From Reykjavík: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

Northern Lights from Reykjavík with Hot Cocoa & Photos: A Practical Review

When it comes to witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland, many of us hope for that perfect, magical display. This particular tour from Reykjavík offers a solid option for those wanting to chase the auroras comfortably, with some thoughtful touches like hot chocolate and free photos. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out — and what you should keep in mind — so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we really like about this tour is how it prioritizes comfort and flexibility. Traveling in a heated minibus means you won’t be battling the cold outside the whole time. Plus, the inclusion of complimentary digital photos adds a personal touch that’s often missing from other aurora hunts. On the flip side, some might find the price a bit steep for a 3.5-hour journey, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate. But overall, this tour seems best suited for travelers seeking a hassle-free, well-organized Northern Lights experience with good chances of seeing the sky dance.

It’s worth noting that, as with all Aurora tours, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and nothing is guaranteed. That said, the tour’s flexibility in rebooking if the lights don’t appear is a considerate feature. If you’re after a relaxed, guided outing with warm drinks and photos to remember your trip by, this option could be a good choice.

Key Points

• Comfortable experience with a heated minibus rather than standing outside in the cold.
• Photographs included, giving you high-quality, free images of your Aurora experience.
• Flexible rebooking policy if the lights don’t show up on your scheduled night.
• Expert guidance that actively searches for the best viewing spots based on real-time conditions.
• Hot cocoa and refreshments that add a cozy, indulgent touch.
• Small-group setting for a more personal and less hurried experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Northern Lights Tour

This tour from Reykjavík is designed for those who want a relaxed yet immersive Aurora hunting experience. Starting with a pickup from the Miðborg area, you’ll be bundled up for a 3.5-hour adventure that balances travel, comfort, and hopefully, a spectacular sky show.

Transportation & Itinerary
You’ll begin with a pickup from central Reykjavík, usually around 9:00 PM. The group then boards a cozy, heated minibus — a step up from standing outside with a camera in hand. This vehicle is perfect for moving around to find the clearest skies, guided by professionals who monitor weather and Aurora forecasts closely.

After about an hour of traveling, your driver will select the best viewing point. This isn’t just a random stop; the guides aim to position you in spots with the best chance of seeing the Lights, based on real-time data. Expect to spend around an hour at this location, soaking in the sky, with hot cocoa and chocolates to keep warm and happy.

The return journey is approximately an hour and a half, giving you time to chat about the experience and share photos with fellow travelers. The whole experience wraps up back in Reykjavík, usually by around midnight or so.

What Makes the Stops Special
Each stop is chosen for its potential to offer great views of the Aurora. As one review notes, the guides are attentive and willing to go the extra mile: “Nelu, the driver, was a delight, and he did his best, but the Aurora was stubbornly absent,” but they were always ready to rebook for another night. This flexibility is a huge plus, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating initially.

The Experience of Hot Cocoa and Photos

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusion of hot cocoa and a chocolate bar — a simple but effective way to make the long, cold hours more enjoyable. Imagine sipping warm drinks as the sky flickers with green, pink, or even violet hues. The guides also take complimentary digital photos, which many reviewers found to be a delightful bonus. These photos give you a chance to keep a visual memory without the hassle or costs of professional photography.

Authentic and Personal
Multiple reviews praise the guides, with comments like “Alex was fabulous chasing the northern lights,” or “Nelu went above and beyond,” emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable and friendly guides. They’re attentive to weather changes and always looking for the best viewing opportunities.

The Value of Pricing and Rebooking

At $111 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, hot drinks, professional photos, and a flexible rebooking policy. The price might seem a bit high for just 3.5 hours, but the added comforts and the chance to see the Aurora without standing outside for hours make it worthwhile.

The rebooking policy is particularly reassuring; if the lights don’t appear, you can reschedule another trip at no extra cost. This flexibility is especially valuable in Iceland, where unpredictable weather can mean multiple attempts are needed.

Is it worth it?
If your main goal is to secure good chances of seeing the Aurora without braving the cold for long hours, then yes. The comfort, photos, and guides’ expertise are significant value adds. For travelers who prefer a more spontaneous or budget-oriented experience, you might find other options that are cheaper or more adventurous but less comfortable.

The Real-World Pros and Cons (Based on Reviews)

Pros:
– Great guides who actively seek out the best viewing locations.
– The cozy minibus makes the experience comfortable and warm.
– Free digital photos add a personal, lasting memory.
– Rebooking policy offers peace of mind if conditions aren’t ideal.
– Hot cocoa and chocolates make the cold less harsh.

Cons:
– The tour length is relatively short, so luck plays a big role.
– Price might be on the higher side for some travelers.
– Weather and Aurora visibility are beyond the tour’s control—no guarantees.
– For taller or longer-legged travelers, seating arrangements in the bus might be a consideration.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value comfort and convenience and want a reliable chance of seeing the Northern Lights without much hassle. If you’re traveling during winter and want to include a cozy, guided outing with great photos, this tour checks those boxes. It’s especially appealing if you’ve already been in Iceland for a few days and want a well-organized, stress-free night out.

It’s also a good pick if having professional photos to remember your trip by matters to you. The flexibility in rebooking makes it less stressful if the weather isn’t cooperating on your first night.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík offers a balanced mix of comfort, guidance, and chance. The small group size and expert guides increase the likelihood of a memorable experience, and the added touches like hot cocoa and free photos elevate the outing beyond just waiting outside in the cold.

While the auroras are a natural phenomenon that can’t be 100% guaranteed, the flexible rebooking policy and strategic location stops give you a decent shot at witnessing the sky’s spectacular dance. If you’re after an easy, guided, cozy experience that prioritizes good chances of seeing the Northern Lights, this tour ticks many boxes.

Just remember, patience is key. Weather conditions can change unexpectedly, but with the right attitude and a little luck, you might leave Iceland with an incredible display to remember for a lifetime.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, starting around 9:00 PM, including pickup, travel, viewing, and return.

What should I bring?
Bring warm, weather-appropriate clothing since you’ll be outside at the viewing spots, and dress in layers to stay comfortable.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, hot chocolate, and digital photos of you with the Aurora.

Can I rebook if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Yes, if the auroras don’t appear, you have the option to rebook another tour on the next available night at no extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The provided information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the outdoor component and late hours, check with the provider for details if traveling with children.

How likely am I to see the Northern Lights?
While the tour aims to find the best viewing spots based on real-time conditions, sightings depend on weather and Aurora activity. Reviews indicate many travelers see the Lights, but it’s not guaranteed.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of cozy transportation, expert guidance, free digital photos, and the flexibility to rebook if needed makes it a reliable choice for Aurora seekers.

If you’re heading to Iceland in winter and want a comfortable, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights, this tour from Reykjavík deserves serious consideration. Just pack your warm clothes, keep your hopes high, and enjoy the ride — the sky might just put on a show.

You can check availability for your dates here: