Northern Lights don’t like waiting around.

This Reykjavik super jeep tour is built for the chase, with off-road driving out of town and a professional photographer helping you capture the aurora night the best way possible. I especially like the photo-first approach (you get high-quality images) and the fact that you’re not stuck on a basic bus route when conditions change. One thing to keep in mind: sightings are never guaranteed, so you’ll be leaning on patience, good weather, and a guide who’s willing to move when the sky shifts.

You’ll also be outdoors for a large chunk of the evening, so the comfort level depends on what you bring. If you show up with only “regular cold-weather clothes,” you’ll feel it. If you pack real thermal layers and gloves, the warmth breaks (hot chocolate, Kleinur, and even rum with hot chocolate) make the whole experience much more manageable.

Key things to know before you go

• Super jeep access instead of bus routes so you can get to better vantage points when clouds roll in.
• Pro photographer support plus delivered aurora photos, not just random phone pics.
• Astronomical telescope time for looking at the night sky with proper gear.
• Warm-up treats built into the experience, including hot chocolate and Kleinur, plus rum with hot chocolate.
• Small group capped at 10 participants, which makes it easier to hear the guide and reposition quickly.
• Backup option if the aurora doesn’t happen, since the tour includes admission to another tour when viewing fails.

Reykjavik Pickup at 21:00: a Small-Group Night Mission

Pickup starts at 21:00, and you’ll be collected from a long list of Reykjavik hotel and bus-stop locations. That spread matters. It means you’re not wasting your whole evening trekking across town in the cold just to find your ride. If your street is tricky for a super jeep, you’ll meet the group at the nearest accessible bus stop instead.

The group stays intentionally small, limited to 10 participants, and that size changes the vibe fast. You get more room to ask questions, and it’s easier for the guide to manage gear, cameras, and cold hands without turning the night into a scramble. The tour guide leads in English and Icelandic, and the operation is run by Gravel Travel.

This isn’t a kid-focused tour, either. It’s listed as not suitable for children under 8, which makes sense for a trip that depends on night conditions and cold-weather comfort.

Why the Super Jeep Drives Out of Town for Better Aurora Odds

The whole point is simple: the aurora is easier to see when you’re farther from city lights. That’s why you leave Reykjavik and spend your time in more remote areas, where the sky looks darker and the view improves. The super jeep part isn’t a gimmick. It’s the reason you can reach spots that buses and regular cars usually can’t.

You’ll feel that strategy in how the guide plans the evening. In past nights, guides on this kind of tour are known for hunting actively—moving to multiple locations when the lights aren’t showing as strongly. One review name you’ll hear here is Daniel, described as finding multiple spots for great viewing and photos. That lines up with the idea that this tour treats the aurora like something you go after, not something you passively wait for.

And if clouds interfere, that off-road flexibility really matters. Another review highlighted Thor pushing to different locations when conditions weren’t ideal, even staying out later than expected because he was still trying. If you’re the type who hates giving up at the first sign of bad weather, you’ll appreciate that mentality.

The Main Southern Region Stop: Photo Breaks and Warm Refreshments

After a short initial ride in the super jeep (about 30 minutes), you move into the Southern Region for the long, central part of the tour. This is where the evening gets both practical and fun: you’ll have photo stops, you’ll get a guided portion, and there’s time for food and spirits tasting along with welcome refreshments.

The inclusions show you that they’re planning for comfort as well as viewing. You’re provided hot chocolate and Kleinur, plus rum with hot chocolate. That’s not just a nice perk. It’s a smart way to keep you from feeling like your fingers are turning into ice cubes at the exact moment the aurora finally decides to show up.

This is also where the aurora-hunting rhythm fits in. The tour is built around the Northern Lights expedition, and the bulk of your time is spent in that Southern Region window. Translation: you’re not hopping on and off constantly. You’re there long enough to set up, watch, warm up, and adjust if you need a different viewing angle.

Telescope Time and Pro Photo Support (Including Tripod Options)

If aurora photography is your goal, you’ll like the way this tour handles it. You get help from an onboard professional photographer, and you also receive high-quality pictures after the expedition. That matters because in Icelandic winter conditions, the hard part isn’t only seeing the lights—it’s keeping your camera steady and your settings right while you’re freezing.

One review specifically mentioned a guide bringing extra camera support when someone’s fingers got too cold to keep shooting. That’s the practical reality of aurora nights: cold hands make even a basic photo session harder than it should be. Having someone else capturing moments for you is a big relief, especially if your camera setup is less familiar.

You also get use of an astronomical telescope, which is a nice change from the typical “look up and hope” approach. It gives you a more structured way to experience the sky, not just aurora hunting.

If you want to take your own photos with precision, the tour offers tripod rental as an option. Tripods help with sharp long exposures, and they’re especially useful when you’re dealing with low light and you want the aurora to look crisp rather than smeared by tiny hand movements. If you plan to use your own tripod gear, you’ll still want to consider what you can comfortably carry and set up in gloves.

