The sky does the talking. This Northern Lights boat cruise from Reykjavik takes you away from city glow so you can actually see the aurora do its thing, with guided talk that ties the lights to both science and Icelandic belief. You also get an easy back-and-forth rhythm: cold air outside, warm space inside.

I love that you can watch from the deck when conditions are right, then warm up in the heated bar/cabins when your fingers start filing complaints. I also like the hands-on guidance, from practical camera help to the kind of onboard support guides like Lukas (spelled Lucas in some records) have been praised for when people need help.

One thing to plan for: the Northern Lights are unpredictable. If clouds or conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll want to use the free return option so you still get a real chance to try again.

Key things I’d focus on before you board

• You’re leaving city lights behind for darker skies, which matters a lot for aurora viewing
• Warm overalls are provided, making it easier to stay outside for longer
• Heated indoor spaces (bar plus cabins) mean you’re not trapped in the cold
• Guides combine science and local folklore, not just a lecture and silence
• Camera assistance is part of the experience, because phones often struggle with aurora light
• No-show nights aren’t the end, since you can rejoin using the included ticket

Why this Northern Lights cruise works better than standing on land

Reykjavik is full of light, energy, and warmth—great for dinners. But when you’re chasing aurora, light is your enemy. What I like about this cruise is that it quietly solves that problem by taking you out toward darker viewing conditions, so the sky has a chance to look dramatic instead of washed out.

The other big plus is your comfort system. You’re not gambling on “bundle up and hope.” You get warm flotation overalls plus heated indoor cabins, which makes it realistic to wait for the aurora instead of running inside after ten minutes.

And the best nights tend to be the ones where you can stay flexible. The boat setup helps you do that: go out to the deck when you feel it’s getting good, then retreat when you need warmth.

From Geirsgata 11 to Faxaflói: what the night feels like in motion

Your night starts at Geirsgata 11. Check-in is at the Special Tours office at the corner, and you’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early. This isn’t about being punctual for the sake of it. It helps you get oriented, hand in whatever needs handing in, and avoid the kind of stress that makes a cold night feel colder.

Once you’re aboard, the cruise portion runs in the Faxaflói area with guided commentary for about two hours. That timeline matters because it gives you enough time for the sky to change, without turning your evening into a full-night ordeal. It also means you’ll likely spend at least part of your time doing the key aurora activity: watching and waiting while the sky decides what it wants to show you.

One practical note from real-world experience: don’t rely on random map drop pins. People have been directed to the wrong place while searching for the harbor. Your best bet is to use the exact meeting address and the Special Tours office check-in point.

Staying warm without missing the show: overalls, heated cabins, and the real comfort math

This is the cruise’s secret weapon: you’re not stuck choosing between comfort and viewing.

You’ll be given warm flotation overalls, and the boat has heated indoor spaces with toilet facilities. There’s also a heated indoor bar area with snacks and refreshments available to purchase onboard, plus free WiFi on board. On a night when the aurora is active, you’ll want to go outside and look. On a night when it’s not, you’ll still want to stick around. This setup makes both scenarios easier.

A few comfort tips that come up for a reason:

• Get your layering right. Overalls work best when you can wear warm clothes underneath without feeling crushed.
• If the provided sizing doesn’t fit comfortably over your outfit, it can reduce warmth. One rider suggested going up a size in weatherproof suits so you can actually move and layer.
• Use the bathroom early. Getting in and out of the warm suit in small onboard facilities is harder than it sounds, especially when you’re cold.

Also, bring weather-appropriate clothing even though you’ll have overalls. Cold wind can sneak in around layers, and the aurora doesn’t care if you underestimated your gloves.

The guide’s role: science, beliefs, and legends you can actually use

You’re not just drifting around waiting for lights. The cruise includes live English commentary from experienced guides, and that matters because aurora can look subtle at first.

What I like about the approach is that it covers both how the lights work and how people in the region have understood them for generations. You’ll get an explanation that makes the display feel less like a random lottery and more like a real natural event—with patterns you can recognize even when your eyes are tired.

Guides have also helped guests with the practical side of observing:

• helping with camera settings, since aurora often looks different to the human eye than it does through a lens
• guiding when and where to stand on the boat to improve your view of the sky
• offering extra support when the night doesn’t go perfectly, like staying late to help find a lost phone (yes, that sort of thing happens)

If you’re the type who likes to understand what you’re seeing while you’re seeing it, this is a good match. If you just want silence and drama, you can still step out to the deck when you want the focus to be on the sky.

Camera reality check: why aurora photos are harder than you think

Here’s the honest part: the Northern Lights often look more intense on camera than you expect, but your phone or camera may need guidance to capture them well. That’s why onboard support is such a big value add.

