Northern Lights Tour from Husavik

A Balanced Look at the Northern Lights Tour from Husavik

Our review of the Northern Lights Tour from Husavik offers a practical look at what travelers can expect from this popular Iceland experience. Priced at $173.64 per person, this tour focuses on hunting the elusive aurora borealis in the quiet, northeastern landscapes around Husavik. While the tour is designed to maximize your chances of catching the northern lights with a knowledgeable guide, it’s not without its quirks—most notably, a recent review highlighting some communication issues, which is worth considering.

What I particularly appreciate about this experience is the potential for authentic, off-the-beaten-path scenery. The tour’s focus on areas like Þeistareykir, the mouth of Laxá river, Tjörnes, and Öxarfjörður suggests a more intimate, less crowded setting than some busier aurora hunts. Plus, the guides, who often go aurora hunting in their free time, seem genuinely passionate—an essential ingredient when chasing a natural phenomenon that depends heavily on weather conditions.

However, a significant consideration is the small group size—limited to just 8 travelers—which can be a double-edged sword. While it promises a more personalized experience, some recent feedback indicates that organizational hiccups, like a delayed pickup and poor communication, can detract from the overall experience. If reliability is a top priority, this is something to weigh, especially since the tour is bookable about 53 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

Key points / Takeaways

• Focused region: The tour concentrates on Iceland’s northeast, offering a more secluded aurora experience away from city lights.
• Expert guides: Guides are passionate and often go aurora hunting for fun, increasing your chances of witnessing the northern lights.
• Multiple scenic stops: The itinerary includes interesting locations like Þeistareykir and Öxarfjörður, adding scenic value even if aurora visibility is limited.
• Weather-dependent: The tour’s success hinges heavily on good weather, and cancellations are possible, with options for rescheduling or refunds.
• Limited group size: Small groups mean more personal attention but also demand better organization, which recent reviews suggest can sometimes be inconsistent.
• Cost and value: At over $170, it’s an investment—worth it if seeing the northern lights is a priority, but travelers should weigh this against possible uncertainties in execution.

Exploring the Husavik Northern Lights Tour in Depth

Setting the Scene: Husavik as a Base for Aurora Hunting

Husavik, a charming harbor town often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland, makes a scenic starting point for an aurora tour. Its rural surroundings and low light pollution create an ideal backdrop for catching the northern lights, assuming the weather plays along. The tour begins at a free public parking lot on Mararbraut at 9:00 pm, giving you a chance to settle in and prepare for a 2-3 hour adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is its regional focus—the guides concentrate on the north-east, away from the more crowded south or Reykjavik areas. This typically means less light pollution, which improves your odds of seeing the aurora if the skies are clear. The tour’s itinerary is flexible, depending on weather conditions, but generally includes spots like Þeistareykir, known for its geothermal activity and striking landscapes, and the mouth of Laxá river, where the tranquil waters may reflect the lights.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once the tour starts, your guide will drive to different vantage points, seeking the best chance for a sighting. The guides aren’t just hired for their driving skills—they’re enthusiasts, often chasing the northern lights in their own free time. That enthusiasm can really boost your chances, as they understand the best spots and current activity levels.

Expect scenic stops with plenty of space and minimal light pollution. Each location offers a unique perspective, and your guide will try to find the clearest, darkest sky possible. The tour lasts roughly 2 to 3 hours, which means plenty of time to relax while waiting for the lights to appear. Remember, since the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings are never guaranteed, but patience and good weather increase your odds.

The Drawbacks: Communication and Reliability

One downside, highlighted in the reviews, is that some travelers experienced delays and poor communication. A reviewer, Jana C, recounted arriving at the meet-up point, waiting 30 minutes, and receiving no response to multiple messages. The following morning, they received an apology email about the cancellation—an experience that can be frustrating, especially when you’re counting on this tour to help you see the aurora.

This incident suggests that organizational issues are possible, so travelers should be prepared for the possibility of last-minute changes or cancellations. Luckily, the policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, giving you some peace of mind. It’s also worth noting that the tour requires good weather—cloud cover or storms will almost certainly lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

The Experience: Why It Might Be Worth It

Despite a few logistical hiccups, this tour offers a chance for a memorable encounter with one of nature’s most stunning displays. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate—not just another crowded bus tour. The locations chosen are scenic and away from city lights, increasing your chances of a good sighting.

The cost might seem steep, but it’s understandable given the specialized nature of aurora hunting. You’re paying for the expertise of guides who are passionate about the northern lights, combined with the chance to experience Iceland’s serene, quiet northeast landscape. If witnessing the aurora is a bucket-list goal, this tour offers a solid shot, especially if weather cooperates.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who:

• Are comfortable with small group sizes and possibly variable reliability.
• Want a more secluded, scenic setting for aurora viewing.
• Appreciate guided expertise and local knowledge about prime viewing spots.
• Are flexible with timing and possible cancellations based on weather.
• Are willing to pay a premium for a focused, region-specific experience.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

If you’re seeking absolutely guaranteed sightings, or prefer a larger, more organized operation with highly reliable logistics, you might consider other options. Also, if your schedule is tight and last-minute cancellations would cause inconvenience, it’s worth planning with a little extra cushion.

Final Thoughts: Is the Husavik Northern Lights Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a meaningful way to chase the northern lights in Iceland’s peaceful northeast. You’ll love the scenic spots and the enthusiastic guides who are genuinely passionate about aurora hunting. It’s a cozy, small-group experience—perfect if you value intimacy and personalized attention.

However, the organizational reliability appears to be an issue at times, based on recent reviews. If you’re flexible and prepared for potential surprises, this could be a highlight of your trip. The experience is most worthwhile if seeing the northern lights is a priority and you’re comfortable with the unpredictability of weather and logistics.

For those who want a quiet, scenic, and personalized aurora experience, this tour can be a good investment. Just keep in mind the importance of weather and the small chance of hiccups—being adaptable makes all the difference.

FAQs

Is there a fixed start time for the tour?
Yes, the tour begins at 9:00 pm at the public parking lot in Husavik.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours, depending on weather and aurora activity.

What locations might be visited?
Locations depend on weather, but could include Þeistareykir, the Laxá river mouth, Tjörnes, and Öxarfjörður.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with options for rescheduling or full refund if canceled due to bad weather.

Is the group size small or large?
Maximum of 8 travelers, offering a more personalized experience.

Are guides experienced in aurora hunting?
Yes, guides regularly go aurora hunting in their free time, which can be a real advantage.

What are the main drawbacks of this tour?
Recent reviews indicate possible delays, poor communication, and cancellations, so reliability can vary.

Is the price justified?
While over $170, you’re paying for expert guides, scenic locations, and a focused regional experience—worth it if aurora viewing is a top priority.

Who should avoid this tour?
If you need guaranteed sightings or prefer highly organized, large-group excursions, consider other options. Flexibility and patience are key here.