Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus with Pro Photos & Free Retry — An In-Depth Review

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, few things are as thrilling — or as unpredictable. This Aurora Minibus tour with Aurora Viking offers a unique blend of expert guidance, authentic Icelandic fun, and a solid effort to turn a potentially elusive experience into something unforgettable. While we haven’t personally taken it, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the small group size (max 18 people) ensures a personal touch that larger bus tours often lack. Second, the expert guides and photographers work hard to find the best spots and capture stunning images of you with the Aurora overhead. Third, the fun Viking costumes and weapon replicas add an engaging, playful element to the evening. A possible consideration? The unpredictability of the Northern Lights means there’s no guarantee of sighting on any given night, despite their “free retry” policy.

This experience seems perfect for travelers who appreciate a well-rounded, authentic adventure with a touch of Icelandic folklore and a focus on photos and fun. If you’re after a cozy, informative, and flexible way to see the Northern Lights, this might just be the tour for you.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Small group size creates a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Expert guides with decades of Aurora chasing experience maximize your chances of sighting the Lights.
• High-quality photos and Viking costumes make for memorable, fun images.
• Unlimited retries with no extra cost increase your odds of seeing the Aurora.
• Comfort and warmth are prioritized with hot chocolate, cookies, blankets, and Viking outfits.
• Unpredictable Aurora sightings mean patience and luck are part of the experience.
• Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind with full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
• Well-reviewed guides like Tomas, Kobe, Emil, and Felix are praised for their enthusiasm and expertise.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from 16 different locations around Reykjavik, making it straightforward to join regardless of where you’re staying. The pickup process is smooth, with guides calling out your names and ensuring everyone is comfortably on board before heading out into the night. This level of organization means less stress and more time to focus on the magic awaiting you.

The Transportation and Group Size

The use of a minibus is a smart choice. It allows access to spots that larger buses can’t reach, especially crucial in Iceland where the best viewing sites are often in remote, dark areas. With a maximum of 18 guests, the small group format fosters a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere, where guides can give personalized attention and take multiple photos without feeling rushed.

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The Itinerary and Stops

The tour generally lasts about 4 hours and includes a “secret stop” for a dedicated photo session. The exact itinerary varies depending on weather conditions, Aurora forecast, and sky clarity, which guides monitor carefully. This flexibility is key, as the Aurora hangs out behind clouds more often than not.

What You’ll Do During the Tour

The evening is filled with various fun activities designed to keep guests entertained while waiting for the Aurora to make her appearance. Reviewers mention playing with Viking costumes and replicas of weapons sourced from a local museum, which adds an element of playfulness and provides excellent photo opportunities with the lights dancing overhead. Guides are eager to capture these moments with professional-grade cameras—you’ll get high-quality pictures you can print and cherish.

As for warmth, expect hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and blankets supplied to keep everyone cozy in the chilly Icelandic night. One reviewer described it as a “welcoming gift,” highlighting the thoughtfulness of the organizers.

The Hunt for the Aurora

The guides, like Tomas and Kobe, are described as super knowledgeable and genuinely enthusiastic about chasing the lights. They use their decades of experience to find the best spots, often in locations where other tours might not venture. Despite their expertise, they emphasize that Aurora sightings depend on luck and weather conditions.

Reviewers frequently mention their guides’ skills: Tomas, in particular, is praised for taking stunning photos and knowing exactly when and where the sky would open up. Guides often re-position participants to ensure everyone gets a shot with the Northern Lights in the background. When the Aurora dances, as one reviewer put it, “nature puts on an amazing show,” and guides work tirelessly to get everyone a good view.

The Photos and Viking Costumes

One of the tour’s unique features is dressing up in Viking costumes for photos, which guests find both fun and memorable. Even skeptics mention how enthusiastic guides make the costumes a playful part of the experience, with photos often turning out surprisingly well—some with the Aurora in the background add a truly magical touch.

Weather and Aurora Probability

While the guides are skilled at finding clear patches of sky, the visibility of the Aurora is inherently unpredictable. Some nights the lights come out almost immediately, while others require patience and multiple stops. Several guests appreciated the “unlimited retry” policy, which means you can join the tour again free of charge if you don’t see the Aurora on your first attempt. They emphasize that the company genuinely wants guests to experience the lights, making this a risk worth taking.

