’ll slide away from Reykjavik’s bright lights onto the water, giving you a better shot at seeing the Northern Lights dance overhead. It’s a simple setup: guided night cruise, deck time for sky-watching, and indoor warmth when the cold bites.

One thing I really like is how much thought goes into comfort. You get warm overalls, access to heated indoor cabins with toilets, and a warm bar area with snacks and refreshments you can buy onboard. Another big win is the guide work: you’re not just staring up—you’ll hear science and folklore, and you may get help with camera settings (and sometimes even photos handled by the crew).

One possible drawback is the main one with aurora everywhere: the lights are unpredictable. You could sail without a clear show, though you’ll have a reschedule option if there are no sightings.

Key things that make this cruise work

• Getting past Reykjavik’s city glow for darker skies once you’re at sea
• Heated indoor cabins with toilets so you’re not stuck freezing
• Warm overalls + deck time that let you actually enjoy the search
• Science and local legends told by the guides as you wait
• Camera help that matters because phones and cameras often miss the best moments
• Free rebooking if there are no sightings for a second chance

Setting off from Geirsgata 11 with the right plan

Your night starts at Geirsgata 11. Check-in is at the Special Tours office at the corner, so I’d treat it like a boarding call, not a casual stroll. Show up about 30 minutes early so you can get sorted before it’s time to gear up and go.

There’s a practical reason for arriving early: you need time to find your group, grab your overalls, and decide how much time you want to spend outdoors. In Iceland, the “wait for aurora” part can be long, and the people who enjoy it most tend to be the ones dressed for the weather.

If the cold gets to you easily, you’ll like how the boat is set up with heated interior space. You’re not betting the whole night on staying outside with bare hands and hope.

Why Faxaflói from the water changes the whole aurora hunt

Once you’re out at Faxaflói, you get the best kind of upgrade for aurora watching: less light pollution and more open sky. From the water, Reykjavik’s glow drops away, and the night sky has more room to look dramatic instead of washed out.

You also get views in the opposite direction. Even before the aurora starts, watching the city from the sea can be a nice bonus—especially when you can compare what light pollution does to the stars. It’s also just a calmer way to experience Reykjavik at night than standing packed at a single viewpoint.

Timing here matters. This is a 2-hour cruise, and during those hours you’ll be searching—watching for cloud cover, shifting conditions, and brief openings that can light up the sky fast. If clouds roll in, you’ll often spend that time learning what to look for, not just freezing in silence.

The boat setup: warm cabins, toilets, and a deck that actually gets used

This cruise is built for people who want to spend time outside without suffering for it. You’ll have access to heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, so you can warm up without losing your place in the action. There’s also a heated indoor bar area where you can buy snacks and refreshments.

Then there are the overalls. They’re not a gimmick. Reviews repeatedly point out that the warm flotation overalls make deck time realistic, even when you’re out there for star-watching and waiting. One useful tip from past guests: if the weather is intense, consider going up a size so the suit fits over your clothes comfortably.

If you’re the type who hates wet seating or getting colder after stepping back inside, bring a little patience. Some past guests noted seats can get wet, which can make the next stretch outdoors less pleasant. The fix is simple: keep moving, warm up fast inside, and change your layering if needed.

Also, do what one guest suggested and pee first before you fully suit up. Getting in and out of warm gear and small restrooms can be awkward when you’re wearing bulky clothing.

What the guides teach you while the sky does its thing

The aurora isn’t just a pretty moment. It’s a process, and the guides explain what you’re seeing while you’re watching for it. You’ll hear science and folklore tied to the Northern Lights, along with local beliefs and legends.

I like that this keeps the experience from turning into aimless waiting. As you scan the sky, the guide turns your attention into a skill—what to watch for, how conditions affect visibility, and why the timing can feel random. When the lights come, you’re not just reacting; you’re understanding.

The guide style comes through clearly in the reviews. Names show up like Lucas and Lukas, and the common thread is active support: helping with how to set up cameras and telling you what might work when aurora light is faint. In a few cases, crew members even took photos for guests, so you’re not stuck watching through a screen the whole time.

One more small but important detail: you’ll get star-gazing time while you wait. Several guests said the guide kept the group engaged during the suspense, not just during the payoff.

Aurora photo reality check: what to expect from cameras

I’ll be honest: Northern Lights photos are weird. Your eyes often see something that your camera struggles to capture, and phone cameras can miss the subtle color shifts that make the sky look alive.

That’s exactly why this kind of cruise is worth it beyond the location. The guides help with camera settings, and some crew members provide photo support. Even if you never get a perfect shot, you’re still likely to get better results than if you’re winging it alone in the cold.

