Northern Lights Tour with Photos, Snacks, Warm Snowsuits, Chairs

I reviewed this Northern Lights tour in Reykjavik for anyone hunting the aurora with a bit more comfort and control. The vibe is small group (max 18), with a professional photographer guide (often Heimir) setting up camera gear, then turning the waiting time into a cozy, guided photo session with hot drinks and snacks.

What I really like is the focus on getting you ready before the lights show up, including camera settings help and a table setup designed for long outdoor viewing. The other standout is the value in the included unlimited high-res photos—you get the aurora moments captured without you having to nail every camera detail on cold, windy night.

One consideration: if weather and cloud cover don’t cooperate, you may wait longer than you hoped, and the tour can be rescheduled or re-run based on availability. That’s not unusual for aurora tours, but it’s worth planning your Reykjavik days with that reality in mind.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

Small group, capped at 18 for a more manageable viewing and photo setup
Photographer-led aurora planning using forecast, cloud cover, and geomagnetic conditions
Warm winter jumpsuits and chairs so you can actually stay outside comfortably
Included photo package: unlimited high-res photos from the tour
Hot cocoa, snacks, and Icelandic bites while you wait for the sky to cooperate
Re-run if no sighting (and in rare cases, unlimited re-runs until you see the lights)

Northern Lights in Reykjavik: The Real Deal About “Chasing the Aurora”

Reykjavik is a great base for aurora season, but the truth is simple: the lights don’t care about your schedule. This tour is built around that reality. You leave the city lights, head toward darker skies, and you’re guided by someone who’s actively watching conditions and planning the route to maximize your chances.

The key difference here is that you’re not just dropped off in the dark and told good luck. You’re guided through the night—where to look, how the aurora behaves, and how to capture it. If you’re the type who wants the view and the photos, this style fits well.

What You Do on the Night: From Pickup to Aurora Waiting Table

The tour starts at 8:00 pm, with pickup offered from select locations in Reykjavik. Because parts of the city center have restricted driving routes, some hotels don’t have direct bus access. If your hotel is in a restricted zone, you may need to walk to a designated bus stop.

Once you’re on the way, expect a mix of moving time and outdoor viewing time. The overall duration is listed as about 4 to 6 hours, though the core “out in the southern region” viewing block can be around 3 hours. Either way, you’re going to be outdoors long enough that the clothing and seating matter.

Southern Region Viewing: Why Leaving the City Lights Helps

Your first stop is in Iceland’s southern region. The plan is straightforward: get away from Reykjavík’s glow and into darker countryside so the aurora (when it happens) shows up more clearly.

Along the way, the guide shares insight into natural landscapes you pass, plus practical aurora info while you’re still moving. Once you arrive, the guide sets up equipment for a photo session and gets you into a “ready to shoot” rhythm.

A small but smart detail: you’re not stuck on your feet

The tour provides comfortable outdoor chairs, so you can park yourself for the hours when the sky is doing its slow build. It sounds basic, but it’s the difference between enjoying the night and spending the whole time wishing you could sit down.

Photo-Focused Guide Energy: Photographer Help That Doesn’t Feel Like a Lecture

This is one of those tours where the guide is doing two jobs at once: leading the aurora hunt and helping you take photos you’ll actually want to keep. You can see that in how travelers describe their guides as part host, part educator, and part photographer.

In many cases, the tour is led by Heimir, and multiple travelers mention his strong focus on understanding camera settings. You’ll also get tripods included, plus assistance with your own camera setup and how to get the best results for aurora conditions.

One practical upside: even if you show up with an entry-level camera or a phone, the tour atmosphere is built to help you figure things out without wasting your night. People mention things like iPhone support in some cases, though the most solid, guaranteed items are tripods and camera guidance.

The Waiting Time: Snacks, Hot Chocolate, and a Real Reason to Stay Outside

Aurora nights can be long. Sometimes the lights show up fast. Sometimes they fade and you wait again. This tour helps you stay patient because it makes the waiting portion comfortable and social.

Included refreshment and food can include:

• Hot cocoa / hot drinks
• Cinnamon rolls and pastries
• Dried fish
• Chocolate
• Premium Icelandic vodka and snaps

And yes—having snacks matters. It keeps energy up while you’re standing (or sitting) still in cold air. Travelers also mention how the hot chocolate stays really good even after hours outside, which is exactly what you want to hear.

Warm Winter Jumpsuits and Chairs: Comfort Is Not a Luxury Here

The tour provides warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs. Reviews are very consistent on this point: it gets very cold, and these items are what let you last through the waiting.

Even with the jumpsuit, plan to layer what you can on top (and bring extra warm socks). One traveler specifically noted it was freezing even with the provided gear. That’s not a complaint about the tour—it’s Iceland in winter. Come prepared.

Unlimited High-Res Photos: A Value Bonus (Especially If You’re Not a Camera Nerd)

You get unlimited high-res photos from the tour. That’s a big deal because aurora photography often becomes a “either I film it or I see it” tradeoff.

Instead, you can spend more time looking up, soaking in the sky, and asking questions. Then later you get images from a camera setup used by someone who understands exposure, timing, and aurora movement.

Multiple travelers also describe the guide taking photos of everyone in the group with the lights in the background, which helps if your own camera keeps missing the moment.

Re-Runs If the Aurora Doesn’t Show: How This Tour Handles the Most Common Problem

Aurora tours fail for one reason: the sky doesn’t cooperate. This tour addresses that with a re-run policy.

• There is free re-trie/re-run in case of non-sighting, depending on availability.
• In rare cases, they offer unlimited re-runs until you see the lights.

That approach is a real comfort if you’re only in Iceland for a short time. Still, it’s smart to book this early enough that you can adjust your schedule if the tour needs a second attempt.

Also, keep in mind that communications can be an issue for a small operator—one traveler mentioned trouble getting messages through a specific platform. So I’d treat “time-sensitive” updates seriously and check your email/booking confirmations directly the day of and the day before, not just one messaging channel.

Pickup Logistics in Reykjavik: The Part That Can Confuse You If You Don’t Read Carefully

Pickup is available within Reykjavik city center, but parts of the center are restricted for bus driving. That means:

• Some accommodations get direct pickup.
• Others require you to walk to a nearby designated bus stop.
• If you’re staying outside the city, pickup may be available from BSÍ Bus Terminal instead.

If you want a smooth start, confirm your exact pickup point early and be ready for a short walk if your hotel is inside the restricted zone. This is the kind of detail that doesn’t affect the aurora, but it can affect whether you’re rushing in the cold at 8:00 pm.

Small Group Size: Why Max 18 Matters for Aurora Viewing

With a maximum of 18 travelers, you’re more likely to get:

• A better chance at clear viewing space
• More personal interaction
• Easier photo setup and tripod management

Large-bus aurora tours can be chaotic around the edges—people spread out unevenly, guides can’t help everyone quickly, and camera troubleshooting takes longer. A small group doesn’t guarantee aurora success, but it improves the experience while you’re waiting.

Price and Value: Is $212 Fair for a Guided Photo Hunt?

At $212 per person, you’re paying for more than a bus ride into darkness. You’re paying for:

• A small group experience (not a huge crowd)
• Warm winter gear and chairs that keep you outside longer
• A photo-focused guide plus included tripods
• Unlimited high-res photos
• Food and drinks that make the night tolerable

If you were to recreate this yourself—gear rentals, photography help, and transportation—costs can add up fast. The biggest “value test” is whether you actually want the photos and the guidance. If you do, this price starts to look reasonable. If you’re purely sightseeing and don’t care about camera learning or photos, you might compare cheaper tours, but you’d likely give up some comfort and coaching.

Who This Tour Is Best For

You’ll love this tour if:

• You want a better-than-average chance of aurora by tracking weather and aurora conditions
• You care about photos, not just the view
• You like structured guidance while standing outside in winter cold
• You’re traveling with a small group or as a couple and don’t want a crowd scene

It’s also a good fit if you’re new to aurora photography. You’ll likely appreciate the camera settings help.

If you’re a hardcore minimalist who wants maximum independence and no coaching at all, this may feel a bit “guided.” But even then, the jumpsuit, chairs, and included photo results are hard to ignore.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Cold Doesn’t Win)

Based on what travelers consistently mention, here’s what helps most:

• Dress like the cold is serious. Even with warm jumpsuits, add layers you’re comfortable in.
• If you own a camera, bring it. If you don’t, that’s fine, but expect the guide’s help to focus on getting the best shot with the gear you have.
• Plan flexibility. Since aurora viewing depends on conditions, booking early in your trip gives you room to rebook if needed.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to confirm pickup details, especially in central Reykjavík.

Cancellation Policy: What the Rules Say

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

The tour can be canceled due to weather. If that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There is also a mention that if a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you could be offered a different experience/date or a refund.

Should You Book This Northern Lights Tour?

If you want a Northern Lights night that’s more than just waiting in the dark, I’d book it. The combination of knowledgeable photographer-style guidance, warm comfort (jumpsuits + chairs), and unlimited high-res photos makes it feel like a real package, not just transport.

I’d especially recommend it if you care about learning aurora photography or you want images you can share without fighting the settings in the cold. The only reason to hesitate is if your schedule is rigid and you can’t handle possible rescheduling or re-runs due to weather. If you can stay flexible, this is a strong choice for Reykjavík aurora hunters.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 4 to 6 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

Is pickup included, and where does it work?

Pickup and drop-off are offered from select locations in Reykjavik. Some central areas have restricted bus access, so you may need to walk to a designated bus stop. If you’re outside Reykjavik, pickup may be from BSÍ Bus Terminal.

What’s included for warmth and comfort?

You get warm winter jumpsuits and comfortable outdoor chairs.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes hot cocoa, snacks such as cinnamon rolls, pastries, dried fish, chocolate, and premium Icelandic vodka and snaps.

Do you get photos from the tour?

Yes. You receive unlimited high-res photos taken during the experience.

Is there a re-run if you don’t see the Northern Lights?

Yes. There’s a free re-run in case of non-sighting depending on availability, and in rare circumstances they offer unlimited re-runs until you see the lights.

Does the tour help with camera settings?

Yes. The tour includes assistance with your own camera settings, and tripods are provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.