Aurora nights in Reykjavík are a gamble you can plan for. This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik is built around comfort and coaching, with included thermal overalls and a guide-led mix of local myths and science. I also like the safety net of a free re-try if the sky stays dark. The main drawback is the usual one: weather and wind can affect both visibility and how pleasant it feels out on deck.

You head out on a boat into Faxafloi Bay, where you get a shot at darker skies and longer viewing time than most quick stops. There’s heated indoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and a viewing area where you can warm up without giving up your place in the action. Guides may name-check local stories and point you toward the sky, with some departures even featuring extra photo guidance from staff.

At about 2 hours 30 minutes, it’s a compact winter plan with solid extras for the money. You pay roughly $108.13 per person, and the value comes from what’s included: gear, warmth, and photos. Still, if you hate being on a moving boat, be aware that some nights can feel lively.

Key things I’d mark on your checklist

• Faxafloi Bay sailing: less light pollution than right in the city
• Thermal overalls included: no scrambling for winter gear, kids included
• Guide myths + science: helps you understand the aurora and not just stare upward
• Heated indoor seating + free Wi-Fi: warmth when the wind bites
• Photos taken on every tour: download them free after you sail
• Free re-try if no aurora: you can try again on the next available day

Faxafloi Bay Cruise: the setup that improves your odds

The biggest reason this kind of tour works is simple: you spend time away from the densest city lights while staying close to Reykjavík’s easy logistics. The cruise goes out into Faxafloi Bay, which gives you a darker sky than what you’d see standing on a busy street.

That matters for two reasons. First, aurora brightness varies wildly night to night. Second, even when the lights are faint, you’ll have a better chance of seeing them with less glare around you. The captain and crew can also adjust the cruise approach depending on conditions, and multiple riders note that the trip can include longer viewing if the aurora shows up when it’s already starting to wind down.

And yes, the aurora is never guaranteed. Even in strong aurora season, clouds can steal the view. This cruise does what you can reasonably control: it takes you to a better viewing spot and keeps you comfortable enough to wait for the sky to cooperate.

Thermal overalls, hot drinks, and heated indoor seating

One of the best parts is that you don’t have to assemble your whole winter kit for one night. Thermal overalls are included, and children’s sizes are available. That’s a huge practical win if you’re traveling light or if you’re used to renting gear but don’t want to do it twice.

Onboard, you can rotate between deck time and warmth. There’s a heated indoor seating area plus a viewing zone where you can keep watching without going numb. Free Wi-Fi is also included, which is handy if you want to check timing, save photos, or share a location with friends back home.

Hot drinks are available to purchase. I like that this turns into a real plan for staying out there. When you’re comfortable, you’re more willing to keep scanning the sky instead of ducking away every few minutes.

If you’re bringing a camera, plan to protect it from the cold too. Batteries drain faster in Icelandic wind, and warm clothes help you keep your gear accessible instead of buried in a pocket the whole night.

The guide’s aurora lesson: myths, science, and what it changes for you

This is not just a drive-and-stare cruise. Guides share both local myths and the science behind the aurora borealis—so you leave with an explanation that actually holds up. You also get direction on what to watch for, plus help around photographing the sky.

Some guides have been specifically highlighted for being chatty and informative, including a mention of Lukas. That kind of guide matters because aurora viewing is mostly attention work: you want to know what you’re looking at and how to keep your eyes from tiring out.

Here’s what that coaching can do for you:

• It helps you tell aurora patterns from ordinary clouds or moon glare.
• It gives you a rhythm for checking the sky rather than panic-checking every minute.
• It nudges you toward better photo habits, especially when the lights appear quickly and then fade.

When the aurora does show up, you’ll still rely on luck and timing. But having context makes the whole experience feel more grounded—like you’re decoding the sky instead of hoping you’ll catch it by accident.

Deck reality: space, movement, and wind-proof expectations

Let’s talk about the part nobody can guarantee: the feel on deck. The boat can run full (and the overall max group size is up to 198), so space outside can be tight when everyone wants the same view at once. On busy nights, you may not get long, comfortable stretches standing exactly where you want.

Then there’s motion. The cruise is on open water, so wind and wave action can make the boat feel bouncy. Some nights sound calm and easy; other nights can feel more intense, especially for anyone who gets motion-sensitive or hates cold spray.

My practical advice:

• Bring a camera strap you can manage with gloves on.
• Keep your viewing plan flexible: warm up inside, then return to deck when the guide signals.
• Expect wind. If you’re wearing just a hat and you think the overalls will handle everything, you might still feel exposed at the face and hands.

If you’re going with a group, pick a meet-up spot inside first. That way, if people drift while they warm up, you won’t spend the whole aurora chase hunting each other.

Included photos and Wi-Fi: how the cruise helps you remember it

Most aurora tours let you fend for yourself when it comes to pictures. This one takes a different approach by taking photos on every tour and making them available to download for free.

That’s useful in two ways. First, it reduces stress. You can spend less time juggling settings and more time watching the sky. Second, it gives you a fallback memory if the aurora is faint on your camera screen but still visible to the naked eye.

There’s also crew support for photography. If you need help—like getting your angle right or figuring out where to stand when the lights shift—ask. Staff can assist onboard.

Because free Wi-Fi is included, you can also quickly review what you’re seeing on your phone without waiting until you’re back in your hotel. That doesn’t make the aurora easier to photograph, but it does make it easier to react in the moment.

What if the aurora doesn’t show? Your free re-try plan

This is one of the strongest reasons to pick this cruise rather than gamble on a single outing. If you don’t see the lights during your tour, you get another ticket to join the next available day. The offer doesn’t expire, so you can use it later if your schedule changes.

That free re-try turns aurora chasing from a one-night gamble into a “try twice” strategy. And that matters, because aurora season can feel like this: one night looks promising and the next night is clouded over. With the extra chance, you can keep your trip moving without feeling like the whole experience depended on one sky window.

If weather forces cancellation, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund if you haven’t already used the service. In some situations, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead when sea conditions are poor.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re choosing a budget-style back-up option, the fine print can limit refunds when switching to the bus. If that distinction matters to you, I’d choose your option based on how many nights you have in Reykjavík and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Itinerary in plain language: what happens during those 2.5 hours

Here’s the rhythm you can expect, night to night:

You meet at Special Tours at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík. From there, you board and get suited up with the thermal overalls before you head out. The guide typically kicks off with an explanation of what the aurora is, including the scientific side and the myth side, so you know what you’re looking for.

Then you cruise into Faxafloi Bay and start scanning the sky. There’s time outdoors for stargazing, plus time in the heated area if wind or cold becomes too intense. Hot drinks and other refreshments are available to purchase onboard.

The best moments can arrive quickly, so watch for crew cues and follow their suggested spots. If the lights come on late, the crew can slow down or extend viewing so you don’t lose the show just because it appeared at the wrong time.

After the cruise, you return to the meeting point. If the hotel drop-off option is selected, you may be finished with hotel delivery as well.

Price and value: why $108.13 can still feel fair

At about $108.13 per person, this cruise isn’t the cheapest aurora play in Reykjavík—but it’s not overpriced for what’s included.

The value math looks like this:

• You get thermal overalls (including kids sizes), which can remove a big travel cost and a big hassle.
• You get heated indoor seating so the wait doesn’t turn into misery.
• You get free Wi-Fi and onboard photo support so you’re not stuck freezing and guessing.
• You get photos taken on every tour that you can download free.
• You get a free re-try if the lights don’t appear on your sailing.

If you were buying gear, paying for warmth, and trying to recreate photos yourself, the cost gap can shrink fast. The included extras are what make the experience feel like more than just a boat ride.

That said, you’re still paying for weather-dependent outcomes. If your schedule is rigid—like you only have one single night in Reykjavík—decide carefully and consider whether you’re comfortable with the possibility of no aurora.

Who this Northern Lights boat cruise suits best

This is a strong match if you:

• Want a guided aurora experience in English
• Don’t want to hunt for winter gear on the first night you arrive
• Prefer warmth and restrooms over hours of standing outside
• Travel as a couple, family, or small group who can handle a shared ship with up to 198 people

It’s also a smart pick if you care about photos but don’t want the pressure of figuring out everything yourself. The mix of staff photo help and included photos makes it easier to leave with real memories.

I’d be more cautious if you:

• Know you get motion sick on boats
• Strongly dislike crowded deck conditions when everyone rushes outdoors at once
• Are expecting a guarantee of bright aurora on command (no tour can do that)

Should you book this aurora cruise from Reykjavík?

I’d book it if you want a comfortable, guided aurora hunt with built-in support for photos and a second chance if the sky stays cloudy. The thermal overalls alone can make the whole night easier, and the free re-try is the kind of flexibility that turns a risky weather plan into something more controlled.

I’d skip or rethink it if your idea of a perfect night is calm, quiet, and outdoors without motion. The aurora chase is exciting, but the sea can be choppy on Icelandic evenings, and the deck can feel packed when the lights appear.

If you’re flexible with dates and you want a practical, low-stress way to chase the aurora from Reykjavík, this cruise is a very reasonable bet.

FAQ

How long is the northern lights cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Are thermal overalls included, and do they come in kids sizes?

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

Will I get photos from the tour?

Yes. Photos are taken on every tour, and you can download them free of charge.

What happens if there are no northern lights sightings?

If nothing is seen on your tour, you can get another ticket to join on the next available day. This offer does not expire.

Is there indoor warmth and Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes. The boat includes heated indoor seating and free Wi-Fi.

What if the cruise is cancelled due to weather?

If cancelled due to inclement weather, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund (if you have not joined the tour previously). If sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead.