Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

Green curtains are the whole point. This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik heads out over Faxafloi Bay, so you get a darker sky than right in the harbor, plus a guide who mixes aurora science with local storytelling while you hunt for the lights. I like that you do not have to stress about gear, because thermal overalls are included and make the cold part feel manageable.

What to love most: a guided chase with explanations that help you understand what you are seeing, not just watch and hope. One thing to keep in mind is that the experience is weather-dependent, and when conditions are rough, you may get less viewing time outdoors.

What also makes this trip feel like good value is the behind-the-scenes support. You get free WiFi and heated indoor seating, and the crew helps with photography so you are not stuck figuring out your camera in the dark. On top of that, pictures are taken on every tour and you can download them free of charge afterward.

My main caution is simple: boats can get busy, and outdoor space is not huge. If you end up on a departure with packed capacity or strong motion, you might find it harder to move around and frame photos than you hoped.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Faxafloi Bay location: You leave Reykjavik’s lights behind and head into darker viewing conditions.
• Myths vs science guide style: You get explanations that separate folklore from what the atmosphere is actually doing.
• Thermal overalls included: Warmth is handled for you, including children’s sizes.
• Heated indoor seating + WiFi: When the sky is slow, you still have comfort and distractions.
• Free retry if no aurora: If nothing appears, you can join again on the next available day.

Setting Sail in Reykjavik for Faxafloi Bay Auroras

Reykjavik is a solid place to start an aurora hunt. You get easy access, lots of tour options, and the boats usually depart on a predictable schedule. This one keeps things straightforward: you meet up at Special ToursGeirsgata 11, step aboard, and then cruise out into Faxafloi Bay in search of a clearer patch of sky.

The big idea here is reducing light pollution and improving your chances. Even when the aurora is active, a bright harbor and city glow can wash out faint color. Once you are farther from shore, the sky does a better job of showing what your eyes and camera can pick up.

The other reason this works well is how the time is structured. You are not just standing outside freezing for two hours. You alternate between outdoor viewing and warm-down time in heated areas. That matters because the aurora is unpredictable. Waiting comfortably is better than suffering impatiently.

What the Aurora Hunt Actually Feels Like On Board

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, and during that window you are basically in “find, watch, repeat” mode. The boat heads out, the guide starts talking, and you get chances to look up from the deck when conditions are right.

Your guide’s job: help you tell fact from fiction

A standout element is the guide-led mix of local myths and scientific explanations. That is not just trivia. It helps you recognize what is happening in the sky, why it shows up as ribbons or waves, and why it might look different from one moment to the next. I like that the guide tries to separate the stories people tell from how auroras form when charged particles interact with the atmosphere.

If you get a chatty, highly focused guide, the whole trip clicks into place. One guide name that comes up in feedback is Lukas, and when that happens, the tour experience tends to feel extra polished because he explains aurora viewing and photography in a way that is actually useful.

Deck time vs heated time

You will spend time outdoors stargazing, but you also have options. You can hunker down in the viewing area with a hot drink when you need a break. If the deck gets too windy or your hands need a rest, you can shift to heated indoor seating and still stay part of the group experience.

One practical note: you are on the water in winter conditions. Even with overalls, you will feel the wind. If you are sensitive to cold, plan to use the indoor areas often rather than trying to power through the entire time outside.

Thermal Overalls: The Included Gear That Changes Everything

This is one of those details that sounds minor until you are there. Thermal overalls are included in adult and children’s sizes, and that turns the tour from a gear puzzle into a simple plan.

On a boat, the cold can hit in two ways: air temperature and wind chill. Overalls help with both. They also speed up the start of the experience. You do not have to hunt down expensive winter gear in Reykjavik before your trip, and you do not have to guess which jacket and layers will be warm enough for the deck.

Sizing can matter. Some feedback mentions that once you put the jumpsuit on, it makes a bigger difference than expected, so do not skip it or assume your own clothing will be enough. If you are traveling with kids, it helps that children’s sizes are available, which is often not a given on tours like this.

Photo Tips Without Becoming a Photographer

Aurora viewing is one part luck, one part timing, and one part learning how to capture low light. The tour includes multiple ways to help with that.

Pictures are handled for you

A big value add: pictures are taken on every tour, and you can download them free of charge. That means you can focus on watching the sky and not worry that your one shaky attempt with a camera ruined the night.

Crew help while you shoot

Crew members can be asked for photography assistance while on board. That is helpful if you are new to night photography or if your camera settings are not dialed in. The crew also points guests toward practical ways to get better shots while you are still on deck.

Reality check: the aurora may be easier to capture than to see

A theme in feedback is that the aurora can be faint to the naked eye, even when it looks spectacular on camera. So I recommend you treat your camera like a priority tool, not an optional accessory. Keep it ready, and be prepared to move quickly when colors appear.

