Situated just a short drive from Reykjavik, Aurora Basecamp offers an immersive Northern Lights experience unlike any other. This 1.5-hour tour provides guests with a cozy lounge, knowledgeable staff, and unparalleled views of the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply seeking to witness the natural wonder, Aurora Basecamp’s accessibility and inclusive atmosphere make it a must-visit for any traveler. But what we love about this tour, and why do visitors rave about their experience? Let’s take a closer look.
Key Points
- Aurora Basecamp offers a 1.5-hour Northern Lights observation tour 30 minutes from Reykjavik, priced at $32.57 per person.
- The tour includes an educational exhibition, photography tips from knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis.
- The Aurora Basecamp facilities feature a cozy lounge with amenities, outdoor fire pits, and well-maintained restrooms for a comfortable experience.
- Guides provide hands-on assistance with camera settings, recommending a tripod, exposure time of 4-10 seconds, ISO 800-1600, and aperture of f/2.8-f/5.6.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
Tour Overview
The Aurora Basecamp: Northern Lights Nighttime Observation Tour offers visitors an opportunity to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis in a pristine location just 30 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik.
The 1.5-hour tour is priced from $32.57 per person and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can enjoy a cozy environment with a heated lounge, fire pits, and hot drinks while waiting for the lights.
The tour includes an educational exhibition on the Aurora Borealis and guided tips on capturing photographs of the natural phenomenon. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Experiencing the Aurora Borealis
Witnessing the breathtaking Aurora Borealis is the highlight of the Aurora Basecamp tour. Guests gather in the cozy lounge, sipping hot drinks as they wait for the Northern Lights to appear.
The knowledgeable guides provide tips on capturing the best photos of the ethereal display. When the lights emerge, the room buzzes with excitement as everyone gazes upward, marveling at the constantly shifting ribbons of color dancing across the sky.
Though the experience is weather-dependent, the tour offers a chance to see this natural wonder in a pristine location, making it a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
The Aurora Basecamp Facilities
Aurora Basecamp offers a cozy and comfortable setting for guests to await the appearance of the Northern Lights.
The facility features:
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A heated lounge with ample seating and a fireplace, providing a warm respite from the chilly outdoor conditions.
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Outdoor fire pits, allowing visitors to gather around and enjoy the ambiance while sipping on hot drinks.
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Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities for the convenience of guests.
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A dedicated exhibition area showcasing informative displays about the captivating Aurora Borealis phenomenon.
These amenities create an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights display.
Guided Tips for Capturing Photographs
Along With the cozy amenities at Aurora Basecamp, the guided tours also provide helpful tips for capturing breathtaking photographs of the Northern Lights. The knowledgeable guides share expert advice on the optimal camera settings, such as using a tripod, long exposure times, and adjusting ISO and aperture. They also recommend downloading photography apps to predict the best viewing conditions. On top of that, the guides offer hands-on assistance to ensure guests make the most of their Northern Lights experience.
| Camera Setting | Recommendation |
| — | — |
| Tripod | Essential for long exposure shots |
| Exposure Time | 4-10 seconds |
| ISO | 800-1600 |
| Aperture | f/2.8-f/5.6 |
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Convenience
The Northern Lights tour offers excellent accessibility and convenience for visitors. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all.
The Northern Lights tour offers excellent accessibility and convenience for visitors, with the tour being wheelchair accessible for inclusivity.
Visitors can enjoy the experience without the hassle of transportation, as the location is just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik. Plus, the tour provides:
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Complimentary parking and WC facilities on-site.
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No upfront payment required, as visitors can reserve their spot and pay later.
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Flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
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A cozy, heated lounge and fire pits to stay warm while waiting for the lights.
Important Considerations
While the Northern Lights tour offers great accessibility and convenience, there are a few important considerations visitors should keep in mind.
First, the tour’s itinerary and the visibility of the Aurora Borealis depend on darkness and clear skies, which can be unpredictable. The tour doesn’t guarantee that the Northern Lights will be visible during the excursion.
Plus, visitors are advised to dress warmly, as the tour takes place in an outdoor setting. The meeting point is located a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, so self-driving is required.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have provided positive feedback on the Aurora Borecastle Northern Lights tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 121 reviews.
Guests praised the tour’s friendly guides, who received a 4.6 rating, and the overall value for money, rated at 4.2.
Key highlights included:
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Informative tours that educated visitors about the Aurora Borealis
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Opportunities to witness the magnificent Northern Lights
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The cozy and comfortable lounge with fire pits and hot drinks
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Flexibility to return for another chance to view the lights if weather conditions were unfavorable.
Booking Information
To book the Aurora Borecastle Northern Lights tour, visitors can reserve their spot online without upfront payment.
Visitors can reserve their spot online for the Aurora Borecastle Northern Lights tour without upfront payment.
The tour is priced at $32.57 per person and lasts 1.5 hours. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour departs from a location 30 minutes outside Reykjavik in Hafnarfjörður. It’s wheelchair accessible and includes hot drinks, parking, and WC facilities.
However, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided, as this is a self-drive activity.
Aurora visibility depends on darkness and clear skies, so no guarantees can be made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, from young children to seniors. Participants simply need to dress warmly and be able to walk to the observation area on their own.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, complimentary hot chocolate and tea are provided at the basecamp. It’s recommended to focus on the Northern Lights experience rather than bringing a large meal.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There’s no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Customers can book individually or as part of a group. The tour will run as scheduled regardless of the number of participants.
How Long Does It Take to Reach the Observation Site?
The tour takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the observation site from Reykjavik. The meeting point for the tour is the Aurora Basecamp sign on Leidarendavegur Road, which is about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, but you can’t extend the duration. It’s a set experience, and extending it isn’t an option. However, if you’d like to spend more time viewing the Northern Lights, you could consider booking a different, longer tour.
The Sum Up
The Aurora Basecamp offers a captivating Northern Lights tour just outside Reykjavik. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking Aurora Borealis from the comfort of a cozy lounge, with knowledgeable staff providing photography tips. The tour’s accessibility and free cancellation policy make it a convenient option for travelers seeking to witness the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis.
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