Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the dazzling dance of the northern lights in Alaska, the Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography in Fairbanks might just be on your list. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews and details give us a pretty good sense of what to expect. It promises a combination of expert guidance, flexible locations, and the chance to capture those fleeting moments with professional help.

What we love about this experience is its convenient pickup from your hotel, saving you the hassle of transportation, and the guides’ dedication to finding the best viewing spots—even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Plus, having photography assistance included means you’ll come away with quality shots, something many travelers cherish.

A possible consideration is that aurora sightings depend heavily on weather conditions—cloud cover or poor activity nights can limit what you see. Still, the tour seems designed to maximize your chances, which is worth noting. This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, guided experience that takes care of the logistics and gives you a good shot at viewing the lights, especially if photography is a priority.

If you’re okay with the unpredictability of the Northern Lights and want a tour that offers local expertise, warmth, and a chance to document your trip beautifully, this could be a great choice. Now, let’s get into the details.

Key Points

• Flexible locations: The guide varies spots based on weather, increasing your odds of seeing the aurora.
• All-in-one comfort: Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus hot drinks and snacks, keep you cozy during long waits.
• Photography support: Guides help you capture the lights with tips and high-quality photos, making memories last.
• Natural phenomenon: Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed—clouds, low activity, or weather can affect visibility.
• Group size: The tour keeps it intimate, with a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Duration: About 5 hours, giving ample time to chase the lights and soak in the experience without feeling rushed.

What to Expect from the Aurora Chasing Tour

The real charm of this tour lies in its simplicity and focus on maximizing your chances of a sighting. You’ll start by being picked up from your hotel around 10 pm, which is perfect for catching the Northern Lights at their prime. From there, the guide — experienced and dedicated — takes you to various lookout points depending on the weather and aurora forecast.

The itinerary isn’t rigid but fluid, which is a good thing. The guide will keep an eye on sky conditions and relocate if necessary. As one review pointed out, the guide will stop at nearly three different spots on a low-activity night, trying to find the best view possible. This flexibility is a major plus because it shows they’re committed to giving you the best shot at seeing the lights.

The stops are typically outside of Fairbanks proper, with the first stop being in town for initial pickup. Once on the road, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive through northern landscapes, away from city lights, which improves your chances of seeing the aurora. When the lights appear—or even faintly glow—the guide steps in to help you take photos, often with professional tips and assistance.

What really resonates from reviews is the guides’ dedication. Multiple guests praised guides like Michael and Daniel for their persistence, local knowledge, and friendly attitude. They often drove for an hour or more, searching for clear skies and the perfect viewing spot. This ongoing effort to chase the aurora, despite cloudy weather or low activity, makes a big difference.

The experience isn’t just about standing outside looking up. It’s about feeling comfortable while waiting, which is why hot drinks, snacks, and even hot chocolate are provided. Some reviews mentioned how these little touches elevated the experience, especially during long waits in the cold.

The Photography Experience

One of the standout features here is the included free photography service. Guides will help you set up your camera or phone to capture the lights. Several reviews highlight how guides like Daniel and Michael take time to share photography tips, ensuring you leave with quality images.

Guests appreciated the effort to not only photograph the aurora but also to send the pictures afterward, sometimes at no extra charge. This added value means you can focus on enjoying the moment while the guide handles the technical part.

However, as some reviews note, seeing vibrant, colorful auroras isn’t guaranteed every night. Cloud cover or low solar activity can limit what you see. Still, the photography support ensures that when the lights do flicker, you’re ready to snap some beautiful memories.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 18 travelers, this tour maintains an intimate, friendly vibe. It’s perfect if you prefer a small group and personal attention from your guide. Several reviewers mentioned how guides like Michael and Daniel created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, which helps even nervous first-timers feel comfortable.

This cozy group size also means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and everyone gets a chance for photos and questions. It’s a good balance for those who want guidance without feeling like just another number.

