Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

The best thing about this cruise is simple: you get away from Reykjavik’s shore lights without spending hours in a bus or standing in a frozen parking lot. Out on Faxaflói Bay, you can watch the sky from the open deck, then retreat indoors for warmth and a hot drink. Thermal overalls are included, which saves you from buying bulky winter gear for one evening.

I also like the free return ticket if the aurora does not show, and the crew’s help with night photography. Guides explain both Icelandic myths and the real science behind the lights. The main catch is that the boat cannot control clouds, wind, or solar activity, and a full departure can feel cramped outside. A sighting is never guaranteed, even at the $108.13 price.

Key points to know before you book

• You sail into Faxaflói Bay: The boat takes you away from some city light, though it may not remove light pollution completely.
• You get a second chance: If no aurora appears, you receive a ticket for another departure on the next available day.
• Thermal suits are supplied: Adult and children’s sizes are available, and the suits matter on a cold, windy deck.
• The boat gives you an indoor escape: Heated seating, WiFi, toilets, and refreshments for purchase make this less punishing than a roadside search.
• Photos are included: Pictures taken during each cruise can be downloaded free, and crew members can help you set up your own camera.
• Weather can change the plan: A canceled sailing may be rescheduled or refunded, though a bus alternative can be offered in poor sea conditions.

Leaving Reykjavik after dark

The tour begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, near Reykjavik’s harbor. The cruise lasts about two and a half hours, often leaving in the evening and returning to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee, but you can also make your own way to the harbor using public transport.

The first part is more about getting settled than sightseeing. You put on the supplied thermal overalls, find a place inside, and listen for the guide’s first explanation of the evening. On some departures, the boat is the Andrea, described as a good-sized vessel with plenty of lower-deck seating. On other nights, the available boat may feel smaller and tighter, especially after several canceled departures send people onto the same sailing.

That variation matters. A boat with roomy seating makes the wait pleasant. A crowded departure can make it harder to move between the indoor area and the deck, just when a patch of aurora appears. If you care most about having open space for photography, ask the operator about the expected boat and passenger load before departure.

The maximum group size is listed as 198 people. That is not a small private outing. It is a proper sightseeing cruise, with the advantages of an organized crew and the drawbacks of a large group.

What the guide adds to the sky

The guide’s role is more than pointing toward a green glow. You hear the basic science of the aurora, including the collision of particles in Earth’s atmosphere that creates the colored light. You also hear Icelandic stories and myths, which give the evening a local flavor without pretending that folklore is scientific fact.

The quality of the explanation can shape the whole outing. One guide named Lukas receives special praise for being informative and lively, while other guides are described as friendly, helpful, and good at explaining where to look. The crew may also extend the search if the forecast suggests that the lights are about to appear. That flexibility is useful because the aurora does not follow the boat’s timetable.

Some departures are quiet and slow, with long periods of waiting under cloud. That is normal for this kind of outing, but it can feel dull if you expect constant sightseeing. A guide who fills the time with clear explanations, stories, and practical advice makes the wait much easier.

Searching Faxaflói Bay for the aurora

The boat heads out from Reykjavik into Faxaflói Bay, where the aim is to reduce the effect of harbor and city lights. This is a sensible idea, but do not expect total darkness. The shore remains visible, and one assessment found the light pollution no better than expected.

The boat may cruise slowly while the crew checks the sky. That pace helps you look for faint arcs and gives the group time to react if the aurora starts moving. It also means the trip is not a fast sightseeing ride. If the sky stays cloudy, the same slow movement can feel repetitive.

When conditions cooperate, the setting can be wonderful. The city fades behind you, stars become easier to see, and the lights may begin as a pale green arc before growing stronger. Some departures have also produced shooting stars and clear views of constellations. The aurora may be obvious to your eyes, but faint displays can show more clearly through a camera.

Your best chance comes from staying alert. Do not spend the whole cruise inside with your drink. Check the deck often, especially if the guide calls people outside. At the same time, do not feel obliged to stand in the wind for the entire two and a half hours. The indoor viewing area is there for a reason.

Warmth, clothing, and the open deck

The included thermal overalls are one of the strongest practical features. They are available in children’s sizes and can make a real difference when wind moves across the water. Put one on even if you feel comfortable in the harbor. Conditions at sea can be colder than they seem at the start.

Pay attention to sizing. A larger suit may be easier to pull over your own jacket and layers. You still need warm shoes, gloves, a hat, and sensible base layers. The overalls are helpful, but they do not replace every piece of winter clothing.

Inside, you can sit in a heated area and use the free WiFi. Refreshments are sold onboard, including snacks and hot drinks. A few accounts describe the café area as small and basic rather than a full restaurant, so treat it as a useful place to buy a drink or snack, not a dining destination. Prices and the exact food selection are not specified.

The boat has toilet facilities, which is a major advantage over a long bus search. Still, outdoor viewing is the reason to book a cruise, so you need to balance comfort with time on deck. On windy nights, the boat can move noticeably. That can make photography harder and may unsettle anyone sensitive to motion.

Photography without special equipment

The operator takes pictures on every cruise and makes them available to download free of charge. This is a nice safety net, particularly if your phone struggles with night photography or the boat movement makes your own pictures blurry.

Crew members can also help you with photography. Expect advice about where to point and how to get ready, but do not expect every image to be perfect. Aurora photos often require a steady camera and careful settings, while a moving boat adds another problem. Wind and vibration can turn a strong display into a blur.

Keep your camera ready before the lights appear. Some displays are brief, and you may not have time to return inside, find your phone, and change settings. A camera can also reveal faint colors that are difficult to see with the naked eye. That does not make the experience less real. It is simply how low-light photography works.

If you want the best chance at a personal photo, choose a spot with a clear view and avoid waiting until the final minutes. On a crowded sailing, deck space may be limited. People who want to photograph the sky should move carefully and avoid blocking others.

The free rebooking promise

The free retry is the feature that makes the price easier to accept. If you join the cruise and see no lights, you receive another ticket for the next available day. The offer does not expire and can reportedly be used years later, though you need to contact the operator and arrange a place.

There is an important practical limit: a future departure must have space. One person had trouble rebooking because the next cruise was full, and there was confusion about whether to contact the booking company or Special Tours. I would clarify the process before leaving the harbor, especially if your Iceland visit is short.

A free retry helps most if you have several nights in Reykjavik. It is much less useful if you fly home the next morning. For a short stay, book early in your visit so you have room to try again.

If the boat is canceled before you join because of poor weather, you may be offered another date or a full refund. If the sea is rough but the aurora forecast still looks promising, the company may offer a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead. That bus tour is treated as the same-priced alternative, so choosing it does not produce a refund.

The normal cancellation rule is also worth noting. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of weather.

Price, timing, and overall value

At $108.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the aurora. You are paying for a boat, crew, indoor seating, thermal overalls, onboard photos, and the chance to return without paying again. The value improves if you use the second attempt or would otherwise need to purchase winter clothing.

The cruise also solves a real comfort problem. You have access to warmth, a toilet, seating, WiFi, and refreshments instead of sitting in a vehicle or standing outdoors for several hours. For families, the child-sized suits and indoor space are useful.

The price is harder to justify if you have only one night available, strongly dislike boat movement, or expect the company to cancel whenever the forecast looks weak. Some departures have gone ahead in rain or poor conditions, leaving people with no chance of seeing the sky. Weather cancellation rules protect you in some cases, but not every disappointing forecast leads to a canceled trip.

The tour is offered in English and suits most people physically. Hotel transfers are not included unless added separately. With an average booking lead time of about 75 days, reserving well ahead is sensible in busy winter periods, though you should still check the weather and cancellation terms before committing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose it if you want a comfortable aurora search from Reykjavik and like the idea of escaping the city without a long road journey. It is especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a warm indoor option close at hand.

You should also choose it if you have two or more nights available. The free retry turns a cloudy first outing into a reasonable gamble. A clear second night can completely change the experience, as several successful departures show.

I would hesitate if you want a small, quiet boat with lots of deck room. The group can be large, and rescheduled sailings may be crowded. I would also think twice if you are prone to seasickness or have just one evening in Iceland.

Final verdict: a sensible aurora gamble

This cruise cannot promise the Northern Lights, and no boat can. Its strongest points are practical: thermal overalls, heated seating, onboard facilities, free photos, helpful photography support, and a free second attempt.

The weak points are just as clear. Light pollution may still be visible, the sea can be rough, outdoor space can be tight, and the operator may run a departure in weather that leaves little hope of seeing the sky. At $108.13, I would book it early in a stay of several nights, then use the rebooking option if needed. If you have only one night or want the best possible odds above all else, compare the boat with a bus-based aurora tour before paying.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights cruise depart?

The cruise begins at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Are thermal clothes included?

Yes. Thermal overalls are included, with children’s sizes available. You should still bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, and suitable footwear.

What happens if no Northern Lights appear?

You receive a free ticket to try again on the next available day. The offer does not expire, but you need to arrange another departure and space may be limited.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the standard price, but pickup can be added by booking directly with the supplier for an extra fee.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you may be offered another date or a full refund if you have not already joined the tour.