From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Lifetime Guarantee

Travelers looking to catch the elusive Northern Lights often face the twin challenges of unpredictable weather and limited time. This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik aims to remove some of that uncertainty with a lifetime guarantee—meaning if you don’t see the Aurora on your first try, you can rebook free of charge. With a solid average rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on over 1,300 reviews, it’s clear this experience offers a mix of dependable service and memorable sights, but it’s not without some caveats.

What we really like about this tour are its focus on education and photography tips—the guides are praised for their knowledge—and its flexibility, allowing you to reschedule if the lights don’t appear. However, travelers should prepare for long, sometimes cold nights and understand that Auroras are a natural phenomenon that can’t be guaranteed every night. This tour suits adventurous, camera-enthusiastic travelers eager to maximize their chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis with expert guidance and comfort.

Key Points

• Expert guidance enhances confidence in spotting the Northern Lights
• Flexible rescheduling offers peace of mind if the lights don’t appear initially
• Transportation and WiFi onboard make it convenient and comfortable
• Multiple language options help international travelers enjoy the experience
• Stops at remote locations increase your chances of seeing the Aurora away from city lights
• Good value considering the included guides, transportation, and guaranteed rebookings

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

If you’re in Reykjavik and dreaming of a night under the stars watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky, this tour could be a smart choice—especially if you’re new to aurora chasing or want the reassurance of a lifetime guarantee. The experience lasts about 3 hours, typically starting in the evening, depending on the season, with timing ranging from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The exact start time depends on the date, but the goal remains the same: give you the best opportunity to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Transportation and Comfort

Board one of the company’s modern, comfortable buses, equipped with WiFi, USB chargers, and personal tablets. This setup ensures you can stay connected, take photos, and stay entertained as you wait for the lights to appear. Reviewers frequently mention the warm coach and the friendly, knowledgeable drivers and guides, which make the night less about cold waiting and more about anticipation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with hotel pickup (if this option is selected), usually from points in Reykjavik city center. Expect the driver to make a few stops along the way—sometimes up to 30 minutes—to pick up other guests. This can add a bit of time to your journey, but it’s worth it for the convenience. The bus then heads out into the countryside or to secluded spots with clear, dark skies—crucial for optimal Aurora viewing.

The first stop generally lasts about an hour, giving you time to settle in, scan the sky, and get some initial glimpses of the Aurora if they’re visible. Then, a guided walk or sightseeing stop for about 1.5 hours allows for more chances to see the lights, learn about the phenomenon, and ask questions. The guides are often highly praised for their knowledge about the Aurora and constellations, with some reviews noting their enthusiasm and helpfulness in photography tips.

The final stretch on the bus lasts about an hour, with the option to stay out longer if the lights are promising. The tour concludes at one of 46 drop-off locations across Reykjavik, making it flexible for travelers staying in different parts of the city.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the biggest selling points is the lifetime guarantee—if you don’t see the Aurora on your first outing, you can rebook free of charge. This reduces the pressure and makes the cost—around $68 per person—more worthwhile. Given that other similar tours might not offer this assurance, it’s a notable feature. This means you’re not simply paying for transportation; you’re investing in peace of mind.

A common theme in reviews is how dedicated guides kept up the search, sometimes extending the tour by 90 minutes when the lights weren’t immediately visible. Such commitment is appreciated, and it demonstrates the company’s confidence in helping you see the Aurora.

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Photography and Learning

Many reviews highlight the excellent tips provided on how to photograph the Aurora, including camera settings and the importance of a tripod—highly recommended given how faint and fleeting the lights can appear without proper equipment. Some travelers mention they wished for more detailed instructions, especially for those using smartphones or compact cameras, but overall guides are praised for their enthusiasm and expertise.

Price and Value

At $68, this tour is competitively priced considering the included amenities: transportation, WiFi, USB chargers, an audio guide in 10 languages, and the guarantee. When you consider the effort to take you out of the city into prime viewing spots and the expert guidance, it offers decent value. Several reviews mention that the quality of the experience outweighs the cost, especially when compared to trying to chase the Lights independently.

What You Should Know Before Booking

• Weather conditions are critical; cloudy skies mean no Aurora, but the tour’s flexible rebooking policy helps mitigate this.
• Dress warmly—layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy shoes are advised, as cold nights are typical.
• Bring your own headphones if you want to listen to the audio guide more comfortably.
• Bring a tripod if you want to take better photos, as the lights are best captured with stable shots.
• The tour departs from and returns to various locations in Reykjavik; confirm your preferred drop-off point beforehand.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers speak highly of dedicated guides like Helga and Amelia, who provided helpful advice and shared stories about the Northern Lights and Icelandic culture. Many mention the near-misses, but also the thrill of finally spotting the Aurora, sometimes right before midnight or after a long wait. The atmosphere on the bus is often described as cozy and friendly, with guides working tirelessly to ensure everyone has a chance to see the phenomenon.

A few mention that the Lights weren’t as bright as hoped, but they still found the experience magical and worthwhile. The willingness to wait and extend the tour when the lights appear late is appreciated, as is the professional attitude of the staff.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for first-time Northern Lights chasers who want a structured, guided experience with a reassurance of rebooking. It’s also suitable for families and couples looking for a comfortable, well-organized outing with expert tips. If you’re camera-savvy or eager to learn how to photograph the Aurora, this tour’s learning component will be particularly useful.

However, if you’re seeking adventure and spontaneity, or already have a good sense of where to look, you might prefer a more flexible or private option. Also, travelers who don’t enjoy cold weather or long nights might find this experience less appealing.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers travelers a reliable, comfortable, and educational way to chase one of nature’s most spectacular sights. The lifetime guarantee is a strong selling point, and the guides’ dedication and knowledge receive consistent praise. The included transportation, WiFi, and multi-language audio guide boost overall convenience and value.

While it’s not a guaranteed sighting—and weather can always spoil the show—the tour’s flexibility and effort make it a good choice for those wanting a well-organized, friendly experience. You’ll leave with better understanding of the Aurora, some stunning photos, and hopefully, a memory of a night when the sky put on a show.

FAQs

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, usually starting between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM depending on the season.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option, starting about 30 minutes before the tour.

How many languages are available for the audio guide?
The in-bus audio guide is available in 10 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and English.

What should I bring on the tour?
Dress warmly in waterproof clothing, bring your own headphones for the audio guide (if desired), and a tripod is highly recommended for photography.

Can I reschedule if I don’t see the Aurora?
Yes, with the lifetime guarantee, you can reschedule free of charge if the lights aren’t visible during your first outing.

What if the weather is cloudy?
The tour’s success depends on clear skies. If clouds block the Aurora, guides will do their best to find a better spot, or you can rebook for free.

How many drop-off locations are there?
There are 46 different drop-off points across Reykjavik, ensuring you can be conveniently returned close to your accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there are no age limits, and children 0-11 years can join for free, making it family-friendly.

This tour balances comfort, education, and adventure, making it a solid pick for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights without sacrificing convenience. Just remember to dress warmly, bring patience, and enjoy the magic of Iceland’s night sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: