Green lights in Iceland are never guaranteed. This tour is interesting because it chases that elusive glow with an aurora forecast approach, driving far from Reykjavik’s light pollution and teaching you how to work your camera. I also like that the guide and photographer focus on getting you into the best aurora shots, not just pointing you toward the sky.

Two things I’d call out right away: first, you get hands-on help with camera settings once the aurora appears, plus the guide will photograph you against the northern lights. Second, you can download high-quality free photos after the tour, so you’re not stuck with blurry souvenirs. One possible drawback: even in a small group, the limit can feel busy when it’s time for professional pictures, and you may end up with fewer shots than you hoped.

Key Highlights (What Matters Most)

• Small group size (max 21) for more attention when the aurora starts moving fast
• Reykjanes Peninsula hunting for darker skies away from city light pollution
• Camera help on the spot when the green shimmer finally shows up
• Free downloadable photos after the tour, taken by the photography-focused guide
• No-aurora retry option on the Northern Lights bus tour if the sky doesn’t cooperate
• Hot chocolate and snacks to keep you comfortable during the waiting game

Chasing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik the Smart Way

Northern lights tours are a bet against the weather and the clouds, not a guarantee. What makes this one stand out is the way it treats the hunt like a job: planning where aurora activity is more likely, then moving to the right places when conditions change.

From Reykjavik, the biggest enemy is city glow. The tour heads toward the Reykjanes Peninsula specifically to get you away from that light pollution, and it’s not a one-and-done plan. The guide may need to try more than one spot before the aurora shows up clearly. That matters because the difference between seeing a weak shimmer and getting a strong display often comes down to location and timing.

I also like the human element here. Your guide shares stories about Iceland and the science of the aurora while you’re waiting. That turns the long cold minutes into something useful—especially if you’re traveling with kids or you just want context, not silence.

Stop 1: Reykjanes Peninsula and the Real-Life Photo Hunt

Your main stop is the Reykjanes Peninsula, and it’s where the tour’s “photo-first” style shows. You start far from Reykjavík’s brightest areas, which increases your odds of seeing the lights and helps your camera capture them better.

Once you arrive, you’re not just standing in one place. Sometimes the guide needs to move to a different location if the aurora isn’t cooperating or the sky isn’t clear enough. That’s normal for aurora chasing, and it’s why the tour is built around flexibility rather than a fixed viewpoint.

When the aurora appears—often described as a flickering green shimmer—the energy changes fast. This is when the guide steps in with practical photography help, including assistance with camera settings. The goal isn’t just to witness the sky. It’s to help you actually get usable photos, even if you’re not an experienced night photographer.

And yes, they’ll photograph you as well. So if you’ve ever felt stuck doing aurora selfies with a shaky tripod, this is the antidote: you can focus on watching the lights while the guide handles the composition and timing.

Camera Settings Help and the Free Pro Photo Download Link

The phrase “photo tour” can mean anything. In this case, the tour does more than let you take pictures in the dark. The guide actively helps with camera settings once the aurora is visible, which is when settings matter most.

Here’s what you can expect in practice:

• The guide helps adjust how your camera behaves in low light (so the aurora doesn’t just look like noise).
• You’ll have a better chance at photos if you listen and make quick adjustments when the aurora appears.
• You’ll also get professional-style photos taken with you in the scene.

Afterward, you’ll receive a download link for high-quality photos. This is a big value point. Even if you manage to get shots on your own, it’s nice to have an extra set that’s tuned for aurora conditions.

One thing to keep your expectations realistic: when the group is waiting for the sky, time is limited. There’s a maximum group size of 21, but you may still find that professional photo time can feel rushed if the lights are faint or you’re sharing attention with many people at once.

Hot Chocolate, Snacks, and the Small-Group Comfort Factor

This tour includes snacks and hot chocolate, which sounds simple until you’re standing outside in Iceland waiting for the sky to cooperate. When aurora chasing works, it can be a fast-moving moment. When it doesn’t, you might wait longer than you planned. Warm drinks help you stay patient, and snacks keep your energy up.

The small group size is a comfort and quality upgrade. With fewer people, the guide can more easily check that everyone sees the lights clearly and can react quickly if someone misses the moment. It also means more attention when it’s time for camera help and professional photos.

There’s also a subtle benefit: the night feels less chaotic. People aren’t constantly blocking each other’s views, and the guide can talk with the group without shouting over a busload of strangers.

