Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

Experiencing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket-list moment, and this Reykjavik-based tour promises an intimate, fun-packed evening designed to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. With a small group of up to 18 people, a guide who’s also a talented photographer, Viking costumes for fun photos, and a policy of unlimited free retries, it’s a thoughtful choice for those eager for a personal, memorable experience.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of expert guidance and genuine entertainment to keep you engaged while waiting for the lights to dance across the sky. The inclusion of high-quality photos, Viking costumes, and cozy snacks adds a layer of authenticity and comfort that many travelers find appealing. However, it’s worth remembering that the aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed—this adds an element of luck to the adventure.

This experience is best suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy, professional photography, and fun, interactive activities. If you’re prepared for cold weather and enjoy a mix of education, entertainment, and a bit of Icelandic culture, you’ll likely find this tour a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

Intimate Group Size: Max 18 guests ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
Expert Guides & Photographers: Guides like Tomas, Kobe, and Felix are praised for their local knowledge and photography skills, boosting your chances of capturing the Northern Lights.
Flexible & Rebookable: With unlimited free retries, the tour’s designed to maximize your chances, recognizing that aurora sightings depend on unpredictable weather conditions.
Engaging Activities: Viking costumes, museum weapon replicas, and fun photo ops keep everyone entertained while waiting for the sky to clear.
Comfort & Warmth: Hot chocolate, gingerbread, and blankets help make the cold Icelandic night more pleasant.
Value for Money: At $165, it offers a well-rounded experience with high-quality photos, expert guidance, and unique activities, making it a good investment for aurora hunters.

The Real Deal: What to Expect from the Aurora Minibus Tour

Small Group, Big Experience

Starting your evening with a pickup from 16 different Reykjavik locations, this tour keeps things personal. The minibus, limited to 18 guests, is an advantage over larger buses—more space, less noise, and access to spots bigger buses can’t reach. This is a big plus if you appreciate flexibility and a more tailored experience.

The Guide & Photography

Owners Kolbeinn and Emil lead the tours, both with decades of experience in finding the Northern Lights. Their expertise means they often find the lights when others haven’t—an important point, since spotting the aurora is never guaranteed. Your guide doesn’t just look for the lights; they also act as your personal photographer, using high-spec cameras to ensure you get high-quality shots of the sky and yourself in Viking costumes.

Several reviews mention the skill of guides like Tomas and Felix, who are praised not only for their local knowledge but also their ability to take stunning photos in challenging night conditions. If you want professional pictures of your Northern Lights experience—especially with Viking costumes or Viking weapon replicas—this is a major selling point.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Pickup from your chosen location, which could be at places like Hallgrimskirkja, city bus stops, or hotels. The first stop serves as your starting point and a chance to settle in and meet your guide.

Stop 2: The “secret stop” where you’ll get a dedicated photo session and sightseeing. Here, your guide will pick a dark, open area away from city lights—a key factor for good aurora viewing.

Stop 3: The return journey, with drop-offs at the same locations you were picked up from. The flexibility of multiple stops ensures you’re in the best position for sightings.

Activities & Entertainment

While waiting for the aurora, you’ll be kept engaged with Viking costumes and replicas of Viking weapons from a local museum. They’re excellent fun for photos, and reviewers have found that the photos sometimes come out surprisingly well, capturing the lights with Viking outfits for a memorable keepsake.

Hot chocolate, gingerbread, and blankets are provided to keep everyone warm as temperatures dip into the Icelandic night. During waiting times, guides keep the mood light with jokes, interesting facts, and updates on the likelihood of seeing the aurora.

The Aurora & Photographic Quality

The core appeal of this tour is the chance to see and photograph the Northern Lights. The guides’ experience and professional cameras mean your chances of capturing decent shots are high, even in suboptimal conditions. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the guides are skilled at repositioning cameras and finding the right angles—sometimes in total darkness.

Several guests have shared spectacular photos of dancing auroras, often taken just minutes after arrival at the right spot. Even if the lights are faint or shy, the guides’ persistent effort and expert tips mean you’ll leave with photos worth printing and sharing.

