Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

The sky can change fast. This Reykjavik northern lights cruise gets you onto the water to hunt for the aurora, with a guide explaining the science and the myths in plain language, while thermal overalls keep you comfortable. I especially like that it’s built for serious viewing time, you get heated indoor space plus a deck for stargazing.

I also love the practical extras that make the night easier, like free WiFi, helpful crew for photos, and pictures taken on board that you can download for free. One consideration: when the boat is full, there may be less room to move outside, so if you hate crowds or want constant deck time, plan to be flexible.

Key Points Before You Go

• Faxafloi Bay location means less light pollution than you’d get right in the city
• Thermal overalls included so you do not have to gamble on pricey winter gear
• Heated indoor seating plus free WiFi gives you a warm, calmer place between sightings
• Photo support and free downloads help you capture the aurora without guessing
• Free re-entry if you do not see lights turns a weather gamble into a second chance

Chasing The Aurora From Faxafloi Bay, Not Just From The City Lights

Reykjavik’s northern lights tours live or die by one thing: where you can watch from. This cruise heads out into Faxafloi Bay, putting you on the water and away from a lot of the glow you get closer to town. That small shift matters when the aurora is faint, because your eyes and your camera both need darker conditions to do their jobs.

And here is the smart part. You are not just waiting in one spot and hoping. You are cruising out to improve your viewing conditions, then you spend time on deck stargazing. If the aurora shows up, you’re in the right frame of mind for it, not stuck staring at the city while your hands freeze.

What the Cruise Loop Feels Like: From Boarding To Deck Time

The overall experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes. You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11. The boat outing is designed as a paced hunt: you get time to settle in, then you move into viewing mode, then you wrap up and return to the meeting point.

Here is what that typically looks like once you are on board:

• Check-in and onboard setup. You’ll get oriented and get ready for the weather. The boat provides the thermal suit, but the key is getting comfortable quickly so you do not waste the first part of the night fidgeting.
• Cruise out into Faxafloi Bay. The goal is to give you a better view area, and the guide also uses this time to set expectations.
• Deck viewing and stargazing. This is when you actually track the sky. If the aurora comes in waves, you’ll want to be ready to step outside when the guide suggests it.
• Warm-up cycles. You are not stuck out in the cold the whole time, because you can duck into heated indoor seating and warm up with a hot drink.
• Return and finish. You go back to the meeting point at the end, and hotel drop-off may be available if you chose that option.

A quick reality check: sometimes the lights show early, sometimes late, and sometimes not at all. The cruise format helps because it does not shut down after a quick search. You get real time to look.

Thermal Overalls, Heated Seating, and Why Comfort Helps You See More

In Iceland, “bundle up” is not advice, it’s survival. What makes this cruise stand out is that the experience includes thermal overalls, including children’s sizes, so you do not have to buy expensive winter gear just for one night.

Comfort affects spotting more than people think. When you are warm, you can keep your gaze up longer. You can focus on subtle color shifts instead of constantly rubbing numb fingers. A few riders also mention that the suits can feel best when you wear them with room to move, so if you are between sizes, you might want to think about fit and layering flexibility.

Inside, you also get heated seating plus free WiFi. That’s not just for entertainment. It gives you a place to recover if the wind picks up or if you are waiting for the next wave of activity. And yes, it can be handy to quickly check phone photos or review camera results later.

The Guide’s Role: Myth vs Science, and Practical Photo Tips

A big reason people enjoy this cruise is the guide. You’re not only told when to look, you’re also taught why the sky behaves the way it does. The northern lights happen when particles in Earth’s atmosphere collide, creating the colored glow. Your guide separates the myths from the facts, and that makes the whole night feel less like random waiting.

Then comes the other part that matters: photography help. The crew can be asked for assistance with taking pictures on board. And multiple riders highlight that staff explained what to do to get better shots, plus they guide you to the right part of the sky when sightings happen.

One name that pops up in accounts is Lukas, praised for being very informative and making the experience feel worth the money even when conditions were not perfect. Even if your guide is different, the “how to look and how to shoot” approach is the same idea: you leave with more than just a memory, you leave with usable know-how.

Deck Time, Crowds, and How to Make Your Viewing Actually Work

Let’s talk about the one downside theme that keeps repeating in real-world trips: space. On a full boat, you may find it harder to move around outside. Some people describe limited room on deck, and that can make it tougher to get a good angle without bumping into other guests.

So here is how I’d play it:

• Be okay with switching between heated indoor seating and the deck.
• When the guide calls for viewing time, step out fast, even if you think you just missed it.
• If you care about photos, keep your camera ready so you do not fumble when the aurora finally arrives.

Also, keep expectations realistic. Even when the lights are active, what you can see with the naked eye can be subtle. Several riders stress that aurora often shows better with a camera, so have your device ready. If you want to be extra prepared, bring your charger and any straps or small accessories you like for low light shooting, then practice once you are warm and settled.

The Free Photo Downloads: Nice Bonus, Not a Gimmick

Most northern lights tours promise photos. This one does something more practical: pictures are taken on every tour, and they are available to download free of charge. That matters because in the cold, with wind, you might not want to spend your whole evening trying to switch between taking your own shots and filming your friends.

And if you need help, crew members can assist with photography on board. That’s especially useful if you are traveling solo or if you’re not confident with night-sky settings. You get more than one way to come away with good images.

When You Spot The Lights, You’ll Understand Why People Repeat This Tour

When the sky cooperates, the cruise can turn into one of those Iceland nights that sticks in your brain. Riders describe everything from an immediate arc of light above the boat to stronger curtains of green across the sky as you move farther from shore. Some mention the lights appearing as the cruise was about to end, and the crew extending the viewing time to let people see more.

If you luck out, you’ll likely feel a switch flip once the aurora appears. It’s not just pretty, it’s physical. You look up, you forget your phone, you start pointing at the sky and laughing. And because you are out on the water, it can feel even more cinematic, like the sea is part of the show.

If You Do Not See Aurora: The Real Value of the Second-Chance Ticket

Here is the big selling point for skeptics: if you do not get any northern lights sightings, you get another ticket to join the cruise again for free. That is not a “maybe you can.” It’s built into the experience, and riders appreciate that second try.

That changes how you plan your nights in Reykjavík. Instead of treating each tour as a one-shot gamble, you can think in probabilities. If your first night is cloudy, you might be able to try again the next available day, without paying twice.

Two notes to keep your expectations grounded:

• Weather matters. This is an outdoor hunt, and the aurora is not guaranteed.
• Availability can still be a factor. Some people report being unable to rebook because the next sailing was full, so a second chance is valuable, but it is still not magic.

Even if you do miss the lights, many riders say the cruise itself is still pleasant, especially because you’re warm, seated, and on the water with a knowledgeable guide telling you what to look for.

Price and Value: Is $108 Worth It?

At about $108.13 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to chase the aurora, but it also isn’t just paying for a boat ride. You get:

• Thermal overalls included, which can save real money and hassle
• Heated indoor seating
• Free WiFi
• Pictures taken on board with free downloads
• Staff photo help on request
• A free second ticket if there are no sightings

That mix shifts the value from “pay to hope” to “pay to maximize your odds and protect your comfort.” In winter tourism, comfort is not fluff. The people who enjoy this cruise tend to be the ones who stay warm and keep watching instead of leaving early.

So I’d frame it like this: if you want the best balance of comfort and guided viewing, the price feels fair. If you are extremely budget-focused and you already have solid winter gear, you might compare alternatives, but you would be giving up several bundled perks.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise works well if you want a guided experience with warm amenities and photo support, and if you do not want to spend time hunting for winter gear before your trip.

It’s especially a good match if:

• You have limited time in Reykjavík and want one clear plan for the evening
• You want to learn what you’re seeing, not just look at it
• You care about getting photos but don’t want to figure everything out in the cold

Who might not love it as much:

• If you strongly dislike crowds, you should expect that a maximum group size can lead to busier deck space.
• If you know you will be miserable when the boat moves in wind and waves, you might prefer a more stable option. One rider described feeling very uncomfortable with rocking conditions.

The bottom line: if comfort and guidance matter to you, you will likely feel glad you chose this format.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise?

Book it if you want the aurora hunt plus real warmth and practical help. The biggest reasons I’d say yes are the thermal overalls, the heated indoor seating, and the free second ticket if you miss the lights. Add in free photo downloads and crew photo assistance, and you have a tour that respects your time and your budget.

Skip or think twice if you are only chasing the lights and nothing else. Even with the best setup, the sky can refuse. Also, if you are very sensitive to crowds or narrow outdoor space, you may find the deck experience less ideal when the boat is full.

If you do book, my advice is simple: dress for comfort even with the suit, keep your camera ready, and be willing to move between indoor warmth and deck viewing when the guide points the way. That approach is how you turn a winter night in Reykjavík into a real memory, not just another checkmark.

FAQ

What should I wear since thermal overalls are included?

You are provided thermal overalls as part of the tour, including children’s sizes. That is the main gear you need, and it’s designed to keep you warm during the viewing time on the water.

How long is the northern lights cruise?

The cruise runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Do I get another chance if I do not see the aurora?

Yes. If there are no northern lights sightings on your tour, you get a free ticket to try again on the next available day.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos are taken on every tour and you can download them for free. Crew members can also help with photography on board if needed.

Is there WiFi and indoor warmth during the cruise?

Yes. The tour includes free WiFi and heated indoor seating.

Is the tour conducted in English?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do I meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel drop-off may be available if you selected that option.