Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

If you’re considering a Northern Lights adventure in Reykjavik, this tour from Aurora Viking might just catch your eye. It’s a small-group experience, which is a perk in a city where larger tour buses tend to dominate. You get a local guide, a professional photographer, Viking costumes for fun photos, and the promise of unlimited retries if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Sounds promising, right?

What really stands out for us are the personalized touch — with a max of 18 people, you’re less likely to feel lost in the crowd, and the focus on quality photos really can make this trip special. Plus, the effort the guides put into chasing the lights, even when the weather isn’t ideal, shows a genuine commitment to giving travelers a memorable experience.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. No tour can guarantee a sighting, so patience and a bit of luck are part of the package. It’s worth keeping that in mind when budgeting for this experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value a more intimate, fun, and photo-focused Northern Lights hunt, and are okay with the element of chance that comes with chasing nature’s light show. If you’re looking for a personalized and flexible experience, it’s worth a serious look.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers a more personal and flexible adventure.
• High-quality photos captured by a professional photographer help you preserve the magic.
• Multiple activities like Viking costumes and weapon replicas keep the mood lively while waiting.
• Unlimited retries mean you’re not out of luck if the Aurora doesn’t appear on the first try.
• Expert guides with decades of experience maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
• Weather can be unpredictable, but the company’s efforts and communication make the most of it.

This tour from Aurora Viking packs in more than just a chase for the Aurora Borealis. It’s a well-thought-out, entertainment-friendly experience that emphasizes fun, flexibility, and high-quality photos. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Pickup and the Small-Group Vibe

First off, the tour starts with hotel pickup from up to 16 locations in Reykjavik, making it convenient no matter where you’re staying. The minibus seating is limited to 18 guests max, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s quite different from the big bus experiences. This smaller size means your guides can tailor the experience a bit and spend more time at the best viewing spots.

The driver, Emil, or other guides, will shout your name at your pickup spot, which keeps things simple. The ride itself is part of the adventure, as your guides use their experience to navigate away from city lights and toward darker, better vantage points for the Aurora.

The Itinerary and Stops

The main event revolves around a secret stop for photos and sightseeing approximately four hours long. This is where your guides aim to get the best chance of seeing the Aurora, based on current conditions. They often go the extra mile, sometimes driving further than most other operators, thanks to their deep knowledge of the area.

The stops are carefully chosen to maximize your chances, often in open fields or other dark areas far from light pollution. Guests have raved about the skill of guides like Tomas, who can pinpoint the best spots even when the weather isn’t perfect. One review mentions how Tomas’s expertise led them to a clear sky spot, resulting in an hour-long display of dancing lights — “Tomas is also a magician on his camera,” as one guest put it.

The Nighttime Activities and Entertainment

Waiting for the Aurora to reveal itself can be a bit of a test in Iceland’s cold winter nights. That’s why this tour includes plenty of fun activities to keep you engaged. Guests can don Viking costumes for some memorable photos with the Northern Lights glowing behind them, adding a playful touch to the experience. Museum replicas of Viking weapons and outfits are available for you to play with and photograph — sometimes resulting in stunning or hilariously bad shots, which add to the fun.

Meanwhile, hot chocolate, cookies, and gingerbread are provided to keep everyone warm and happy. Several reviews highlight how guides like Kobe and Jonas kept the energy up with jokes, stories, and professional camera skills, even when the weather was less than cooperative.

The Photography and the Free Retry Policy

One of the most praised features of this tour is the professional photography. The guides have high-spec cameras, which are particularly helpful in capturing the Northern Lights in the dark. Guests consistently mention how their photos turned out stunning, often with the Aurora in the background and themselves in Viking costumes or other fun poses.

Even better, this tour offers unlimited retries — if the Aurora doesn’t show up during your first outing, you can book another night free of charge. The only caveat is that there’s no refund if you don’t see the lights on your scheduled night; however, the company’s willingness to rebook for free is a huge plus.

Multiple reviews mention how guides like Tomas and Felix went above and beyond, driving extra times, waiting patiently, and keeping guests informed about weather conditions and chances of Aurora sightings. That extra effort makes all the difference when you’re trying to chase a natural phenomenon like the Aurora Borealis.

Coming in at $165 per person, this experience seems to strike a solid balance between cost and quality. You’re getting a small-group adventure, professional photos, Viking-themed fun, and the peace of mind that if the lights don’t show, you can try again.

Compared to larger tours with fewer personalized touches, this price offers a good value, especially when considering how much effort guides put into maximizing your chance of witnessing the Aurora. The included hot chocolate and cookies add a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes the chilly night more comfortable.

Transport and Duration

The tour lasts about 4 hours, which is enough time to venture away from city lights, wait patiently, and enjoy the activities. The minibus is comfortable, and the group size allows for a more intimate experience — perfect if you dislike large crowds.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ local knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Many mention how guides like Tomas and Felix work tirelessly to find the best spots, even when weather conditions aren’t ideal. One reviewer notes how “Felix worked so hard to ensure we saw the Northern Lights and went out of his way to make sure each person captured the photos.”

The added Viking costumes and weapon replicas get glowing reviews for making the night both fun and memorable. Even when the Aurora isn’t particularly bright or dancing across the sky, travelers still enjoy the experience because of the friendly atmosphere and the chance to take beautiful photos.

A few reviews highlight the importance of patience, since Aurora sightings depend on luck and weather. But overall, the company’s efforts, communication, and the chance to rebook make it worth the investment.

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who value small-group intimacy and high-quality photos. If you want a fun, relaxed night out with the chance to chase the Aurora, and don’t mind the unpredictability of nature, this tour checks many boxes. It’s also ideal if you’re interested in Viking-themed photo ops — a quirky, memorable addition.

However, if your main priority is a guaranteed Aurora sighting, no tour can promise that. But with the free retries offered here, your odds are better than most. It’s a great pick for those who want a relaxed, personalized, and entertainment-rich evening.

Can I cancel this tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The company also offers free rebooking if the Aurora doesn’t appear on your scheduled night.

How many people are on this tour?
The maximum group size is 18 guests, making it more intimate than larger bus tours.

What’s included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off from selected Reykjavik locations, a guide and photographer, Viking costumes and weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years, likely due to cold weather and the nature of nighttime activities.

How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours, including transport, waiting, and activities.

What’s the main activity during the tour?
Chasing the Aurora Borealis, taking professional photos, and engaging in Viking-themed fun.

Do I get good photos?
Yes, the guides use high-spec cameras that capture high-quality images of the Northern Lights and your Viking costumes.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
You can rejoin the tour on another night for free. The company’s goal is to maximize your chances, even if it takes a few tries.

If you’re after a personalized, fun, and photo-rich Northern Lights experience in Reykjavik, this tour from Aurora Viking offers a lot of value. The small-group setting means you’ll get more attention from guides, and the professional photography ensures you’ll walk away with pictures to treasure. The Viking costumes and weapons add a playful twist, making the night memorable even if the lights are shy.

While you can’t control the weather or the Aurora’s dance across the sky, the effort and expertise of the guides make this a solid choice. The free retries give you peace of mind, turning what might seem like a gamble into a more hopeful adventure.

This tour is best for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, engaging, and authentic experience — especially those who want to maximize their chances of capturing incredible photos of the Northern Lights. If you’re okay with the element of luck and love a touch of fun, it might just be your perfect Icelandic evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: