Cold night, big sky show.

This Northern Lights boat cruise trades Reykjavik’s bright streets for darker water views, and it does it in comfort. I like that you get heated indoor cabins plus warm overalls so you can actually enjoy the waiting game, and I also like the guides who mix science and local folklore while helping with camera settings. One thing to consider: the aurora is never guaranteed, so you’ll need a plan for cloudy nights, even with the included free rebooking.

Onboard, you’re not just sitting in the dark. You’re moving through the coastline area toward Faxaflói, then splitting time between the deck and a warm indoor bar where you can grab snacks or refreshments (not included, but available). The cruise is set at about two hours, though conditions can affect how long you’re out searching.

If you want a straightforward aurora outing that focuses on viewing conditions and comfort—not fancy extras—this is a solid value at about $101 per person.

Key things to know before you go

• Sail away from city lights for darker skies and better odds of seeing the aurora
• Warm overalls + heated indoor cabins make it realistic to spend time outside
• Guides share aurora science and Icelandic beliefs while you watch the sky
• Camera help and crew photos can save you from the usual low-light disappointment
• If no lights appear, you can rebook for free using your booking number
• Complimentary seasickness tablets help if the boat ride feels a bit rough

Why a Northern Lights boat cruise beats watching from Reykjavik

Reykjavik is fun, but it’s also bright. Streetlights and city glow can wash out faint aurora, especially when the display isn’t strong. What I like about doing this on water is simple: you get out into a setting with darker horizons and fewer distractions.

Also, the format fits how auroras actually work. You often don’t get a quick hit—you wait, watch, and then the sky may flip into motion. A boat cruise gives you a change of scene without needing to drive yourself into unfamiliar areas.

Finally, you’re not just relying on luck. This tour is built around optimal viewing: the boat heads away from the city lights, and the onboard setup makes it comfortable to stay outside long enough to catch whatever shows up.

Getting started at Geirsgata 11 (and why arriving early matters)

You meet at Geirsgata 11, with check-in at the Special Tours office at the corner. The practical tip here is to arrive about 30 minutes early, because you’ll want time to check in, get oriented, and be ready to dress for the cold.

Why the timing matters: once you’re on the water, you’ll likely spend meaningful time either on the deck watching the sky or moving back inside to warm up. If you show up rushed, you end up wrestling with layers while you’re missing the start of the viewing window.

You don’t need to overpack for this trip—bring weather-appropriate clothing and plan to use the warmth gear provided (more on that below).

The Faxaflói portion: deck time, indoor warmth, and what “2 hours” feels like

After check-in, the cruise portion takes you out in the Faxaflói area for about two hours. The rhythm is what makes this work:

• You watch from the deck, ideally with your eyes on the sky and your camera set up.
• When you cool down, you head into the heated indoor cabins and bar area.
• You keep switching until the aurora shows itself—or until the captain calls it for the night.

A key detail from past experiences: the tour length can stretch when conditions look promising. People have reported nights where the captain stayed out longer than the two-hour expectation. That’s not something you can count on, but it’s a good sign that the crew isn’t rushing you off the water the moment time runs short.

On the water, you’ll also get bonus views while waiting. From the sea you can see Reykjavik’s coastline and the surrounding mountains, which makes the “waiting game” feel less like dead time and more like part of the experience.

Deck vs. cabins: how the warm overalls change your experience

Cold is the enemy of good aurora watching. The tour’s biggest comfort advantage is that it provides warm flotation overalls. They’re designed for exactly this kind of night—windy, dark, and often damp—so you can spend more time outside.

Inside, you’ll have heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, which is a big quality-of-life point on a night cruise. You’re not stuck in a situation where you have to choose between staying outside for the lights and dealing with basic needs.

One practical note from actual on-the-water reality: some people found the overalls might run snug over their own clothes, and they recommended sizing up if weather gear underneath is bulky. So if you pack thicker layers, consider that when choosing your fit.

Also, the tour includes complimentary seasickness tablets, which is helpful if you get even a little motion-sensitive. Even if you usually handle boats fine, having that option onboard is peace of mind.

