Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Private Photographer

Traveling to Iceland and eager to see the iconic auroras? This Northern Lights Tour with a Private Photographer promises a cozy, well-curated experience designed to give you the best shot at witnessing the dancing lights, all while enjoying professional photos and local snacks. With a 93% sighting rate, this tour has garnered attention for its focus on quality and comfort—but is it worth the price?

We’re here to give you a detailed look at what this experience offers, what you can expect, and whether it’s the right fit for your Iceland adventure. From small-group intimacy and expert guides to added comfort in the Arctic chill, let’s explore what makes this tour stand out—or fall short.

Good To Know

• High success rate: 93% chance of seeing the Northern Lights, thanks to advanced weather and aurora forecasts.
• Comfort-focused design: Warm jumpsuits, outdoor chairs, and extra tripods for photography make the cold more bearable and your photos more stunning.
• Expert guide and photographer: Heimir not only guides but offers unlimited professional photos, helping you leave with memorable images.
• Traditional Icelandic snacks: Enjoy dried fish, cinnamon buns, hot cocoa, and Icelandic vodka, adding a cultural touch to the experience.
• Small group size: Max 18 passengers ensures a cozy, less crowded experience away from city lights.
• Potential variability: Weather can disrupt sightings; re-scheduling is available but no refunds if the lights stay hidden.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is tailored for travelers who value quality over quantity, seeking an intimate and well-supported Aurora Borealis hunt. The highlight is the expert guide and photographer, Heimir, who ensures you don’t just see the lights but also capture them beautifully. The tour leverages advanced weather forecasts and satellite data, boosting confidence in the chances of a sighting—though, as with all aurora experiences, it’s never guaranteed.

The group is limited to 18 people, which often results in fewer crowds and a more personal experience. Unlike larger bus tours, this small size enhances the chance to find the perfect viewing spot and allows for more interaction and guidance from your host.

What Makes This Tour Unique

One of the most praised features is the provision of unlimited professional photos. This means no more frantic clicks with your phone—Heimir and his team capture high-quality images, and you can request extra tripods to help stabilize your camera or phone. For photography enthusiasts, this is a huge plus.

Plus, the warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs provided are a thoughtful touch. Icelandic winter can be quite cold and windy, especially when standing still for hours in the dark. Being layered in a cozy jumpsuit and seated comfortably outside makes the experience far more enjoyable, especially for those who dislike the cold.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour typically lasts around 5 hours, starting in the evening, with exact times subject to the weather and aurora forecast. Pickup is included from various hotels, guesthouses, and cruise terminals in Reykjavik, streamlining the logistics so you don’t have to worry about finding a meeting point.

Once picked up, your group will head out of the city, away from the glow of streetlights, to locations where the sky is clearer and darkness more profound. The guides use satellite data and sophisticated weather models, which significantly enhance the chances of a successful sighting.

Most travelers will find that the spots chosen are quiet, open areas—often with expansive views of the sky. You’ll sit in outdoor chairs, layered up in provided jumpsuits, with traditional Icelandic snacks like dried fish, cinnamon rolls, and hot cocoa fueling your patience. The guide offers assistance with camera settings, making it easier for you to capture those ethereal green and purple hues.

The Viewing Experience

Many reviews note that the views can be spectacular, especially when the lights are active. The small group size allows for unobstructed views, and the outdoor setup minimizes light pollution. As you wait under a starry sky, the guide’s expert commentary helps you learn about the aurora’s science and myths.

In the rare case where the lights don’t appear, the tour offers unlimited re-schedules—a key benefit for those worried about missing out. The company promises you’ll get another shot within two years, which is a considerate policy.

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Comfort and Practical Considerations

This tour’s focus on comfort is particularly appealing. The warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs mean you can relax and enjoy the show without shivering or standing uncomfortably. Plus, the free WiFi aboard the vehicle helps you share your experience or coordinate photos with your travel buddies.

The tour is ideal for anyone comfortable with outdoor winter conditions. Travelers should bring warm clothing, hats, gloves, and hiking shoes—especially since you’ll be standing outside for extended periods.

While the tour is generally praised for its organization and attention to detail, a notable downside is the weather dependency. If clouds cover the sky or the aurora is inactive, seeing the lights can be impossible. The company’s policy of offering re-runs helps mitigate this frustration, but it’s still a gamble.

Price and Value Assessment

At $221 per person, this tour is on the higher end for aurora hunts, but the added value justifies the cost for many. The inclusion of professional photos, warm gear, snacks, and small-group intimacy makes it stand out from more generic, crowded tours. For those who want a higher chance of a good photo and a comfortable experience, paying a premium might be worthwhile.

Especially for photography enthusiasts, having unlimited professional shots and extra tripods** is a major perk, saving you from the hassle of trying to get decent aurora images on your own.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who prioritize quality, comfort, and photography. If you’re nervous about the cold or worried about missing the auroras, the re-scheduling policy provides peace of mind. It’s perfect for those who want an intimate, less rushed experience with a knowledgeable guide dedicated to helping you succeed.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more flexible, less structured outing, alternative tours might be more suitable. This tour’s small group size and added amenities come at a price—so consider whether the benefits align with your travel style.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Tour with a Private Photographer offers a thoughtfully crafted experience, especially for those who love photography, small-group intimacy, and comfort. The combination of expert guidance, advanced forecasting, and cozy setup maximizes your chances of witnessing and capturing the auroras.

While the weather remains unpredictable—like all aurora tours—the transparency about re-runs and no refunds in unfavorable conditions is a fair trade for a tour that truly cares about its guests’ experience. The inclusion of Icelandic snacks, WiFi, and extra camera tripods add layers of value that make it stand out.

In summary, if you’re after a well-organized, comfortable, and photo-focused Northern Lights adventure, this tour could be a top choice. It’s best suited for travelers who want to avoid large crowds, prioritize high-quality photos, and are okay with the weather’s whims.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available from all hotels, larger guesthouses, and cruise ship terminals in Reykjavik, although some restrictions apply in the city center.

What should I bring on the tour?
You should dress warmly, including a hat, gloves, and hiking shoes. The outdoor nature of the tour means layers are essential to stay comfortable during the wait.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the forecast isn’t favorable or clouds block the view, you won’t see the lights. However, the tour offers unlimited re-runs for up to two years, so you can try again at no extra cost.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, with the exact starting time depending on availability and weather conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years old, likely due to the outdoor cold and late hours.

Can I get professional photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes, the guide provides unlimited professional photos from the tour, and you can borrow extra tripods for better shots.

Overall, this experience balances the thrill of chasing the auroras with the comforts of a small-group setting, making it an excellent choice for photography lovers and those wanting a less crowded, more personalized adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: