From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Boat Cruise

Watching the aurora from the sea feels different. This 2-hour Northern Lights boat cruise slips out of Reykjavik’s bright streetscape toward darker skies over Faxaflói, so the show has a better chance to be visible. I also like the practical comfort setup, heated cabins with toilets plus warm flotation overalls that let you actually spend time on deck without turning the night into misery.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the aurora is never guaranteed, so you’ll likely do some waiting in cold, windy conditions, even with the gear.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Darker views fast: you leave Reykjavik’s glow quickly and spend your time watching where the sky is darker
• Warmth that matters: heated indoor cabins, toilets onboard, and warm flotation overalls for deck time
• Guide-led aurora stories: science plus Icelandic beliefs and local legends, shared in English
• Camera help and photo assistance: guidance with settings, and crew may take photos for you
• A no-lights backup plan: if you do not see the aurora, you can use your booking number to reschedule
• Seasickness support: complimentary seasickness tablets are available onboard

Northern Lights from the water: why the sea helps

The big advantage here is simple: you are moving away from Reykjavik’s light pollution. From the boat, your eyes get a clearer look at the sky, and you get that extra bonus of seeing the city and mountains from the water before the aurora hunt really begins.

You also get a change of pace that feels worth doing. A lot of aurora watching is standing still, staring up, hoping. On the cruise, you’re in motion at the start, then in a comfortable rhythm of deck watching and warm indoor breaks. That matters because conditions can flip quickly, especially wind and cloud cover.

I like that the experience does not treat the aurora as a “maybe” with no support. Even while you’re waiting, the crew keeps you oriented with commentary and star-gazing time, and you’re not stuck out in the elements without a warm place to reset.

Geirsgata 11 check-in and boarding setup that keeps it simple

You meet at Geirsgata 11, with check-in at the Special Tours office at the corner. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early so you have time to get sorted before the boat leaves.

A small but important point: there’s no hotel pickup, so you need to handle your own way to the meeting point. The good news is the location is straightforward and easy to find once you’re using the address, not a sketchy shortcut.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you travel with a live guide in English. Also note that due to environmental reasons during certain times of the year, your trip may run on a shared boat with a partner supplier, with the goal of keeping fewer boats on the water.

If the weather is rough, you may feel less stressed if you’re already dressed for it when you arrive. Cold nights in Iceland are easier to manage when you start warm, not when you rush at the last second.

Warm overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, and seasickness support

This cruise is designed around comfort for a cold, dark activity. Warm flotation overalls are provided, and they’re a big deal if you plan to spend real time on deck.

Inside, you get heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, which is exactly what you want when the cold starts biting. You can also buy snacks and refreshments onboard in the heated area, so you’re not stuck with only cold air and hope.

Practical extras help too:

• Free WiFi onboard so you can check messages or share the night if signal allows
• Complimentary seasickness tablets available if you need them

One more tip from real-world experience: suit sizing matters. Some people found that going up a size can make it easier to layer underneath and stay comfortable. If you’re wearing thicker clothes, try not to assume one-size-fits-all in terms of comfort.

And if you’re planning to hang out in the overalls, do the simple thing: use the onboard toilet before you suit up for a long deck session. People mention that getting in and out of the suit can be fiddly once you’re cold.

The 2-hour cruise rhythm on Faxaflói

The flow is straightforward. You start at Geirsgata 11, sail out into Faxaflói for your guided Northern Lights watch, and then head back to Geirsgata 11.

In practice, the “schedule” is less about a fixed aurora moment and more about timing and patience. Clouds can roll in. Wind can change. The guides work with what the sky gives them, which is why you’ll see emphasis on star gazing and on listening while you wait.

While the advertised duration is 2 hours, some departures can feel longer depending on how conditions develop. A few accounts mention the captain staying out longer during the waiting game, especially when cloud cover shifts.

This is also where the boat format helps you. You are not trapped in one spot. You can watch from deck, then retreat indoors, then return again when conditions look better. That back-and-forth is often the difference between a “brief peek” and a real viewing session.

Guides, aurora lore, and camera help (Lucas, Lukas, and the crew)

The commentary is a core part of why this cruise works. Guides explain the science behind the Aurora Borealis, but they also share the folklore and beliefs people in Iceland connect to the lights.

I’ve seen how much that storytelling matters for first-timers. When the aurora shows up suddenly, you want context, not just silence and pointing. A good guide helps you know what to look for, and it turns random waiting into a guided experience with meaning.

On multiple occasions, guides named Lucas and Lukas come up for being helpful and upbeat. Some accounts describe them as funny, kind, and focused on making sure you can see what’s happening. There’s also support for camera settings, plus crew help with capturing photos, including cases where a photo was taken for you and shared later.

That camera guidance is more than nice to have. Northern Lights photography can be tricky because phones often struggle to capture the same look your eyes see. Even when the lights are faint, the crew can help you aim and adjust settings so your results improve.

When clouds win: rescheduling with your free return ticket

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so you have to accept uncertainty. If there are no sightings during your tour, you can use your booking number to reschedule.

What I like about this setup is that it treats disappointment as part of the activity, not as a dead end. You’re not left with “better luck next time,” at least in terms of getting another chance with the operator.

If you do end up without strong lights on the first night, the cruise still gives value. You’ll have the city views from the sea, the star-gazing time, and the onboard warmth while you wait out conditions. And if you do get lights later, you’ll feel the payoff quickly because you’ve been in the right place all along, away from city glare.

One more practical note: if you are booking for a specific week with weather that looks unstable, consider how flexible you can be for a reschedule. The “free ticket to join again” is there, but it only helps if you can align your timing.

Price and value at about $101, plus who it suits

At $101 per person for a roughly 2-hour cruise, the value comes from what’s included. You’re paying for:

• a guided Northern Lights search from the water
• warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins with toilets
• onboard WiFi
• seasickness tablets
• a free ticket to join again if you do not see the lights

Food and drink are not included, though you can purchase them onboard. So if you want a full “snacks and drinks” night, budget a little extra. Also remember there’s no hotel pickup, so factor in transport time to Geirsgata 11.

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a guided experience with both science and folklore
• hate the idea of spending hours outside with no shelter
• want camera help and a better shot at capturing the aurora

It may be less ideal if you truly cannot tolerate cold wind at all. Even with overalls, you’re still likely to spend time on deck for viewing. The indoor options help, but the aurora is in the sky, not inside the cabin.

Should you book this Reykjavik Northern Lights cruise?

I’d book it if you want a practical, guided Northern Lights night with warmth built in. The combination of darker viewing conditions from the sea, comfort gear, and guides who explain what you’re seeing makes it feel like more than “stand outside and hope.”

Skip it or consider another option if you need a guaranteed aurora show, because nature controls the outcome. Also be honest with yourself about cold: the overalls help a lot, but deck time is still part of the deal.

If you go, bring weather-appropriate clothing, arrive on time at Geirsgata 11, and treat the evening like a structured night sky outing, not a single moment. That mindset is the difference between rushing it and actually enjoying the experience.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You start at Geirsgata 11. Check in is at the Special Tours office at the corner, and you should arrive about 30 minutes early.

How long is the Northern Lights boat cruise?

The experience runs for about 2 hours.

What is included onboard?

You get an experienced guide and a Northern Lights cruise, warm flotation overalls, free WiFi, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, and complimentary seasickness tablets.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase them onboard.

Can I reschedule if I do not see the Northern Lights?

Yes. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and if there are no sightings, you can use your booking number to reschedule. You also get a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing for Icelandic conditions.

Are pets allowed, and is smoking permitted?

Pets are not allowed. Smoking is not allowed.