Northern Lights – Small Group Tour from Reykjavik

Exploring the Northern Lights – Small Group Tour from Reykjavik

If you’re heading to Iceland in winter, seeing the Aurora Borealis is often at the top of your bucket list. This Northern Lights small group tour promises an intimate experience with expert guides, flexible locations based on weather, and an emphasis on maximizing your chances of witnessing this natural wonder. While no one can guarantee a sighting every night, the thoughtful approach and local expertise make this tour a solid choice for anyone eager to chase the elusive lights.

What we love about this experience is how it combines knowledgeable guides, strategic planning to find clear skies, and the chance to join a small, friendly group. Plus, the option to join again if the lights don’t show up adds real value. The only potential downside? Since the tour is entirely dependent on weather conditions, you might find some evenings less successful than others. Still, it’s ideal for travelers who prioritize flexibility, local insight, and an authentic rather than overly commercialized experience.

This tour suits those who love adventure, don’t mind waiting in cold weather, and want a more personal, smaller-group feel than big buses. It’s especially appealing if you’re new to Iceland or hunting the lights for the first time.

Key Points

• Optimal Location Selection: The tour moves daily, based on weather, to give you the best chance of seeing the lights.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Kalli and Sol are praised for their patience, explanations, and personal touches, making the experience more meaningful.
• Flexible Rescheduling: If luck isn’t on your side, you can join another tour the next night for free.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 19 travelers, expect a more intimate and less crowded experience.
• Inclusions & Comfort: WiFi on board, professional guides, and eco-friendly practices add convenience and sustainability to your adventure.
• Timing & Duration: The tour departs late at 9:30 pm, giving you prime nighttime hours for aurora hunting, and lasts about three hours.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point at BSI Bus Terminal
Your journey begins at Reykjavik’s BSI Bus Terminal. This central, easy-to-access spot means you won’t have to travel far to meet your guide and fellow aurora chasers. Expect a friendly welcome and the chance to get comfortable aboard a modern, climate-controlled bus equipped with WiFi—an unexpected but welcome perk during long, chilly nights.

Daily Location Changes Based on Weather
Unlike fixed tours that stick to one spot regardless of conditions, this tour’s genius lies in its flexibility. The guide assesses weather reports and sky conditions to select the most promising viewing location. This means you might visit remote fields, mountain áreas, or dark countryside spots—always aiming for clear skies. As one reviewer put it, “We went to a remote section where we were the only bus, and we got to see the lights and they were truly amazing.”

Aurora-Hunting Strategy
The tour runs late, starting at 9:30 pm, which is ideal since the Northern Lights are best visible late at night. The guides are seasoned in spotting the lights early—one reviewer mentioned how the guide would point out the aurora as soon as he saw it, ensuring everyone got a glimpse. If the skies remain cloudy, the guide might drive a bit further or wait patiently in hopes of a break.

The Experience at Night
Once at the right spot, everyone gets a chance to step outside, take photos, and simply marvel at the dancing lights. Guides like Kalli are praised for their patience, allowing extra time for photos and even offering explanations about the physical phenomena behind the aurora. Some guests mention that they were given plenty of time outside, which makes all the difference when trying to capture the perfect shot.

If the Lights Don’t Show Up
This is a significant perk. If, after hours of waiting, the Northern Lights remain shy, you’ll be offered a spot on the next night’s tour at no extra cost. This flexibility is a real boost for travelers who don’t want to risk missing out due to unpredictable Icelandic weather.

End of Tour
The tour wraps up back at the starting point after about three hours, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories and, hopefully, stunning photos of the lights.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $111 per person, the cost might seem modest for such an experience, especially considering the small group size and expert guidance. When you factor in the possibility of joining another night if luck isn’t on your side, it becomes a rather flexible investment in a once-in-a-lifetime sight. The inclusion of WiFi and eco-conscious practices further enhances the value, ensuring comfort and sustainability.

It’s worth noting that food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring along some snacks or hot drinks—nothing beats sipping something warm while waiting for the sky to dance.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize the guides’ expertise and patience. For instance, one praised Kalli for being very patient and letting guests take extra time for photos, which is crucial when capturing the perfect shot of the aurora. Another highlighted the remote locations, which offered less light pollution and better chances to see the lights clearly.

Some guests expressed mixed experiences; a few unlucky nights didn’t produce the aurora, but the option to rejoin the next evening made it worthwhile. Conversely, others felt their guides did a fantastic job “pointing out the lights as soon as he saw them,” making the experience exciting rather than frustrating.

One reviewer even mentioned that the tour was their first night in Iceland and was delighted to see the lights immediately, describing it as “truly breathtaking.”

Practical Tips for Booking & Preparing

• Book in advance, as the tour is popular and usually fills around 46 days ahead.
• Dress warmly, since you’ll be outside for extended periods in potentially freezing weather.
• Bring your camera and tripod if you want to capture the lights, as guides often encourage photography but don’t provide gear.
• Arrive early at the BSI terminal to ensure smooth check-in and get comfortable before departure.
• Remember the cancellation policy: if weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a more personal, flexible, and knowledgeable approach to seeing the Northern Lights. If you enjoy small groups and appreciate guides who explain the science and history behind what you’re witnessing, this tour hits the mark. It’s also ideal if you’re open to waiting in cold weather and don’t mind the unpredictability of nature.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the value for money, the expert guidance, and the chance to see one of nature’s most magical displays make it a top choice for aurora hunters.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 9:30 pm, giving you the late-night window optimal for Northern Lights viewing.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts around 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for searching, photos, and enjoying the spectacle.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included, with a modern bus that offers WiFi and comfortable seating.

Can I join this tour if I don’t speak Icelandic?
Absolutely. The guides are professional and speak English, ensuring clear explanations and assistance.

What happens if we don’t see the lights?
If the lights don’t appear during your scheduled night, you can join the next night’s tour at no extra cost, depending on weather conditions.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or warm beverages if desired.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers, creating a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers—think thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes.

Is this tour eco-friendly?
Yes, it’s a carbon-neutral tour in cooperation with Vaxa Technologies, emphasizing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

To sum it up, this small group Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a practical, enjoyable, and flexible way to chase one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena. With expert guides, strategic location choices, and the option for a re-try, it’s suited for those who value authenticity and personalized service. While weather remains the wildcard, the thoughtful approach and small-group intimacy make it a worthwhile addition to any Iceland itinerary.

If you’re after a genuine, well-organized experience that prioritizes your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis, this tour is a reliable pick. Just remember to bundle up and bring your camera—those dancing lights are worth every effort.