Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik with Lifetime Guarantee

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive aurora borealis during your trip to Iceland, this Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally been on this specific tour, we’ve looked into the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a popular choice, especially considering the reasonable price point of around $71, and it offers some compelling features like a lifetime guarantee and expert guidance.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the inclusion of local guides who understand Iceland’s weather patterns and know the best spots to find the lights. Plus, the option to rent Aurora Jackets promises warmth in the chilly Arctic night. On the flip side, some travelers found the experience tricky when weather conditions didn’t cooperate, which is always a gamble with natural phenomena. This tour seems ideal for those who want a well-organized, budget-friendly Northern Lights experience, especially if they prefer a guided, educational outing rather than a DIY chase.

Key Points

• Expert guidance and local knowledge increase your chances of seeing the lights.
• Flexible rescheduling with a lifetime guarantee offers peace of mind.
• Warm clothing options, including available jackets, are crucial in Iceland’s winter.
• Group size is capped at around 300 travelers, keeping the experience relatively manageable.
• The three-hour duration is a good length for a night excursion without it feeling overly long.
• The value for money is solid, especially considering the included amenities and insights.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour begins with hotel pickup or, if you prefer, you can make your way directly to Reykjavik’s Skógarhlíð 10 terminal. From there, you’ll hop on a bus heading into Iceland’s open countryside—this is where the magic typically happens, as you avoid city light pollution and get a clearer view of the night sky. The journey lasts about 40 minutes, bringing you to a location carefully chosen based on that evening’s weather forecast.

Once at the site, you’ll get to see the Aurora Borealis if conditions cooperate. The guides are well-versed in weather patterns and are skilled at predicting when and where the lights will appear. They’ll also give you tips on how to photograph the phenomenon, which is a nice touch for those wanting pictures to remember the moment. The onboard audio guide, available in 10 languages, adds an educational layer, explaining the science and folklore behind the lights.

In terms of gear, wear very warm clothing because Iceland’s winter nights are cold, especially when standing still for extended periods. To help, special ‘Aurora Jackets’ are available for rent, which can be a real game-changer if you’re prone to feeling the cold. Some reviews mention that these jackets add a lot to their comfort level, making the viewing more enjoyable.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off from the Reykjavik Terminal in Skógarhlíð. After a brief 30-minute drive out of the city, your guides will lead you to a prime viewing spot based on that night’s forecast. This adaptability is crucial because spotting the northern lights depends heavily on weather conditions, clear skies being a must.

The first part involves getting comfortable in the countryside, surrounded by snow and ice, with plenty of chances to look for the lights. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to the guide’s commentary, which covers what causes this stunning display and local stories or legends tied to the Aurora Borealis. Many reviews note that guides go above and beyond to make the experience memorable—some share scientific explanations, others share folklore, creating an engaging atmosphere.

Once at the site, the group disembarks for cautious, patient waiting. The guides monitor the sky and weather closely, trying their best to spot the lights. If the aurora appears, you’ll be encouraged to take photos, with some guides offering tips to maximize your chances of capturing a great shot. For those who didn’t see the lights, the lifetime guarantee means they can rebook a free reschedule, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.

After spending some time in the countryside, everyone heads back to Reykjavik. The total tour length is approximately three hours, making it a manageable evening outing that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews provide a well-rounded picture. Many travelers praise the knowledgable guides—one reviewer mentions the guide’s “brilliant sense of humor” and how they shared both scientific and cultural insights, making the experience both fun and educational. Others appreciate the effort guides put into trying to find the lights, with some noting that guides are persistent and dedicated, even staying longer than the scheduled time to maximize chances.

On the downside, weather unpredictability remains a big factor. Several reviews mention canceled tours due to poor weather—fog, clouds, or rain—highlighting that seeing the lights is never guaranteed. Thankfully, the lifetime guarantee offers reassurance, allowing for free rescheduling if the lights don’t show.

Some travelers expressed frustration over logistical issues, like last-minute cancellations or mix-ups with bookings, especially if they couldn’t reschedule or didn’t receive refunds promptly. It’s worth noting that hotels are not included in the standard price—you’ll need to arrange your own pickup if you prefer that option—and the tour departs from the Reykjavik terminal.

The price point of about $71.15 per person is quite reasonable, considering the inclusion of onboard audio guides, warm gear rental, and the expert guidance. Many found it to be good value, especially for a shared experience that combines education, scenic views, and the thrill of possibly witnessing the Northern Lights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided experience with a good amount of information and the reassurance of a lifetime guarantee. It’s perfect if you’re not comfortable venturing out on your own in winter conditions and prefer to be with a group that’s well-guided and prepared.

If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights and you’re okay with the natural variability of the weather, this tour offers a solid chance, especially given the local expertise and flexible rescheduling. However, if you’re traveling during a period of uncertain weather or have flexible travel plans, keep in mind that cancellations are possible—but also know that you’ll have options to rebook or get a refund.

This experience also caters to those who appreciate educational insights into the phenomenon and enjoy hearing folklore and scientific explanations. The availability of multiple languages makes it accessible for international visitors.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik strikes a good balance between affordability, comfort, and expert guidance. While you can’t control the weather, the tour’s flexibility and knowledgeable staff give you a better shot at witnessing one of nature’s most stunning displays.

If you’re someone who values being part of a well-organized group, appreciates learning about Icelandic culture and science, and wants a worry-free experience with a money-back guarantee, this tour is likely a strong choice. Just remember, patience and warm clothing are your best friends on this chilly adventure.

FAQ

Can I join this tour without hotel pickup?
Yes, you can make your own way to the Reykjavik terminal at Skógarhlíð 10. Hotel pickup is optional and available at an extra cost.

What should I wear?
Wear very warm clothing since Icelandic winter nights are cold. Warm layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are recommended. The tour offers Aurora Jackets for rent if you want extra warmth.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is about 3 hours, including transportation, viewing, and return to Reykjavik.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You might want to bring a thermos of hot drink or snacks to stay warm during the wait.

What if I don’t see the lights?
Thanks to the lifetime guarantee, you can rebook your tour at no extra cost if the lights don’t appear. Many reviews note that guides try their best to find the lights, but it’s not guaranteed due to weather and solar activity.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but specific age recommendations aren’t provided. If your kids are comfortable standing outside in cold weather, they should be fine.

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

Can I reschedule if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour offers a lifetime guarantee—you can reschedule for free if conditions aren’t favorable.

What is the group size limit?
The tour can accommodate up to 300 travelers, which is quite a lot but still manageable for a group outdoor excursion.

Is the tour worth the price?
Given the inclusions—expert guidance, warm gear, and educational commentary—the price is reasonable. Many reviews mention it’s good value for money, especially knowing you have the option to reschedule.

This tour offers a practical, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights, balancing affordability with quality guidance. While it won’t guarantee a sighting every single night, the flexible rescheduling and knowledgeable guides make it a solid choice for those visiting Reykjavik hoping to glimpse this magical natural display.