Northern Lights Small Group Tour Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland and dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights? You’re not alone. While many tours promise a magical sighting, not all deliver equally. We recently looked into the Northern Lights Small Group Tour offered by Iceland Paradise Tours, and here’s the scoop—what works, what might not, and who this experience is really for.

What immediately caught our eye is the small group size—a big plus for those who dislike crowded tours—and the fact that the guides are specialized in Northern Lights hunting. The second thing we appreciated is the flexibility of the logistics, like multiple pickup points, which makes logistics easier and more convenient. One potential downside? The overall rating of 3.7 suggests it might not be the highest-rated experience out there, so some travelers might find it less consistent than others. But if you’re looking for a practical, down-to-earth tour with knowledgeable guides, this could be a good pick.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a focused, guided experience without the fuss of large groups. It’s ideal if you’re okay with sharing the adventure with strangers, but still want personalized guidance from locals who know the skies well. If your main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the auroras, and you prefer a smaller, more intimate setting, this tour could work well.

Key Points

• Expert guides focus solely on Northern Lights hunting, increasing your chances of a good sighting.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off locations make it convenient and accessible from various parts of Reykjavík.
• Weather- and sky-tracking by guides ensures you’re taken to the best spots for viewing each night.
• Long nights in winter (up to 20 hours of darkness in December) provide ample opportunity for a sighting.
• Group size is kept small, typically sharing your adventure with a handful of other travelers, for a more intimate experience.
• The cost reflects the guided expertise and personalized approach, making it a practical choice for those serious about seeing the lights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This 4-hour adventure begins with a pick-up from one of 42 locations across Reykjavík—making it easy to join no matter where you’re staying in the city. The tour kicks off with roughly an hour of bus travel, giving you a chance to relax and get oriented before heading into the Icelandic night.

Once out of the city, your driver-guide—an expert in Northern Lights hunting—will assess weather conditions and sky clarity throughout the night. Their goal? To find the most promising spots where the auroras are most likely to dance. This isn’t just a basic drive; it’s an active pursuit, with guides tracking updates and adjusting plans accordingly. You’ll appreciate this real-time expertise, especially if you’ve read about how unpredictable the Northern Lights can be.

The Scenic Bus Ride and Reykjavík Sightseeing

The first leg involves a comfortable bus ride through the capital region, where your guide may share insights about Iceland’s landscape and culture—adding some context before the main event. After about two hours in Reykjavík, the group departs again, heading toward the areas with the clearest skies. This back-and-forth helps optimize your chances, and you might find the scenic drive itself a calming and scenic part of the experience.

The Main Attraction: Aurora Hunting

The core of this tour is chasing the Northern Lights. Guides monitor weather conditions, cloud cover, and aurora forecasts to ensure they’re heading to the best viewing spots each night. This dynamic approach is one of the tour’s strengths, allowing flexibility rather than sticking to a fixed route.

When the sky clears, you’ll stop at a remote spot—away from city lights, with a good view of the northern sky. Here, you’ll have the chance to watch the auroras dance overhead, sometimes for hours if the conditions cooperate. Expect the best viewing hours between 9 pm and 2 am, especially during the dark, long nights of December.

More Great Tours Nearby

Timing and Duration

While four hours might seem short, this is enough time to get a good chance at seeing the lights without exhausting yourself. Plus, the tour runs during Iceland’s prime aurora season—from late August to April—so you’re in the sweet spot for catching a glimpse.

Overall Atmosphere and Group Size

The small group setup is more personal, and guides tend to be attentive to individual needs and questions. Reviews suggest that the guides’ local knowledge and experience are valuable, making this more than just a bus ride—it’s a dedicated quest for one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural phenomena.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer highlighted how the guides “track weather conditions and chase clear skies,” making the experience feel tailored and well-organized. Another mentioned that “the guides do an excellent job of finding the best spots,” which significantly boosts the chances of a sighting.

However, some reviews note that because the rating is 3.7, consistency can vary. While many had “stunning views,” others found the experience less satisfying if weather conditions weren’t ideal on their night.

The Value of the Tour

Considering the cost, you’re paying for the expertise and flexibility that could make all the difference in spotting the Northern Lights. This tour offers a solid balance between guided knowledge and spontaneous pursuit, which is what many seasoned travelers appreciate.

Transportation and Practicalities

The tour’s transportation is by coach or bus, making the journey comfortable. The multiple pickup points ensure you don’t need to travel far to join, and the 1-hour drive each way is a manageable length that keeps the focus on the main event.

You’ll want to bring warm clothing, weather-appropriate gear, waterproof shoes, and warm shoes—since you’ll be outside for potentially hours in cold, dark conditions. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful touch.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a guided experience with a focus on maximizing your chances to see the lights, this tour fits the bill. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a small, intimate group and appreciate knowledgeable guides tracking the weather in real time.

Those who enjoy scenic drives combined with natural wonder will find this experience particularly rewarding. It’s not a luxury or high-end event, but the focus on expert guiding and real-time adjustments makes it a practical choice for dedicated aurora chasers.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Small Group Tour offers a straightforward, well-organized way to experience Iceland’s most famous natural spectacle. The combination of expert guidance, flexible routing, and a small group size makes it a compelling option for anyone serious about witnessing the auroras without the crowds.

While the rating of 3.7 suggests some variability, the reviews indicate that if the weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views. The tour’s efficiency and focus on maximizing your chances make it worth considering, especially if you’re comfortable with sharing the experience with others.

If your main goal is to chase the Northern Lights with knowledgeable locals and enjoy a more personal atmosphere, this tour is worth a shot. Just remember, the auroras are a natural phenomenon—you might not see them every single night, but with the right guides and luck, this could be your unforgettable Iceland moment.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4 hours, starting with a bus/coach ride, followed by time spent outdoors hunting the Northern Lights.

What locations do I get picked up from?
There are 42 pickup options across Reykjavík, including hotels, hostels, and bus stops, making it quite convenient.

Is the trip suitable in winter?
Yes, especially in December when nights are longer—up to 20 hours of darkness—giving you more chances to see the auroras.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, weather-appropriate gear, waterproof shoes, and warm shoes are recommended since you’ll be outside in cold conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not explicitly mentioned, the focus on outdoor viewing and cold temperatures suggests it might be best suited for older children or teenagers.

How do guides improve my chances of seeing the lights?
They track weather and aurora forecasts in real time, adjusting the route to find the clearest skies.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, the guides’ expertise increases your odds significantly.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour states that it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

This tour is a solid pick for those chasing the Northern Lights with a little guidance and a lot of flexibility. Remember, patience and luck play a big role, but with the right guides, your chances are definitely improved.

You can check availability for your dates here: