Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour With A Photographer

Discover the Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour From Reykjavik

This Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour offers a focused, intimate way to see Iceland’s night sky dancing with auroras. Priced at $215.96 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, it departs from Reykjavik with pickup included. The tour stands out by using a Jeep to access darker, off-the-beaten-path locations where larger buses cannot go, increasing your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its small group size, capped at 15 travelers, along with a knowledgeable guide who actively searches for the best spots and keeps guests informed about the science behind the lights. The tour offers retries if the northern lights don’t appear initially, and hot chocolate and rum are often included, adding warmth and comfort to the experience.

However, it’s good to keep in mind that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed, as weather conditions play a key role. The tour is most suitable for those who value personalized attention, scenic off-road driving, and expert guidance, especially during the long Icelandic winter nights.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 15 travelers ensures personalized attention.
• Accessible dark locations are reached via Jeep, avoiding light pollution and making the viewing more likely.
• Expert guides select the best observation points based on cloud cover and aurora activity.
• Rebookings or retries are included if the northern lights are not visible on the first attempt.
• Hot chocolate and rum are often served, making the cold nights more enjoyable.
• The tour does not guarantee sightings, but the use of off-road vehicles and expert knowledge boost your chances.

The Benefits of Using a Jeep for Aurora Viewing

This tour’s main advantage is its Jeep transportation, which allows access to darker, more secluded locations where large buses cannot reach. As a result, travelers enjoy a more intimate and flexible experience, with the guide able to adapt the stops based on weather and aurora forecasts. The off-road capability ensures that your journey avoids light pollution and offers better chances to see the northern lights clearly.

The smaller group size enhances this experience further. Unlike larger tours, where guests are often packed into buses, this tour maintains an up-close and personal atmosphere, with the guide providing more individual attention.

Some reviews highlight how the guide actively searches for gaps in cloud cover and chooses scenic vantage points carefully, increasing the likelihood of aurora sightings. Many guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides who share insights about the science and mythology of the northern lights.

Starting from Reykjavik: Pickup and Timing

The tour departs at 9:30 pm from Reykjavik, with pickup beginning around 9:00 pm. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so travelers should be ready and wearing warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Pickup points are near public transportation options, making it convenient to meet the Jeep.

Since the tour runs during Iceland’s winter months, the long night hours maximize your chances to see the auroras. The 4-hour duration allows enough time to travel away from city lights, find good viewing spots, and enjoy hot drinks under the starry sky.

Scenic Off-Road Locations and Observation Points

The core of this tour lies in visiting scenic spots selected by the guide based on real-time weather and aurora activity. These locations are chosen to maximize viewing potential away from light pollution. Guests can expect to explore darker countryside areas and lakes where the aurora is often most visible.

Reviews note that the Jeep’s off-road capability is crucial for reaching these dark spots, which larger bus tours can’t access. The guide’s expertise in cloud cover and aurora forecasts helps in finding the clearest skies for viewing.

Some guests mention that the tour may involve waiting in cold conditions, but the hot chocolate and rum supply helps keep spirits high.

The Role of the Guide and Photography

This tour features guides who are skilled at locating the best spots and explaining the science behind the northern lights. Several reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, with some guides actively taking photos for guests and helping them capture the aurora.

Guests value the opportunity to get professional-quality photos during the tour, which are often shared via a link afterward. The guide’s passion and effort significantly enhance the overall experience, making even a night without auroras memorable.

Food and Beverage: Hot Chocolate and Rum

A highlight for many guests is the hot chocolate and rum served during the tour, often around a scenic viewpoint. This warming beverage adds comfort during the cold Icelandic night, and many reviewers describe it as a lovely touch that elevates the experience.

Some reviews mention that rum is a common addition, making the night feel cozy and festive despite the chilly weather. The provision of hot drinks complements the adventure, especially after hours of waiting outside in darkness.

Flexibility and Rescheduling Options

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing last-minute adjustments if weather conditions look unfavorable. If the auroras do not appear on the first night, the tour provider permits retries, sometimes within the same season, ensuring travelers have multiple chances to see the lights.

In cases of poor weather or low solar activity, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. Guests are notified via email before 6:30 pm if conditions are unfavorable, and a full refund is available if the tour is canceled.

Limitations and Considerations

While the experience’s off-road Jeep approach increases viewing chances, aurora sightings are not guaranteed. Weather conditions and solar activity heavily influence the likelihood of spotting the northern lights. Some reviews mention nights without auroras despite positive forecasts, illustrating the unpredictable nature of this phenomenon.

Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 8, as the cold and late hours may be challenging for younger children. Travelers should dress warmly and come prepared for potentially long waits outside.

Comparing the Experience with Other Tours

This tour’s focus on small groups, off-road access, and expert guides distinguishes it from larger bus-based options. Reviewers frequently mention personalized attention, knowledgeable guides, and scenic off-road spots that larger tours cannot reach.

Some guests feel the value is high, especially considering the retries included and the quality of photos. However, others note that sightings depend on weather, and that the experience is about patience and enjoying the night sky even if the auroras are elusive.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits adventurous travelers who appreciate off-road driving and small-group exploration. It’s ideal for those who want personalized guidance and are prepared to wait outdoors in winter temperatures. Those seeking a more intimate experience with opportunities for photography often find this tour particularly rewarding.

However, travelers who prioritize guaranteed sightings might need to consider the unpredictable nature of auroras and the possibility of cancellations due to weather.

Final Thoughts on the Northern Lights Jeep Tour

The Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour from Reykjavik offers a personalized, scenic, and flexible way to chase the auroras. Its small-group size and off-road capability stand out as key advantages, increasing your chances of seeing the lights in the dark Icelandic countryside.

While aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed, the combination of expert guidance, dark locations, and retries makes this a compelling choice for travelers who value scenic exploration and photography. The hot chocolate and rum add a cozy touch, making the cold nights more enjoyable.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, patient, and photography-minded guests who understand the unpredictable nature of the northern lights. For those willing to embrace the Icelandic winter night, this tour provides a memorable, personalized way to experience one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8, as it involves late-night outdoor waiting and cold temperatures.

What should I wear for the tour?
Guests should dress warmly with comfortable walking shoes because the tour takes place outdoors in potentially cold and windy conditions.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour. The provider also offers retries if the lights are not visible on the scheduled night.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 4 hours, starting around 9:30 pm, with pickup times from 9:00 pm.

What makes this tour different from larger bus tours?
The use of a Jeep allows access to darker, secluded locations that larger buses cannot reach, and the small group size ensures more personal attention from guides.

Are hot drinks included?
Yes, hot chocolate and rum are often served during the tour, providing warmth and comfort in the cold Icelandic night.

What if I don’t see the northern lights?
The tour offers retries for guests whose first attempt was unsuccessful, and full refunds or rebooking options are available in case of cancellation due to weather.

How do guides enhance the experience?
Guides are knowledgeable about the science and mythology of the auroras, actively look for the best viewing spots, and sometimes take photos for guests.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it comfortable for solo travelers seeking an intimate experience.

What is the main advantage of this tour?
The off-road Jeep transport combined with expert guidance and retries makes this tour particularly effective for maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights.