The night sky over Iceland is the main show, and this tour is built around getting you ready for it. I like that Heimir, your guide and photographer, runs the whole experience with a 93% sighting rate mindset, plus you get unlimited professional photos. The setup is also practical for cold weather, not just pretty on a screen.

What I really appreciate is the comfort-first approach: warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs so you can actually stay outside long enough for aurora to show up. The other big plus is the focus on photography support, from borrowed tripods to help with camera settings.

One possible drawback to plan for: like any aurora tour, conditions can change fast. Weather and cloud cover can force last-minute changes, and the tour depends on what the sky does that night.

Key points to know before you go

• Heimir leads the photography and aurora hunt, and the guidance helps you time your waiting instead of just staring.
• Small group size (max 18) keeps the night calm and gives you space for photos.
• Warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs are provided on location, so comfort is handled for you.
• Unlimited pro photos plus extra tripods means you do not have to gamble on getting shots with your phone.
• Traditional Icelandic snacks and hot drinks keep your energy steady during the cold.
• If the lights do not cooperate, you get unlimited re-runs until you see them, valid for two years from your original tour date.

Small-group aurora nights in Reykjavik, up to 18 people

If you’ve ever tried to watch northern lights while shivering in a crowded group, you already know the problem. This tour starts with the fix: it caps the group at 18 people, which keeps the experience intimate and easier to manage in the dark.

You also get a more focused vibe because the operator is aiming for positioning and patience, not just a quick stop for a photo. The tour runs about 5 hours, so you have real time outdoors instead of a rushed loop.

Pickup and drop-off are included, and they serve hotels, larger guest houses, and cruise ship terminals in Reykjavik. One practical detail to know, Reykjavik city regulations sometimes limit where the bus can stop, so you might be directed to the nearest permitted bus stop listed on busstop.is.

Heimir the photographer, and why his guidance matters

The star here is Heimir, your guide and professional photographer. This is not only about pressing a shutter, it’s about teaching you how to look and wait for aurora and how to work your camera once you’re in the right spot.

One of the best lessons from real tour experience is how the best aurora calls often come from timing. For example, a guide who watches the conditions and recommends waiting can be the difference between missing a burst and capturing it. In one account, Heimir helped the group wait about half an hour longer, and that extra stretch paid off with an amazing show.

You also benefit from the fact that Heimir’s expertise covers both eyes and equipment. Several people pointed out that his tracking and his photo handling were the reason they got usable results without relying on a phone in the cold.

Warm suits, outdoor chairs, and borrowed tripods in the cold

Northern lights are not something you can brute-force. You need endurance, and you need it fast, because aurora can appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly.

This is why I love that the tour provides warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs on location. The operator claims they are the only northern lights provider in Iceland offering this exact combo on site, and from a comfort standpoint, it makes a huge difference. Instead of spending the night trying to bundle up, you can focus on watching the sky.

Chairs are more than convenience. They change the whole experience because they reduce fidgeting and keep you steady while you shoot. If you’ve ever tried long exposures while standing, you know how quickly your body starts to shake.

On the camera side, you also get free extra tripods to borrow. Add in assistance with your camera settings, and you’re not stuck guessing what the shutter speed and framing should be when the aurora turns active.

Snacks and drinks that actually help you last outside

Cold nights drain you fast, and the tour handles that with food and warmth built into the plan. You’ll get traditional Icelandic snacks and drinks, plus hot cocoa and tea.

From the provided menu, expect items like dried fish, cinnamon rolls, pastries, chocolate, and hot cocoa. There’s also premium Icelandic vodka and snaps included. If you want the classic Icelandic comfort feeling, this is a fun way to get it, not just sip something warm for five minutes.

One small detail that matters: hot drinks need time to stay hot while you’re outside. In one experience, the hot chocolate was not hot by the end of a delay, which is a reminder that timing can affect how well every warm item performs. The overall takeaway is still strong: you should plan to eat and drink because it helps your focus and your hands.

How the tour tracks aurora, forecasts, and smart waiting

The aurora hunt is partly luck, but it’s also partly process. This tour uses advanced weather, cloud, and aurora forecasting backed by satellite images, so you’re not just leaving and hoping.

They also aim to get away from city lights and traffic, which is the basic physics lesson behind better viewing. Dark skies matter, and being farther from Reykjavik’s glow helps your eyes and cameras pick up faint movement in the sky.

A key part of the experience is active management. In real feedback, Heimir’s tracking was described as the reason the group saw the lights. That often means he’s watching for the right window and making calls on when to wait, when to move, and when it’s worth giving it a little more time.

This is also where the 93% sighting rate claim matters. Even if you know that no one controls the sky, a higher probability tour usually means better planning, and you can feel that in how long you stay outdoors and how much the guide is watching conditions.

Timing on the ground: what happens during those 5 hours

You’ll start with pickup in Reykjavik and then head out to darker areas away from the city. Once you arrive, the tour shifts into a comfortable viewing mode, with suits and chairs ready so you can settle in.

Expect a mix of downtime and short bursts of action. Auroras can start faint, then brighten quickly. That’s why the guide’s forecast and live observation matter, and why the photography support is included rather than optional.

Food and drinks are part of the flow too. Several experiences emphasize that everyone got hot chocolate, tea, and snacks during the tour. You should still consider eating earlier in the day, since outdoor time can run long and you do not want to be stuck hungry once you’re in your viewing spot.

There can be timing hiccups. One account described a delay of about 30 minutes caused by a broken van, and the group said the warm suits and refreshments were delivered later than expected. That doesn’t mean the tour is unreliable, but it is worth knowing that winter vehicle issues happen, and your experience can bend around them.

Unlimited pro photos: what you get and how it changes the trip

This is a photographer-led aurora tour, and the photo package is the heart of the value. You get unlimited professional photos from the tour, plus free WiFi on board.

Unlimited matters because aurora is unpredictable. If the lights come alive in a tight window, you do not want to be counting shots. A pro workflow also helps because your camera settings and timing need to be consistent, especially during longer exposures.

Several people said the photos looked great and that having a guide handle the “right” settings made the biggest difference. One experience specifically noted that cell phone results were not as good as what the photographer achieved, which is exactly what you’d expect in low light.

Another helpful detail is assistance with camera settings. Even if you are an enthusiastic beginner, you’ll get guidance on how to adjust and capture what you see. And if your goal is simply to go home with strong images, the included photo delivery removes a lot of pressure.

Weather reality, re-runs, and the email you should watch for

Northern lights tours are weather-dependent by nature, and this one is honest about that. You’ll receive an email by 18:30 on the day of your tour confirming whether it can take place.

If viewing the lights becomes impossible due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour offers a free retry. The re-run is valid for two years from your original tour date, and it is important to note that a refund is not offered in that specific scenario.

Also, the tour itself can be canceled at the last minute if the conditions are poor. That’s not unique to this company, but it’s how to stay grounded. If you’re planning around one night only, build flexibility if you can.

The best way to think about this is practical: you’re paying for a professional aurora setup, forecasts, and guidance. If the sky doesn’t cooperate, you still have a path to try again.

Price and value: is $229 worth it?

At $229 per person for about 5 hours, the price can look steep until you break down what’s included.

You get a professional photographer and guide, not just a driver. You get unlimited professional photos, warm jumpsuits and outdoor chairs, traditional snacks and drinks, hot cocoa and tea, premium vodka and snaps, free borrowed tripods, assistance with camera settings, and even WiFi on board.

When you total that up, you’re not just paying for “transport to see lights.” You’re paying for comfort, gear, and photo output. For many people, those are the three biggest frustrations on aurora nights: cold discomfort, shaky phone photos, and not knowing how to set up a real camera exposure.

There is also a value edge with group size. A max of 18 people usually costs more than the big-bus model, but it tends to give better photo space and a smoother experience when you’re operating in darkness and low light.

If you are the type who wants to handle everything yourself, this may feel unnecessary. But if you want the guide doing the hard parts, the math starts making sense fast.

Who should book this northern lights tour, and who should skip it

I think this tour is a great fit if:

• You want photos you can actually use without spending the night guessing camera settings.
• You hate the idea of standing in the cold for hours.
• You prefer a calm, small group pace rather than a crowded cattle-call photo stop.
• You value traditional Icelandic snacks and hot drinks as part of the experience.

It’s also a smart choice if you are traveling with friends and want a shared “we’ll get results” plan. The included tripods and guidance make it easier to coordinate what each person is shooting.

This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years. Also, if you’re the kind of traveler who needs guaranteed visibility, no northern lights tour can promise that, even with a strong sighting rate.

Should you book this northern lights tour?

If you want a northern lights experience that’s built for real viewing comfort and real photo output, I’d lean yes. The combination of Heimir’s tracking and photography, unlimited pro photos, and the practical warm gear makes this one of the more value-heavy options in Reykjavik winter.

I’d only think twice if your schedule is tight and you can’t handle weather uncertainty, since the sky controls the final result. If you can be flexible, this is the kind of tour where you’re not just crossing your fingers, you’re setting yourself up to succeed.

FAQ

How long is the northern lights tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

What is the group size?

The tour keeps it small, with a maximum of 18 passengers.

Do I get professional photos from the tour?

Yes. You get an unlimited amount of professional photos from the tour.

Are warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs provided?

Yes. Warm winter jumpsuits and outdoor chairs are provided on location.

What snacks and drinks are included?

Traditional Icelandic snacks and drinks are included, along with hot cocoa and tea. Premium Icelandic vodka and snaps are also included.

Is pickup included in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels, larger guest houses, and cruise ship terminals in Reykjavik. There are some places buses cannot stop, and you may be directed to the closest permitted bus stop.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour is guided in English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, hiking shoes, and gloves.

What happens if northern lights are not visible?

Northern lights cannot be guaranteed. If unforeseen circumstances prevent viewing, a free retry can be organized and is valid for two years from the original tour date. A refund cannot be offered in that situation.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.