Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik Including Photos

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland feels like chasing a moving target, and this Reykjavik cruise at least turns the odds in your favor by getting you away from city glow into Faxafloi Bay. I like that the guide splits myths vs science clearly, and I especially like the practical extras: thermal overalls, heated space, and photos taken for you. The main drawback to plan for is weather and sea conditions, since you can still leave without a sighting.

The tour is built for comfort, not suffering. You step aboard, get warm quick, and then spend real time looking up, with hot drinks available and stargazing from the deck or staying cozy inside.

It is also worth knowing that boats can get crowded, so the outside viewing space is not huge, and wind can make it feel lively on the water. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, you should mentally prepare for a possible second night plan.

Key things that make this cruise worth your attention

• Thermal overalls and heated indoor seating so you are not stuck freezing in your own gear
• Aurora photos included with free downloads, plus crew help if you want help shooting
• Myths vs science explanations from the guide, including photo tips you can use right away
• Faxafloi Bay positioning to reduce light pollution compared to staying in town
• Free try-again ticket if you do not see the lights on your cruise
• A backup approach if sea conditions are poor, sometimes shifting to a bus option

Faxafloi Bay at night, why this boat beats standing in Reykjavik

This experience is interesting for one big reason: the Northern Lights are visible only when the sky cooperates, and light pollution and cloud cover can ruin the view fast. The boat cruise gets you out on the water near Reykjavík, where you generally have darker skies than you would have from the harbor or sidewalks.

The Faxafloi Bay idea is simple but smart. On deck you can look across open water, and the whole setup nudges you toward better chances without needing to rent a car or drive in the dark. That matters because in Iceland, nighttime driving is not just about directions. It is about fatigue, visibility, and timing.

In plain terms, you are buying convenience plus a better viewing location. You still need luck, but you are stacking the deck.

What you get before you even leave the harbor

This tour includes several things that save you money and hassle, which is why I think the value can be stronger than it first looks at $108.13 per person.

First, you get thermal overalls (including children’s sizes). That is a big deal if you do not want to spend a small fortune on winter gear that you will only use once. One comfort benefit shows up again and again in this kind of cruise: you can actually focus on the sky instead of constantly adjusting layers and freezing at the seams.

Next, you get heated indoor seating and free WiFi. Even if you plan to spend time on deck, you will almost certainly want to warm up at some point. A heated cabin also becomes your reset button if it turns windy or if your fingers start to complain while you are trying to frame photos.

Then there are the small, practical freebies:

• Photos taken on every tour, available to download free of charge
• Photography assistance from crew if you ask onboard
• Pictures included, which reduces the pressure to get every single photo perfect while you are shivering

About food and drinks: you can purchase refreshments on board. You may be offered hot drinks during the viewing time, but you should not count on meals being included. In the real world, I treat this as a warm evening event, not a dinner cruise.

The 2.5 hour flow, what actually happens on the water

The timing is roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, usually late evening. Expect it to feel like a slow build: you get aboard, you settle in, you cruise out, and then you spend the bulk of the time scanning the sky.

Here is how it tends to play out in practice:

Boarding and early instructions

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík. From there, the crew gets you into the boat rhythm quickly. You will likely spend some time getting your thermal overalls on, and the deck experience depends on space and how busy the boat feels that night.

A key detail: boats can be full. One downside that pops up in feedback is that outside space can be tight, so do not assume you can wander freely between deck and cabin. If you know you want lots of direct deck time, you will want to plan for patience and stagger your viewing.

Cruise out into Faxafloi Bay

Once you are moving out, the guide focuses on what to look for. The aurora is not random noise in the sky. It is driven by charged particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, and a good guide turns that into something you can recognize in real time.

You will have a choice in how you experience it:

• Outdoor viewing for maximum sky visibility
• Indoor viewing if it gets windy or if you need warmth

Both options are valid. You are trying to stay alert and comfortable long enough for the right moment.

The viewing window and stargazing

Out on deck, you will be scanning the sky for shifting curtains, arcs, or patches of green and sometimes other colors. Indoors, you can still follow instructions and step out when the sky shows signs of activity.

This is where comfort pays off. Many people underestimate how long two hours feels when you are outside in cold wind. Thermal overalls help you stay functional, not just dressed.

Photo time, when the guide helps most

If you want photos, you will feel the benefit of having a crew that will help. Feedback highlights that staff can point you toward best practices, like where to aim your camera and how to be ready when the aurora appears quickly.

One review described moments where the lights came on as the boat was preparing to head back, and then the crew extended viewing. That is exactly the kind of thing you want from a guided operation. They are paying attention, not rushing you out the door.

Guide style matters: myths, science, and photo help that sticks

The guide experience is one of the strongest features of this tour. The best sessions do two things at once: they make the aurora feel understandable, and they give practical guidance so your photos have a chance.

You will hear local myths alongside scientific explanations. That contrast helps. Myths give the wonder, science gives the pattern. When you learn what causes the aurora, you stop looking at it like random magic and start recognizing movement and intensity changes.

A specific name that showed up in feedback is Lukas. People praised how informative he was and how much he supported photography during the cruise.

If you are new to aurora photography, here’s a practical mindset: your camera is part of your viewing experience. The naked eye can catch plenty when conditions are good, but low light settings vary by person. Having crew encouragement reduces that first-night stress when you are not sure what settings to trust.

Comfort vs crowding: deck time is the trade-off

This cruise can be a sweet spot for comfort, but it has one realistic constraint: the boat can be busy. A full boat means fewer seats outside, and movement on deck can be awkward when the weather turns.

Also, the boat experience can feel more intense on windy nights. Some people describe it as lively or even a bit scary depending on conditions. That does not mean the tour is unsafe, but it does mean you should bring your good sense and accept that Icelandic seas can change quickly.

Practical advice for you:

• If you get motion sensitive, plan to spend more time inside heated space and step out only when the guide calls it
• If you love deck viewing, show up ready for cold wind and consider taking breaks rather than staying rigidly in one spot for the entire cruise
• Keep your thermal overalls on properly. Loose gaps can make cold worse fast

The included overalls are meant to solve this, but fit still matters. You will likely get help adjusting them.

How they improve your odds, free reattempt when the sky misses you

This is where the tour earns trust. The tour includes a free ticket to try again if you do not see the Northern Lights on your cruise.

That is not a gimmick. It changes how you approach the night. Instead of thinking of it as a one-shot event, you can treat it like one attempt in a short Iceland plan. This is valuable in Reykjavik because the sky can turn cloudy without warning, and your first night can be a miss even if aurora activity is present.

That said, do not ignore one important reality that showed up in feedback: sometimes you may have trouble rebooking if the next available slot is full. The guarantee is strong on paper, but operational capacity can still matter on popular nights.

In other words, if seeing the aurora is your top priority and you only have one night in Reykjavík, you should still go into the experience knowing there is no guaranteed show. But compared with many one-and-done tours, this one gives you an extra shot.

Backup plans: when sea conditions win over the sky

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, so expect decisions to be made based on visibility and sea state.

Here is the key rule you can plan around:

• If conditions for seeing the lights are poor, you are offered a different date or a full refund (as long as you have not joined the tour previously)
• If conditions to see the lights look good but sea conditions are poor, you may be offered a Northern Lights by bus alternative

One caution. If the tour shifts to the bus option instead of the boat due to sea conditions, the bus option is described as the same price as the boat, and in that situation you may not get a refund if you choose the bus.

Also, I saw at least one account where an alternative activity did not feel like a satisfying substitute. That is not the norm in the official description you were given, but it is still a reminder: an operational backup can change the vibe of the evening.

Photos, WiFi, and why the included picture matters

Many aurora tours sell photography help as a premium add-on. This one includes pictures taken on every tour and says they are available to download free of charge. It is a small line in the fine print that can save you from a common disappointment: you spend an hour trying to get the perfect shot and still come home with blurry results.

When the aurora works, your own photos are fun. When it does not, having included images helps you still leave with something tangible from the night.

The free WiFi is also practical, not just cute. You can share quickly, check messages, or sort your photos right after the cruise while you still remember the moment that triggered the shot.

Who this cruise suits best, and who might prefer something else

This is a good fit if:

• You want a warm setup without hunting down expensive winter gear
• You like guided explanations that turn aurora viewing into a learnable experience
• You value comfort and convenience over DIY driving
• You might be there more than one night and are open to using the free try-again ticket

It may be less ideal if:

• You need guaranteed lights on a specific night. Aurora viewing is always weather dependent. Even the best guides cannot force the sky to clear.
• You strongly dislike boats or motion. Wind can make the ride feel more physical than you expect.
• You hate crowds. With a maximum of up to 198 travelers, the deck can feel busy and outside viewing space can be limited.

If you are traveling as a family, the included thermal overalls in children’s sizes help. Most people can participate, and the whole setup is designed for cold weather viewing rather than hardcore endurance.

Practical tips to improve your chances the first time

Even with a great cruise, you can do a few things to help yourself:

1. Treat it like a night schedule, not an afterthought

Late evening viewing takes patience. Eat beforehand so you are not distracted, and plan to be outside in short bursts.

1. Wear your layers smart even with the overalls

Thermal overalls help, but you will still want warm base layers. If you run cold in general, bring a hat and gloves you trust.

1. Keep your camera ready, but your body warmer

Aurora moments can start and peak fast. Set up your camera so you can react quickly, then make sure you step into heat when you need to.

1. Use the guide calls

The best aurora guidance is timing-based: the guide notices changes and tells you where to look. You will get more out of the experience if you respond instead of drifting into your own routine.

1. Have a second-night mindset

If you do not see the lights, the free reattempt ticket is part of the plan. I would treat your Reykjavík aurora schedule as flexible rather than single-date locked.

Price and value, is $108.13 reasonable for this kind of night?

At $108.13 per person, this is not a budget-only activity, but it also is not priced like a premium private experience. The value comes from what you do not have to buy and what you are more likely to leave with.

You get:

• Thermal overalls instead of renting or buying gear
• Heated indoor seating so you actually enjoy the full viewing window
• Photos included with free downloads
• Free reattempt if the lights do not show on your cruise
• WiFi for convenience and quick sharing

If you were to price those things separately, the tour starts looking more like an all-in evening package. You are paying for comfort, guidance, and a structured attempt at viewing one of nature’s most unpredictable shows.

Should you book this Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik?

I’d book it if you want a guided, comfortable night out on the water and you do not mind that the aurora is never guaranteed. The combination of thermal overalls, a heated viewing setup, and free aurora photos is exactly what makes this feel like a practical Iceland option rather than an expensive gamble.

I would think twice if you only have one night and you cannot handle disappointment. It is still worth going if it fits your schedule, but go in with eyes open. If you’re flexible and you can take advantage of the free try-again concept, this cruise becomes a smarter bet.

If you want the best odds, your move is simple: book ahead, keep your schedule light, and dress for wind. When the sky finally cooperates, this cruise gives you the setup to enjoy it instead of suffering for it.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Northern Lights cruise?

The cruise is listed at about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $108.13 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Will I stay warm during the cruise?

You get thermal overalls, and there is heated indoor seating onboard.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photos are taken during every tour and are available to download free of charge.

What if the Northern Lights do not appear?

If you do not spot the lights on your tour, you get a free ticket to join the cruise again on the next available day.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Free WiFi is included.

What can I buy on the boat?

Food and drink are not included, but refreshments can be purchased on board.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Can I get a refund if I cancel ahead of time?

Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.