On this cruise, guides have been noted for helping with camera settings. That can be the difference between a dark, grainy image and something you can actually share later.

I also appreciate the “you’ll get help” vibe. Some guests have been told what settings to try and have even received photos captured by crew. So if your camera knowledge is rusty, you’re not stuck.

One more practical tip: charge your devices before you board and keep them warm. Cold drains batteries faster than people expect.

What if the Northern Lights don’t show? The free return ticket you’ll be glad exists

This is the part I’d plan for emotionally and logistically.

Northern Lights viewing is unpredictable. Clouds can cover your sky. The aurora might be active, then fade. Sometimes you’ll get a faint glow, and sometimes you’ll get a full-on light show. This cruise is set up to respect that reality with a free ticket to rejoin if there are no sightings on your tour.

That included reschedule option is a big deal because it converts the experience from a one-night gamble into something more like a second chance plan. In practice, it means you can book knowing that a no-show night isn’t necessarily the end of the story.

And when the lights are weak or delayed, the boat can adjust. There are reports of longer waiting times on some nights when conditions weren’t cooperating. So if you’re expecting a strict “two hours and done” in every case, keep a little flexibility in your mind.

Price at about $101: what you’re paying for (and what makes it feel worth it)

At roughly $101 per person for a two-hour cruise, you’re not paying for a long sightseeing day. You’re paying for three things that are directly tied to aurora success: darkness, comfort, and guidance.

You get:

• a boat ride out of the city glow
• warm flotation overalls and heated indoor cabins
• onboard guidance in English that helps you interpret what you’re seeing
• complimentary seasickness tablets
• free WiFi onboard
• a free return ticket if there’s no aurora sighting

So the “value math” here is not about how many landmarks you tick off. It’s about how much of the night you can actually watch without freezing and how likely you are to make it productive even if the sky is moody.

One small consideration: food and drink aren’t included, though you can buy snacks and refreshments onboard. If you’re prone to getting hungry during long waits, budget a little for that.

Logistics that make or break your night: boarding, timing, and onboard rules

A successful aurora trip is mostly about prep. The cruise is straightforward, but a few details can trip you up if you’re tired and cold.

Plan to:

• Arrive early at Geirsgata 11 for check-in at the Special Tours office at the corner
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing even with overalls provided
• Be ready for cold on the deck, even if the boat interiors are warm

Rules are simple: no pets, and smoking isn’t allowed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a real plus if you’re thinking about comfort and getting around.

There’s also an environmental note that matters: at certain times of year, your trip may run on a shared boat with partners to reduce water impact by keeping fewer boats on the water. It’s still the same concept and the same experience goal—just a different boat setup sometimes.

Who should book this cruise—and who might want a different plan

I’d book this if you want:

• a guided aurora night without needing to master freezing outdoor life
• a plan that includes warmth, bathrooms, and a warm place to reset
• help with camera settings and an approach that explains what you’re seeing

It’s also a strong option if you’re traveling with someone who gets cold easily. The heated indoor cabins make it easier to share the experience without taking turns suffering.

I might suggest a different approach if you hate waiting in low light or you’re hoping for something guaranteed and fixed. Aurora isn’t guaranteed. This cruise handles that with the free return ticket, but you still need to accept that sometimes the sky decides to keep secrets.

Should you book the Reykjavik Sailors Northern Lights boat cruise?

Yes, if you want the most “doable” way to chase the Northern Lights from Reykjavik.

This works because it’s built around the reality of aurora hunting: dark skies outside, warm shelter inside, and a guide who helps you make sense of what’s happening. The included overalls, heated cabins, and seasickness support lower the stress. The free return ticket turns a cloudy night into a second shot, which is exactly what you want when the aurora plays hide-and-seek.

If your travel dates are flexible, even better. And if you’re coming in expecting a 100% lights-on show every time, I’d adjust your expectations. Then you’ll enjoy what this cruise does best: giving you a real chance to see the aurora, with comfort and guidance while you wait.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It starts at Geirsgata 11. Check-in happens at the Special Tours office at the corner.

What’s included with the tour ticket?

You get the Northern Lights cruise with experienced guides, warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, free WiFi onboard, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a free ticket to rejoin if there are no northern lights sightings.

Is food included?

Food and drink are not included, but you can purchase snacks and refreshments onboard.

What should I bring for the night?

Bring weather-appropriate clothing. Even with overalls, you’ll be on a cold deck at times.

What if there are no Northern Lights sightings?

If there are no sightings on your tour, you can use your booking number to reschedule with the free ticket included.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are pets allowed on the boat?

No, pets are not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you prefer deck time or indoor warmth, and I’ll suggest how to plan your night around aurora viewing conditions.

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