What to Wear: Iceland Nights Are a Different Sport

You should dress for cold, wind, and wet weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so you’re expected to show up prepared. Warm, windproof, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear aren’t optional here; they’re the difference between enjoying the hunt and suffering through it.

One review highlighted how cold it can get with wind, and emphasized 3 layers plus wind protection. That’s solid advice. Even if you feel fine at pickup, conditions can change once you’re out beyond the city lights.

A practical way to think about it: your goal isn’t to stay warm forever. Your goal is to stay comfortable long enough to watch the sky do its thing—and to still be able to operate a camera or phone with gloves on.

If You Don’t See the Aurora: How the Free Retry Works

Northern lights tours are honest about one thing: the aurora can be invisible even when the tour does everything right. This tour offers a safety net—if you don’t see the lights during your tour, you can go again for free on the Northern Lights bus tour.

That matters because it changes your risk level. You’re not paying just for a single attempt. You’re paying for a chance, backed by another shot if the sky doesn’t cooperate.

Also, aurora guides tend to keep working once they’ve started. You might find the guide tries multiple locations during the night to improve the odds, instead of declaring it over after the first plan fails. That persistence is exactly what you want when weather shifts and cloud cover moves.

Pickup Timing in Reykjavik: Don’t Lose the Start of the Night

Pickup is offered, and the tour notes that pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so you need to be ready at the pickup location from the time on your ticket. This isn’t the moment for a late coffee run.

The best advice is simple: confirm your pickup point and don’t improvise. One unhappy experience described a situation where the pickup didn’t happen because the guest was waiting at a different location than the one approved. So follow the exact meeting instructions you receive, and give yourself buffer time.

If you’re using public transportation, this tour being near it can help. But the cold doesn’t care about your schedule, so I’d rather you arrive early than gamble on being late.

Price and Value: Why $126 Can Still Feel Worth It

At $126 per person for an approximately 4-hour tour, you’re paying for more than access to a dark spot. You’re paying for:

• transportation to reduce light pollution,
• a guide who uses an aurora forecast approach,
• camera assistance once the lights appear,
• and included comforts like hot chocolate and snacks,
• plus the major bonus: a free download link for high-quality photos.

And there’s the value kicker: the free retry if you don’t see the aurora. That turns the price from a one-night gamble into a plan with a second attempt. If you’re visiting Iceland for a short stretch and you’d really hate to go home without seeing the northern lights, that safety net is meaningful.

One more detail: the tour is commonly booked far in advance (on average around 40 days). That tells you this is a popular way to do aurora photography from Reykjavik—meaning your choice of dates may be limited if you wait too long.

Who This Northern Lights Photo Tour Fits Best

This is a strong fit if:

• you don’t want to drive yourself at night,
• you want a guide who actively helps with aurora viewing and photography,
• you care about getting photos that look like the northern lights, not just the idea of them,
• you’re traveling as a family or group and want a calmer setup with a small group cap.

It’s also useful if you’re learning. The guide’s explanations can help you understand what you’re seeing, and the on-the-spot camera help can make your photos improve immediately.

If you’re the type who expects perfect results every time, keep in mind: aurora viewing is weather-dependent. This tour is designed to maximize odds and support you with photography and comfort, but nature decides the final outcome.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book this tour if you want a guided aurora chase with real photo support, included warm drinks, and a free retry safety net. It’s also a good choice if you value the small-group feel and want a guide who stays focused on getting everyone a clear view.

Skip it if you’re extremely sensitive to disappointment when clouds roll in, or if your top priority is unlimited, individual time for professional photos. The format is built around moving to the right spots and reacting quickly—so the experience can be very efficient, not slow and personal.

If you do book, the biggest move you can make is preparation: dress for wind and cold, bring whatever camera or phone you’ll actually use, and show up on time for pickup. Then let the guide do what they’re good at—finding the darkness, timing the moment, and helping you catch the aurora before it vanishes.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik?

The tour runs for about 4 hours.

Is pickup included, and how early should I be ready?

Pickup is offered. The pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so you should wait at your pickup location from the time listed on your ticket.

What’s included for food and drinks?

The tour includes snacks and hot chocolate.

Will I get photos from the tour?

Yes. After the tour, you’ll receive a link where you can download high-quality photos of you with the northern lights.

What happens if I don’t see the northern lights?

If you don’t see the aurora on this tour, you can travel again for free on their Northern Lights bus tour.

How large is the group?

The group size is capped at a maximum of 21 travelers.