Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour – Pro Aurora Photos – Small Group

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour – Pro Aurora Photos – Small Group

Traveling in Iceland offers many unforgettable moments, but chasing the elusive Northern Lights ranks among the most magical. This small-group tour from Reykjavik promises not just aurora hunting but also the chance to capture professional-quality photos and enjoy a cozy, friendly atmosphere. With a high rating of 5.0 based on over 220 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience well worth the price.

What we love about this tour is its dedication to maximizing the chances of seeing the aurora — even if it takes multiple tries. Plus, the inclusion of hot cocoa and the opportunity to “play Viking” with weapons and costumes offers a fun, memorable twist. A potential downside: the weather plays a big role, and if conditions are poor, your chances might be slim, but the tour’s flexibility and multiple attempts help mitigate that.

This tour is ideal for those who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and photography. If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind the cold, this experience could be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

Key Points

• Guaranteed multiple attempts to see the aurora, increasing your chances of witnessing the lights
• Expert guides with a focus on photography and sharing insights about the northern lights
• Comfortable transportation and cozy amenities like hot cocoa, with optional Viking-themed photo ops
• Small group size (max 18 travelers), ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Flexible location stops based on weather and forecast, optimizing viewing opportunities
• Affordable price point considering the value of multiple attempts, professional photos, and expert guidance

Why Choose This Northern Lights Tour?

This tour stands out because it goes beyond just driving around in the hope of seeing the aurora. Instead, it actively focuses on giving you the best possible chance—through multiple stops, expert tracking, and real-time adjustments based on weather conditions. The guides, like Jonas and Felix, are praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to keep the group enthusiastic, even in cold, unpredictable weather.

The inclusion of aurora center visits and the opportunity to pose with Viking weapons and costumes offers a playful, cultural touch that makes the experience more than just a sky-watch. Plus, the professional photos taken throughout add a lasting keepsake, which many reviewers appreciate.

In terms of value, at $165 per person, this tour provides more than a sightseeing ride—it’s a chance to potentially witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays while enjoying warm drinks, good company, and expert guidance.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour departs from various pickup spots in Reykjavik, making it straightforward to join. Once on board, your driver and guide will start the hunt for the northern lights, adjusting locations based on weather forecasts and aurora activity predictions.

Stop 1: Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center

The first stop is at the Aurora Reykjavík Center, a dedicated hub where you can learn more about the science behind the lights. The center offers free admission, giving you background info and perhaps some fascinating facts to impress your friends back home. It’s a quick stop but a useful one for setting expectations and understanding what you’re hoping to see.

Multiple Hunts for the Aurora

The main part of the tour involves heading out into the countryside or darker areas around Reykjavik to find clear, dark skies. Your guide’s goal is to maximize your chances by moving to different spots depending on the forecast and real-time conditions. Reviewers like Jessy and Candace mention how guides such as Tomas and Felix went above and beyond — taking extra drives to find the best viewing spots, often in completely dark, light-pollution-free areas.

What Will You Experience?

While the ultimate goal is to see the aurora dancing in the sky, even if the lights aren’t visible with the naked eye, many guests find the photography tips and assistance invaluable. Several reviews highlight how guides expertly pulled over to capture stunning photos for everyone, making the experience not just about waiting but also about creating lasting memories.

The Atmosphere

Expect a small, intimate group (maximum 18 people), which fosters a friendly, social vibe. Guests have noted how guides like Jonas and Emil keep things informative but relaxed, often sharing fun facts about Iceland, the northern lights, or Icelandic culture. The experience is also flexible enough that if the lights appear early or late, the group can stay out longer.

Additional Perks

• Hot cocoa and snacks keep everyone warm and energized during the wait.
• The option to try Viking weapons and costumes adds a fun cultural twist and photo opportunities.
• Multiple attempts mean that even if the skies don’t cooperate initially, there’s a high chance you’ll catch the aurora if you’re patient.

The Guides: Knowledge and Personal Touch

Many reviews highlight the guides’ dedication and expertise. Jonas, Felix, Emil, and Tomas are praised for their patience, warm demeanor, and ability to explain complex phenomena in an accessible way. Their photography skills are frequently mentioned as a bonus, helping guests get professional-looking photos of their experience.

