Award Winning Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Photos

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during the aurora season, chances are you’ll come across a variety of Northern Lights tours. One standout is the Award Winning Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Photos offered by Ultimate Iceland & Aurora Experts. From the rave reviews and impressive 4.5-star rating based on nearly 300 reviews, this tour seems to deliver a genuinely memorable experience—especially if you want a more intimate, personalized outing rather than a crowded bus trip.

What really caught our eye—and what you’ll likely appreciate—is their small group size, capped at 18 guests, which promises a cozy atmosphere and more dedicated attention from your guide. Plus, the fact that they have a 93% sighting rate and offer unlimited re-runs if the lights don’t appear on your first night adds a reassuring touch of reliability to a sometimes unpredictable phenomenon.

However, a possible consideration is the price point—at $212 per person, it’s on the higher end compared to other tours. But based on what’s included—professional photos, warm jumpsuits, snacks, and expert guidance—it might be worth it if capturing and witnessing the lights in comfort are your priorities. This tour is especially suited for travelers who value quality, expert-led experiences and don’t mind investing a bit more for peace of mind and excellent service.

Whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or you’ve been chasing the lights for a while, this tour caters well to those who want a serious shot at seeing the Aurora in a relaxed, well-organized setting. It’s perfect if you love photography or simply want to maximize your chances with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• High sighting guarantee with unlimited re-runs if the Aurora doesn’t appear initially.
• Expert guide and photographer offers valuable insights and professional photos.
• Comfortable amenities like warm jumpsuits, outdoor chairs, and snacks make waiting more pleasant.
• Prime locations away from light pollution increase your chances of seeing the Aurora clearly.
• Price reflects quality and all-inclusive extras, which might justify the premium for many travelers.

The Experience in Detail

The Overview

This isn’t just a basic Northern Lights chase. It’s a thoughtfully curated adventure designed for comfort, education, and photography. For about four to six hours, you’ll leave behind Reykjavik’s city lights and head into Iceland’s darker wilderness where the Aurora Borealis can truly shine, unencumbered by artificial glow.

Led by a local photographer and guide, the experience emphasizes not only spotting the lights but also capturing them. You’ll be provided with unlimited professional high-resolution photos, which means you can relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about missing those perfect shots. This feature alone makes the tour particularly appealing for photography enthusiasts or anyone who simply wants stunning keepsakes.

The Itinerary

Stop 1: The Southern Region

As you depart Reykjavik at around 8 p.m., your guide will take you to some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The route isn’t predetermined but carefully chosen based on weather conditions, cloud cover, and geomagnetic forecasts. This strategic planning is a major reason why the tour boasts a 93% sighting rate—they work hard to find the best spots.

Once you arrive at a promising location, your guide, a seasoned photographer, will set up camera equipment for a dramatic photo session. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions and get tips on camera settings, which adds a fun learning element to the evening. Meanwhile, you can cozy up with hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls, pastries, dried fish, chocolates, and Icelandic vodka & snaps—a thoughtful mix of snacks that helps keep everyone warm and satisfied during the wait.

The Location

The spots chosen are away from city lights and popular tourist spots, increasing your odds of witnessing the Aurora’s full display. As some reviews highlight, guides are diligent about finding the right location—sometimes moving multiple times during the night to optimize viewing conditions. Several guests mentioned how the serene, desolate spots made the experience even more magical.

What You Get

• Warm winter jumpsuits for protection against the cold
• Outdoor chairs for comfortable viewing
• Tripods for stable shooting
• WiFi onboard so you can share your experience instantly
• Assistance with camera settings to help you capture the best possible photos
• Unlimited professional high-res photos from the night
• Flexible re-runs if the Aurora doesn’t appear on your first attempt (subject to availability)

The Guide & Reviews

Many travelers raved about Heimir, the guide, describing him as responsive, knowledgeable, and passionate. His expertise in Aurora tracking and photography was repeatedly praised, with reviewers mentioning how he answered questions patiently, made sure everyone got great photos, and genuinely cared about guests having a memorable experience.

One guest notes, “Heimir was an excellent guide, ensured we got to see the lights at their most vibrant and never tired of anyone asking for more photos. He was super friendly and answered any questions people had.” Another mentioned that Heimir’s responsiveness and transparency set this tour apart.

The Photos & Memories

The professional photos taken during the tour became one of the most beloved perks, according to reviews. Guests appreciated having high-resolution images of their night under the Aurora, which are included in the package. Several reviews expressed how these photos captured the epic moments that they couldn’t have taken themselves—especially since the lights often dance quickly and unpredictably.

The Weather & Guarantee

Weather in Iceland can be tricky, but this tour offers a full guarantee—if the Northern Lights don’t appear, you are welcome to rebook for free, depending on availability. Multiple reviewers praised this policy, noting how it gave them confidence that they wouldn’t waste their evening and that the tour genuinely works to ensure you see the Aurora.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who value quality over quantity—it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s packed with extras that can make the experience truly special. If you’re into photography or want professional-quality pictures, the included photos and assistance are a huge plus. It’s also great for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, small-group setting, avoiding the large bus crowd and chaotic atmosphere.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who are serious about their Aurora experience—the expert guidance, strategic locations, and flexible re-runs mean you’re doing everything possible to witness the lights in comfort and style.

On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for a quick, budget-friendly chase or are okay with larger groups, there may be more economical options. But if you want an unforgettable, well-organized, and photo-ready adventure, this tour hits many marks.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who’s dreaming of capturing the Northern Lights in all their glory, this small-group tour offers a solid balance of professionalism, comfort, and success rate. The inclusion of hot snacks, warm jumpsuits, outdoor chairs, and high-quality photos elevates it beyond a typical chase and makes it worth considering, especially if you want the peace of mind of a guaranteed sighting.

The knowledgeable guide, particularly if you get Heimir, makes all the difference—his passion and expertise shine through and are reflected in the glowing reviews. The fact that the tour is tailored to weather conditions and location scouting shows they’re serious about giving you the best shot at witnessing this natural wonder.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want a personalized, high-quality, and photo-focused Northern Lights experience. It’s best for those willing to invest a bit more for comfort, expert guidance, and a genuine chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 52 days in advance, which is a good idea given its popularity and limited spots.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a small group experience, hot cocoa and snacks, unlimited high-res photos, pick-up and drop-off, outdoor chairs, warm jumpsuits, tripods, WiFi on board, and camera assistance.

What if the Northern Lights don’t appear the first night?
You can get a re-run, depending on availability, at no extra cost. The tour guarantees a chance to see the Aurora, weather permitting.

Is the tour suitable for photography beginners?
Yes, the guide offers assistance with camera settings, making it friendly for those new to photography.

Can I participate if I don’t speak English?
Most travelers can participate, and the guide is highly responsive and clear. However, language options aren’t specified.

What is the group size?
No more than 18 guests, ensuring a more personal experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 to 6 hours, starting around 8:00 pm.

Are snacks and drinks provided?
Yes, including hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls, pastries, dried fish, chocolates, and Icelandic vodka & snaps.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the full payment isn’t refunded, but poor weather may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

Is it family-friendly?
While not explicitly stated, the experience seems suitable for most adults and older children comfortable in cold outdoor conditions, especially given the warm gear and outdoor seating.

If you’re after a well-organized, expert-led Northern Lights adventure that prioritizes comfort, photography, and success, this small group tour from Reykjavik deserves serious consideration. It’s a chance not just to see the Aurora but to do so in style and with memorable photos to take home.