Reykjavik: Aurora Minibus w/ Pro Photos & Free Retry

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights tours are among the most sought-after experiences in Iceland, and this Aurora Minibus trip with Aurora Viking stands out for its personal touch and thoughtful extras. For about $165 per person, you get a 4-hour journey led by experienced guides, who use their expertise and high-end equipment to maximize your chances of catching the elusive Aurora Borealis. What makes this tour appealing is not just the chance to see the lights but the way it combines fun activities like Viking costume photos, with practical comforts like hot chocolate and blankets. It’s clear that the folks behind Aurora Viking want you to have a memorable, authentic, and well-supported experience.

Two standout features really shine here: first, the small-group format—with a maximum of 18 people, you’re not just another face in a crowd, which means more personalized attention and better chances to get great photos. Second, the unlimited retries—if the Aurora doesn’t show up on your first night, you can come back free of charge until she finally makes an appearance. That’s a rare level of confidence and commitment from a tour operator. One thing to keep in mind is that, like all Aurora tours, the sighting depends on weather and solar activity, so be prepared for possible re-scheduling or no-show nights.

While the tour’s flexibility and personal approach are big advantages, a potential drawback is the reliance on weather conditions and luck. You’re paying for the chance to see something that no one can predict with certainty, which means some nights might be less dramatic than others. Also, the tour doesn’t offer refunds if the Aurora remains hidden, but the free rebookings do help balance that risk. Overall, if you’re eager to experience the Northern Lights with guides who genuinely care and are willing to go the extra mile, this trip offers strong value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Small group size for a more intimate and tailored experience
• Expert guides with decades of Aurora-chasing experience, like Tomas and Emil, who know how to find the best spots
• High-quality photos taken with professional cameras, so you get lasting memories
• Fun activities such as Viking costumes and weapon replicas to keep you entertained during waiting periods
• Unlimited retries at no extra cost, making it a low-risk way to chase the Aurora
• Weather-dependent experience — luck plays a role, and no refunds are offered if the lights don’t appear

Entering the Aurora Chase: What to Expect in Reykjavik’s Aurora Minibus Tour

Imagine stepping into a cozy minibus with a group no larger than 18, driven by guides who genuinely seem to love hunting for the Northern Lights as much as you do. The tour kicks off with a flexible pickup from one of 16 designated Reykjavik locations, making it easy to join from your hotel or central spot. The guides, often owners like Kolbeinn and Emil, leverage their decades of experience to choose strategic locations that are away from city lights—crucial for making the most of your four hours under the night sky.

What I really appreciate is the personalized nature of this trip. Unlike larger bus tours where you’re just a number, here you’re part of a small group, which makes for a more relaxed, enjoyable evening. The guides are well-versed not only in the best spots to see the Aurora but also in how to take stunning photos. They bring high-spec cameras to ensure that your nighttime photos — with the Aurora dancing above you — are clear and impressive. Many reviews mention guides like Tomas and Kobe who not only find the perfect viewing points but also help capture the Aurora in pictures that people cherish long after their trip.

Throughout the evening, the guides keep things lively with stories about Viking connections to the northern lights, as well as hands-on fun with museum-quality Viking costumes and weapons. You’ll get to wear authentic Viking outfits, take photos against the Aurora backdrop, and sometimes even pose with Viking weapons — a hilarious and memorable twist that keeps everyone engaged while waiting for the lights to appear. Plus, there’s always hot chocolate, cookies, and blankets to fend off the cold, making the waiting part cozy rather than miserable. As many glowing reviews highlight, the guides are determined and resourceful, often driving away from cloudy skies to find a clearing in the weather.

One of the most reassuring aspects is their “Unlimited Retry” policy. If the Aurora doesn’t show up during your first outing, you can rejoin for free until she finally makes an appearance. This approach significantly improves your odds and reduces the pressure to get that perfect shot on a single night. Just keep in mind that, like all Aurora tours, success isn’t guaranteed—the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, after all. But with experienced guides, high-quality equipment, and strategic locations, your chances are pretty good, and the experience is certainly worth the cost.

The Itinerary: How the Evening Unfolds

The tour begins with pickup from a range of central Reykjavik locations—such as Hallgrimskirkja or the Reykjavik City Hall area—making it straightforward to join. Once on board, your guide introduces the plan and some Viking lore, adding a layer of cultural intrigue to the adventure. The journey lasts about four hours, during which your guide will navigate weather conditions and Aurora forecasts to find the best spots.

