Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour With A Photographer

Experience the Magic of the Northern Lights in Iceland

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the famed northern lights during your Iceland trip, this Northern Lights Hunt and Jeep Tour offers an intimate, scenic, and potentially unforgettable experience. Priced at around $216 per person, it lasts about 4 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and comfortable. Led by guides familiar with the best viewing spots and armed with photography skills, this tour promises to maximize your chances of seeing the dancing lights.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the off-road Jeep adventures—these vehicles access darker, less light-polluted locations where larger buses can’t go. Plus, the small group setting (up to 15 travelers) means more attention from your guide and more opportunities for personalized experiences. The inclusion of hot chocolate and even rum adds a cozy touch to the chilly Icelandic night. That said, a possible drawback is that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed—weather, cloud cover, and solar activity can all play spoiler, but the tour’s flexible rebooking policy softens that disappointment.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value expert guidance, intimate groups, and a tailored approach to chasing the aurora. If you’re eager to learn about the science behind the lights or want photography help, you’ll find this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially suited for those who are keen on experiencing Iceland’s wilderness without the crowds and enjoy a bit of comfort amidst the cold.

Key Points

• Darker Locations: Access to scenic, less light-polluted areas via Jeep.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides who seek the best viewing spots and understand cloud movement.
• Small Groups: More personalized attention, with tours capped at 15 travelers.
• Flexible Rebooking: If no lights appear, you can try again later without extra cost.
• Photography Assistance: Guides who help capture the moment, with some taking photos for you.
• Comfort & Extras: Cozy Jeep rides, hot chocolate, and rum to keep warm and fueled.

A Detailed Look at the Northern Lights Jeep Tour

The Logistics: Pickups, Duration, and Transportation

This tour begins with hotel or nearby pickup in Reykjavik around 9:30 pm, with a possible 30-minute wait depending on your location. The transportation is in a small, comfortable Jeep—a step up from the usual large bus—giving you a more personal and flexible experience. The group size maxes out at 15, ensuring that you’re not lost in a crowd, and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities mean that your journey is not limited to paved roads.

The tour lasts roughly 4 hours, which means you’ll be out well into the night, giving ample opportunity to wait for the right moment to see the aurora. Many reviews mention that the guides are committed to finding the best possible spots, often moving multiple times if cloud cover or other factors interfere.

The Scenic Stops: What You’ll See and Experience

The core of this tour lies in searching for the aurora borealis. The guide will select a location based on cloud movement, sky clarity, and aurora forecasts, increasing your odds of witnessing the lights. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide today was very passionate about northern lights and studies cloud movement all day,” which underscores the level of dedication from these guides.

Traveling away from Reykjavík’s light pollution is crucial for a better view. The jeep can access darker, scenic spots that larger buses simply can’t reach, like quiet lakes or remote countryside. Many travelers appreciated that the guide took the time to entertain and educate, sharing insights about the science of the aurora borealis and Icelandic nature.

The Experience: What to Expect

Expect a chilly night, so dressing warmly is essential. The tour suggests warm clothes and comfortable shoes, and many reviews confirm that packing layers makes all the difference. Guide-led storytelling, combined with the anticipation of seeing the lights, creates a magical atmosphere.

Several guests praised the hot chocolate and rum, which added a cozy touch to the cold night. The guides often help guests with photography, setting up cameras or phones to capture the fleeting lights. One reviewer said, “The guide took photos for us,” which is a nice perk, especially if you want keepsakes from your trip.

The Big Question: Did We See the Lights?

The reviews reflect a mix of experiences, from spectacular displays to cloudy nights where nothing was visible. The tour’s flexible rebooking policy allows you to try again if the weather doesn’t cooperate, which is a significant advantage in Iceland’s unpredictable climate. Many guests appreciated the dedication of the guides, noting that they carefully watch forecasts and cloud cover to optimize viewing chances.

However, as some reviews candidly note, seeing the aurora is not guaranteed. In one case, guests waited until nearly 1 am, and the lights only appeared after they started heading back, illustrating how unpredictable this natural spectacle can be. That’s part of the adventure—patience and luck play vital roles.

The Value: Is the Price Worth It?

When you consider the small group setting, off-road access, expert guidance, and photography help, the $215 price seems reasonable for a night out with a high chance of a memorable experience. The tour’s flexibility, including the opportunity to retry without additional cost, boosts its value. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the cozy touches like hot chocolate and rum as added benefits.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals to adventurous travelers who value personalized attention and are willing to brave the cold for a shot at witnessing the aurora. It’s ideal if you’re interested in learning more about the science of the lights or want help capturing photos. It’s less suited for those expecting a guaranteed sighting or those with young children under 8, as the tour is not recommended for small children and requires patience with the unpredictable nature of the aurora.

The Bottom Line

This Northern Lights Jeep Tour from Reykjavik offers a personalized, scenic, and educational way to chase the aurora borealis. You’ll love the off-road adventures that take you away from city lights and the knowledgeable guides who work hard to find the best viewing spots. Many guests rave about the cozy touches like hot chocolate and photography assistance, making it a warm, memorable night despite the cold.

However, keep in mind that aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed. Weather, cloud cover, and solar activity can all interfere, but the tour’s rebooking policy provides reassurance. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous, photography-minded travelers and those who appreciate small groups and off-the-beaten-path locations.

In essence, if you want a personalized, scenic, and well-guided night under Iceland’s starry sky, this tour delivers. It’s perfect if you’re happy to embrace the unpredictability of nature and want the chance to see one of the world’s most incredible natural displays in comfort.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from hotels or nearby points in Reykjavik, starting around 9:30 pm.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to search for the northern lights and enjoy the experience.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, with comfortable walking shoes, as the night can be cold, especially away from city lights.

Can I see the lights every night?
No, aurora sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and solar activity. The guides do their best to find clear skies but cannot guarantee visibility.

What if I don’t see the lights?
You can rebook for another night at no extra cost, as the tour policy allows for multiple attempts within two years.

Is the Jeep comfortable?
Yes, many reviews mention the Jeep is comfy, with some guides even helping with photography.

Is it suitable for children?
Not recommended for children under 8 due to the late hours and cold weather.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, guide, hot chocolate, possibly rum, and photography assistance.

What do past travelers say?
Overall, reviews are positive, especially praising the knowledgeable guides, scenic locations, and cozy extras. Some mention that success with seeing the aurora varies with weather conditions.

How do I know if the tour will run?
The tour provider aims to send an email by 6:30 pm if there’s a cancellation due to weather, and refunds are offered if the tour is canceled.