The sky puts on a show from the sea. This Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik takes you out from city lights and onto a boat with three outdoor decks, so you can hunt for aurora while you’re actually moving through the dark.

I love the comfort touches that make a cold night easier: warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins, and even seasickness tablets waiting for you on board. I also like that WiFi is included, which helps you keep an eye on aurora alerts without burning through your data plan.

The main drawback is the one you can’t control: northern lights are never guaranteed, and weather can cancel departures or limit where the boat can go.

Key highlights worth your time

• Three outdoor decks for aurora hunting, plus warm indoor cabins when you need a break
• Warm flotation overalls and motion sickness tablets included for a more comfortable night
• Heated cabins with toilets so you’re not stuck shivering the whole trip
• Free WiFi on board to check aurora forecasts and keep your camera settings in sync
• Rebooking if you don’t see lights, so the money isn’t tied to one shot at the sky

Northern Lights from Reykjavik: why watch from a boat

Iceland’s aurora is a real gift, but it’s also a weather system. A cruise helps you do two things at once: get away from Reykjavik’s glow and put you on the water, where the horizon stays open and you can look in multiple directions without obstruction.

From the deck, you get a different feeling than from land viewpoints. The sky often looks closer, and the reflections on the water add drama when the lights do show up. Even when the aurora is faint, you’ll be able to scan longer—because you’re not constantly re-locating yourself in the wind.

One more practical benefit: a boat tour packs a lot of waiting into one setup. You warm up, you step outside, you look again. That rhythm matters because aurora can shift fast—sometimes strong, sometimes quiet, sometimes curtains of cloud.

Price and value: what $93 buys on this cruise

At about $93 per person for roughly 2–3 hours, you’re paying for more than “a ride.” The value is in the included gear and comfort. You get warm flotation overalls, access to heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and seasickness tablets—plus a crew that focuses on getting people positioned for viewing.

You also get a built-in second chance: if there are no sightings, your ticket includes a free option to join again. That’s a big deal in Iceland, where cloud cover and cloud timing can decide everything.

What’s not included is also important. Snacks and beverages are sold on board, and there’s no pickup included (pickup is available for an extra charge). So if you want a drink or food during the cruise, plan for onboard prices.

Getting to Geirsgata 11 without stress (or slips in the dark)

Your starting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The tour company asks you to be there at least 30 minutes before departure, and I agree with that advice. With Icelandic winter darkness, you don’t want to be the person sprinting through slippery pavement while everyone else is already boarding.

A couple of practical tips if you’re visiting in the evening:

• Use the exact address and double-check your route before you leave.
• When you arrive early, take a minute to confirm the correct boarding spot—it can be easy to end up at the right street but the wrong building entrance.

Also read the day-of instructions. You’re told to check the daily diary on the website and any emails sent to you. On aurora cruises, small changes happen: departure timing, weather adjustments, or reminders about meeting details.

On board: decks, heated cabins, WiFi, and the all-important warmth

This cruise is built for cold-weather comfort. Once you’re on board, you’ll have multiple viewing options:

• Three outdoor decks for aurora watching
• Heated indoor cabins when your hands need a break
• Toilet facilities inside, which is a luxury when you’re outdoors for long periods

One of the best parts is the included cold-weather kit. Warm flotation overalls are provided, and they make a real difference versus trying to layer endlessly and still feeling exposed at the legs. You’ll still want warm clothing under them, but the overalls help prevent that chilled, numb feeling that ruins attention.

Inside, you’ll also find practical conveniences. Free WiFi on board means you can pull up aurora forecasts again if you want. The cruise also offers complimentary seasickness tablets, which matters because northern light viewing often coincides with chilly, sometimes bumpy sailing.

And yes, it can get crowded, because the experience has a max capacity of 198 travelers. That doesn’t automatically mean chaos, but it does mean you should be ready for a lively boat and find your “viewing routine” early.

How the crew improves your odds (and why you still shouldn’t expect guarantees)

The whole point of the tour is to maximize your chances. The company positions the experience as getting away from city light shine and into darker conditions where aurora is easier to see. Once aboard, the crew guides you toward good viewing angles and helps you watch the sky actively, not just hope passively.

Here’s the reality you should plan around: aurora visibility depends on conditions you can’t negotiate with. Even on nights with auroral activity, clouds can erase the show, and sea/weather conditions can affect how far the boat can go.

From past experiences tied to this operator, the key pattern is this: when aurora is happening, the crew tends to keep watch and stays out longer on stronger nights. On other nights, people go out, wait, and get nothing—because nature didn’t cooperate.

