Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus with Pro Photos & Free Retry – A Detailed Review

Exploring the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket-list experience, and this Aurora Minibus tour offers a thoughtfully crafted way to chase the elusive aurora borealis. With a focus on small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and high-quality photography, it appeals to travelers seeking both adventure and memorable keepsakes.

We particularly like how this tour combines authentic Icelandic culture—through Viking costumes and stories—with modern technology, like professional-grade cameras. The personalized approach and the offer of unlimited retries really stand out. On the flip side, the unpredictability of the Aurora’s appearance means patience is necessary, and you should be prepared for possible cloudy nights.

This experience is best suited for those who crave a small, flexible, and engaging night out in Reykjavík, especially if you’re interested in photography or cultural fun. If you’re traveling with kids over age 7, they can join in, but younger children might find the late hours and cold weather less enjoyable. Overall, if your goal is to maximize chances of seeing the lights while enjoying a lively, memorable evening, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small Group Advantage: Limited to 18 people, offering a more personal and flexible experience.
• Expert Guides & Photographers: Guides with decades of experience, plus professional cameras that capture stunning night shots.
• Cultural Touches: Viking costumes and weapons add fun and authentic local flavor.
• Flexible & Reassuring Policy: Unlimited free retries until you see the lights, though no refunds if the lights don’t appear.
• Comfort & Warmth: Hot chocolate, cookies, blankets, and Viking outfits keep you cozy in the cold.
• No Predictability: Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and luck, so patience and flexibility are key.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses a minibus, which allows for greater access to remote spots and enhances the feeling of intimacy. Unlike large bus tours, this smaller size means fewer crowds, more flexibility in choosing viewing locations, and a more relaxed atmosphere. With a maximum of 18 people, you’ll have plenty of chances to ask questions and get personalized attention from your guides.

Itinerary & Stops

The tour begins with pickups from 16 different locations across Reykjavík, making it very convenient no matter where you’re staying. The first stop is a secret sightseeing spot, carefully chosen by guides to maximize your chances for a clear view of the sky. This often involves driving away from light pollution for better visibility.

The exact stops vary depending on weather conditions and aurora forecasts. Guides are proactive, often heading to areas where the sky is opening up, even if it means driving several kilometers away from the city lights. As one reviewer noted, guides know exactly where and when to be to catch a glimpse, sometimes even when other tours are canceled due to poor conditions.

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Activities & Entertainment

The experience isn’t just about waiting for the lights to appear. To keep spirits high during potential wait times, guides offer hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and blankets—little comforts that make the cold more bearable.

What makes this tour fun is the interactive Viking costumes and weapon replicas sourced from a local museum. You’ll have the chance to try on Viking outfits and pose with replica weapons—sometimes resulting in surprisingly good photos or hilarious ones, as guests have noted. This playful element adds a distinctive local flavor and creates memorable photo opportunities with the aurora as a backdrop.

Photography & Sightings

One of the tour’s biggest selling points is professional-grade cameras. Guides are skilled at capturing stunning images of the Northern Lights, often in challenging darkness. As many reviews mention, the photos taken by guides are stunning, and you’ll receive high-quality images to print and keep.

The tour’s confidence in their ability to get good shots is backed by their unlimited free retry policy. If the Lights don’t appear on your first night, you can join again at no extra cost, increasing your chances without additional expense. Several reviewers raved about guides like Tomas and Felix, who are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and photographic skills.

Weather & Aurora Chances

Seeing the Northern Lights depends on several factors outside the tour’s control—particularly weather and solar activity. Guides monitor forecasts closely and will suggest rescheduling if the conditions look unfavorable. However, even on nights with cloudy skies, guides do their best to find breaks in the weather or less cloudy spots, often succeeding where others fail.

Reviewers share stories of guides driving long distances to find clear skies, sometimes even at 3 AM to maximize viewing opportunities. It’s clear that guides are passionate, persistent, and dedicated to giving guests a shot at witnessing the aurora.

Pricing & Value

At $165 per person for four hours, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the personalized service, professional photography, and the flexibility of unlimited retries. When you factor in the cultural experience with Viking costumes, the hot chocolates, and the small-group setting, it becomes more than just a Northern Lights tour—it’s an engaging night out in Iceland.

While the price might seem higher than some larger bus tours, the added comfort, personalized attention, and photographic keepsakes justify the cost for many travelers. This tour particularly appeals to those wanting that extra touch of authentic fun and high-quality images.

Authenticity & Customer Feedback

The reviews tell the story better than we can. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who go above and beyond to find the lights, even under less-than-ideal conditions. Many mention guides like Tomas, Felix, and Kobe, highlighting their enthusiasm and professionalism.

The fun Viking costumes and weapons are frequently described as a surprising highlight, turning what could be a cold, waiting game into a memorable photo session. Several travelers appreciate the attention to detail and personalized approach, which sets this tour apart from more generic offerings.

Plus, the hot chocolate, gingerbread, and blankets are small touches that elevate the experience, making the long waits more comfortable and enjoyable. The photos taken during the tour are consistently described as stunning—a big bonus for those wanting to take home a high-quality souvenir of their trip.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik Aurora Minibus tour offers an engaging, well-rounded way to experience Iceland’s Northern Lights. It combines expert guidance, fun cultural touches, and professional photography into a package that appeals to travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and memorable moments. The small-group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere, while the unlimited retry policy provides peace of mind in unpredictable weather.

If you’re someone who wants more than just a bus ride—looking for a personalized, fun, and photogenic adventure—this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suitable for those eager to capture stunning images and enjoy an authentic Icelandic atmosphere with Viking costumes and stories.

For travelers willing to be patient and flexible, this tour maximizes your chances of witnessing the northern lights while offering plenty of ways to enjoy your evening. The mix of expert guiding, cultural fun, and high-quality photos makes it a memorable addition to any Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide and photographer, Viking costumes and weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Can I see the Northern Lights if the weather is cloudy?
While cloudy weather can obscure the aurora, guides monitor forecasts closely and will drive to areas with clearer skies when possible. They also offer unlimited free retries if the lights don’t appear on your first night.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children under 7 years old are not recommended, likely due to the late hours and cold weather.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly—layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential as you’ll be outdoors for extended periods.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small group size, professional photography, cultural Viking costumes, and the flexible retry policy make it stand out.

What if I want to rebook?
You can rebook your tour free of charge if the weather doesn’t cooperate, thanks to their unlimited retry guarantee.

Are the photos included?
Yes, you’ll receive high-quality pictures taken by the guides, which you can print or share afterward.

This tour balances fun, culture, and the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights, making it a prime choice for those who want a memorable night with a personal touch. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate good value, expert guidance, and a bit of playful Icelandic charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: