10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik)

Booking a guided Northern Lights tour in Iceland is a great way to maximize your chances of seeing the renowned aurora borealis. While it’s feasible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland independently, a guided tour will provide you the most enjoyable experience since the guides can skillfully predict the Northern Lights outlook.

Additionally, there are numerous amazing Northern Lights tours available from the capital city of Reykjavik, so as long as you`re in the main metropolitan area, you`ll have plenty of options to select from. Be certain to travel during the season for seeing the Northern Lights to receive the most magnificent possible show!

In the event it’s Northern Lights season, I recommend going to the area around lakes Kleifarvatn and Gígvatnsvatn. This is one of my favorite locations in Iceland to see the auroras. If the Northern Lights forecast is positive, another spot I recommend is Straumur við álverið.

1. The best Northern Lights tour
2. The most affordable Northern Lights excursion
3. Small group Aurora view expedition
4. Personal Northern Lights excursion
5. Top Northern Lights boat tour
6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights excursion
7. Observing whales and Northern Lights tour
8. South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier Northern Lights excursion
9. Golden Circle & Northern Lights excursion
10. Multi-stop Northern Lights excursions

1.  The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Without question, this excursion is the best option for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland.

During this tour, a knowledgeable guide takes participants to a location free of light pollution to fully experience this natural spectacle. Along the journey, insights into the Northern Lights are shared, together with beliefs and myths surrounding this unique phenomenon.

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

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

2. The cheapest Iceland Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík

If you`re searching for an alternative inexpensive Northern Lights journey in Iceland, I suggest making a reservation for this excursion. It leaves from Reykjavik and involves admission to the Northern Lights Center, a scientific museum entirely dedicated to the aurora borealis. It has all kinds of interactive displays that educate visitors about what the Northern Lights are and how they form.

If joining this excursion, you’ll wait until nightfall to explore the most suitable locations to view the Aurora Borealis, as projected by meteorologists and experts. With any luck, conditions will be clear, but if the northern lights cannot be observed, you can redo the tour at no cost on an alternative date. I advise completing this tour on your first day of travel, so you have time in your schedule if a repeat is necessary.

• Includes admission to the Northern Lights Center and viewing of the Northern Lights display.
• Duration: 4 hours
• Number of participants: 50
• Price: $55/person

3. Small group Icelandic Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

A compact party Northern Lights excursion in Iceland is ideal for those preferring to experience the phenomenon in a calmer, more private setting. This trip is an excellent option as it departs from Reykjavik in a comfortable luxury minivan.

On this tour you travel to an area with minimal light contamination and suitable weather conditions, producing the perfect environment to witness the dancing northern lights display. Be aware that you can only take this tour between September and April, and if you do not catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights the first time, you can retake the tour free of charge.

Moreover, this Iceland aurora excursion 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 viewing the aurora privately is preferred yet you also want a guide, consider this excursion. It`s one of the top Northern Lights trips departing from Reykjavik and even features hotel pick-up.

Once onboard the bus, you’ll travel to the best viewing location 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.

Your guide will share information about this natural phenomenon and the legends surrounding it. You’ll have approximately one hour to admire the dancing lights, then you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Undoubtedly, this is the best private Northern Lights tour in Iceland, although I also recommend booking lodging at one of Iceland’s Northern Lights hotels so you can continue enjoying the show.

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• Key Feature: 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

witnessing the vibrant lights dancing across the sky from Reykjavik by boat promises a singular experience, thus highly recommended. While drifting on the waters, the Green Lady and beautiful mountains and fjords provide backdrop, guaranteeing an unforgettable trip.

If this plan appeals to you, then register for this excursion, which will commence at the harbour in Reykjavik. There, you’ll board the vessel and sail along Iceland`s coast until reaching an area projected to have high chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Bear in mind that this excursion only operates under favorable weather conditions for sailing. We have always had success during our trips, but if luck evades you on your scheduled tour date, you can retake the experience free of charge. This is the premiere Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik, so it is undoubtedly worthwhile!

• Highlights: Boat tour to view the Northern Lights.
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Number of participants: 200
• Price: $88/person

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

An additional intriguing northern lights excursion in Iceland is this escapade, which comprises a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Not merely will you obtain to witness the amazing Northern Lights display, but you’ll furthermore undergo Iceland’s geothermal waters.

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

At night, you’ll take a guided tour to view 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 excursion to the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights in Iceland incorporates all transfers, such as to and from the Blue Lagoon, so transportation won`t be an issue.

• 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 incredible activities here, observing whales in Iceland is our individual favorite undertaking. Did you know that you can combine this experience with a Northern Lights boat trip in Reykjavik? This excursion is one of the most magical encounters, so I highly advise it if you want to delight in two unforgettable attractions in a single tour.

During the excursion, you’ll take a boat to a region generally inhabited by minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. Of course, remember that these are wild creatures living freely in the sea, so it’s impossible to accurately predict their movements 100% of the time. That said, the tour providers have been in business for years, so they’re the top specialists for spotting these magnificent animals.

Anytime we’ve taken part in this type of excursion, we’ve seen multiple species of marine animals, so I’m confident you’ll have a wonderful time. Be aware that you can repeat the tour at no additional cost if you don’t have any success, so it’s best to take this tour on your first day in Iceland.

This experience consisting of whale watching and viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland includes an evening spent seeking the aurora amongst the mountains and fjords. It’s an incredible experience, so bring your camera!

• Noteworthy Events: Excursions for Whale Watching and viewing the Northern Lights by Boat.
• Duration: 6 hours
• Number of participants: 200
• Price: $167/person

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

While exploring Reykjavik, you may wish to uncover other regions of Iceland, so think about this activity to view the Northern Lights and some top attractions in the southern area of the island.

On this guided excursion to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, stops will include taking in the splendors of Seljalandsfoss waterfall and learning about the formation of Sólheimajökull glacier while hearing the sounds of its moving ice, an awe-inspiring facet.

Additional stops on this excursion involve the dark sand beach of Reynisfjara, the Reynisdrangar cliffs, and the Skógafoss waterfall, among other top attractions in Iceland. Following touring the southern coast and savoring a warm dinner, the Iceland Northern Lights tour will commence, heading to an area with the most ideal conditions to see the Green Lady.

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

9. Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Another popular Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik that will capture your interest is this excursion, which includes exploring the scenic sites of the Golden Circle.

Touring Iceland`s Golden Circle is one of the finest ways to discover this island nation, renowned as the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll see why as you visit places like the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and the fascinating Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll be able to witness the spectacular Strokkur geyser in action.

During nighttime, you’ll depart from Reykjavik and spend a few hours searching 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 undertake if it’s your first time in the country.

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

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

Hiring a vehicle in Iceland is the simplest approach to see different places in the country, yet if you don’t want to drive, you can take an organized excursion.

There are even highly suggested multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland in which one can see multiple attractions in a solitary trip. These are the ones I propose:

• Four-Day Excursion Focusing On Northern Auroras: You`ll explore Golden Circle, Iceland`s southern shoreline, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula while searching for the Northern Lights. Three overnight stays with breakfast are provided.

• A 6-Day Tour of Northern Lights: The itinerary takes you entirely around the island, through areas like the Golden Circle, south Iceland, the East Fjords, and the Lake Mývatn geothermal region. You`ll also have opportunities to witness the Northern Lights display. The tour includes lodging for 5 nights with breakfast included.

• 8-Day Northern Glow Tour: You’ll take a trip around the island and uncover the Golden Circle, southern Iceland, the East Fjords, the Lake Mývatn geothermal area, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll also see the Northern Lights. Incorporates seven nights of lodging with breakfast.

These excursions offer a very convenient and comprehensive experience as they handle transportation and lodging while also incorporating guided tours of the Northern Lights in Iceland. Therefore, if you want to avoid worries, I suggest exploring what they provide.

Price of Northern Lights tours in Iceland (Reykjavík)

The cost of a Northern Lights tour departing from Reykjavik varies based on group size, length, and any included activities or destinations. To assist with selection, here is a chart comparing prices and important details for some of the best Northern Lights excursions in Iceland:

I hope this guide provided useful information to assist you in selecting the perfect northern lights tour in Reykjavik. It is worthwhile noting that viewing the Northern Lights depends on several factors outside of human control such as solar activity and cloud cover. If your scheduled excursion is cancelled due to unsuitable weather or you participate in the tour but do not see the lights, you can register for another complimentary trip on a different date.

Therefore, booking your tour for the first day allows time to rebook in case you miss the show. You may also join a multi-day trip to view the Northern Lights, giving more opportunities to witness this splendid spectacle.

In addition to touring Desert View Drive and other locations within the South Rim, this Grand Canyon dwelling provides access to various recreational activities in the Tusayan Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest, allowing you to observe the abundant wildlife found in the Grand Canyon. For instance, the Grandview Lookout Tower is just a short 2-mile drive away and offers 360° views.

That concludes my recommendations! If you have any other questions or wish to propose an additional attraction worth seeing in Puerto de la Cruz, please leave a comment. Enjoy your trip safely!