Northern Lights in Iceland, best aurora tour reykjavik

10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik)

Booking a Northern Lights tour in Iceland is the best way to increase your chances of seeing the famous aurora borealis. While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland on your own, a guided tour will give you the most enjoyable experience since the guides can expertly predict the Northern Lights forecast.

Besides, there are several amazing Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik, so as long as you’re in the capital city, you’ll have lots of options to choose from. Just be sure to travel during the Northern Lights season so you get the most magnificent show possible!

We run photo tours to Iceland every year to enjoy this fascinating natural phenomenon, although the excursion is designed for landscape photographers. If you’re not an avid photographer, but you still want to go aurora hunting in Iceland, I highly recommend taking one of these aurora tours from Reykjavik:

  1. The best Northern Lights tour
  2. The cheapest Northern Lights tour
  3. Small group Northern Lights tour
  4. Private Northern Lights tour
  5. Best Northern Lights boat tour
  6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour
  7. Whale watching & Northern Lights tour
  8. South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier Northern Lights tour
  9. Golden Circle & Northern Lights tour
  10. Multi-day Northern Lights tours

1.  The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Without a doubt, this excursion is the best Northern Lights excursion in Iceland.

During this tour, an expert guide will take you to an area with zero light pollution so you can fully enjoy this natural spectacle. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Northern Lights, including curiosities and superstitions revolving around this unique phenomenon.

Aurora borealis over lagoon, best northern lights boat tour reykjavik

1.  The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have free time to take photos, walk around the area, or simply gaze in wonder at the Green Lady. Also, this tour includes round-trip bus transportation, making it one of the top excursions from Reykjavik, especially if you don’t plan on renting a car.

  • Highlights: Northern Lights Observation
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Number of participants: 50
  • Price: $62/person

2. The cheapest Iceland Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík

If you’re looking for another cheap Northern Lights tour in Iceland, I recommend booking this tour. It departs from Reykjavik and includes admission to the Northern Lights Center, a scientific museum all about the aurora borealis. It has all kinds of interactive exhibits that teach you what the Northern Lights are and how they form.

Northern Lights accommodation, best northern lights tour iceland

2. The cheapest Iceland Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík

If you take this tour, you’ll wait until nightfall to explore the best places to see the Northern Lights, as predicted by meteorologists and experts. Hopefully, there will be clear skies, but if you don’t have any luck seeing the aurora, you can retake the tour for free on another day. I recommend taking this tour on the first day of your trip, so you have time in your itinerary in case you need to retake it.

  • Highlights: Admission to the Northern Lights Center and Northern Lights observation
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Number of participants: 50
  • Price: $55/person

3. Small group Icelandic Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

A small group Northern Lights tour in Iceland is ideal for those who want to experience the aurora in a calmer, more exclusive setting. This tour is a great option since it departs from Reykjavik in a comfortable luxury minibus.

You’ll head to an area with zero light pollution and optimal weather conditions, creating the perfect environment to witness the dancing aurora. Be aware that you can only take this tour between September and April, and if you don’t have any luck seeing the Northern Lights the first time, you can retake the tour for free.

White church in Iceland, northern lights tours from reykjavik

3. Small group Icelandic Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

Moreover, this Iceland aurora tour includes admission to the Northern Lights Center, one of the coolest attractions in Reykjavik where you can learn more about this natural light show. You’ll also be able to enjoy light refreshments during the tour.

  • Highlights: Admission to the Northern Lights Center and Northern Lights observation in a small group
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Number of participants: 18
  • Price: $87/person

4. Private Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavík

If you want to see the aurora in privacy but you prefer having a guide, consider this tour. It’s one of the best Northern Lights excursions from Reykjavik and it even includes hotel pick-up.

Once you board the bus, you’ll travel to the best viewing spot to see the Northern Lights, with optimal conditions and zero light pollution. Depending on the day, you may go to Thingvellir National Park, Hvalfjordur, or the Reykjanes Peninsula, all beautiful places to watch the Green Lady.

Icelandic waterfall, guided tours iceland northern lights

4. Private Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavík

Your guide will tell you all about this natural phenomenon and the legends surrounding it. You’ll have about an hour to marvel at the dancing lights, then you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Without a doubt, this is the best private Northern Lights tour in Iceland, although I also recommend staying in one of Iceland’s Northern Lights hotels so you can continue enjoying the show.

