Chasing aurora from a super jeep is a special kind of night. I like the luxury super jeep approach that pushes you out of the city, and I also like that a professional photographer helps you get usable shots, not just hope for luck. You start in Reykjavik and end far from the busiest lights.

I also really value the tour’s focus on getting the conditions right, not just driving around. The group stays small, limited to 10 participants, and that makes it easier to hear the guide, follow the plan, and move fast when the lights might appear. One drawback to keep in mind: Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, and this tour is short and weather dependent.

You’ll be picked up at 21:00, ride out for the main aurora search window, then return for drop-off around the same evening. Dress like it’s a long time outside, because the “fun” part is standing still in cold air while you watch the sky.

Key points before you go

• Super jeep travel out of town: you’re not stuck to roads a bus can handle.
• A photographer on board: they help with aurora photos so you are not fighting camera settings with frozen fingers.
• Telescope included: use an astronomical telescope as part of the hunt.
• Hot chocolate plus Kleinur, and even rum with hot chocolate: warm up during the most intense waiting.
• Tripod option for your own photos: helps you frame the aurora more precisely.
• Backup plan if the lights do not appear: you’re covered with another tour option rather than pure disappointment.

Super jeep pickup at 21:00, small group vibes that help

This Northern Lights hunt starts with pickup around 21:00. You get multiple pickup points around Reykjavik, including well-known landmarks and hotel areas, and if your exact street is not reachable by the super jeep, you’ll meet the group at the nearest bus stop. That matters because the whole evening depends on timing, not showing up late.

The tour runs with a small group limited to 10 participants. In practical terms, that makes everything less chaotic when you stop for photos. It also means your guide can respond to the sky quickly, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re standing behind a crowd when the aurora finally shows up.

I like the “out of town” emphasis, because aurora viewing is a fight against light pollution. The tour is built around the idea that being farther from Reykjavik’s glow increases your odds, even if clouds decide to crash the party.

The off-road night: how the 4-hour structure plays out

The tour is about 4 hours total, with a simple flow: pickup, a short ride, a longer main block for aurora searching, then return. The schedule includes two separate super jeep segments (about 30 minutes each), with the biggest chunk happening in the middle.

That middle block is where you actually do the work: photo stops, guidance, and off-road time with the goal of getting you to places where aurora activity might be clearer. The tour also includes a guided element and tasting during this main window, so it’s not only “stand and stare at the sky.” You’re still outdoors, but the night feels more like an experience and less like waiting in silence.

Here’s the reality check: aurora hunting can involve moving when conditions change. If the sky is cloudy, you might stay flexible. The best guides try multiple vantage spots in one night, and the included setup is designed for exactly that kind of stop-and-go hunt.

Southern Region stop: photo chances plus a real Iceland flavor

One of the tour’s strengths is that the main time block is not purely aurora-focused. You’ll be in the Southern Region of Iceland for a guided segment that includes a photo stop, spirits, and food tasting, along with regional food and welcome refreshments. The tour also includes off-road adventure, which ties into the “get out of town” odds.

Why this is smart for you: if aurora hunting becomes a long cold wait, a guided food and tasting component helps the time feel meaningful. It also gives your guide another reason to pause at interesting spots during the drive.

Potential drawback: if your top priority is only aurora photography, you might wish the time stayed 100 percent on the sky. Still, the tour’s structure suggests they’re trying to keep the night fun even when you are waiting for the atmosphere to cooperate.

Photographer support and camera help that actually reduces stress

A major reason this tour gets positive reactions is the professional photographer on board. You’re not just handed a tip card and told to figure it out. The tour includes assistance with your camera, and the photographer handles the “spot you in the frame” part for you, which can be a huge deal when the aurora is faint or moves quickly.

The photo value is more than vanity. Good aurora shots are tricky. You need the right exposure and composition, and you often need to move your camera fast while you’re also staring at the sky. In the cold, that’s a recipe for frustration.

Some guests also shared that when their own hands were too frozen to keep shooting, the guide or photographer took extra pictures and made them available after. Even if you plan to shoot everything yourself, I’d treat that backup photography as part of the deal, not an optional bonus.

If you want to capture your own aurora images, the tour offers the option to rent tripods. That’s a practical upgrade. A tripod helps you steady your framing so you can spend more time watching the lights, and less time chasing sharpness.

Telescope time: using astronomy gear in a real setting

The tour includes use of an astronomical telescope. This is not just a gimmick. Telescopes help you slow down, look carefully, and understand what you are seeing instead of treating the aurora like a blur behind your camera.

If you are new to aurora watching, this can be especially helpful. You get a short, hands-on moment with equipment, and you learn how to make the most of the sky when it does appear.

