Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik

Experience the Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik: A Practical Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights dance across Iceland’s night sky, this Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik promises an intimate, guided adventure to chase this elusive wonder. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what to expect—and it definitely looks like a solid choice for anyone eager to witness this natural spectacle.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who decide the route based on real-time conditions, increasing your chances of a successful sighting. Second, the small group size (max 19 people) elevates the experience, making it more personal and less rushed. Third, the inclusion of warm drinks and snacks like hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls adds a cozy touch to the chilly night.

One potential consideration is that the success of the trip heavily depends on weather conditions and aurora activity, which can be unpredictable. If clear skies are crucial to your experience, be prepared for some variability.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate expert guidance, enjoy small-group atmospheres, and want a trip tailored to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights in comfort. It suits anyone wanting a stress-free, well-organized hunt for the auroras, especially first-timers or those short on time but eager for a memorable Icelandic experience.

Good To Know

• Expert route planning increases the likelihood of catching the Northern Lights.
• Small group size fosters a more personal, engaging experience.
• Warm drinks and snacks help keep spirits high in cold conditions.
• Flexibility in route selection based on weather and aurora activity boosts chances of sightings.
• Limited duration (around 4 hours) makes it an evening activity that won’t exhaust your night.
• Strong safety and comfort considerations, with reviews emphasizing guide expertise and attention.

What to Expect on the Tour

Departure and Route Planning

Starting at 9:00 pm from Reykjavik, the tour kicks off with a pickup service, which is a big plus for convenience. The guides are clear about their expertise—before heading out, they’ll assess weather and aurora forecasts to choose the best route that night, whether that’s south, north, or east of the city.

This flexibility means you’re not just blindly chasing lights, but actively pursuing the best viewing conditions available. As one reviewer noted, the guides are quite the experts on Northern Lights, often adjusting plans on the fly to optimize chances. Expect a short briefing at the start about what to look for and how to photograph the auroras, adding an educational element to the night.

The Journey and Stops

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours. During this time, you’ll visit up to four different locations—each chosen for its potential for clear skies and great photo opportunities. Some reviewers mention visiting four spots and seeing the lights at three, which is pretty good considering the unpredictability of aurora displays.

Travel is by comfortable minibus, with small groups (max 19) ensuring you won’t be part of a large, impersonal crowd. This intimate setting means you can ask questions, get personalized tips, and truly enjoy the experience.

Viewing Experience

The guides focus on finding the best photographic spots—essential for capturing memories or sharing social media updates. You’re likely to get a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis shimmering overhead, with the guides offering tips on how to photograph the display if you’re into taking pictures.

While everyone hopes for a spectacular show, some reviews mention seeing the lights at three out of four stops, which aligns with expectations given the natural variability. The tour’s success depends on clear skies and aurora activity, so patience and a bit of luck are part of the package.

Food and Comfort

In chilly Icelandic nights, a warm drink makes a noticeable difference. The tour provides hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, which guests find especially welcome amid the biting wind. This small gesture adds comfort and helps keep spirits high while waiting for the lights.

Safety and Guide Expertise

One review criticized a guide for seeming untrustworthy regarding safety, highlighting that safety is a vital aspect of such tours. However, the majority of feedback praises the guides for their knowledgeable and experienced approach. The tour provider, Simply Iceland, emphasizes safety and professionalism, and the small group size allows for closer attention to each guest.

Analyzing the Value

At $150.49 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: expert guiding, multiple viewing spots, transportation, and hot drinks. The small group setting enhances the quality of the experience, making it feel more like a private adventure than a large bus tour.

The flexibility in route planning is particularly valuable, as it significantly impacts your chances of witnessing the aurora. It’s also reassuring to know that if weather conditions don’t cooperate, you may be offered a different date or a full refund—adding peace of mind to your booking.

Who Would Love This Tour?

• First-time Northern Lights viewers wanting expert guidance
• Travelers who value small groups and personalized attention
• Those eager to capture beautiful photos with local tips
• Visitors seeking a cozy, well-organized night out in Iceland
• Anyone who appreciates a flexible approach based on real-time weather conditions

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives?

• Travelers with very tight schedules (since timing depends on weather)
• Those seeking a longer or more immersive experience
• Anyone looking for a guaranteed sighting (as Aurora sightings are never 100% guaranteed)

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point & Pickup: Starts at 9:00 pm in Reykjavik, with pickup included.
• Duration: About 4 hours, making it suitable for a comfortable evening outing.
• Group Size: Max 19 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; poor conditions may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Booking: Most travelers book around 38 days in advance, indicating high interest.
• Cost: Slightly above average but justified by small group size, experienced guides, and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the guide decide where to go?
The guides assess aurora activity and weather conditions using real-time data, then choose the route to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, whether that’s south, north, or east of Reykjavik.

What should I wear for this tour?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal undergarments, waterproof jackets, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots, as you’ll be outside for extended periods in cold weather.

Is food included?
Yes, the tour offers hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls, providing warmth and comfort during the wait.

What if the weather is cloudy or the lights are not visible?
Since the tour relies on clear skies and aurora activity, poor conditions may result in cancellation or rescheduling. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if this happens.

How many stops are made during the tour?
Typically, up to four locations are visited. The guides aim to find the best spots for viewing and photographing.

Can I take photographs of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely, guides often share tips on capturing the best images, and the spots visited are chosen with photography in mind.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 19 travelers, creating a more personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the cold outdoors and the late start time.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Who provides the tour?
Simply Iceland offers this experience, emphasizing safety, expertise, and customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik is a well-rounded choice for anyone looking to chase the auroras with expert guidance, in a cozy setting, with the added comforts of warm drinks and flexible routing. The emphasis on small groups and real-time decision-making increases your odds of a memorable sighting, making it ideal for first-timers or those wanting a more personalized experience.

While aurora sightings are never guaranteed and weather can be unpredictable, the tour’s approach maximizes your chances without sacrificing comfort or safety. If you’re after a thoughtfully managed, intimate adventure with knowledgeable guides and a focus on photography, this tour ticks many boxes.

In the end, it’s a solid pick for travelers who want to add a magical, picture-perfect moment to their Iceland trip, especially if they’re keen to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed, guided chase for the Northern Lights.