From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Lifetime Guarantee

A Practical Look at the From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Lifetime Guarantee

If you’re considering a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, you’ll find plenty of options, but this one from Rvk Sightseeing offers some notable perks. It’s designed for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, with a promise to reschedule for free if you miss the lights. And at a price of just $68 per person, it’s an accessible way to chase one of Iceland’s most iconic sights.

What really catches our eye about this experience is the focus on expert guidance and useful photography tips. Plus, the fact that you can pick your preferred language from a list of 10 options makes it feel more inclusive and personalized. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success is inherently weather-dependent — you’re at the mercy of Iceland’s often unpredictable skies. That said, if you’re a traveler eager to see the Northern Lights and don’t mind some flexibility, this tour could be a good fit.

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-organized, budget-friendly Northern Lights chase with a bit of extra info on what you’re seeing. It suits travelers with flexible schedules who value guidance and educational insights but aren’t necessarily looking for a private or luxury experience.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $68, this tour offers good value considering transportation, guide, and added perks like WiFi and a lifetime guarantee.
• Educational Focus: Guides provide tips on capturing photos and explain constellations, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts or curious travelers.
• Flexible Rescheduling Policy: If you don’t see the Aurora, you can rebook for free, which is a major plus given Iceland’s often cloudy weather.
• Comfortable Transport: The tour uses a modern bus with WiFi, USB chargers, and tablets, making the journey more enjoyable.
• Multiple Stops & Locations: The itinerary includes several stops, often in remote, dark areas, increasing your chances of Aurora sightings.
• Language Options & Accessibility: An in-bus audio guide in 10 languages makes this experience accessible for many visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Northern Lights Tour Experience

Starting Point and Pickup

This tour begins at Reykjavik Terminal, centrally located at Skógarhlíð 10. Pickup is an optional add-on, starting 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. They mainly pick up in the city center, which makes it pretty convenient if you’re staying close by. Note that they don’t pick up from Airbnbs or private residences, so you’ll want to plan accordingly and choose a nearby hotel or bus stop for pickup.

The actual journey kicks off with a comfortable bus ride, typically lasting about an hour. The buses come equipped with WiFi, a USB charger, and tablets, which make waiting a lot less boring. You might find the onboard audio guide helpful, especially since it offers commentary in 10 different languages — making it more accessible for international travelers.

The Itinerary and Stops

Once on the road, the tour includes a mix of driving and stops, with the total duration around 3 hours, though this can fluctuate based on weather and Aurora activity. They usually begin with a scenic drive out of Reykjavik, giving you a chance to enjoy Iceland’s starry night sky and learn about the constellations — a useful and interesting touch if you’re into astronomy or just want context for the sky.

The core of the experience is the “secret stop,” where guides will look for the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Reviews mention a variety of locations — from a site near a snack shop with indoor facilities to more isolated spots in the wilderness. Several travelers appreciated that the guides would pull over at different locations, especially when Aurora activity was spotted elsewhere, often in response to changing weather or cloud cover.

Viewing the Aurora & Photography Tips

According to reviews, the Aurora can be quite unpredictable — some nights are spectacular, others less so. Still, guides do their best, sometimes extending the tour by 90 minutes if the lights start to show. As one reviewer put it, “they stayed longer in hope that we see the Aurora Borealis,” which demonstrates real dedication.

Guides also share practical advice on how to photograph the lights. Many travelers wished for more detailed instructions with actual camera settings, but generally, the guides are friendly and eager to help. Bringing your own tripod is highly recommended, as long exposure shots are usually necessary for capturing the Aurora’s glow.

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The Overall Atmosphere and Group Size

The bus environment is warm, cozy, and designed for comfort — important because you’ll be outside in cold, potentially windy conditions. The group sizes tend to be large, which some reviews note as a downside if you prefer more intimacy, but it also means a lively, social atmosphere. The staff and guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine effort to make the experience memorable.

Weather & Repeated Chances

Because Iceland’s weather can change quickly, the tour’s flexibility is a real asset. If the lights don’t show up, you can rebook for free, which many reviews confirm they’ve taken advantage of. Several travelers shared that their first night was cloudy or quiet, but they managed to catch a glimpse on a subsequent trip.

Cost and Value

At $68, this tour is competitively priced. For that, you get transport, a knowledgeable guide, an audio guide in multiple languages, WiFi, USB charging, and the promise of rebooking if the Aurora remains elusive. Compared to private or luxury tours, this is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on essentials.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys a relaxed, educational, and social experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Iceland who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights without breaking the bank. You’ll also likely appreciate the focus on photography tips, especially if you’re aiming to capture that perfect shot.

Potential Drawbacks

The biggest consideration is the unpredictable Icelandic weather — even with the best guides and a good spot, the Aurora might hide behind clouds. The large bus groups might also feel a bit crowded for some. Also, while the guides are knowledgeable, some reviews suggest that more detailed camera instructions would enhance the experience, especially for serious photographers.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a practical, value-packed way to chase one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. It combines comfort, guidance, and flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. The promise of a lifetime rebook guarantee is a reassuring touch, especially if weather conditions aren’t cooperating on your first night.

You’ll love the friendly guides, the chance to learn about constellations, and the overall effort to maximize your Aurora viewing. It’s a solid pick if you want to keep things simple, affordable, and memorable. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are part of the package when chasing the Northern Lights.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Pickup is optional and starts 30 minutes before the scheduled start time, mainly in Reykjavik city center. It’s recommended to select a nearby hotel or bus stop for convenience, as private residences aren’t included.

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

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring warm, waterproof clothing, as Iceland weather can change quickly. A tripod is highly recommended for photography, and bringing your own headphones makes the audio guide more comfortable and eco-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 3 hours of total experience, including transportation and stops. The actual Aurora viewing time can vary depending on weather and Aurora activity.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers a lifetime guarantee — if you don’t see the Aurora, you can rebook for free and try again on another night.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children aged 0-11 can join for free, and teenagers aged 12-15 receive a 50% discount. There’s no age limit, making it accessible for families with kids.

How does the weather affect the tour?
Since Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather conditions, cloudy or stormy nights might reduce your chances. Guides will do their best to find clear skies, and rebooking options help ensure you get multiple chances.

If you’re in Reykjavik and dreaming of a night under the stars with a chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour offers a reliable, friendly option. Just plan to dress warmly, be patient, and enjoy the ride — the sky might just put on a show for you.

You can check availability for your dates here: