Northern Lights at sea feels different. This Reykjavik cruise aims to get you away from city glow for a 2–3 hour aurora hunt. You’ll be watching from three outdoor decks while the boat’s moving, which can make the whole experience feel more like being inside the sky-show than just looking at it.

Two things I really like: first, the chance to see the aurora from the water, not just from a shore viewpoint. Second, it comes with genuinely helpful winter comfort—warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins with toilets, and even complimentary seasickness tablets.

One drawback to plan for: the lights are never guaranteed, and weather can also mean cancellation. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, this is a “dress warm and stay flexible” kind of night—especially if you’re easily thrown off by timing and directions.

Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

• Three outdoor decks for aurora watching means you’re not stuck craning one place the whole cruise.
• Heated indoor cabins with toilets are a real quality-of-life win on cold Iceland nights.
• Warm flotation overalls help you stay outside longer instead of constantly running back inside.
• A free re-try if there are no sightings can soften the disappointment risk (but still no one can control the sky).
• No snacks included, drinks/snacks are for purchase so don’t expect a full food spread.
• Small-ish boat groups (max 198 travelers) should keep the vibe manageable, though it will still feel like a group tour.

Entering the Aurora Zone From Reykjavik’s Harbor

This is a straightforward plan: you meet at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik, board the boat, then spend about 2–3 hours looking for the aurora. The goal is to chase darker conditions away from city lighting and to put you in position where the aurora has a better chance of showing up.

The main thing to understand is that this isn’t a “go to one perfect spot and wait” situation. The crew is working with night conditions, cloud cover, sea state, and what the sky is doing in real time. That’s why timing matters: the tour notes ask you to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes early, and there are daily updates posted on their website and sent by email.

In practice, that means you’ll want your headlamp ready, your cold gear on, and your brain in Iceland mode: expect fast changes. One of the most common frustrations in aurora tours is feeling like you didn’t get far enough from coastal lights. This cruise is designed to reduce that problem, but you should also know that some nights can be less ideal than the brochure fantasy.

What “free re-try” really means for your mindset

The tour includes a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings. That’s valuable because the aurora can be invisible even when forecasts look promising. Still, plan around the reality that you’re paying for the experience of searching the sky, not for a guaranteed show.

The Boat Setup That Matters: Decks, Heat, and Overalls

This cruise is built for cold-weather comfort. You’ll get warm flotation overalls, which are there for two reasons: keeping you warm enough to stay outside and adding a safety layer at sea. If you’ve ever tried to watch aurora in a thick wind with regular coats, you’ll understand why this is a big deal.

Then there’s the inside space. The tour includes heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, so you’re not stuck outside if your hands go numb or your legs get tired. It also includes free Wi‑Fi on board, which is handy if you want to check aurora activity levels or just send one quick message before the sky steals your attention.

The star part is the viewing setup: three outdoor decks. That matters because people naturally crowd when they think they see something. Multiple decks spread the watchers out and give you options—find a spot with a better view, then switch decks if you need a clearer line to the northern horizon.

A few reviews also point out that cold can still catch you off guard. That’s not a reason to skip—just a reason to dress like it’s February in a wind tunnel. Even with overalls, bring good gloves, warm layers, and proper boots. If you’re wearing thin soles, Iceland pier steps can make your feet feel it fast.

Where You Go at Night: Chasing Darkness and Avoiding Light Pollution

The tour’s promise is simple: they’ll take you away from the shine of the city so you can see the aurora more clearly. Reykjavik’s light pollution is real, and the difference between looking at faint aurora over streetlights versus open dark sky can be the whole game.

Here’s the practical reality: you may not always get a perfectly dark view from every angle. Some people report that on certain nights the boat didn’t go far from harbor, leaving coastal lights and even headlights visible. That can be blinding at the wrong moment, and it can make it harder to pick out the aurora’s faint edges.

So what should you do? Be ready to change your viewing position quickly. If you see a deck area with less glare, hang there. If the lights on nearby hills are washing out the sky, move. This is one reason the multi-deck design helps—you don’t have to stay trapped in the brightest corner.

One more note: the cruise is weather-dependent. If the sea is rough, a tour might not go out at all. That’s not “bad planning,” it’s safety. Still, it can be a letdown when you’ve built your Iceland schedule around that one night.

Guides, Motion Sickness, and the Human Side of the Hunt

The cruise includes experienced and professional guides, plus complimentary seasickness tablets. That combo is underrated. Even if you’re not prone to motion sickness, small waves plus cold air plus excitement can make your stomach wobble. If they offer tablets, take them early rather than waiting until you feel off.

You’ll also get help with what to look for. Some guides are described as enthusiastic, staying patient as people scan the sky. On the flip side, a few comments mention communication challenges on deck—like a hard-to-follow speaking style or audio clarity issues in a group. If you rely heavily on instructions, just know that Iceland wind and boat movement can make hearing tougher than it looks.

Timing can also matter. There are reports of crews staying out longer when auroral activity was stronger, which makes sense. If the sky is cooperating, it’s common sense to extend the search instead of racing back on schedule.

And if you’re booking with family or teenagers: the vibe can be a mix of “let’s look together” plus “everyone quietly stares.” You’ll want to keep kids bundled and occupied with something non-screen-based—hot drinks, deck snacks if you buy them, and the simple excitement of scanning the sky.

What You’ll Actually Have to Pay For On Board

The price is $93 per person, and what you get is mostly about the boat time, the aurora-focused setup, and the cold-weather survival basics. Drinks and snacks are sold on board, not included.

That means you should plan your hunger accordingly. If you need a full meal, you’ll likely want to eat beforehand in Reykjavik. If you just want hot chocolate, tea, or a snack to keep morale up, you can usually handle it as an extra purchase.

The biggest value items in the package aren’t food—they’re the warmth and the viewing angles: overalls, heated cabins, toilets, and Wi‑Fi. Those are the things that decide whether you enjoy the night even when the aurora is faint.

At an overall rating around 3.8/5 from 54 reviews, the message is clear: this is a good aurora search tool, but not a sure thing. Your value will depend on the sky and on how smoothly you navigate the meeting point and boarding process.

Price Value: Is This Cruise a Smart $93 Bet?

For $93, you’re paying for three big things: access to a boat designed for aurora viewing, winter gear (overalls), and heated refuge when you need it. Compared with cheaper tours that only give a jacket and a prayer, the comfort package here makes longer scanning realistic.

You’re also paying for the included safety and comfort extras:

• seasickness tablets
• indoor cabins with toilets
• heated space to warm up
• multiple outdoor decks
• a free re-try if there are no sightings

Where value can dip is when expectations are too strict. If you end up close to harbor lights on a given night, you might feel like the “away from the city” promise didn’t land. If the sky stays stubborn and clouds block the horizon, you may feel like the trip was long for nothing—even if the crew did everything they could.

So I look at this price like this: it’s fair if you’re flexible, dressed properly, and open to the idea that aurora watching is risk management. It’s less satisfying if you want certainty or if you hate cold weather waiting.

Tips That Can Save Your Night (and Your Photos)

This is one of those tours where preparation changes everything. Do these and you’ll feel more in control:

• Arrive early (30 minutes) at the meeting point. Dark Reykjavik + finding the correct boarding spot is a common stress trigger.
• Use the email updates and daily diary on their website. Iceland weather and tour timing can shift.
• Wear warm clothing and good footwear, even if you’re inside when you first board.
• Bring your camera, and be ready to stand and scan. The aurora can start faint and then sharpen fast.
• If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, consider using the free tablets before you feel sick.

Also, when you’re on deck: protect your fingers and your battery. Cold kills camera batteries quickly. Keep spares warm in an inner pocket until you need them.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Prefer Another Plan

This tour suits you if:

• you want to chase the aurora with a boat-based vantage point
• you appreciate heated indoor space and real winter gear
• you’re okay with the uncertainty that comes with nature
• you like the social feel of a guided hunt rather than a DIY night

You might think twice if:

• you’re highly sensitive to cold and don’t like waiting outdoors for long stretches
• you need perfect clarity and zero chance of disappointment
• you hate logistics hassles (meeting points, timing, and last-minute weather changes)

If you’re traveling as a group of friends and someone gets disappointed easily, agree on a plan ahead: this is a search mission. You’re buying comfort plus a shot at the sky show, not a guarantee.

Should You Book a Northern Lights Cruise From Reykjavik?

If you’re choosing between doing nothing and giving yourself a chance, I’d book this kind of cruise. The comfort basics are strong, the viewing setup is built for scanning the sky, and the free re-try is a meaningful safety net.

But I’d also go in with the right expectations. The aurora is a weather-and-sky lottery, and even well-run tours can return with nothing but harbor lights. Your best odds come from treating this as a flexible Iceland night: dress for cold, show up early, check updates, and keep moving to the clearest sky view when you’re on deck.

If you want a “most likely to be worth it” experience, this cruise is a solid option—just remember that the real performer is the sky, not the schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights cruise?

The tour is about 2 hours 30 minutes, and it’s also described as a 2–3 hour Northern lights tour.

How much does the Reykjavik Northern Lights cruise cost?

It’s listed at $93.00 per person.

What’s included with the ticket?

You get a 2–3 hour Northern lights tour, experienced guides, warm flotation overalls, heated indoor cabins with toilet facilities, free Wi‑Fi on board, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a free ticket to rejoin again if there are no sightings.

Are snacks and drinks included?

No. Snacks and beverages are sold on board, but they’re not included.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is not included, but it may be available for an extra charge.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear warm clothing and good footwear. Bring a camera if you want to take photos, since you’ll be outdoors on the decks for aurora viewing.