Green skies don’t happen by accident.

This northern lights cruise from Reykjavik mixes guided aurora storytelling with a real effort to get you into darker water over Faxafloi Bay, so your chances improve fast. If the lights don’t show, you also get a shot at going again for free.

I really like two things here: the included thermal overalls (including kids sizes) and the photo help—with pictures taken on every tour and downloadable for free. Add heated indoor seating and free WiFi, and you’re not stuck shivering your way through the night.

The main drawback to plan for is simple: conditions control everything. When boats feel full, outside viewing space can get tight, and if sea or weather is rough the company may shift plans (or cancel), so you’ll want to stay flexible.

Key highlights you should care about

• Thermal overalls included so you don’t have to buy bulky winter gear just for this night
• Out on Faxafloi Bay to reduce light pollution compared with staying right in the harbor area
• Aurora myths + science from the guide so you know what you’re seeing (and what’s nonsense)
• Heated indoor seating + free WiFi for a comfort break between checks of the sky
• Free photo download and onboard photo assistance when you want pictures, not just memories
• Free re-try ticket if there are no sightings during your cruise

Why Faxafloi Bay by Boat beats shore-watching

Reykjavik’s a great place to try for the northern lights, but city lights are the enemy of faint green glow. The big idea behind this cruise is that you leave the brightest spots and head out into Faxafloi Bay to chase darker skies.

Even if you don’t get a full “curtain of light” show, going out on the water changes the whole viewing vibe. You get that wide, open sky feeling—plus you’re not competing with crowds on a pier. And since the cruise runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, you get enough time for the aurora to possibly ramp up (rather than doing a quick, hit-or-miss stop).

This is also one of those tours that tends to get booked early. The typical booking pattern is around 75 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in peak season, don’t wait for the last minute.

What happens on the boat: suits, hot drinks, and deck time

After you meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik, you step aboard and start moving out toward your aurora-searching area. The tour gives you a mix of outdoor and indoor time.

Here’s what matters for your comfort:

• Thermal overalls are provided for adults and children. You put them on when you’re heading outside, and it makes a huge difference when it’s cold and windy.
• There’s heated indoor seating, so you can warm up between sky checks instead of treating the entire cruise like a survival challenge.
• There’s also a spot to stargaze outdoors when conditions are right. The deck is where you’ll chase the best visuals.

Most people ask about hot drinks because the night can get long. The tour doesn’t include food or drink, but you can purchase refreshments on board. In reviews, hot chocolate pops up as a favorite comfort move—exactly the kind of small payoff that keeps you enjoying the experience even if the aurora is delayed.

Also plan for reality: when the sky is good, you may spend time outside longer than you expect. Some departures run slowly at first and then shift as conditions change—so keep your camera ready (more on that below).

Your guide’s job: separating aurora myths from the real science

The best aurora guides do two things. They explain the phenomenon in plain language, and they keep it fun without getting sloppy. This tour leans into that: you’ll hear local myths alongside scientific explanations for why auroras happen.

That matters because it changes how you watch. When you know the difference between a faint glow, thin bands, and stronger curtains, you stop guessing and start tracking. It also helps you avoid getting sucked into every rumor that floats around about what the lights mean.

If you’re lucky enough to have Lukas (his name appears in the guide lineup in at least one review), you’ll likely get an extra layer of energy and photo guidance. Even without a specific guide name, the goal stays the same: you should leave with a better grasp of what you’re seeing—and why.

Heated comfort and the small perks that actually help

This cruise isn’t only about standing out in the cold. It’s built around comfort, with a few practical extras that make a night like this easier.

The standout “quality of life” items:

• Heated indoor seating so you can warm up without leaving the ship
• Free WiFi (useful for checking aurora updates if you’re the type who likes to compare)
• Pictures taken on every tour, downloadable free of charge
• Crew photography assistance if you want help while you’re on board

That last part is easy to overlook. Many people think “I just need to point and shoot.” The problem is that aurora photos often need different camera settings and timing. When the crew can guide you on where to stand, when to shoot, and how to frame the sky, your odds of getting a real image improve—especially if the lights are subtle.

One note: some sailings feel more crowded than others. A full boat can mean less comfortable movement outside, so if you hate tight quarters, prioritize time inside and step out in short bursts.

Getting the lights: luck, timing, and what the free re-try really means

Let’s be honest: the northern lights are not guaranteed. Even with a good forecast, clouds and wind can mess with visibility, and auroras don’t always show up on a strict schedule.

What I like about this tour is that it gives you a real safety net: if there are no sightings on your cruise, you can use a free ticket to try again on the next available day. The offer does not expire, and people can use it later if they’re still in Iceland or return again years down the road.

That turns the trip from a single gamble into a “stacked chance.” When you’re spending around $108 per person (for a 2.5-hour evening), the free re-try changes the math. You’re not just paying for time on the water—you’re paying for access to another attempt if the sky refuses to cooperate.

Still, be aware: if you rebook and it’s full, you might run into timing issues. One experience in the available feedback notes confusion about who to contact and how rebooking availability works. So if you use your free re-try, keep an eye on confirmation details and who handles rescheduling for your booking.

When sea conditions are poor: the boat vs bus backup plan

Weather in Iceland can be a two-part problem: you need good sky conditions, but you also need decent water conditions. This tour’s backup logic is designed to protect the goal (seeing the aurora), not just the schedule.

If the lights still look promising but sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a northern lights by bus alternative instead of the boat. Here’s the important detail: the coach tour is the same price as the boat tour, so if you switch to the bus option in these circumstances, you won’t receive a refund.

Also, if the entire experience is canceled due to poor viewing conditions, you should get a choice between a reschedule or a full refund (assuming you haven’t already used the service). The tour is explicitly tied to favorable conditions, so flexibility isn’t optional.

Value for $108: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

The price—about $108.13 per person—sounds simple until you look at what’s included.

You’re getting:

• thermal overalls (adults and kids)
• heated indoor seating
• free WiFi
• pictures taken on every tour with free downloads
• onboard photography help
• a free re-try ticket if you don’t see the lights during your sailing

You’re not getting:

• included food and drink (you can purchase refreshments on board)
• hotel transfers by default (you can add them with extra fees)

Here’s how I’d judge the value for your own trip. If you’re traveling light and don’t want to buy winter gear just for one evening, the thermal overalls alone can reduce costs and hassle. If you care about photos, the free picture downloads and photo coaching can save you time and disappointment. And if you’re unlucky with clouds, the free re-try is the part that turns this into a smart bet rather than a one-shot gamble.

If you’re the kind of traveler who hates unpredictability, though, you should know what you’re signing up for: this is an aurora chase, not a guaranteed show.

Group size and space: what to expect on crowded nights

This tour can run with up to 198 travelers. On a calm night, that might feel fine. On a busy night—or if departures are rescheduled—you can feel it.

The most common comfort issues from real experiences tend to be:

• limited room outside for moving and photographing when the boat is full
• some sailings feeling tight compared with others (boat size can vary)

If you want the best of both worlds, plan your strategy like this:

1. Step out for a sky check when the guide says things look promising.
2. Keep moving in short bursts, then return inside to warm up.
3. Let the crew help you get your photos. You don’t need to fight for the perfect spot for the whole time.

Also, if you’re worried about freezing with no facilities, this boat format is generally better than long cold drives. One experience notes that the boat has a toilet onboard, which is exactly what you want when you’re dressed for the outside.

Practical tips so your aurora photos don’t disappoint

Even if you’re not a “camera person,” auroras can be hard to capture the way you see them with your eyes. A few practical habits help a lot:

• Keep your camera ready once the tour starts moving out and the guide starts pointing out where to look.
• Use the crew’s photo assistance. They can tell you where to stand and how to frame shots.
• Don’t assume your first photo will be your best. Light intensity can change quickly, and timing matters.
• If you feel cold despite the overalls, it’s usually wind and exposure. Stay proactive: warm up inside, then go back out when you’re ready.

In at least one experience, the lights appeared unexpectedly, and the crew waited longer once they realized they might get a stronger view. That’s another reason to stay alert and flexible rather than going fully passive for the whole cruise.

Who should book this cruise, and who might want a different style

I’d steer certain travelers toward this one, based on what the experience is designed to do.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• want comfort-first northern lights viewing with heated indoor seating
• need thermal gear included (especially if you’re traveling with kids)
• care about photos and want free picture downloads
• value a backup plan that’s not just “sorry, try another tour company”

You might think twice if you:

• hate boats moving in windy weather and feel uneasy with rocking
• strongly prefer a more mobile option (some people say they’d rather do aurora by car when wind picks up)
• want lots of space outside for long stretches (when boats are full, deck space can feel cramped)

In plain terms: this is best for people who can handle a little ocean motion and who want to be warm while they wait for the sky to cooperate.

Should you book the Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik?

If you want the best balance of comfort, guidance, and value, I think this is a solid choice. The biggest reasons are the included thermal overalls, the photo support, and the free re-try ticket if the aurora doesn’t show during your sailing. Those pieces reduce the cost of being unlucky.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling without winter gear or you want a guided experience that covers both the science and the myths. Just go in with the right expectations: the sky has the final vote, and you may need to wait for the lights to arrive.

FAQ

How long is the northern lights cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where does the cruise meet in Reykjavik?

You meet at Special ToursGeirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Are thermal overalls included, and are children’s sizes available?

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

What if I don’t see the northern lights?

If there are no sightings on your tour, you get a free ticket to try again on the next available day. This offer does not expire.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

If canceled due to inclement weather, you can usually reschedule or receive a full refund (as long as you have not joined the tour previously).

What if the sea conditions are poor but the aurora might still be visible?

You may be offered a northern lights by bus alternative instead. The coach tour is the same price as the boat tour, and choosing it means no refund.

Are photos included?

Yes. Pictures are taken on every tour and are available to download free of charge.

Is WiFi included?

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

Is food included?

No. Food and drink aren’t included, but you can purchase refreshments on board.

Can I add hotel pick-up?

Yes, hotel pick-up can be booked for an extra fee.

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If you tell me your travel month and whether you’re traveling with kids (yes/no), I can help you decide if this boat format is the best match for your night in Reykjavik.