Pricing and Value

At $179 per person for about 5 hours, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and the professional photography assistance. When you factor in the snacks, hot drinks, and the personalized attention, it’s a more comprehensive experience than just a straightforward chase.

While the chance of seeing the aurora isn’t guaranteed—something inherent to aurora tours—the tour’s flexibility and experienced guides greatly improve your odds. Multiple guests mentioned how the guides’ dedication and effort paid off, with some lucky enough to witness stunning displays.

Of course, the experience is weather-dependent, so it’s wise to go in with flexible expectations. Still, many reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction, even when the lights are faint or elusive, thanks to the guide’s efforts and the overall atmosphere.

The Itinerary & Locations

The tour starts with hotel pickup at 10 pm, after which you’ll head out of town, often to a spot like Cleary Summit or other remote locations chosen on the night. These locations are selected specifically because they tend to have less light pollution and better sky visibility.

The stops are not fixed, which is a double-edged sword: it means the guide is actively seeking the best conditions, but it also means you may be moving around during the night. As a reviewer noted, you might spend some time sitting in silence, waiting for the aurora to appear—think of it like waiting for a rainbow; patience is key.

Some guests appreciated the effort guides make by stopping at multiple locations, even on nights with low activity, to give everyone the best shot. This adaptability shows strong commitment, especially when weather or aurora activity is unpredictable.

The Real-World Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, often going the extra mile to find the best viewing spots.
– The included photography support is a huge plus—many guests left with professional-quality photos.
– Hotel pickup and cozy amenities make the long night comfortable.
– Small group sizes add a personal touch and allow for more individual attention.

Cons:
– Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, which can be disappointing if conditions aren’t ideal.
– The tour may involve some waiting in cold conditions, sometimes sitting in silence, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
– Some reviews mention the experience being cut short or limited due to cloud cover—weather is beyond the tour’s control.
– A few guests felt it was more of a scenic drive with limited interaction or explanations about the Aurora itself.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a guided, worry-free experience with a good chance of seeing the lights. If photography is important, the included support ensures you’ll come away with nice images. It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy small groups and appreciate guides’ local knowledge and dedication.

However, it’s worth keeping in mind that aurora viewing is inherently unpredictable, so patience and flexibility are necessary. If you’re looking for a tour with a guaranteed show, no experience can promise that, but this one does its best to improve your odds.

The Sum Up

The Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography in Fairbanks offers a well-rounded experience that balances convenience, expert guidance, and the chance to capture unforgettable moments. The small group size and dedicated guides make it a warm, personal adventure, especially if you’re eager to photograph the lights and don’t want to worry about logistics.

While weather conditions can always interfere with your chances, the tour’s flexibility and the guides’ persistence often pay off. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed but attentive tour that maximizes their chances of witnessing this natural wonder. If you’re prepared for some waiting and occasional uncertainty, you’ll find this tour to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Overall, it’s a solid choice that provides good value, friendly guidance, and the comfort of hotel pickup—making your northern lights experience in Fairbanks something to remember.

FAQ

How long is the Aurora Chasing tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting around 10 pm and returning to your hotel later in the night.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it easier to relax and focus on the experience.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly for the cold night, as you’ll likely be outside for extended periods. Layers, hats, gloves, and warm boots are recommended.

Can I get my photos taken during the tour?
Absolutely. Guides offer photography assistance, helping you set up your camera and capturing quality images. Photos are often sent afterward.

What if we don’t see the lights?
Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. While guides do their best to find clear skies and maximize viewing, sightings aren’t guaranteed.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour can have up to 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience with personalized attention.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on outdoor viewing in cold weather suggests it’s suitable for adults. Always check with the provider if you’re traveling with children.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?
You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions.

If you’re after a friendly, guided adventure that prioritizes photography and comfort, this Aurora Chasing tour could be just what you need to see the northern lights in Fairbanks—and create some memorable photos along the way.