How the Weather and Sea Conditions Shape Your Chances

Northern Lights tours are weather games. Even with the right location and the right guidance, clouds can erase your view. Sea conditions also matter because they affect how long you can comfortably stay outside and how easy it is to take photos.

The tour’s approach is designed to reduce the “all or nothing” feeling:

• You depart only if conditions make viewing possible.
• If you do not see anything, you can join again for free.
• If the cancellation happens due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund in cases where you have not already used the service.

There is also a backup path when sea conditions are poor but aurora odds look decent. In that scenario, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour. The key thing to know is that the bus alternative may not come with the same refund flexibility as the full option, so you will want to follow what they tell you at the time.

What If You See Nothing? The Free Retry Advantage

The promise here is not a cheap marketing line. It is a real operational benefit: if you do not spot the lights on your tour, you get another ticket to join the next available day.

This matters because it changes how you plan your Reykjavik nights. If you are only in town for a short window, you still have a safety net. And if you are staying longer, you can treat the first attempt as scouting and save your second night for better luck.

One practical tip: if you want to maximize your odds, be ready to move quickly to rebook the next night. A couple of situations in feedback point to some confusion about who to contact for rebooking, so I would keep your confirmation details handy and follow the instructions you receive during booking.

Boat Comfort, Crowds, and Space for Watching

The tour has a maximum of 198 travelers, and that number gives you a sense of scale. On busier nights, the boat can feel full, which affects how much room you have outside.

A few departures also come down to the specific vessel and layout. One account references the boat Andrea as a good-sized option with seating downstairs and a helpful guide atmosphere. Other feedback describes situations where the boat felt smaller and more cramped, with limited movement on deck.

So here is my practical take:

• If you care about outdoor viewing space, go in with realistic expectations.
• If you are sensitive to motion, remember you are on the ocean. Strong wind or choppier water can make the deck less comfortable and can reduce photo quality.
• Use the warm areas. It is part of the experience, not a fallback.

Timing That Works With the Real Aurora World

The tour duration is set at around 2 hours 30 minutes, which is the right length for most people’s energy level. It is also long enough to search actively rather than do a quick harbor lap.

One scheduling detail you may see in practice: departures are often late evening, and return times can fall into the late-night window as well. If the aurora shows up early, you might get more “lights time.” If it appears late, the tour structure gives you enough time to catch it when it does.

Aurora nights can turn quickly from nothing to something. If colors do appear, crews sometimes extend the viewing window so you do not miss the moment.

Value for Money: Why This Can Be a Smart Budget Choice

At about $108.13 per person, the question is not just the price. It is what you get for that money when you include the parts people usually forget.

You are paying for:

• A boat cruise out to a better viewing area over Faxafloi Bay
• Thermal overalls so you do not need to buy winter gear
• Heated indoor seating and free WiFi
• Guide-led aurora explanations that make the sky feel less random
• Photos taken during the tour with free downloads
• A free retry if you do not see lights

When tours fail because of cloud cover, that retry option can be the difference between a disappointment and a win. And even when you do not see aurora, you still get an evening at sea with stargazing time and an informed guide narration, which can make the night feel like more than waiting for luck.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This cruise is a good fit if you want:

• A structured aurora experience that includes warmth and comfort
• A guide who explains what you are seeing, not just what you might see
• A way to improve odds without driving around in winter yourself
• A built-in plan if the first night does not deliver

It may not be the best match if you:

• Hate being on a moving boat in winter wind
• Need lots of space to stand outside for long stretches
• Want a guaranteed aurora appearance, because nobody can guarantee auroras

If you are traveling as a couple, this can be a cozy way to do one of Iceland’s top night experiences. If you have kids, the included children’s sizes for overalls are a real plus.

Should You Book This Northern Lights Cruise From Reykjavik?

I would book this cruise if you want the practical version of the aurora chase. The combination of warmth (thermal overalls and heated areas), guidance (myths and science), and photographic support (photo help plus free downloads) makes it feel designed for real humans, not just aurora diehards.

I would hesitate only if you know you are very sensitive to motion or you strongly prefer guaranteed sightings. Weather and sea conditions are genuine variables here, and some nights will be a search rather than a show.

If you are flexible, this is exactly the kind of Reykjavik tour that earns its cost through comfort and a free retry option.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included with the tour besides the boat ride?

You get thermal overalls (with children’s sizes), free WiFi, heated indoor seating, photos taken during the tour with free downloads, and you can ask crew for photography assistance onboard.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The tour depends on favorable weather conditions for viewing.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?

If you do not spot the lights on your tour, you can join the cruise again for free on the next available day.

What if the cruise is canceled because of weather?

If it is canceled due to inclement weather, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund (as long as you have not joined the tour previously). If sea conditions are poor but viewing conditions look good, you may be offered a Northern Lights by Bus tour instead.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel drop-off may be included if you select that option, but hotel transfers can also be added separately for an additional fee.