Weather & Aurora Luck

The unpredictability of the Northern Lights remains a factor. As noted, “there’s no way to predict the aurora with certainty,” so sightings depend on luck, weather, and solar activity. The tour’s unlimited retry policy is a big plus here—if you don’t see anything on your first night, you can rejoin without extra charge until you do.

Guests have appreciated the transparency about the chances of sightings and the company’s willingness to rebook or refund if the weather isn’t cooperative. This approach builds trust and shows genuine commitment to your experience.

How the Tour Compares to Others

Many similar tours rely on big buses and generic schedules, which can reduce the personal feel and access to remote spots. In contrast, this small-group tour with expert guides offers a more relaxed atmosphere and better chances of finding clear skies. The added element of Viking costumes and quality photos gives it a fun, cultural edge not always present in standard aurora trips.

Pricing at around $165 per person is reasonable given the included extras—professional photos, warm treats, interactive activities, and the flexibility to rejoin. When you consider the value of high-quality, professionally taken pictures and the effort guides put into chasing the lights, it’s a solid deal.

The Experience from a Reviewer’s Perspective

Many guests rave about the dedication and enthusiasm of the guides. Tomas, in particular, is praised for his knack for choosing perfect spots and capturing stunning images. One reviewer, Josef, called him a “Genius” for his ability to find clear skies and expertly handle night photography.

The Viking costumes and weapon replicas add a playful element that surprises some travelers but is widely enjoyed. Reviewer Kim appreciated the gingerbread and hot chocolate, noting how these small touches make the experience cozy and special. Others highlight how the guides’ knowledge and genuine passion make the evening not just about seeing lights but about creating a memorable adventure.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying

• Dress warmly: Temperatures can drop quickly, and you’ll be outside for several hours.
• Be flexible with your plans: As sightings depend on weather, your patience and willingness to rebook are key.
• Arrive on time: Guides are prompt, and early arrivals help ensure you’re ready when the lights appear.
• Take advantage of photos: The professional shots are included, so don’t be shy—pose with Viking costumes or weapons!
• Bring your own camera: The guides’ cameras are excellent, but if you have a good smartphone or camera, you might want to bring it along.
• Enjoy the treats: Hot chocolate and gingerbread are simple but effective in making the cold more bearable.
• Trust the guide: They have decades of experience and know the best spots for aurora sightings.

The Sum Up

This Aurora Minibus tour in Reykjavik offers a well-rounded, fun, and informative approach to chasing the Northern Lights. The small-group format and expert guides make a tangible difference, especially when it comes to capturing beautiful photos and enjoying personalized attention. The Viking costumes and interactive activities add a playful, cultural element that makes the experience stand out from generic aurora hunts.

While the nature of aurora viewing means you can’t guarantee a sighting, the unlimited free retry policy and the guides’ dedication to finding the lights provide peace of mind. The inclusion of warm drinks, blankets, and professional photography makes this a value-packed option for travelers who want more than just a bus ride—they want a memorable, engaging night out in Iceland.

If you’re a curious traveler who appreciates good storytelling, great photos, and a touch of Icelandic culture, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It’s best suited for those who enjoy small groups, are flexible with timing, and want to leave with tangible keepsakes of their adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with exact start times available upon booking.

What locations are the pickup points?
There are 16 pickup locations around Reykjavik, including popular spots like Hotel Klettur, Hallgrimskirkja, and the Bus Terminal.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, a modern minibus with a maximum of 18 guests ensures a cozy and flexible experience. The smaller size also allows access to spots larger buses can’t reach.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance and photography, Viking costumes and weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Can I rebook if I don’t see the aurora?
Absolutely. The tour offers unlimited free retries until the lights appear, recognizing the unpredictable nature of aurora sightings.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, as you’ll be outside for several hours. Bringing your own camera is optional but recommended.

Are children allowed?
Not suitable for children under 7 years, likely due to the cold and late hours.

What if the weather is poor?
Guides will keep you updated, and the flexible rebooking policy means you can try again on another night without extra cost.

How good are the photos?
Guides use high-spec cameras, and many guests have been thrilled with their professional-quality images, especially with the Viking costumes and aurora backgrounds.

This tour strikes a wonderful balance between expert-led chasing, cultural fun, and memorable photos, making it a fantastic choice if you're after a personalized, authentic Northern Lights experience in Reykjavik.