The good part is that the product includes a response to bad luck. There’s a free rebooking option if you don’t see northern lights. That turns this from a one-shot “bet” into something more like a planned aurora session.

Where you’ll spend your time: the viewing flow during the cruise

Even without a complicated multi-stop itinerary, the timing matters. Expect the evening to follow a simple loop:

1. Board and get warmed up
2. Spend time on the outdoor decks for sky watching
3. Retreat to heated cabins when you need a reset
4. Step back outside when the aurora might show again
5. Return to the meeting point at the end of the tour

That pattern is smart for first-timers. You avoid “freeze and forget” viewing. You also keep your attention sharp—because stepping inside lets you re-focus when the light activity changes.

One more detail that can affect your experience: some nights can be brighter than others because of moonlight. You should assume visibility isn’t purely about darkness. The aurora itself has to be strong enough to show well through the background.

Photography and camera mindset from the water

If you plan to photograph the aurora, treat this like a working session, not a casual walk. Bring your camera (the tour recommends it), and plan for cold batteries. Keep spares in an inside pocket when you can.

Here’s what the boat setup gives you:

• The open horizon helps for aurora framing
• The water can add reflections, which can be more forgiving than land when you’re composing
• The outdoor decks reduce the “I can’t see over anyone’s head” problem

Since aurora can be faint at first and then intensify, don’t assume the show is over just because it’s quiet for a few minutes. People sometimes see weak light forms, then sudden bursts, then a return to motion.

Tip: if you’re using your phone, lower brightness and consider using a timer or burst mode. The decks are windy, and steady hands matter.

What to bring (so you’re not miserable at 10:30 p.m.)

You’ll get protective flotation overalls, but you still need to dress like you mean it. The tour recommends good footwear and warm clothing, and I’ll add: bring layers you can move in, not just layers you can look at.

Your practical packing list should include:

• Warm base layers (the kind you’d wear for serious winter walks)
• Gloves you can actually operate your camera with
• A camera (recommended) and charged batteries
• A warm hat and something for your neck
• If you get motion sickness easily, take the tablets offered—or follow your own plan

Also remember this is a boat at night, so you may want to bring small items for comfort: lip balm, a thermos if you’re allowed snacks/drinks your own way (the tour states snacks and beverages are sold onboard, so don’t assume you can bring everything), and any personal tech chargers.

Drinks, snacks, and keeping sane during 2–3 hours

You’ll have snacks and beverages available for purchase onboard. That’s helpful if you’re out for multiple hours, because the emotional rhythm of aurora watching is still “standing in winter cold.”

WiFi onboard can keep you occupied in the calm moments, but don’t spend the whole time scrolling. Aurora is about timing, and your best tool is your eyes—plus a quick check of forecasts if you want.

Plan to stay flexible. Some nights deliver a clear show right away, and some nights start slow. The boat setup works best when you treat it like a long pause that occasionally gets dramatic.

Who this cruise fits best (and who might prefer something else)

This is a strong option if:

• You want a dark-sky viewing experience without driving yourself
• You value included warmth gear and indoor heat
• You’re okay with the “nature wins” reality and want a built-in rebooking option
• You’re traveling as a couple or small group and want a structured aurora hunt

It might not be ideal if:

• You hate cold and don’t trust yourself to dress for it
• You expect a guaranteed show
• You want a quiet, low-energy outing—this is a live boat experience with up to 198 people

For families, it can work, but you’ll want extra attention to clothing and comfort. One caution from past experiences is that it can be very cold and very late. So pack like a pro.

Should you book this Reykjavik northern lights cruise?

I’d book it if you want a practical aurora plan that covers the basics well: warmth gear, heated cabins, toilets, and a realistic approach to visibility. The rebooking option is also the reason it feels less like throwing money at the sky.

I’d pause and consider alternatives if you’re extremely weather-sensitive, have very limited patience for waiting, or have low tolerance for crowds and late-night logistics. The northern lights are a gift, not a product you can force.

If you do book, do these three things:

• Arrive early to Geirsgata 11 so boarding is easy
• Check daily updates and your email before you go
• Dress for cold even with the overalls

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

It’s approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with the tour running about 2–3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s the price per person?

The price is listed at $93.00 per person.

What’s included on board?

You’ll get an experienced guide team, a 2–3 hour northern lights tour, warm flotation overalls, free WiFi, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings.

What should I bring for the cruise?

Wear good footwear and warm clothing, and bring your camera for photos. The tour notes it’s important to dress warmly.

Are drinks and snacks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are sold on board.

What happens if there are no northern lights or the tour is canceled due to weather?

If there are no sightings, your ticket includes a free option to join again. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.