Here’s my practical advice: keep expectations flexible. Focus on seeing the moment first. Then use the guide’s camera tips to try for a photo you’re proud of.

When the lights don’t show: the real meaning of a second chance

Northern Lights cruises live and die by conditions, and this one is upfront about that. If there are no sightings, you can use your booking number to reschedule and try again.

That changes the value of the experience. You’re not paying full price for a guarantee that nature might refuse. You’re paying for an organized hunt with comfort, expert guidance, and a built-in safety net if the sky stays stubborn.

Past guests mention being offered free consolation moments on some nights, and the broader pattern is consistent: the crew works hard to give you an experience even if the aurora doesn’t cooperate. One story stood out for service-minded help: a guide named Lucas stayed late to help search for a lost phone, then arranged a ride back. That’s not something you should plan around, but it tells you how seriously the staff takes guest care.

One caution: aurora nights can also be affected by clouds. Some nights are more “search” than “show.” If you’re the kind of person who wants guaranteed fireworks, no cruise can promise that. If you’re the kind who enjoys the hunt, this will feel like an experience even before the lights arrive.

Price and value: is about $101 fair for 2 hours?

At around $101 per person for a roughly 2-hour cruise, the price makes sense when you break down what’s actually included.

You’re paying for:

• Guided time at sea with aurora-focused commentary (science plus folklore)
• Warm overalls so you can stay outside longer
• Heated indoor cabins with toilets
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• Free WiFi onboard
• A reschedule option if there are no sightings

If you were to rent gear elsewhere, arrange a private guide, or build a DIY night plan from scratch, costs add up quickly. Here, the value is mostly in the comfort and guidance—especially because the aurora can be faint and hard to photograph without help.

Food and drink aren’t included, but the onboard bar is there if you want it. That choice keeps the base price from inflating, and you control what you spend during the night.

So my take: it’s a fair price for an organized, comfortable hunt, with a serious “second chance” feature when the sky doesn’t play along.

Shared boats and environmental limits: what it means for your night

Sometimes, due to environmental reasons, your trip may run on a shared boat with a partner supplier during certain times of the year. This is tied to keeping fewer boats on the water, which is good for the local area and wildlife.

Practically, it can mean the experience feels a bit more crowded than your ideal scenario. That said, the core elements you care about—heated interior, overalls, guided searching, and the chance at aurora—are still the point of the cruise.

If you’re the type who prefers a quiet, low-group experience, keep expectations flexible. If you’re focused on results and comfort, shared setups usually won’t hurt your night.

Who should book this cruise (and who might skip it)

This Northern Lights boat cruise is a great match if:

• You want to get away from city lights instead of doing aurora spotting on land
• You’re okay with unpredictability and want a structured search
• You appreciate comfort details like warm overalls, heated space, and toilets
• You want guide-led science plus local legends, not just silent star watching
• You’d benefit from help with camera settings

You might consider another option if:

• You want a guaranteed aurora show (no tour can promise that)
• You dislike boats at night or get motion sickness easily despite the provided tablets

In general, this is ideal for couples and small groups who want a night out that feels special, not frantic.

Should you book Reykjavik’s Northern Lights boat cruise?

I’d book it if your plan includes Reykjavík during a season when aurora is possible and you’re willing to treat the night like a hunt. The comfort setup is strong—warm overalls, heated cabins with toilets, and seasickness support—so you can actually enjoy the experience instead of rushing back inside the second you freeze.

The bigger reason to choose this cruise is value tied to uncertainty. The reschedule option if there are no sightings matters. It turns the cost into something more like a flexible package: you’re buying the search, the guidance, and the comfort, not a guaranteed light show.

If you’re thinking about booking, prioritize one thing: dress for the deck. Go warmer than you think you need, and plan to alternate between outside sky-checks and quick warm-ups inside. Do that, and you’ll get the best chance of seeing the aurora—and the best chance of enjoying the night even if it’s shy.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights boat cruise from Reykjavik?

The tour is listed as a 2-hour cruise.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Geirsgata 11. Check-in is at the Special Tours office at the corner.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. Warm flotation overalls are included.

Is there heated indoor space on board?

Yes. There are heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and there is also a heated indoor bar area.

Can I buy food and drinks during the cruise?

Food and drink aren’t included, but you can purchase them onboard.

What if there are no Northern Lights sightings?

The Northern Lights are unpredictable. If there are no sightings on the tour, you can use your booking number to reschedule the trip. A free ticket to join again is included.

Are seasickness tablets provided?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available onboard.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is WiFi available on the boat?

Yes. Free WiFi is included onboard.

Is cancellation possible, and how flexible is it?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve now & pay later option.