The first stop is often a secret location—a carefully chosen site away from light pollution where the sky is clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Aurora if she’s willing to show. Many travelers get their hopes up, and some reviews mention that luck plays a big role. One guide, Tomas, was praised as a “Genius” for knowing exactly where to be at the right time, especially on nights when clouds threatened to hide the lights. When the Aurora appears, it’s often dancing, shifting, and glowing in ways that are hard to describe until you see it yourself.

The guides go beyond just pointing out the lights—they take the time to help you capture the moment. Many reviews rave about the professional-grade photos that guides like Tomas and Felix manage to snap, often with long exposures that make the Aurora’s movements look even more dramatic. They reposition cameras and help guests get shots with Viking costumes, which adds a playful and photogenic element to the experience.

While waiting for the Aurora to appear, the guides keep the atmosphere lively with stories about Viking connections to the Northern Lights and humorous anecdotes. They also provide hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies, which many guests find essential for staying warm and cheerful in the cold Icelandic night. The transportation itself is comfortable and well-maintained, with drivers who are experienced at navigating icy roads, ensuring safety even in challenging conditions.

In some reviews, guests mention that the Aurora can ‘dance’ as soon as you’re away from the city lights, whereas other nights require patience and multiple stops. The guides’ flexibility and local knowledge are what set this tour apart. The ride back is often filled with excited chatter about what was seen, with many guests commenting on how they managed to catch the Aurora despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.

The tour ends back at the original pick-up points, often after midnight, leaving you with a collection of incredible photos and stories. And should the Aurora stay hidden, you’re invited back at no extra charge, which is a generous gesture for a natural phenomenon that can never be guaranteed.

Price and Value: Does It Match the Experience?

At $165 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest Northern Lights outing in Reykjavik, but it offers good value for what you get. Private, expert guides, professional photography, Viking-themed fun, and the flexibility of unlimited retries make it stand out. Many reviews praise the guides’ dedication, with mentions of Tomas, Felix, Kobe, and Emil going above and beyond to find the lights and make the night memorable.

While there’s no refund if the Aurora doesn’t appear, the free rebooking policy reduces the risk and makes the price seem more reasonable when you consider the personalized attention and high-quality photos. Plus, the small group size ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd—more like friends sharing a rare moment with a knowledgeable host.

If you’re someone who values authentic experiences, fun extras, and serious effort from your guides, this trip offers strong overall value. It’s a good choice if you’re willing to be flexible and understand that nature sometimes defies prediction.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a personal, relaxed atmosphere and value good storytelling along with their sights. It’s also perfect if you’re keen on capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights, thanks to guides with professional camera gear. The Viking costumes add a playful element that makes the night even more memorable—especially if you enjoy unique photo opportunities.

However, if your main priority is guaranteed Aurora sightings, remember that no tour can promise her appearance. In that case, be prepared for possible re-scheduling or nights without a show, but know you have the chance to try again at no extra cost.

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who don’t mind waiting and want a cozy, fun night out. Kids over 7 who are interested in Vikings or photography may also enjoy it, but very young children might find the cold and waiting a bit too much.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off from designated Reykjavik locations, a guide and photographer, Viking costumes and weapon replicas, hot chocolate, and cookies.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential since you’ll be outside in the cold for several hours.

Can I get my photos?
Yes, the guides use high-spec cameras to take high-quality pictures of you with the Northern Lights, which you can take home.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7 due to the cold and nighttime activities.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
The tour offers unlimited retries at no extra charge. If you don’t see the lights during your first outing, you can rebook until she appears.

How do guides find the best spots?
Guides like Tomas and Emil use their experience and weather forecasts to drive to locations where the sky is clearest and chances are highest.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather can be unpredictable. The guides are skilled at adjusting plans to maximize your chances but cannot control the weather itself.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Aurora Viking offers a thoughtful, personalized way to chase the Northern Lights in Reykjavik. For around $165, you’re paying not just for potential Aurora sightings but for an experience crafted by guides who genuinely care. The added fun of Viking costumes and professional photos makes it a memorable choice, especially if you’re after quality memories and a bit of Icelandic culture. It’s a flexible, friendly tour that balances expert guidance with plenty of opportunities for fun and comfort. If you’re prepared for the luck involved and appreciate a small-group vibe, this could be one of your best options for witnessing the Aurora in Iceland.

Living in Reykjavik and dreaming of the Northern Lights? This tour is well-suited for those who want a personal touch, expert guidance, and value for money. It’s perfect for travelers who love authentic experiences, fun activities, and are okay with some luck. Remember, the Aurora is a natural wonder—sometimes she dances, sometimes she’s shy—but with the team behind this tour, your chances are pretty good.