Guides bring the aurora to life: science, legends, and camera help

The aurora isn’t just pretty. It’s also teachable. This cruise includes informative commentary from experienced guides, mixing aurora science with history and beliefs around the phenomenon. You’ll hear explanations for what you’re seeing, plus Icelandic-style storytelling that adds meaning to the moment.

What stands out is how hands-on the guidance can feel. More than once, guests highlighted that the guide helped with camera settings, so you’re not left guessing at exposure and focus while the sky is doing its thing.

Names that come up include Lucas/Lukas, and the consistent theme is friendly, practical help. Some people also mention that the crew took photos for you—meaning you can watch the aurora with your eyes while someone else captures the shot.

And yes, not seeing strong lights can happen. When that’s the case, guides still try to keep the night fun—one guest even mentioned getting free shots as a consolation when the sky didn’t fully cooperate.

If the aurora doesn’t show: the free rebooking plan

This is the part you have to respect: the Northern Lights are unpredictable. Clouds, wind, and the aurora strength itself all decide what you get that night.

The good news is the tour includes a strong safety net. If there are no sightings on your cruise, you can use your booking number to reschedule the trip. In practice, that means you can book once and then take another shot if the weather plays fair.

To make that rebooking work for you, it helps to plan extra flexibility around your Reykjavik stay. If your schedule is packed with day tours and early departures, a second night search may be harder to pull off.

Food, bar, and onboard comfort: what you get with the $101 price

At about $101 per person for a roughly two-hour cruise, you’re not paying only for the boat. You’re also paying for:

• Warm flotation overalls
• Heated indoor cabins and onboard toilet access
• Professional guide commentary
• Free WiFi on board
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• A free do-over ticket if no aurora is seen
• The chance to move around—deck when it’s time to look up, inside when you need warmth

Food and drinks are not included, but they can be purchased onboard. That’s important because it keeps your cost lower than some tours that bundle meals automatically, and it lets you choose how much you want to spend during the night.

Free WiFi is a small detail that can actually matter. It helps you share what you’re seeing (or what you’re hoping to see) and keep in touch while you wait.

Logistics that affect your comfort more than you’d think

A few details can make or break how smooth your night feels:

• No pets and no smoking onboard. That’s standard, but it shapes the atmosphere—calmer and less chaotic.
• English live guide only. If you’re comfortable in English, you’ll get the full guide narration.
• Wheelchair accessible. The tour specifically notes accessibility, which is worth checking if you have mobility needs.
• Shared boat possibility: in certain seasons, the cruise may be delivered on a shared boat with partner suppliers for environmental reasons (fewer boats on the water). That’s still within the activity promise, just not always the same exact vessel each time.

These are the practical knobs you should look at, because weather and comfort matter more than fancy add-ons when you’re hunting faint lights.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A comfortable aurora experience with warmth built in
• Help from guides, especially if you’re trying to photograph the lights
• A tour format where you don’t have to drive yourself in the dark
• A plan that includes a free rebooking if the sky stays clouded

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are traveling on a schedule with no flexibility for a second try
• Hate boats and motion at night (even with tablets available)
• Want a long, all-night-style aurora session (this is about two hours, even if it sometimes runs longer)

For couples, this hits nicely because you can linger outside when the sky is alive, then warm up together inside. For solo travelers, the guide-style narration and photo help can make the experience feel less like waiting in silence.

Should you book the Reykjavik Northern Lights boat cruise?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a smart mix of better viewing conditions + real comfort. The overalls, heated cabins, included seasickness support, and the option to rebook for free give you more than just a gamble.

If your main priority is maximizing aurora odds through brute-force time outside, you might compare options. But for most people, this one is hard to beat because it solves the biggest problem of aurora hunting: you can actually stay out long enough to see something, without turning the night into a freezing endurance test.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights boat cruise?

The cruise is listed as 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You start at Geirsgata 11, and check-in is at the Special Tours office at the corner.

What should I wear for the cruise?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing for cold conditions.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. You’ll receive warm flotation overalls.

Is WiFi included?

Yes. There is free WiFi on board.

Are seasickness tablets provided?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available.

Is food included in the price?

Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase them onboard.

What happens if there are no Northern Lights sightings?

If there are no sightings on the tour, your booking number can be used to reschedule for free.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.