Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi with Pickup

If you’re thinking about chasing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, the Aurora Hunting Photo Tour is a popular choice. This experience promises the chance to see the Aurora Borealis while enjoying some photography tips and cozy comfort. It’s a well-reviewed tour with a solid 4.0-star rating, and it’s designed to offer both a scenic adventure and memorable photos.

What really stands out about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who go above and beyond to help you capture the lights—and that’s no small feat when dealing with unpredictable natural phenomena. Plus, the inclusion of hot drinks and winter gear makes the cold nights a little more manageable.

But, as with any Northern Lights tour, there’s the inherent unpredictability of the Aurora itself—sometimes it dances, sometimes it stays hidden. If you’re a traveler who values a good chance of seeing the lights and enjoys professional photography, this tour could be a great pick. Just keep in mind that luck does play a role here.

Key Points

• Expert guidance helps improve your chances of capturing the Aurora and provides valuable photography tips.
• Multiple stops increase the likelihood of seeing the lights in different settings.
• Cozy inclusions like hot drinks and winter clothing make the experience more comfortable.
• Natural unpredictability means there’s no 100% guarantee of seeing the Aurora, but effort is evident.
• Group size is limited to 15 for a more personalized experience.
• Price point offers good value considering the photography assistance and multiple locations visited.

What the Aurora Hunting Photo Tour Offers

This tour is a solid choice if you’re eager to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights without leaving everything to luck. For around $145 per person, you get about four hours of exploration, photography assistance, and the comfort of hotel pickup when staying at certain locations.

The experience is set around Rovaniemi’s scenic surroundings, which are perfect for chasing the Aurora. The bus takes you to several different spots, each offering a new vantage point. Guides will try their best to find the best clear patches of sky, and they’re eager to help you capture those fleeting moments with your camera.

It’s great to see that guides are skilled photographers and are happy to take photos of you, often playing with light to create fun effects. Several reviews praise guides like Valentina, Elise, Antoine, and Martin, calling them friendly, professional, and very helpful with photography tips. One reviewer even mentioned that their guide explained camera settings, which can be a real bonus if you want to get better night shots yourself.

The tour also includes hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, adding some warmth and comfort to the chilly night. Plus, winter clothing and boots are provided, so you don’t need to worry about lugging your own gear.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Safartica

The tour begins at Safartica in Rovaniemi, which is conveniently near public transportation and serves as the main hub for the excursion. Here, you meet your guide, get suited up with winter gear, and hop on the bus.

This initial meeting point is more than just logistical—it’s where your adventure starts. The guide explains what to expect, shares some tips on photography, and sets the tone for the night. Most reviews note that the guides are attentive and try their best to find the Aurora, even if success isn’t guaranteed.

Multiple Spot Visits

Throughout the night, the bus travels up to 200 km around Lapland, stopping at several locations where light pollution is minimized. The aim is to find the clearest, darkest spots where the Aurora might appear. Some reviews highlight how the guides take multiple stops, sometimes going to four different locations, which helps improve chances of sightings.

Traveling by comfortable, large bus allows for a relaxed experience, and the guides’ experience in choosing spots is appreciated. Several reviewers mention that even if the lights are faint, guides take their time to position cameras well and help guests get good photos.

Photography and Tips

A highlight for many participants is the guide’s assistance with camera settings. They help guests set their phones or cameras to capture the Northern Lights, which is a huge benefit. Several reviews mention guides like Suzanne or Tiina, praising their friendliness and patience in explaining techniques.

This focus on photography makes the experience especially appealing for those wanting to create lasting memories. The guides also take professional-looking photos during the tour, which guests can purchase or receive digitally—adding a nice keepsake.

Optional Snowmobiling & Campfire

Some tours, like the one review mentions, include snowmobiling with electric vehicles and a campfire. However, this particular Aurora Hunt from Safartica seems more focused on bus travel and photography, rather than snowmobiling. Still, the experience of stopping at different spots, with the chance of seeing the lights, is quite immersive.

Seeing the Aurora: Hope and Reality

The unpredictable nature of the Aurora Borealis is a common theme in reviews. Several guests highlight that success depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity, which guides cannot control. Some reviews mention that the guides do their best to find lights, sometimes succeeding at multiple locations, and other times not seeing much.

One reviewer notes, “The guides did try to find aurora but didn’t really succeed. However, when they did find a very slight aurora, they picked the best spot for photos.” This honesty is refreshing and reminds travelers to keep expectations realistic.

Conversely, many reviews celebrate successful sightings—some describing the lights dancing vividly across the sky. Guides’ efforts to find the best viewing spots and help guests photograph the display are often praised, making the experience feel well-managed despite the inherent unpredictability.

Value for Money

Considering the price point of around $145, this tour offers a lot of value. The included transportation, professional photography assistance, warm gear, and hot drinks create a package that’s hard to beat for the price. Plus, visiting multiple locations maximizes your chances of seeing the Aurora.

Some reviews mention the guide’s dedication and friendliness as adding extra value, turning what could be a simple bus ride into a memorable night out. For those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own chase, this guided approach offers convenience and professionalism.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour strikes a good balance between being intimate and allowing for enough flexibility. Guests often mention that the guides make an effort to engage everyone, helping with photos and sharing stories, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, weather plays a major role. The tour is contingent on good weather, and if conditions aren’t favorable, the tour could be canceled or rescheduled. Luckily, the policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so you can plan with peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora hunting experience is particularly suited for travelers who want a guided, well-organized night out with professional photography help. It’s ideal if you’re staying near Rovaniemi and prefer to relax on a comfortable bus ride rather than snowmobile or hike in the cold.

If you’re eager to learn how to capture the Aurora on camera and don’t want to leave your night to chance, this tour offers both. Meanwhile, if you’re very particular about seeing the Aurora and are prepared for some luck, it’s still worth trying—especially considering the good reviews about guides’ efforts.

Final Thoughts

The Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi is a thoughtfully designed experience—merging scenic drives, expert guidance, and photography support into one package. Its success largely depends on weather and solar activity, but the effort from guides and the cozy inclusions make it a worthwhile choice for many.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a structured, comfortable outing with a keen eye for photography and a desire to maximize their chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. It’s not a guarantee, but with the right conditions, it can deliver some truly magical moments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s included in this tour?
The tour includes transportation by car or bus, the guide’s expertise, hotel pickup and drop-off (at selected hotels), hot drinks, winter clothing, and photography assistance. You’ll also get to drive or travel up to 200 km around Lapland.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting from the meeting point at Safartica and ending back there. Timing typically covers the evening hours, when Aurora activity is most likely.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Child rates apply only when sharing with two paying adults. The experience involves cold weather and a late-night bus ride, so consider your kids’ comfort and tolerance for the weather.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
While guides do their best to find the Aurora and multiple stops are made to increase chances, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Some guests do not see the lights, but many appreciate the effort and scenery, and the photos taken by guides often turn out well.

Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own camera or smartphone. Guides are happy to help you with camera settings to optimize your night shots.

What should I wear?
Warm winter clothing is provided, but it’s wise to dress in layered clothing suitable for cold outdoor nights. The provided gear also includes boots and other winter essentials.

How can I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable, but this policy offers flexibility if your plans shift.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, friendly guided experience with good chances for photos and Aurora sightings, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to spend an evening in Lapland. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are part of the package!