Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights with Reykjavik’s Aurora Minibus tour from Aurora Viking. Priced at $165 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this tour offers an intimate experience with a maximum of 18 guests. It departs from multiple pickup points in Reykjavík, making it easy to find your place. The tour combines expert guidance, professional photography, and fun activities like trying on Viking costumes and playing with museum replicas of Viking weapons.

What sets this experience apart is the unlimited retries — if the Aurora doesn’t appear on your first night, you can join again free of charge until you see the lights. This commitment to guest satisfaction, along with hot chocolate and gingerbread, makes the tour both memorable and cozy. Keep in mind, the tour is not suitable for children under 7 and requires warm clothing.

Key Points

• Small group size of up to 18 guests ensures a personal experience.
• Expert guides and professional cameras maximize your chances of capturing stunning Aurora photos.
• Unlimited retries offered free of charge if the lights don’t appear on the first attempt.
• Fun Viking costumes and museum weapon replicas add a unique and playful element.
• Tour duration is about 4 hours, with flexible pickup locations in Reykjavík.
• Hot chocolate, cookies, and blankets are included to keep you warm and comfortable during waits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Expert Guides and Proven Experience in Aurora Hunting

The owners of Aurora Viking, Kolbeinn and Emil, lead the tour and bring decades of experience in finding the Northern Lights. Their expertise often results in sightings even when other operators struggle, thanks to their ability to drive to lesser-known spots. The guides like Tomas, Felix, Kobe, Jonas, and Emil are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication to maximizing your chances.

Their skills extend beyond guiding; guides are also talented photographers, capable of capturing high-quality images of the Aurora and Viking costumes in complete darkness using professional cameras. This focus on photography ensures guests leave with memorable keepsakes.

Small Group and Custom Access to Exclusive Viewing Spots

This tour uses a minibus rather than larger buses, allowing access to more remote and less crowded locations. This smaller group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere and enables guides to tailor stops based on real-time weather conditions and Aurora activity.

The pickup points span central Reykjavik, including City Hall, Hallgrimskirkja, the Culture House, and several hotels, making it straightforward to join the tour. Post-activity, guests are dropped off at various locations around the city, ensuring convenience.

The Unique Viking Experience and Photo Opportunities

A highlight of this tour is the chance to try on Viking costumes sourced from a local museum, creating fun photo moments with the Northern Lights in the background. The museum replicas of Viking weapons and outfits add a playful, historical touch that enhances the overall experience.

The guides often reposition cameras to help guests get stunning night photos with the Aurora, Viking attire, and sometimes even museum weapons, leading to both beautiful and hilarious shots.

Weather Flexibility and Rebooking Policy

Since the Aurora is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, weather conditions play a crucial role. The guides keep guests well-informed and adjust plans accordingly. If the weather is cloudy or unfavorable, the tour offers free retries, giving a second (or third) chance to see the lights.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve without payment to keep plans flexible. No refunds are provided if the Aurora doesn’t appear, but unlimited re-attempts ensure a high likelihood of seeing the lights.

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Activities to Keep Guests Entertained During Waits

Waiting for the Aurora to appear can sometimes test patience. This tour keeps the mood lively by playing with Viking weapon replicas, playing in Viking costumes, and sampling hot chocolate and gingerbread. Blankets on the bus add extra comfort during cold nights.

Guides are proactive in finding the Aurora, often driving far from city lights to improve visibility. Some reviews mention guides like Tomas and Felix as being particularly skilled at locating clear sky patches even under challenging weather.

Dining and Refreshments Included

Guests receive hot chocolate and cookies to stay warm and energized during the tour. These simple comforts are highly appreciated, especially during long waits in cold Icelandic weather.

The Logistics: Pickups, Stops, and Drop-offs

The tour begins with hotel pickup from 16 locations, including City Hall, Tjörnin Pond, and several hotels around Reykjavík. The secret stop is a designated sightseeing point ideal for night photography.

After about 4 hours, guests are dropped off at a variety of locations across the city, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to accommodations comfortably.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The $165 price tag includes guided photography, Viking costumes, museum weapons, hot chocolate, and retries. The small group setting means more personalized attention and better chances to see the Aurora. Many reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and dedication, often resulting in stunning photos and memorable moments.

While the unpredictable nature of the Aurora can mean no sighting on some nights, the retry policy and expert guidance significantly boost the likelihood of a successful viewing.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience is ideal for adventurers who appreciate fun, history, and photography. It suits those who want a small, personalized group and enjoy interactive activities like trying Viking costumes. Families with children over 7 years old will find it suitable, especially with the warm drinks and blankets.

Guests seeking professional photos of their night under the Aurora will love the high-quality pictures taken by guides. The flexibility of retries makes this a low-stress option for anyone eager to catch the Northern Lights.

Summary: A Fun, Personalized Aurora Hunt with a Cultural Twist

The Reykjavik Aurora Minibus tour by Aurora Viking combines expert guiding, fun Viking-themed activities, and high-quality photography to create a memorable Northern Lights experience. The small group size offers intimacy and access to remote spots away from city lights. The unlimited retries policy ensures the best chance to see the Aurora, making this a value-packed choice for travelers eager to witness Iceland’s most stunning natural display.

While weather can always be a challenge, the dedicated guides and flexible rebooking options help mitigate disappointment. This tour appeals to those who want personalized service, great photos, and a unique cultural experience in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with variable start times based on availability.

What is included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide and photographer, Viking costumes, museum weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies are all included.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear warm clothing suitable for Icelandic winter nights, as it can be quite cold outside.

Can I get a refund if I don’t see the Aurora?
There are no refunds if the Aurora doesn’t appear, but the unlimited retries policy allows you to join again free of charge.

How many people are in the tour group?
The maximum group size is 18 guests, ensuring a personal experience.

What locations does the tour visit?
The tour includes a secret stop for sightseeing and remote spots where guides can better search for the Aurora.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old.

What activities are included during waiting times?
Guests can try on Viking costumes, play with museum replicas of Viking weapons, and enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread.

Are professional photos taken?
Yes, guides use high-spec cameras to capture beautiful photos of the Aurora and Viking costumes.

How do I know if the tour will be available on my preferred night?
Availability depends on weather conditions and Aurora activity; check in advance and consider booking with flexible payment options.

What if the weather forecast is poor?
Guides monitor conditions closely and will advise on the best nights to go. You can reschedule or rebook if weather is unfavorable.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small group size, expert guides, professional photography, and free retries distinguish this experience from larger, standard Aurora tours.

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