Operated by: David The Guide

Reykjavík: Northern Lights Hunt Group Tour

Chase the aurora borealis on this 5-hour guided group tour from Reykjavík. Your guide drives beyond city light pollution to find the northern lights, with hotel pickup, warm blankets, hot drinks, and complimentary group photos all included.

Duration: 5 hours
Starts From: Reykjavík
Pickup: Pickup required
Minimum age: 1+
Difficulty: EASY
Season: All year
Passengers: Min 1 · Max 150
Travel method: Bus

About this experience

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Join David the Guide on a 5-hour northern lights hunting tour departing from Reykjavík. Your guide picks you up from your hotel, guesthouse, or a downtown bus stop and drives beyond the city limits to escape light pollution — because the aurora borealis is far more visible in Iceland's dark countryside than from the capital itself.

The destination is chosen on the night based on cloud cover and aurora activity. The group may stop at several locations as conditions evolve, spending as much time as needed at whichever spot offers the best chance of a sighting. Groups are capped at a maximum of 30 people, ensuring a personal experience with attentive guiding throughout.

While you wait for the lights to appear, settle into warm blankets and help yourself to a self-service selection of hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and cookies. Your guide will set up a camera and make sure every guest has the opportunity for a complimentary photo with the aurora. If the hunt is successful, photo links are emailed to you within 7 days of the tour.

This tour operates subject to weather conditions. Each day the team assesses the forecast and confirms whether the tour will run. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you will be notified by early evening. If your first outing results in stargazing only, a complimentary re-use ticket valid for two years from purchase is provided.

Highlights

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Hotel and guesthouse pickup included from Reykjavík
Groups capped at 30 people per guide for a personal experience
Self-service hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and cookies on board
Complimentary group and individual aurora photos by your guide
Photo links emailed within 7 days if the northern lights appear
Free re-use ticket valid 2 years if no aurora is sighted

Experience details

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Your evening begins with a hotel or bus-stop pickup in Reykjavík. Allow up to one hour for the full pickup circuit to be completed before the group heads out. The bus is warm and comfortable, giving you a cosy base to return to between outdoor viewing stops.

Once clear of the city, your guide selects viewing locations based on live cloud cover and aurora forecasts. You may visit several spots during the tour — the northern lights are unpredictable, and patience is often rewarded. The total tour duration is approximately 5 hours, including pickup and drop-off, though this may vary slightly depending on conditions.

Throughout the hunt, enjoy self-service hot drinks and snacks. Your guide will photograph the group and ensure everyone gets a shot with the aurora if it appears. Dress warmly in layers; light-coloured clothing photographs best against the night sky. At the end of the tour you are returned to your original pickup point.

Why choose this tour

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David the Guide is a team of experienced, passionate aurora guides who have built their operation around one goal: giving every guest the best possible chance of witnessing Iceland's most iconic natural phenomenon.

Included hotel pickup means no need to find your own transport in the dark.
Complimentary photography by your guide ensures you leave with lasting memories even if the lights are faint.
Re-use ticket policy: if no aurora appears, you can join a future tour free of charge for up to two years.
Groups stay under 30 people per guide, keeping the experience intimate and well-managed.

What’s included

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Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík hotels, guesthouses, and bus stops. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and cookies. Warm blankets. Northern lights hunting with experienced guides. Complimentary group and individual aurora photographs (emailed within 7 days if successful).

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the northern lights don't appear during the tour?↓

If the aurora does not appear during your tour, you receive a complimentary re-use ticket that allows you to join a future northern lights tour at no extra cost. This ticket is valid for two years from the date of your original booking.

Where does the tour pick me up in Reykjavík?↓

Pickup is available from hotels, guesthouses, and select bus stops in and around downtown Reykjavík. Your exact pickup point is confirmed at booking. Allow up to one hour for the full pickup circuit to be completed before the group departs the city.

Are the aurora photos really free, and how do I receive them?↓

Yes — your guide sets up a camera and photographs the group during the tour. If the northern lights appear, photo links are sent via a shared folder to your booking email address within 7 days of the tour at no extra charge.

How large are the groups on this tour?↓

Groups are capped at a maximum of 30 people per guide. On larger vehicles, a dedicated guide and photographer accompany the group alongside a separate driver, ensuring everyone stays warm and receives personal attention throughout the hunt.

What should I wear on the northern lights tour?↓

Dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold Icelandic nights. The operator specifically recommends light-coloured clothing, as it shows up best in aurora photographs. Blankets are provided on the bus, but personal warm outerwear, gloves, and a hat are strongly advised.