Value for Money

At $165 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package: private transport, expert guides, high-quality photos, Viking costumes, and warm treats. When considering the cost, think of it as an investment in memorable photos, a fun night out, and a personal search for one of Iceland’s most iconic spectacles. Many reviews highlight the expert guidance and extra touches as worth the price.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start with Ease

Most guests are picked up from central Reykjavik from a convenient list of 16 locations. This wide range ensures minimal hassle, and guides are punctual, which is crucial for maximizing your night.

The Main Hunt Spot

After departing Reykjavik, the guides drive out into the dark, away from city lights. The first stop is usually a well-chosen location with a clear view of the sky. If clouds obscure the sight, the guides are quick to adapt, moving to different spots based on real-time weather updates, as several reviews mention.

The Photo Session and Viking Fun

Once in the ideal spot, guests can try on Viking costumes, pose with replicas of weapons, and take photos with the Northern Lights as a backdrop. These moments often turn into hilarious and impressive snaps, especially with guides like Tomas actively helping to frame shots and operate professional cameras.

Waiting and Entertainment

While waiting for the Aurora, guides keep everyone engaged with stories, jokes, and hot chocolate. One reviewer mentioned that Kobe predicted precisely when the lights would appear, thanks to his experience and understanding of Aurora activity patterns. When the lights dance, guides expertly capture their movement, ensuring you leave with stunning images.

End of the Tour

After about four hours, guests are dropped off at their original pickup points, often exhausted but with a collection of photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guests consistently praise the passionate guides, with Tomas, Kobe, Emil, and Felix receiving special mentions for their dedication and skills. Several reviewers highlight how these guides drive to remote locations that other tours may overlook, greatly enhancing the chances of seeing the Aurora.

The fun Viking costume photos get particular praise for adding a playful, memorable element, with many comments on how surprisingly good the photos turn out, given the challenging conditions of night photography.

Many reviews also mention how the guides keep guests informed about weather and Aurora forecasts, ensuring everyone feels involved and aware of the chances to see the lights. The hot chocolate, cookies, and blankets are appreciated as thoughtful touches that make the experience comfortable despite the cold night.

While some mention that sightings depend on luck, the unlimited retry policy stands out as a major benefit. Guests often leave saying they felt the company genuinely wanted them to see the Aurora and appreciated the effort to find clear skies.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour works best for travelers who value personalized attention, fun photo opportunities, and a flexible approach to Aurora hunting. If you’re after a small group experience with knowledgeable guides who go beyond the basic, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s also great for those who want warm drinks, Viking costumes, and professional photos to remember their trip by.

However, if your main priority is a guaranteed sighting, it’s worth remembering that the Aurora remains unpredictable. The free retries are a big plus, but patience and a sense of adventure are essential.

The Sum Up

This Aurora Minibus tour with Aurora Viking offers a thoughtful, engaging way to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland. With expert guides, a small group size, and plenty of fun extras, it’s designed to turn a potentially fleeting natural wonder into a memorable adventure. The inclusion of high-quality photos and Viking costumes adds a playful and authentic touch that many travelers love.

It’s an excellent choice for those who want a personalized, flexible, and fun experience with a dedicated team working to maximize their chances of witnessing the Aurora. While no experience can guarantee a sighting, the company’s approach and reviews suggest they genuinely care about making your night special.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, friendly, and memorable Northern Lights tour that balances adventure, storytelling, and photos, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 18 guests, creating a cozy atmosphere and allowing guides to give personalized attention.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an experienced guide and photographer, Viking costumes, weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Can I join if I don’t see the lights?
Yes. The company offers unlimited free retries, so you can join again until you see the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, with flexible departure times depending on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7 years old, likely due to the late hours and cold conditions.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential as it can get very cold at night, especially in Iceland.

How do guides improve the chances of seeing the Aurora?
Guides use their extensive experience, weather updates, and remote locations to find clear skies—maximizing your chances.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small group size, professional photography, Viking costume fun, and the company’s genuine commitment to helping guests spot the Aurora set it apart.

You can check if your dates are available here: