Private Northern Lights Adventure With Lobster Dinner

A Night Under the Aurora Borealis: A Detailed Look at the Private Northern Lights Adventure with Lobster Dinner

If you’re planning an Iceland trip and dreaming of catching the mesmerizing Northern Lights, this private tour from Reykjavik offers a well-rounded, intimate experience. It combines the thrill of chasing the Aurora with a delicious seafood feast, all led by an experienced guide who knows exactly where to look. With a full package that includes hotel pickup, professional photos, and a memorable lobster dinner in a seaside village, this tour aims to make your Northern Lights experience as comfortable and authentic as possible.

What I particularly appreciate about this tour is its personalized nature—it’s designed exclusively for your group, which means no noisy crowds or rushed schedules. Plus, the inclusion of a lobster feast in Stokkseyri, a charming and authentic fishing village, elevates the whole experience beyond just aurora viewing. The guide’s local knowledge shines through, making the chase both exciting and educational. On the flip side, a consideration might be the cost, which is on the higher side, but considering the exclusivity and added gourmet experience, many will find it worthwhile. Also, since Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, there’s no 100% guarantee of sightings, but the tour’s remote countryside location certainly boosts your odds.

Key points/Takeaways:

• Exclusive Private Tour: You and your party get a personalized experience without sharing with strangers.
• Expert Guidance: Led by guides like Thor, who are well-versed in aurora sightings and local lore.
• Gourmet Lobster Dinner: A three-course seafood feast featuring langoustine, cooked to perfection, in a seaside village.
• Authentic Icelandic Experience: Black sand beaches and salt-touched air add a genuine touch.
• Photographic Memories: Professional photos help you remember the night, even if the lights aren’t as bright as hoped.
• Weather Flexibility: Operates in all conditions—bad weather just means rescheduling or refunds.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

Starting Point: Reykjavik Hotel Pickup

You begin the evening with a pickup from your Reykjavik hotel, which is a big plus. No hassle of figuring out transportation, especially after a day of sightseeing or relaxing in the city. The guide, such as Thor, arrives on time and sets the tone with friendliness and local knowledge. The drive out into the countryside is part of the adventure—expect scenic views as you leave behind the city lights and head toward the south coast.

Stop 1: Stokkseyri and the Lobster Feast

Arriving in the tiny village of Stokkseyri, you breathe in the salty air and take in the charming, brightly colored houses. The highlight here is the three-course lobster dinner, featuring langoustine tails sautéed in garlic and butter, paired with baby potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and a salad. Dessert? You get to choose—making the meal feel personalized. Several reviews point out that the lobster feast was genuinely delicious, with one reviewer noting it was “a feast.” The experience of dining in such a cozy, seaside setting is a real treat and adds a layer of authenticity to your Iceland visit.

Skywatching and Aurora Hunting

After dinner, your guide takes you further out into the countryside to hunt for the Northern Lights. The key here is the remote location—away from Reykjavik’s light pollution—giving you a better chance of witnessing the aurora dance across the sky. Thor or other guides are experienced aurora-hunters, knowing the best spots for viewing. While the lights are unpredictable, many guests have been lucky, especially when the aurora is strong, as one reviewer remarked, “the Northern Lights were strong that night.” During the wait, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, Icelandic water, and chocolates—comforts that make the cold nights more bearable.

Capture and Cherish the Moment

A notable feature is the professional photo shoot during the tour. Whether you want a picture with your partner or a solo shot under the celestial show, your guide captures high-quality images. Even if the aurora is faint or absent, these photos serve as a great souvenir of the night.

End of the Tour: Return to Reykjavik

The tour wraps up with drop-off at your hotel, typically around 9:00 or 10:00 pm, giving you a relaxed end to a memorable evening. The inclusion of WiFi and small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and comfortable.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $983 per person might seem steep, consider what’s included: exclusive private guiding, hotel pickup and drop-off, a gourmet seafood dinner, professional photography, and the thrill of possibly witnessing the Northern Lights. Many travelers find this package delivers more than just a basic tour; it’s a well-rounded cultural and natural experience that balances comfort, adventure, and authenticity.

The reviews highlight that guides like Thor are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience feel personal and engaging. The lobster dinner is often praised as one of Iceland’s best seafood experiences, and many reviewers appreciate the local flavor and quality of the food.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits those who value personalized service and want a luxury experience without sacrificing authenticity. It’s ideal for romantic couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to combine gastronomy with aurora chasing. If you’re on a tight budget, you might find cheaper options, but this tour’s exclusivity and added comforts could be worth the extra cost for a memorable night.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• Book well in advance—this tour is popular, with an average booking time of 113 days.
• Dress warmly; Icelandic nights, especially in winter, can be freezing.
• Remember that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon—sightings are never guaranteed, but the remote location improves your chances.
• Bring your camera or smartphone for photos, though the guide’s professional camera will do a better job.
• Be prepared for uneven terrain during the aurora hunt—wear sturdy shoes.
• Since the tour operates in all weather, it’s wise to have flexible expectations.

FAQ

Can I cancel the tour if the weather looks bad?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Reykjavik hotel, making logistics effortless.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, with dinner, travel, and aurora hunting included.

What’s the cost and what does it cover?
At around $983.29 per person, it covers private guiding, dinner, professional photos, WiFi, and transportation.

What’s the menu like?
The dinner features langoustine tails sautéed in garlic and butter, baby potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and dessert of your choice, plus hot chocolate and chocolates during the night.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour is accessible to most travelers. Dress appropriately for the cold and uneven terrain.

In short, this private Northern Lights adventure offers a rare blend of luxury, local flavor, and natural wonder. It’s perfect for those who want a tailored, memorable night away from city lights, with the added bonus of a delectable seafood feast and professional photos to remember it all. If you’re seeking a personalized, cozy, and authentic Icelandic experience—and are willing to invest a bit more—this tour could well be a highlight of your trip.