Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group

Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group Review

If you’re considering a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi, you’ll want to know what to expect before booking. We’ve looked into this particular small-group experience offered by Sunny Safari, and while it has some notable strengths, it also comes with a few caveats. This tour aims to optimize your chances of seeing the Aurora with a flexible, weather-dependent itinerary, and features like thermal clothing and a cozy campfire break.

What we like about this tour is the personalized approach—your group is limited to just 8 travelers, which means you’re not lost in a sea of people. Plus, the professional guide’s expertise in forecasting Aurora activity is a significant plus. On the downside, the unpredictability of the phenomenon means no one can guarantee sightings, which is worth keeping in mind. If you’re someone who’s eager to chase the lights with a knowledgeable guide, this might be a good fit—just stay realistic about the chances.

Key Points

• Small group of up to 8 people ensures a more intimate experience.
• Expert aurora forecasting increases the odds of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Weather conditions heavily influence the locations visited, making flexibility essential.
• Thermal clothing and gear are provided, so packing light is more feasible.
• The tour includes warm snacks and a campfire, adding a cozy element to cold nights.
• No guarantee of seeing the Aurora, as it depends on natural factors.

What’s Included and How It Works

This 4.5-hour tour is designed primarily for aurora hunting, starting in Rovaniemi around 8 pm, with pickup offered if you’re within 8 km of the Sunny Safari office. The experience kicks off with an active search guided by a professional aurora hunter who reads the weather and aurora forecasts to select the best spots for viewing.

The key here is location flexibility. Based on real-time conditions, the guide may take you to 2 or 3 different locations—spread out to maximize your chances of witnessing the lights. You could be in a forest, near a lake, or away from city lights, depending on what the conditions dictate that night.

The group size is small, capped at 8, which adds a more personal touch to the experience. Plus, thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks are provided at no extra cost, so you’re kept warm without having to carry a lot of gear yourself.

The trip also features a warm break around a campfire, where hot drinks and sausages are on the menu, offering a welcome respite from the cold. It’s these little touches that elevate the experience beyond just staring at the sky.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Start in Rovaniemi: The tour begins with a pickup or meet at Sunny Safari’s headquarters. From there, the guide will start actively searching for the best spots, tuning into weather updates and aurora activity. The timing is flexible, starting between 19:00 and 21:00, depending on daylight conditions.

Multiple stops depending on conditions: The guide may visit 2 or 3 different locations, each selected for the potential visibility of the Aurora. These spots are usually chosen based on weather and cloud cover, so the experience can vary a lot from night to night.

Viewing the Northern Lights: Because Aurora activity is unpredictable, the best chances come when the skies are clear and the forecast indicates higher activity. Even with professional forecasting, there’s no 100% guarantee—you might find yourself patiently waiting under a starry sky, hoping for a glimpse.

Campfire and snacks: After some time outdoors, you’ll take a break around a campfire. Expect hot drinks and sausages, which are simple but effective in keeping warmth levels high and spirits lively.

Return to Rovaniemi: The experience concludes with a drop-off back at your starting point, usually about 4 hours after departure.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What We Loved

Knowledgeable guides: The real strength of this tour is the expertise of the guides. They’re adept at reading weather patterns and aurora forecasts, giving you a much better shot at spotting the lights than wandering on your own. One reviewer called the guide a “professional,” which bodes well for those counting on good advice.

Flexibility and location changes: The ability to move between different spots based on weather is a real advantage. It means your experience isn’t locked into one fixed location, which can be frustrating if clouds roll in unexpectedly.

Warm clothing included: Thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, and wool socks are provided, so you won’t need to worry about packing heavy winter gear. This can save both space and stress when preparing for the trip.

Cozy campfire break: The inclusion of hot drinks and sausages adds a warm, friendly touch to an otherwise chilly outdoor activity. It’s a genuine plus for making the experience memorable and comfortable.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Weather dependency: As with all Aurora tours, the natural phenomenon is unpredictable. Even with forecasting, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights. Several reviewers have noted disappointment when no Aurora appeared despite paying for the experience, especially when the forecast was promising.

Cost vs. value: At $157 per person, some may feel the price is steep given the lack of guarantees. When you consider that the tour includes transportation, gear, and snacks, it’s pretty typical for aurora hunting experiences, but for those on a tight budget, it’s worth weighing whether the chance of a sighting justifies the expense.

Limited review data: The overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 from four reviews, with some negative feedback mainly about missed sightings. One traveler shared frustration over missed chances and booking issues, which highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who values expert guidance, small group intimacy, and the chance to chase the Aurora in a flexible way, this experience could be a good choice. It works well if you’re prepared for the natural gamble involved and want to maximize your chances with a knowledgeable guide. It’s especially suitable if you prefer comfort with thermal clothing provided and enjoy a cozy campfire atmosphere.

However, if you’re very sensitive to the disappointment of not seeing the Northern Lights or on a strict budget, you might want to consider whether this tour offers enough value for your money. Remember, the key factor here remains the unpredictable natural spectacle, which no tour can guarantee.

Final Thoughts

The Chasing Aurora on Different Spots small-group tour offers a solid, well-organized approach to aurora hunting in Rovaniemi. Its main strengths are guided expertise, flexibility, and comfort features like thermal gear and warm snacks. The intimate group size makes it more personal, and the chance to visit multiple locations based on weather conditions is a smart way to enhance your odds.

That said, it’s essential to keep expectations realistic: seeing the Northern Lights depends on weather, solar activity, and luck. If you’re okay with that uncertainty and want a professional-led experience, this tour might suit you well. For those with more specific or guaranteed expectations, it’s worth exploring other options or preparing for potential disappointment.

In the end, this experience is about embracing the magic of northern skies with guidance you can trust. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize expert advice and comfort, and who are prepared to weather the elements in pursuit of one of nature’s most elusive phenomena.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered if your location is within 8 km of the Sunny Safari office. The tour uses a minibus to visit multiple spots.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, starting around 8 pm, depending on the weather and sunset times.

What should I wear?
Thermal clothing is provided, including overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks. Still, it’s wise to dress warmly in layers for outdoor comfort.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. The tour operates only if weather conditions permit.

Is there a guarantee I will see the Northern Lights?
No, because Aurora sightings depend on natural factors like weather and solar activity. The guide uses forecasts to increase chances but cannot guarantee sightings.

What happens if I don’t see the Aurora?
You might find the experience still enjoyable due to the guides’ expertise, the cozy campfire, and the warm snacks. However, disappointment is possible.

Is this suitable for families with children?
The tour is outdoor and involves patience and cold weather, so families should consider children’s comfort and tolerance for outdoor winter conditions.

What’s the main value of this tour?
It’s the guided expertise, flexibility in location, and the experience of chasing the Northern Lights in a small, intimate group—making it a memorable adventure for those willing to take a chance.