  • Highlights: Private Northern Lights Tour
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Number of participants: up to 3 people
  • Price: $70/person

5. Best Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik

A Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik is one of the most unique experiences, so I highly recommend it. While gliding along the sea, you’ll witness the Green Lady and the beautiful mountains and fjords in the background, so it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable trip.

If this sounds good to you, then book this excursion, which begins at the port in Reykjavik. There, you’ll board the boat and sail along the coast of Iceland until you reach the point where you’ll have the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Whale-watching tour, northern lights boat trip reykjavik

5. Best Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik

Keep in mind that this tour only operates if the weather conditions are favorable for sailing. We’ve always had luck during our trips, but if you run out of luck on your scheduled tour date, you can retake the excursion for free. This is the best Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik, so it’s definitely worth it!

  • Highlights: Northern Lights Boat Tour
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Number of participants: 200
  • Price: $88/person

6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, Iceland

Another interesting aurora borealis tour in Iceland is this excursion, which includes a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Not only will you get to witness the spectacular Northern Lights show, but you’ll also experience Iceland’s geothermal waters.

At the Blue Lagoon, you can take a relaxing soak and enjoy one of the treatments offered here, like a silica mask. The waters are said to have health properties and benefits like smoother and firmer skin, so you’re sure to feel refreshed after your visit.

Blue Lagoon, northern lights bus tour from reykjavik

6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, Iceland

At night, you’ll take a guided tour to see the Northern Lights, and your destination will depend on that evening’s weather conditions. If you don’t have any luck, you can retake the tour on another day free of charge.

Finally, this Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tour in Iceland includes all transfers, including to and from the Blue Lagoon, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

  • Highlights: Blue Lagoon admission and Northern Lights
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Number of participants: 50
  • Price: $217/person

7. Whale-watching and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Among all the amazing things to do here, whale-watching in Iceland is our personal favorite. Did you know that you can combine this activity with a Northern Lights boat trip in Reykjavik? This excursion is one of the most magical experiences, so I highly recommend it if you want to enjoy two unforgettable attractions in one tour.

During the trip, you’ll take a boat to an area commonly inhabited by minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. Of course, remember that these are wild animals that live freely in the sea, so it’s not possible to predict their movements with 100% accuracy. That said, the tour operators have been in business for years, so they’re the best experts on scouting out these magnificent creatures.

Iceland whale-watching, iceland tours aurora borealis

7. Whale-watching and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Any time we’ve done this type of excursion, we’ve seen several species of cetaceans, so I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Be aware that you can retake the tour for free if you don’t have any luck, so it’s best to take this tour on your first day in Iceland.

This whale-watching and Northern Lights tour in Iceland includes an evening session to hunt the aurora among the mountains and fjords. It’s an incredible experience, so bring your camera!

  • Highlights: Whale Watching and Northern Lights Boat Tour
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Number of participants: 200
  • Price: $167/person

8. Northern Lights tour through Iceland’s South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier

While visiting Reykjavik, you may want to discover other parts of Iceland, so consider this excursion to see the Northern Lights and some top attractions in the southern region of the island.

During this guided Northern Lights tour in Iceland, you’ll visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Sólheimajökull glacier. You’ll learn how the glacier formed, as well as other interesting facts about the area. One of the coolest parts of the tour was hearing the sound of the moving ice, which we thought was quite impressive.

Skogafoss waterfall, northern lights tours from reykjavik

8. Northern Lights tour through Iceland’s South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier

Other stops on this excursion include the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, the Reynisdrangar cliffs, and the Skógafoss waterfall, among other top sights in Iceland. After touring the southern coast and enjoying a warm dinner, you’ll begin your Iceland Northern Lights tour, heading to an area with the most optimal conditions to see the Green Lady.

  • Highlights: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Northern Lights
  • Duration: 16 hours
  • Number of participants: 10
  • Price: $220/person

9. Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Another Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik that will pique your interest is this one, which includes a tour of the Golden Circle.

Exploring the Golden Circle is one of the best ways to discover this island country, which is known as the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll see why as you visit sites like the Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll be able to see the Strokkur geyser in action.

Gullfoss waterfall, northern lights bus tour iceland

9. Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

At night, you’ll depart from Reykjavik and spend a few hours hunting the aurora borealis in the sky. It’s a full itinerary, so this Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland is one of the best excursions you can do if it’s your first time in the country.

  • Highlights: Golden Circle and Northern Lights
  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Number of participants: 50
  • Price: $115/person

10. Multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland from Reykjavík

Renting a car in Iceland is the easiest way to see different places in the country, but if you don’t want to drive, you can take an organized tour.

Kerid crater, northern lights boat tour iceland

10. Multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland from Reykjavík

There are even multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland in which you can see several attractions in one trip. These are the ones I recommend:

  • 4-Day Northern Lights Tour: You’ll visit the Golden Circle, Iceland’s south coast, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as well as go hunting for the Northern Lights. Includes three nights of accommodation with breakfast.
  • 6-Day Northern Lights Tour: You’ll go all the way around the island, passing through the Golden Circle, south Iceland, the East Fjords, and the Lake Mývatn geothermal area. You will also have time to enjoy the Northern Lights. This tour includes accommodation for five nights with breakfast.
  • 8-Day Northern Lights Tour: You’ll take a tour around the island and discover the Golden Circle, south Iceland, the East Fjords, the Lake Mývatn geothermal area, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll also see the Northern Lights. Includes seven nights of accommodation with breakfast.

These excursions are super convenient and thorough since they take care of transportation and accommodation and include guided Northern Lights tours in Iceland. So, if you don’t want to worry about anything, I recommend checking them out.

Price of Northern Lights tours in Iceland (Reykjavík)

The price of a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik varies depending on the size of the group, the duration, and any included activities or attractions. To make it easier for you to choose, here is a chart comparing the prices and important details for the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland:

PRICE

DURATION

PARTICIPANTS

HIGHLIGHTS

1. The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland

$62/person

3 hours

50

• Northern Lights observation

1. Cheap Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

$55/person

4 hours

50

• Northern Lights Center admission
• Northern Lights

3. Small group Icelandic Northern Lights tour

$87/person

4 hours

18

• Northern Lights Center admission
• Northern Lights observation

4. Private Northern Lights tour in Iceland

$70/person

3 hours

3

• Private Northern Lights tour

5. Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik

$88/person

2.5 hours

200

• Northern Lights boat tour

6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour

$217/person

8 hours

50

• Blue Lagoon admission
• Northern Lights

7. Whale-watching & Northern Lights tour

$167/person

6 hours

200

• Whale-watching
• Northern Lights boat tour

8. Northern Lights, South Coast & Solheimajokull Glacier

$220/person

16 hours

10

• Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss waterfalls
• Solheimajokull glacier
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Northern Lights

9. Golden Circle & Northern Lights tour

$115/person

9 hours

50

• Golden Circle
• Northern Lights

10. Multi-day Northern Lights tour (4 days, 6 days or 8 days)

From $1,144/person

4, 6, or 8 days

50+

• Tour around the island
• Northern Lights
• Accommodation with breakfast
• Transportation

BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN ICELAND FROM REYKJAVIK

 

I hope this guide helped you find the perfect aurora tour in Reykjavik! Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon affected by several factors like solar activity and cloud cover. If you book an excursion and it’s canceled due to poor weather conditions, or you take the tour but don’t see the Northern Lights, you can retake it on another day for free.

Therefore, I recommend booking your tour for the first day of your trip, so you have time to retake it. You could also take a multi-day trip to see the Northern Lights, which will grant you more time to witness this marvelous spectacle.

Finally, I recommend checking out our guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights so you can return home with some amazing memories. Also, our article on where to stay in Iceland has the best accommodation options, including places where you can see the aurora from your room.

Feel free to leave your questions or comment below; I’d love to hear from you! With that, I wish you a wonderful time during your Northern Lights tour in Iceland!

Share on Pinterest
Share with your friends










Submit

CHIEF ADVENTURER, TRAVEL GURU, AND MASTER PLANNER AT CAPTURE THE ATLAS
Hey there, I'm Ascen, your personal trip planner on a mission to help you craft the most incredible adventure of your life. While I'm based in Las Vegas, you won't find me there often. As a full-time traveler, I'm always on the go, exploring new destinations and capturing the world through my lens. From the enchanting shores of Almeria, Spain, where I grew up, to the far reaches of the globe, I'm here to provide you with detailed travel guides and practical tips to make your trip planning a breeze. Find out more about me here.
Don't miss out...

2 replies on “10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik)

  1. Dr Arunima Nan says:

    Myself and my friend are very much interested to go to escorted 8 days tour in Iceland to watch Northern lights in Fen 2024.
    Can you get in touch with me to organise it.
    Thank you

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.