Lava tunnels and aurora in one night. I love the warmth of the provided hot cocoa and blankets, while you head for the Raufarhólshellir lava tube near Reykjavík. It’s a smart pairing: one solid activity underground, then time outside to chase the Northern Lights.

I also like the free Northern Lights retry and the included aurora photo support, because sky timing can’t be forced. You get a small-group pace (max 28), plus in-vehicle Wi‑Fi to keep the waiting more tolerable.

The main consideration is physical: parts of the lava tunnel involve uneven terrain, and the tour says it’s not recommended if you’re uncomfortable on rough ground.

Quick hits: what stands out on this Reykjavik night tour

• Raufarhólshellir lava tube: descend with a certified caving guide and use helmet + torch
• 900 meters underground: reach deep into the cave for geology you don’t see above ground
• Warm-up package: Icelandic hot cocoa/chocolate and blankets after the cave portion
• Northern Lights “flex plan”: drives to darker spots based on forecasts, not just one fixed field
• Photo help and retry: guide takes aurora photos, plus you can re-try if you don’t see the lights
• Small-group feel: maximum 28 people, usually easier to manage in low light

The value of a single evening: lava tunnel first, aurora second

This tour is built around one big practical idea: do something memorable even if the aurora gods are having an off night. The first half is a guided lava-cave experience at Raufarhólshellir, close enough to Reykjavík that you’re not spending hours just commuting in the dark. Then the schedule shifts into Northern Lights mode, with the destination changing based on what the forecasts are saying.

For me, the value is in reducing stress. You’re not cobbling together separate tickets and random plans. Instead, your night has structure: a real itinerary underground, then a flexible aurora search with a team that knows how to work the timing.

Also, it’s not a tiny tour, but it’s not a mega-bus either. With a maximum of 28 people, you’re more likely to get personal attention if you’re troubleshooting cameras or just trying to stay close when it’s cold.

Raufarhólshellir lava cave: what you actually do underground

The cave portion is the heart of the experience, and it starts with safety gear. You’ll get a helmet and torch plus the caving guide’s safety rundown before you start the descent. In the tunnel, you walk a mix of built paths, footbridges, and some natural uneven sections. One important note from what you’ll hear on the tour: you’ll likely find the cave floor can be uneven and, at times, feel a bit slippery—so wear footwear with grip.

The descent goes deep, up to about 900 meters (2952 ft), and the guide focuses on what volcanic forces created. That’s where the colors and textures come in—different minerals and heat-altered rock patterns show up as greens, reds, turquoise-like tones, and light purple hues. It’s not just dark rock; the guide’s explanations help you see the cave as an actual geological process you’re walking through.

Timing-wise, you’re in the cave for about an hour with the caving guide. You’re not sprinting. The pacing is slow enough to take photos and absorb what the guide is pointing out.

And yes, comfort matters in a dark tunnel. One handy practical detail: there are toilets at the start of the lava tunnel, and you return to that start area at the end of the cave portion.

Staying warm in Reykjavík’s night chill: hot cocoa, blankets, and Wi‑Fi

The Northern Lights part requires patience, and patience gets harder fast when you’re cold. That’s why I appreciate the tour’s warmth setup: Icelandic hot cocoa and chocolate plus blankets. You’re not just standing there hoping for magic; you’re given a way to stay comfortable while the sky does its thing.

On the transport side, you also get Wi‑Fi on board. That doesn’t replace the aurora hunt, but it helps with logistics: checking your camera settings, finding the right mode for low light, or simply sending a message while you wait for the next location change.

This matters because the tour can include some sitting in the dark. When you’re comfortable, you make better use of the time the guides are driving, scanning, and adjusting.

The Northern Lights hunt: how the guide chooses where to go

Once you leave the lava cave area, the tour turns into a Northern Lights search. The big thing here is flexibility. Your destination is not fixed; the guides adjust based on the latest forecasts and conditions. The tour also notes that you’ll likely head toward places in South Iceland such as Þingvellir or Reykjanes (or other darker spots) where the skies can be clearer.

This is one of those details that sounds generic until you’ve tried chasing the aurora on your own. The lights aren’t just about luck—they’re also about removing light pollution and matching the right conditions. A larger bus can get stuck on schedules and timing; a minibus can often reach more out-of-the-way stops, where visibility can be better.

The aurora portion runs about 2.5 hours. During that time, your guide’s job is to find a spot and keep the group in position for photos. If the aurora appears, guides can take photos with you included. If the aurora doesn’t show up, the plan isn’t to shrug and go home—it’s to offer a retry.

Photos you can use: guide snapshots and what to do with your camera

You’re getting Northern Lights photos as part of the tour, which is a real advantage if you don’t travel with someone who knows your camera. The guide will take pictures of you with the aurora when it’s visible.

A few review-style details that reflect the on-the-ground approach you can expect: in one case, the driver Nicolas helped the group get great photos, and in another, guide Gretta took care of people and helped them get their picture with the lights. In at least one instance, a guide shared digital photos the next day, which is handy if you don’t want to wait until you’re back home to sort through files.

What I’d do if I were bringing my own camera: get your settings right early, then stop fiddling and just look up. The guides focus on keeping the group in the right position and timing; your best contribution is staying ready when the lights show.

If you miss the lights: how the free Northern Lights retry works in real terms

This tour includes a free retry for the Northern Lights portion if you don’t see them during the original tour. That changes the risk calculation. Without a retry, you’re paying almost entirely for hope. With a retry, you’re buying access to a second attempt—often the difference between a fun night and a frustrating one.

The tour also builds in an expectation of change: Northern Lights conditions are weather-dependent. That’s why you’re given time outside and flexible driving routes. If the aurora isn’t visible, you’re not stuck with a single shot and a sad ride back.

The practical takeaway: if you really want aurora photos, schedule enough time in Reykjavík for at least one other night. Even with the retry option, you’ll want a bit of breathing room in your travel plans.

Price and value: what $195.19 covers (and why it can be worth it)

At $195.19 per person for about 5 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing. The value comes from what’s bundled together:

• Guided lava cave caving with safety equipment (helmet and torch)
• A dedicated Northern Lights search with an English-speaking guide
• Hot cocoa/chocolate and blankets to keep you comfortable
• In-vehicle Wi‑Fi and photo support
• A free Northern Lights retry if you don’t see aurora the first night

If you tried to DIY this—transport, a paid cave guide, and repeated aurora chasing—you’d likely end up paying similar money, without the structure and without the guarantee of a second attempt.

Also, the group size cap matters. In low light and cold weather, a smaller group usually means less scrambling and easier coordination. One review noted how reassuring it felt for a solo traveler when the guide made sure they weren’t left behind, which tells you the guide management is taken seriously.

So yes, the price is real. But it covers the moving parts that make a Northern Lights night actually work.

Pickup and timing: how to avoid the most common tour-miss problem

This tour starts at 7:30 pm, and pickup is offered from authorized locations in the Reykjavík area. There’s no pickup from private apartments or Airbnbs, and it also does not include pickup from Keflavík Airport.

You’ll want to study the pickup list and choose the closest point to your accommodation. The tour warns that it can take up to 30 minutes for the guides to reach your pickup spot, so don’t show up right at the last second and expect to be waved over.

One practical strategy: plan to be at the pickup point early, with your coat on and boots ready. In Iceland, getting moving quickly matters. You’ll be in a minibus, but once you’re in it, you’ll still be heading straight toward the night.

Drop-off is back in Reykjavík at your selected location. A review mentioned one case where a guide dropped everyone back at their hotel rather than strictly using pickup points, but I wouldn’t count on that as a guarantee—just treat it as a nice possible extra.

Who this tour fits best (and who should reconsider)

This is a strong option if you want a structured Reykjavik evening: real geology underground and real effort to find aurora outside. It’s also a good match if you don’t want to spend your trip juggling maps, drivers, and separate tickets.

It’s less ideal if you’re not comfortable with uneven terrain. The cave portion includes uneven sections and the tour specifically says it’s not recommended for people who feel uneasy on rough ground. If that’s you, skip it or look for a different cave experience with easier footing.

On the plus side, the tour notes that most people can participate, and the cave walk uses smooth sections and footbridges. The difference is confidence. If you can walk on slightly rough, dark, uneven flooring and keep steady, you’re likely fine.

Should you book this Reykjavik lava tunnel and Northern Lights tour?

Book it if you want a night with two chances of payoff: an unforgettable lava tube and a Northern Lights hunt with a free retry if the aurora doesn’t show. The warmth setup, provided equipment, and guide photo support make it feel built for real people—not just for expert photographers.

Consider skipping it if uneven footing inside a lava tunnel would make you nervous. Also, if your schedule is tight and you can’t spare another night in Reykjavík, the free retry is great, but you still need flexibility to use it.

If your plan includes at least one extra evening (or you’re okay with the possibility of postponing), this tour is one of the more sensible ways to see Iceland’s lava caves and chase the aurora in a single organized evening.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30 pm and runs for about 5 hours total.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is offered from authorized pickup points in the Reykjavík area. The tour does not offer pickup from private apartments or Airbnbs, and it does not include Keflavík Airport pickup.

What’s included in the lava tunnel part?

You’ll have a certified caving guide, safety equipment including a helmet and torch, and a guided descent into the Raufarhólshellir lava tube.

Do I get Northern Lights photos?

Yes. The tour includes Northern Lights photos taken by the guide if the aurora is visible.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?

If you don’t see them during the tour, you get a free retry for the Northern Lights portion.

Is Wi‑Fi available during the tour?

Yes, there is Wi‑Fi on board.

Is dinner or snacks provided?

No. Dinner and snacks are not included, so you should have dinner before joining the tour.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.