How the Guide Actually Hunts the Lights (Daniel, Thor, and the Move-or-Wait Mindset)

Northern Lights viewing comes down to two variables you can’t control: cloud cover and solar activity. What you can control is how quickly your group responds when those variables change. That’s where the guide’s approach becomes the difference between a so-so night and a memorable one.

The guidance included on this tour is described as coming from a certified guide with years of expertise chasing the aurora. In plain terms, that means they’re not guessing. They’re watching conditions and making decisions that let you try again if the sky isn’t cooperating at your first spot.

Daniel is a name that came up in strong reviews, praised for tracking down the aurora to multiple locations and delivering great photos. Thor came up too, with credit for persistent searching when clouds reduced how vibrant the lights looked. The common thread is that the guides treat the hunt like a live problem, not a scheduled photo op.

That’s also why the small group size helps. With fewer people, it’s easier to reposition and keep gear organized. You spend more time focused on the sky and less time managing chaos.

If the Aurora Doesn’t Show: the Backup Plan Built In

Let’s be clear: the Northern Lights are not guaranteed. The tour itself says sightings can fail due to unforeseen circumstances, and the tour is still built around the idea that you should get a fair outcome even if the sky refuses to cooperate.

If you don’t see the aurora, the tour includes admission to another tour. That’s the key point: you’re not left with a single night of disappointment. And if the activity is canceled due to bad weather, the information provided says you can re-book for another evening free of charge, while cancellations due to bad weather also come with a full refund.

Also, they aim to inform you by 18:30 if your tour is canceled. That early heads-up helps you plan the rest of your night instead of guessing.

Price and Value: Is $192 Worth It for 4 Hours?

At $192 per person for about 4 hours, you’re paying for more than the aurora itself. You’re paying for transportation that can handle winter conditions, plus the “extras” that often cost extra on other tours.

Here’s what makes the price feel more justified:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off: you’re not trying to solve Reykjavik logistics at 10 at night.
• Small group (max 10): easier movement, better attention from the guide.
• Professional photographer + delivered photos: you’re buying time and results, not only instructions.
• Use of an astronomical telescope: you’re getting real equipment support.
• Warm drinks and snacks: hot chocolate, Kleinur, and rum with hot chocolate aren’t just cute—they help you stay functional outside.

I’d also think about it as a “cost of convenience” night. You’re buying a structured evening where the logistics are handled and the photo burden is shared. If you’re going to invest in aurora photography, this kind of support can save you a lot of frustration—and that’s often worth more than the difference between the cheaper option and the more complete one.

One more note: the experience is short. You’re likely getting warm drinks and tasting-style food, but it’s not positioned as a full dinner plan. I’d eat a proper meal before pickup so you’re not hungry while you’re waiting for the lights.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want pro photo help, including receiving high-quality pictures afterward
• prefer a small group instead of a larger crowd
• like the idea of off-road access in a super jeep
• care about learning about aurora basics, not only staring upward
• want warmth breaks with hot chocolate, Kleinur, and rum with hot chocolate

It may not be ideal if you:

• hate cold-weather waiting (even with warm drinks, you’ll be outside)
• need this to be easy for small kids under 8 (it’s not suitable)
• want a long, slow nighttime program (this one is only about 4 hours)

Should You Book This Northern Lights Hunt?

If you’re traveling to Iceland with limited time and you want to maximize your odds and your keepsake photos, I think this is a solid bet. The super jeep approach gets you out of the city and into places buses may not reach, and the photo support plus telescope time gives you more than just a single look at the sky.

My decision tip is simple: book this if you value convenience, guidance, and photo results more than chasing the lowest price. If your aurora priority is “just me and my phone,” you might find a cheaper option elsewhere. But if you want the night to be handled with gear, warmth, and a photographer’s eye, the $192 starts to make sense fast.

FAQ

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup starts at 21:00, and you’re collected from a list of Reykjavik hotels and bus stops.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours (starting times vary, so check availability).

Is Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights sightings are not always guaranteed due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

What happens if the Northern Lights don’t appear?

If you don’t see the lights, the tour includes admission to another tour. The provided information also notes that there is a re-offer of another tour within two years of your original tour.

Does the tour include photos?

Yes. There is a professional photographer on board, and you receive high quality pictures of you with the Northern Lights.

Do we get to use a telescope?

Yes. The tour includes use of an astronomical telescope.

What should I bring for the night?

Bring gloves and weather-appropriate clothing, including thermal clothing.

You Might Also Enjoy

Golden Circle and Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from ReykjavikWhale Watching in Reykjavik by SpeedboatGolden Circle Day Tour in Mini Bus from Reykjavik with Fridheimar Tomato FarmPrivate Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour