Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Private Photographer

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to chase the Northern Lights, this tour offers a promising mix of expert guidance, comfort, and memorable photos. Offered by Ultimate Iceland / Aurora Experts, it’s designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder while providing a cozy, well-equipped experience away from city lights.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour are the expert guidance from one of Iceland’s top photographers and the comfortable amenities like warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs, which make the cold less daunting. On the flip side, potential participants should consider that weather conditions are unpredictable—meaning the aurora isn’t guaranteed every night, no matter how much you hope for a display. Still, if you love photography, small groups, and a relaxed atmosphere, this tour could be a great fit.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, intimate Northern Lights adventure with lots of extras—professional photos, local snacks, and comfy gear—without sacrificing the authenticity of Iceland’s winter landscape. It’s ideal for those who prioritize comfort and expert insight, and who are happy to accept the variability inherent in chasing the aurora borealis.

Key Points

• High success rate: 93% chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Photographer-led: Guided by one of Iceland’s top aurora photographers.
• Comfort-focused: Warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs provided.
• Unlimited photos: Capture the moment with as many professional images as you like.
• Small group size: Max 18 passengers for a more personal experience.
• Flexible re-runs: Unlimited re-attempts if the lights don’t appear on your first night.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An in-Depth Look at the Experience

The Price and Its Value

At $221 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest Northern Lights chase out there, but it includes a number of premium features that add value. You get not only expert guidance and professional photos but also warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs, which significantly improve comfort in Iceland’s chilly winter nights. The inclusion of Icelandic snacks, hot cocoa, and even premium vodka creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the unlimited re-runs—a rare feature—allow you to return on different nights until you see the lights, making the price more justifiable for serious aurora hunters.

Small Group and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 18 people, this tour offers a more intimate experience compared to bus-sized groups. This small size means you’re less likely to feel lost in the crowd and more likely to get personalized assistance with your camera settings. Several reviews highlight that this focus on small groups creates a cozy, friendly environment, perfect for beginners or those who want a more relaxed experience.

The Itinerary and Key Highlights

The tour lasts about five hours, with start times varying depending on availability. It begins with pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation—whether a hotel, guesthouse, or cruise ship terminal—and heads out to a designated viewing spot away from city lights.

Once on location, you’ll be handed a warm jumpsuit (a lifesaver on frosty nights) and an outdoor chair to settle into. Here’s where the experience shines: the guide, Heimir, is an award-winning photographer, known for his skill in capturing the Aurora Borealis. He’ll help you with your camera settings, ensuring you get stunning images, and you can borrow a tripod free of charge.

Throughout the night, you’ll indulge in traditional Icelandic snacks, like dried fish and cinnamon rolls, alongside hot cocoa, tea, and some Icelandic vodka or snaps—adding a taste of local culture. The guide’s use of advanced weather and aurora forecasts, supported by satellite images, helps optimize your chances of witnessing the lights. And if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, the free re-run policy means you can try again on another night at no extra cost—up to two years after your initial booking.

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The Viewing Experience

The main event is, of course, the Northern Lights. While a 93% sighting rate sounds promising, it’s important to remember that auroras are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed. The guide’s forecast tools and experience do improve the odds, but weather patterns, cloud cover, and solar activity still play significant roles.

Many reviews praise the stunning views when the lights do appear, describing the spectacle as “mesmerizing” and “breathtaking.” The outdoor chairs and warm jumpsuits ensure you’re comfortable enough to sit back and truly appreciate the show, rather than shivering and wishing you’d brought a blanket.

Comfort and Practicalities

The tour’s distinguishing features are its focus on comfort and personalization. The inclusion of warm jumpsuits means you won’t be battling the cold, which is a common complaint on winter northern lights tours. Outdoor chairs allow you to relax and take in the view without crouching or sitting on icy ground.

The small group size and personalized camera assistance make this experience particularly appealing to amateur photographers or anyone eager to capture high-quality photos without fuss. Unlimited professional photos are a standout feature, offering you a collection of images to cherish without the hassle of taking your own shots under cold, windy conditions.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

While the tour includes many comfort features, the weather dependency remains. If clouds roll in or conditions are poor, the tour might be canceled on short notice, though you’ll be notified by email by 6:30 PM on the scheduled night. The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, but no refunds are available once the tour is canceled due to weather.

Also worth noting is that children under age 5 aren’t suited for this experience, primarily because of the cold and the focus on photography. And, since the tour involves outdoor exposure in winter, travelers should dress warmly with hats, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who values personalized attention, high-quality photography, and comfort, this tour will check many boxes. It’s ideal for those who will appreciate the expert guidance in capturing the Northern Lights, and those who want to try multiple nights with the guarantee of a free re-run if the lights don’t show initially.

Travelers who prefer a small, intimate group rather than a large bus experience will find this particularly appealing. The emphasis on local snacks and cozy amenities also makes it a good choice for those who want a more relaxed, culturally immersive outing.

However, if you’re simply looking for a cheapest possible chase or are indifferent to high-quality photos, there might be more budget-friendly or less personalized options out there. Plus, if the weather is poor during your visit, patience and flexibility are essential, as sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

For the traveler seeking a well-rounded, comfortable Northern Lights experience with a focus on photography and local comfort, this tour offers a compelling package. The expert guide, small group size, and unlimited professional photos combine to create a memorable Arctic adventure. The inclusion of warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs ensures you won’t be fighting the cold, and the chance to enjoy Icelandic snacks adds a touch of local flavor.

While the unpredictability of the Northern Lights remains a factor, the tour’s sophisticated forecasting and flexible re-run policy give you peace of mind. It’s a good choice for travelers who want to maximize their chances while enjoying comfort and culture.

If your priority is to capture stunning images and enjoy a cozy, personalized experience, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to dress warmly, keep flexible, and have a bit of patience—sometimes the sky puts on a show when you least expect it.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, with start times depending on availability. Confirm the schedule when booking.

What’s included in the price?
You get a professional photographer guide, unlimited photos from the tour, warm jumpsuits, outdoor chairs, traditional snacks, hot cocoa, Icelandic vodka or snaps, camera tripods, and assistance with camera settings. Free WiFi is also provided.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from all hotels, larger guesthouses, and cruise ship terminals in Reykjavik. Some locations in the city center are restricted due to local regulations.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes are essential. The tour provides jumpsuits, but layering is advisable.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. If the weather prevents the tour from happening, you will be notified by email, and a free re-run can be scheduled.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour has a 93% sighting rate and offers unlimited re-runs. If the lights don’t appear, you can return on another night at no extra cost, valid for two years.

Is this suitable for children?
Children under 5 years old are not recommended, mainly because of the outdoor winter conditions and focus on photography.

What if I want to go multiple nights?
You can book multiple re-runs, thanks to the free re-try policy, giving you a good shot at witnessing the aurora borealis during your stay.

In the end, this tour balances the thrill of aurora hunting with comfort and quality photography. If you’re prepared for the weather and eager to capture Iceland’s starry skies, it could be the highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: