Aurora Chase with professional photographers (Northern Lights)

If you’re considering booking a Northern Lights tour in Tromsø, you’re probably dreaming of that perfect, glowing sky. This Aurora Chase with professional photographers promises to boost your chances of seeing the elusive lights while helping you capture stunning photos. It’s a popular choice, with many travelers booking about six weeks in advance, and it’s easy to see why.

Two things we genuinely appreciate about this tour are the expertise of the guides—who are professional photographers—and the effort to head into the Arctic countryside for better viewing spots. But, it’s worth mentioning that chasing the Aurora is never an exact science. Weather conditions, natural phenomena, and even crowds can turn a once-in-a-lifetime experience into a bit of a gamble.

This tour sounds perfect for those who want a guided, well-organized experience with the added bonus of professional photography help. If you’re prepared for the cold and flexible about the possibility of long hours, this trip could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

Expert guiding: Guides are professional photographers who help optimize your chances of capturing the Aurora, making this a valuable experience for photography enthusiasts.
Location matters: The tour ventures into the Arctic countryside, away from city lights, for the best viewing conditions—though natural weather factors can still influence the outcome.
Weather considerations: While tours run regardless of the weather, poor conditions like heavy clouds or snowstorms could mean longer hours or different spots.
Cost versus value: At about $161, this tour offers good value, especially considering the expertise involved and the chance for professional photos.
Duration flexibility: The trip can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on conditions, which means you should be prepared for a potentially late night.
Crowd size: Sometimes large groups are involved, which can diminish the intimacy of the experience, but guides work to find the best spots despite crowds.
Weather readiness: Temperatures can plummet to -30°C, so dressing warmly and in layers is essential.
Repeat offer: If you don’t see the lights, you get 50% off a second tour—making the adventure less risky for your wallet.
Potential downsides: Reviews point out issues like crowded spots, lengthy waits, and occasional communication hiccups, so manage your expectations accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at the central meeting point in Tromsø—Roald Amundsens plass—the tour kicks off with check-in about 30 minutes before departure. Expect a straightforward process, but be sure to arrive on time, or you risk missing out, as late arrivals don’t get a second chance without rescheduling. The group size can vary, sometimes reaching up to around 50 travelers, which influences the overall vibe and the chances of an intimate experience.

Once on board, guides provide some basic amenities like coffee or tea, available during stops—an appreciated touch during the long, cold night. The tour’s main goal is to find the best possible spots for viewing and photographing the Aurora. To do this, they often head into the Arctic wilderness, sometimes crossing into Finland, depending on conditions. This means bringing your passport or ID, especially if you venture across borders.

The guides’ knowledge is often praised—many reviews mention how persistent and patient guides like Gerard, Merco, and Tom are in waiting for the lights. This is important because Aurora sightings are unpredictable. We loved the way guides anticipate the Aurora’s appearance, sometimes even teaching you how to improve your phone photos, which can make a huge difference in capturing the moment.

Traveling into the countryside away from city lights really helps, and on clear nights, the views can be breathtaking. A few travelers mention that the guides often stay in one spot all night if the Aurora appears there—so if you’re lucky, you get a prolonged show. But be warned: weather plays a huge role. Cloudy, snowy, or stormy nights can mean the tour lasts longer or requires multiple attempts on other nights.

What to Expect During the Tour

The itinerary is flexible by design, with the main aim of maximizing your chances of seeing and photographing the Northern Lights. The first stop at the booking point is simple—just some quick check-in and a chance to grab hot beverages. From there, the guides drive you out into the Arctic expanse, sometimes crossing borders into Finland, in search of clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Tour duration is variable—some nights, you might be back after just four hours if the Lights put on a show early, while others stretch into eight hours if conditions are tricky. You’ll be sitting in a bus or outside in the cold, so dressing warmly is non-negotiable. Many reviews emphasize layering in thermal clothes, warm boots, and hats, especially since temperatures can dip to as low as -30°C.

Once at the viewing spots, guides may spend hours waiting for the Aurora to appear. Several travelers appreciated guides like Gerard who patiently waited for the green sky to emerge, often under tough weather conditions. As some reviews highlight, if the sky clears, the lights can be spectacular—green ribbons, sometimes with hints of red or purple. However, others caution that even with the best guides, Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed.

An attractive feature is the professional photographer guides. They often assist with camera settings or even take high-quality photos of you under the Northern Lights. Many reviews mention that guides teach you how to take better night sky photos, which adds value, especially if you’re keen on capturing memories.

After hours of waiting, if luck is on your side, you’ll get to see the Aurora dancing across the sky. On less fortunate nights, you might only catch a faint glow or none at all, but the tour’s flexibility and the guides’ persistence are meant to improve your chances. If you don’t see the lights, you’ll get a 50% discount on your next trip, which is a nice way to reduce the sting of a miss.

The Realities of the Experience

Many reviews reflect a mix of excitement and frustration, which is typical of Aurora tours. For some, the experience is unforgettable—a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the sky’s magic, especially with guides who seem to know exactly where to go. For example, “The knowledge and expertise of the guide and photographer was amazing to witness,” one traveler shared.

However, some reviews remind us that weather conditions can spoil plans. A few travelers described nights when heavy clouds or blizzards kept the Lights out, or when the tour was a crowded affair, reducing the feeling of exclusivity and making it harder to photograph the show. One reviewer mentioned that they waited for hours on the roadside, with hundreds of others, amid noisy cars and limited privacy, which made the experience less special.

Transportation quality varies too. The vehicles are usually heated, but on the coldest nights, they might cool down. Long drives are common, sometimes lasting hours, which can be tiring. Some travelers noted that the bus or vehicle may not have a toilet onboard, and bathroom stops can be infrequent. In snowy conditions, vehicles can get stuck or face delays, and in rare cases, you might be stranded for hours, as one reviewer vividly described.

The group sizes are another factor—large numbers mean more chaos but also more chances to be in the right spot. Guides are often praised for their friendliness and professionalism, but during peak times, the crowd can be overwhelming, and some individuals felt that the experience lost some intimacy.

Cost-wise, at just over $160 per person, this tour offers decent value, especially considering the guided photography help and the potential for unforgettable sights. But remember, Aurora is a natural phenomenon—regardless of how well-organized the tour is, there’s always a chance you might not see the Lights. The tour’s flexibility and the possibility for a second attempt help mitigate this risk.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This Aurora Chase is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates guided experiences and has a keen interest in photography. The guides’ knowledge and professional photos are big selling points. It’s also suitable if you’re comfortable with long nights outdoors or in a vehicle and can dress warmly without fuss.

If you’re traveling with friends or on a group adventure where flexibility and knowledge are priorities, this tour could serve you well. Keep in mind that large groups are common, and spots can fill quickly during peak season. If you’re looking for a private, intimate experience, this might not be the best fit.

Lastly, if your main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora, then this tour’s strategic heading into the Arctic wilderness is a smart move. Guides tend to know the best spots to catch the show, and their persistence is often noted positively in reviews. Just remember, Mother Nature has the final say. If the sky is covered with clouds or snowstorms roll through, even the best guides can’t guarantee a sighting.

Final Thoughts

The Aurora Chase with professional photographers in Tromsø offers a practical, well-organized way to pursue the Northern Lights. The guides’ expertise, along with the scenic Arctic locations, make it a compelling choice for travelers eager to see and photograph the Lights. The tour’s flexibility and the offer of a discount on a second attempt add some peace of mind.

While the experience isn’t without its hiccups—crowds, unpredictable weather, and lengthy waits—the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides and take home quality photos makes it worthwhile for many. It’s especially suitable if you’re prepared for a late night, dress accordingly, and understand that Aurora sightings are never a guarantee.

If you’re seeking a guided, informative, and scenic chase after the Lights, this tour might just be worth the investment. Just go into it with realistic expectations, and be ready to embrace the magic of the Arctic night.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies between 4 to 8 hours, depending on weather conditions and when the Aurora appears. Be prepared for a late night out.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Roald Amundsens plass 1B in Tromsø, with check-in about 30 minutes before departure.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is generally available for most travelers. Keep in mind the outdoor cold and long hours, so use your best judgment for young children.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, layered clothing, including thermal wear and good boots, as temperatures can dip to -30°C. The tour operator recommends dressing appropriately for Arctic weather.

What happens if I don’t see the Aurora?
You’ll receive a 50% discount on a future tour, provided you book at the desk, depending on availability. No refunds are offered, so it’s a bit of a gamble.

Are meals or drinks included?
Hot beverages like coffee or tea are available along the way, but there are no included meals. No eating inside the vehicle is allowed.

Can I cross into Finland?
Yes, depending on conditions, the tour may cross the border into Finland to reach better viewing spots. Bring your passport or ID card.

What is the group size?
The vehicle can carry approximately 50 travelers, but this can vary. Larger groups are common, especially during peak season.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides’ expertise and persistence in chasing the Lights, often helping with photography and location choice.

If you’re excited about the idea of a guided Aurora hunt with a chance to take stunning photos, this tour offers a solid option. Just remember, patience and warm clothing are your best friends in the Arctic.