If you are an experienced astrophotographer, you may already have a plan. Still, telescope access is one more reason this hunt feels more complete than basic “walk outside and wait” tours.

Warm drinks, snacks, and a little rum to fight the cold

Waiting for aurora often means cold fingers and longer-than-you-expect pauses. This tour addresses that with included comfort items: hot chocolate and Kleinur (the Icelandic doughnuts), plus rum with hot chocolate. You also get WiFi onboard, which can help pass time, check camera settings, or keep your plan organized.

I like that these comforts are built into the schedule. It’s easy to underestimate how cold Iceland nights can feel when you’re outside for the aurora window.

What to bring is straightforward and worth following: gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, and thermal layers. If you show up “I’ll be fine,” you’ll spend half the night thinking about your hands, not the sky.

Guides who keep moving: the difference between a drive and a hunt

What turns this from a simple trip into an actual aurora hunt is the guide’s commitment to tracking conditions. In the reviews shared with this tour, guides like Daniel and Thor were singled out for finding multiple locations and staying determined when the sky wasn’t cooperating right away.

That matters because the Northern Lights are fickle. If one viewing spot underperforms, you need a team willing to move to the next best place. A super jeep helps because it can reach places that typical buses and cars may not handle easily.

You also get stories along the way, which helps keep energy up during stops and repositioning. In a cold night where you are staring at darkness, a good narrative can make the time feel shorter.

Northern Lights odds: what happens when clouds win

Let’s be honest: clouds and aurora timing can be unfair. This tour sets expectations that sightings are not guaranteed. The good news is that you are not left with nothing.

Included in the experience is admission to another tour if the Northern Lights do not appear. Extra details also say that if unforeseen circumstances prevent viewing, you may be offered another tour option within a longer window tied to the original booking. If the tour itself is cancelled due to bad weather, you can either re-book for another evening free of charge or receive a full refund.

Also, the size of the group can grow if there have been cancellations on several nights, which is worth knowing if you hate crowds. Still, the original plan is a small group, and the tour is designed around keeping you in a manageable size for aurora viewing.

Price check: why $192 can feel fair for what you get

At $192 per person for a roughly 4-hour outing, this is not a cheap “sit on the bus” aurora option. So does it make sense?

For me, the value logic looks like this:

• You pay for super jeep transport designed for off-road or hard-to-reach locations.
• You pay for a professional photographer, plus camera assistance.
• You get telescope use, which adds real experience gear to the night.
• You also get included warmth and snacks, plus a backup plan if the aurora doesn’t show.

If you compare that to tours that only provide transportation and a brief stop, the price starts to look more reasonable. The photographer and telescope are what many people really want, because they reduce the skill gap between “I bought a ticket” and “I got a great shot.”

Who should book this Northern Lights super jeep hunt

I’d aim for this tour if:

• You want photos without becoming a full-time aurora technician.
• You like guided nights that feel active, not passive.
• You prefer a small group atmosphere.
• You are traveling with limited time in Reykjavik and want a focused evening plan.

I’d think twice if:

• Your only goal is maximum time staring at the sky, with no guided tasting or food segment.
• You hate cold standing around, even with warm drinks and gloves.

This is also not suitable for children under 8 years, so families should check ages carefully before booking.

Should you book this tour, or choose another option?

If you want the best mix of odds + comfort + photos, this tour is a solid bet. The super jeep approach helps you get away from city light, and the photographer support is the part most people feel immediately, especially if you are worried about camera settings in freezing weather.

Book it if you can handle the fact that the aurora is never guaranteed. You’re paying for a guided hunt with backup options, not a promise.

Skip it only if you’re truly okay with a DIY approach and you already have the gear, patience, and weather flexibility to chase aurora on your own.

FAQ

What time does pickup start?

Pickup starts at 21:00.

How long is the Northern Lights super jeep tour?

The duration is 4 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you may also be picked up at the nearest bus stop if your street is not accessible by the super jeep.

How big is the group?

It’s limited to a small group of up to 10 participants.

What is included for photography?

A professional photographer is included, and there is camera assistance. There is also the option to rent tripods for your own photos.

Is a telescope included?

Yes. The tour includes use of an astronomical telescope.

What warm items are provided during the tour?

You get hot chocolate and Kleinur, and you’ll also have rum with hot chocolate.

What if the Northern Lights do not appear?

If Northern Lights do not appear, you have included admission to another tour. The activity information also notes that if unforeseen circumstances prevent viewing, another tour option may be offered.

Do you get WiFi onboard?

Yes, WiFi is included onboard.

Is it suitable for kids?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years.