One reviewer, Ashlee, appreciated how Felix spontaneously pulled over when he saw the aurora on full display, showing how guides are actively tracking the skies. The guides also educate guests about the aurora’s science and Icelandic lore, enriching the experience beyond the visual spectacle.

The Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At $165 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. You’re getting multiple attempts to see the lights, professional photography, snacks and hot cocoa, and expert guidance in a small group setting. Compared to larger, less personalized tours, the intimacy and flexibility here stand out.

The ability to try multiple locations based on real-time conditions can significantly impact your chances of witnessing the aurora, which often only appears for fleeting moments. The tour’s high success rate—many reviewers mention seeing the lights after some effort—reflects a focus on maximizing your experience.

What Travelers Say

Authentic reviews reveal consistent praise for guides’ dedication and the stunning views experienced. Michael describes the tour as “in a class of its own,” noting the technical precision and effort guides put into ensuring guests see the aurora. Alicia appreciated how guide Kobe explained the conditions and forecast and took great photos, even when the lights weren’t initially visible.

Several guests, such as Jessy and Candace, highlight how their guides drove to dark, remote areas, away from city lights, and stayed out late to give everyone the best shot. Others mention how friendly and patient the guides are, even when conditions aren’t perfect. That kind of personalized attention makes a difference in how memorable the experience is.

The Experience: A Day in the Life

From pickup to drop-off, expect a friendly, informative journey. The tour begins with pickup at designated spots in Reykjavik, making logistics easier. Then, as you head out into the night, your guide will monitor weather and aurora forecasts, adjusting stops as needed.

Once in the field, you’ll be encouraged to play with Viking gear, pose for photos, and enjoy hot cocoa and snacks that keep everyone warm. Guides like Jonas will share insights about the northern lights’ science and help you capture photos with your phone or camera. If the lights do appear, you’ll be treated to a dancing, shimmering sky—a sight that often prompts guests to exclaim or even tear up.

Even on nights when the aurora is shy, the guides’ efforts to find clear, dark skies and their enthusiasm make the journey worthwhile. Several reviews, like Brandy’s, note how even in less-than-ideal conditions, guides found spots with minimal light pollution and made the experience enjoyable.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participating

• Book well in advance (on average 46 days ahead) to secure your spot, especially during peak aurora season.
• Dress very warmly — layers, hats, gloves, and warm footwear are essential since you’ll be outside for extended periods.
• Bring your camera and phone, but know guides can assist with professional photos.
• Be aware that the tour can last up to 5 hours, so patience and comfort are key.
• If you’re traveling in a group, expect small, intimate numbers—great for personal attention but less ideal if you prefer large tours.
• This tour is suitable for most travelers, but those sensitive to cold or with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long it takes to find clear skies and the aurora.

What is included in the price?
The $165 fee covers transportation, multiple attempts at aurora viewing, snacks, hot cocoa, and professional photos. The Aurora Reykjavík Center visit is free.

Can I see the Northern Lights with my naked eye?
Yes, the goal is to see the aurora visually. However, some reviews note that seeing the lights with the naked eye can be challenging, especially if the display is faint, but guides are skilled at helping you capture great photos.

What if I don’t see the lights?
The tour is designed so you can try as many times as needed. Many guests have reported success after multiple stops.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available from several locations in Reykjavik, making it easy to join the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but kids should be prepared for cold weather and outdoor conditions.

What should I wear?
Dress very warmly in layers, including hats, gloves, and insulated footwear. It gets cold outside at night.

How reliable is the weather?
Since the tour depends on clear skies, bad weather may cause cancellations or rescheduling. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a thoughtful, well-organized approach to one of Iceland’s most sought-after experiences. The combination of expert guides, strategic stops, and multiple chances to see the aurora makes it stand out. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the added perks like professional photos and Viking costumes make it memorable.

If you’re someone who appreciates guided expertise, a cozy atmosphere, and a good shot at witnessing the aurora, this tour is a fantastic choice. The high reviews and dedicated guides suggest that, with a bit of luck and patience, you’ll leave with beautiful photos and stories to tell for years.

For travelers looking for a reliable, fun, and engaging Northern Lights adventure, this tour delivers on all fronts—providing more than just a sky view, but a true Icelandic experience.

Note: Always check the weather forecast and dress warmly. Remember, patience and a positive attitude are key to making the most of your aurora chase.