Enchanted Northern Lights: Hot chocolate & Photos – Small Group!

Rating: 4.5/5
Review Count: 1,769
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Price: $146.40 per person
Supplier: EastWest
Contact: +3547927500 | [email protected]

Quick Overview

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights during your Iceland trip, this small-group tour offers a cozy, personalized way to chase the auroras just outside Reykjavik. We love how it combines expert guidance with thoughtful touches like Icelandic pastries and warm wool blankets, making the experience both comfortable and memorable.

One thing to keep in mind is that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed—even with the best guides and forecasts—so patience is key.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with a good chance of seeing the lights without dealing with large crowds or complicated logistics. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate warmth, good company, and a scenic countryside escape.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and better viewing options.
• Expert guides use live forecasts and satellite data to increase your chances of seeing the auroras.
• Comfort is prioritized with Icelandic pastries, hot chocolate, wool blankets, and a cozy minibus.
• Flexible location hopping boosts your odds of witnessing the Northern Lights, depending on weather conditions.
• Price reflects value through the included warm snacks, professional guidance, and the chance to take photos.
• Cancellations are flexible if weather conditions prevent sightings, with options to rebook or get a full refund if necessary.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Watching the Northern Lights is notoriously unpredictable. This tour’s secret weapon is the mix of local knowledge and real-time forecast tools guiding the driver to the best possible spots on any given night. We loved the way guides wouldn’t settle for just one location—they move around to find clear skies and better viewing points, which really ups your chances of seeing the auroras.

The small group size (limited to 19 travelers) means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and you’ll get a more relaxed, personal experience. The guide’s friendly attitude and local insights, combined with cozy extras like Icelandic pastries and wool blankets, make the outing feel less like a hurried chase and more like an evening with friends under the stars.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Reykjavik

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from a designated meeting point in Reykjavik, with a short drive (up to an hour) into the countryside. This initial drive is more than just transportation—it’s about setting the mood and giving you a sneak peek of the Icelandic landscape.

First Stop: Remote Viewing Spot

Once you arrive at your first location, the guide pulls out the live Aurora forecast and satellite data, ensuring you’re in a good spot to catch the lights. During this waiting period, you’ll be served hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries, which are perfect for warming up and making the experience feel cozy.

Many reviews highlight the comfort and thoughtfulness of these touches. One reviewer mentioned, “The hot chocolate was delish!” and appreciated the wool blankets that kept everyone warm while standing outside.

Spot Hopping for Better Chances

Guides are flexible and communicate with other guides and locals, adjusting locations based on weather and sky clarity. If the forecast suggests cloud cover or other less-than-ideal conditions, they move to different viewpoints to optimize your chances.

Some guests have noted that the guides rely on satellite images to choose spots, which is especially helpful when clouds threaten to obscure the lights. One reviewer shared, “Our guide relied on satellite images to determine when and where the cloudy skies would clear—and he was spot on!”

Waiting & Watching

While waiting, you can chat with fellow travelers or simply soak in the quiet beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. When the auroras finally appear, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos—if conditions allow, guides will assist with capturing the moment.

End of the Tour

After about four hours, you’ll be driven back to Reykjavik, hopefully with a memory of dancing lights across the sky. Even if the lights stay hidden, many reviewers mention the guide’s perseverance and positive attitude, making the trip enjoyable regardless.

What Travelers Say

Several reviewers praised guides like Baldwin, Elias, Simon, and Hawk for their dedication and knowledge. One highlighted Baldwin’s effort, saying, “He didn’t give up hope, and just before our return, we saw beautiful lights for almost twenty minutes.”

Others appreciated the comfort and value: “The ride was comfortable, and the hot chocolate at the end was so good,” shared one guest. The small-group format really resonated, with guests feeling they received more attention and better viewing opportunities.

A few reviews also pointed out that weather conditions can be challenging. Not everyone saw the lights, especially during cloudy or full moon nights. However, the tour’s flexibility and clear communication about cancellation or rebooking options made a big difference. One guest noted, “If we didn’t see the lights, we could rebook another night for free.”

The Value for Money

At $146.40 per person, this experience offers a lot—personalized guiding, warm snacks, photos, and a comfortable ride. Considering the cost of private tours or larger group excursions, this small-group experience feels like a good deal, especially given the efforts guides make to find the best viewing spots and ensure everyone stays warm and comfortable.

Plus, the chance to get photos of the Northern Lights, if conditions permit, is a nice bonus that adds to the memory. While sightings are not guaranteed, many guests felt the effort and extras made it worth every penny.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurers who value a relaxed, intimate outdoor experience with knowledgeable guides. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy a cozy atmosphere—hot chocolate, pastries, wool blankets—and are patient enough to wait for nature to put on its show.

It’s also perfect if you prefer a smaller group for more personalized attention and better chances of seeing the lights. Since the tour involves standing outside in the cold, dress warmly and be prepared for chilly nights.

While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s relaxed pace and focus on comfort make it suitable for older children or teens who can handle the cold and are interested in the night sky.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately four hours, starting from pickup in Reykjavik and ending with your return.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and aurora activity. Guides do everything possible to find clear skies, but nature remains unpredictable.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, including hats, gloves, and scarves. Waterproof clothing is recommended since you’ll be outside standing in cold weather.

Can I get my photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes, if conditions allow, guides will help take photos for you to keep as memories.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If the weather prevents sightings, you can rebook another night for free, or if the tour doesn’t operate during your stay, you’ll receive a full refund.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 19 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are restroom facilities available during the tour?
Access to restrooms outside urban areas is very limited, so plan accordingly before departure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a personalized, comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights, this small-group tour from Reykjavik really hits the mark. The guides’ dedication, combined with thoughtful touches like hot chocolate and wool blankets, makes the experience memorable—even if the lights stay out of view.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, don’t mind waiting outside in the cold, and want a chance at witnessing one of nature’s most magical displays with expert help. The price reflects the quality of the guiding and extras, making it a worthwhile investment for many travelers.

While weather can be unpredictable, the effort, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm of the guides often turn even cloudy nights into enjoyable adventures. So if you’re patient, dressed warmly, and looking for a cozy, intimate Northern Lights hunt, this tour could be just what you need.