Iceland’s shimmering Aurora Borealis danced just out of reach on our first trip, leaving us yearning for a second chance. But with a dizzying array of Northern Lights tours, how do you pick the right one? This guide is your compass! We’ll unpack the different tour types (and their price tags), explain how they operate, and reveal their secret destinations. Our goal? Empower you to witness the magic while avoiding overspending on the wrong adventure. So, buckle up, because we’re about to share everything we learned on our Icelandic journey – let the hunt for the dancing lights begin!
Northern Lights Tours
From cozy minibuses to legendary “Super Jeeps” traversing off-the-beaten-path terrain, the Northern Lights tour scene offers diversity. But does size and price truly translate to better aurora viewing? Let’s dissect the different tour options to help you choose the perfect adventure for your budget and aurora goals.
- Private Tour: ($900USD for 2 people) Ultimate flexibility and personalized attention, but comes with a hefty price tag. Ideal for couples or families seeking a customized experience.
- Super Jeep Tour: ($188USD per person) Conquer hidden gems off-road with a small group. Promises unique access, but be prepared for potential bumpiness.
- Boat Tour: ($115USD per person) Float away from light pollution and enjoy the serenity of the water, with the added bonus of an onboard bar. Uniqueness comes with limited space and potential seasickness.
- Minibus Tour: ($140USD per person) Strike a balance between affordability and group size (around 20 people). Offers a comfortable ride and potentially more access than larger buses.
- Bus Tour: ($74USD per person) The most budget-friendly option, but expect a larger group (around 50 people) and potentially less flexibility. Ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
Remember, the perfect tour depends on your priorities and budget. We weighed factors like comfort, flexibility, group size, unique features, and accessibility before making our decision.
While the boat tour offered a unique perspective, the constant onboard lights conflicted with our desire for minimal light pollution. Ultimately, the deciding factor was group size. We craved a more intimate experience than the large bus tour, but couldn’t justify the splurge of a private tour.
So, we ventured into the “Goldilocks Zone” with the Super Jeep Tour! Its promise of traversing off-the-beaten-path locations and a smaller group size felt like the perfect balance of affordability and adventure. We couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to its claims!
What to Expect on Your Northern Lights Tour
Once you’ve found the perfect tour, it’s time to choose your date. Remember, clear skies and aurora activity are crucial, so research weather forecasts and aurora predictions beforehand.
Most Northern Lights tours will pick you up around 30 minutes before the start time (9/10pm depending on which month you book), usually from a designated city bus stop close to your accommodation. Expect some stops to collect other participants before leaving Reykjavik for a location with minimal light pollution.
Here’s a pro tip: book your tour early in your stay. If you don’t see the aurora on your chosen date, many tour operators offer free rebookings (subject to availability) for another night. This way, you maximize your chances of witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle!
Leaving the city lights behind, your journey takes you an hour out of Reykjavik to a pre-determined dark location. Here, you’ll step out of the warmth of your vehicle, bundled up and ready for the sky to ignite with the Aurora Borealis. Most small group tours add to the charm with hot cocoa and snacks, keeping you warm and energized while you wait for nature’s dazzling display.
If the first location proves elusive, don’t fret! Your guide will make a second attempt, seeking another spot with potentially higher chances of aurora activity. After this final exploration, your tour concludes with a return journey to the city, dropping you off at your initial pickup point.
Where Tours Take You
While many tour operators tout unique viewing locations, locals might jokingly suggest a DIY approach: rent a car and follow the tours out of the city. Funny as it sounds, there’s some truth to it.
The desire to escape light pollution, expertise of guides, and the inconvenience of driving at 1am are common reasons for booking Northern Lights tours. However, our experience revealed a surprising fact: many, if not all, tours end up at the same spot roughly an hour outside Reykjavik.
Intrigued? The secret location lies between Hafnarskeidh beach and the town of Eyrarbakki. Here, a few pullouts accommodate the influx of tour vehicles. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and the weather cooperates, renting a car and following our “local tip” might just lead you to the magnificent aurora borealis.
Remember: This DIY approach comes with risks. Weather forecasts are crucial, and driving in unfamiliar terrain at night requires extra caution. Ultimately, the decision between a tour and independent exploration depends on your comfort level and priorities.
Lessons Learned: Choosing the Right Tour for You
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a dream for many, and tour operators abound, promising the best experience with the highest chance of success. However, with limited information to truly differentiate them, we relied heavily on reviews. Ultimately, we chose the Super Jeep Tour based on promising descriptions of venturing beyond the reach of other tours.
In hindsight, knowing we’d end up at the same location as everyone else, I’d opt for a different operator. Our Reykjavik Food Tour company, with its intimate minibus setting, truly impressed us. Their aurora tour offers a high-touch experience with hot Icelandic chocolate, delicious pastries, free Wi-Fi, cozy blankets, and multiple retries based on availability. At $140 per person, it also saves you roughly $50 compared to the Super Jeep tour. This combination of affordability, comfort, and personalized service makes it my top choice for our next Icelandic adventure, and I’ll be booking it on day one!
Remember, the best tour is the one that aligns with your priorities and budget. This experience taught us to look beyond just the promise of “unseen locations” and delve deeper into the actual tour offerings and customer service. By considering factors like group size, amenities, and flexibility, you can choose the tour that truly sets you up for an unforgettable aurora adventure.
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