Santa’s Reindeer & Husky Safari + Santa’s Pets + Aurora Hunt!

Traveling to Rovaniemi and craving a taste of Arctic charm? This tour offers a full day of festive animals, winter adventures, and the chance to see the elusive northern lights. It’s a package that’s been popular with travelers, boasting a 4.5/5 rating from over a hundred reviews, and for good reason.

What makes this experience stand out? For us, it’s the seamless logistics — hotel pickup and drop-off included, making the day stress-free. Plus, the mix of engaging activities like reindeer feeding, husky rides, and aurora hunting, all wrapped into one 7-hour journey, really packs a punch. The only thing to keep in mind? The cost is on the higher side, but considering what’s included, many find it a worthwhile splurge.

If you’re after a balanced, authentic Arctic adventure that combines nature, animals, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a packed schedule in exchange for variety and convenience.

Key Points

• All-in-one Arctic experience: Reindeer rides, husky safaris, pet visits, and Aurora hunting.
• Hassle-free logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to enjoy without worrying about transfers.
• Guided expertise: Tours led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring the experience to life.
• Multiple Aurora spots: Visiting two dark sky locations increases your chances of witnessing the northern lights.
• Value for money: For around $277, you get a full day packed with diverse activities and expert guidance.
• Limited group size: Max 8 participants per vehicle, ensuring a more personal experience.

Breaking Down the Day

This tour kicks off with a morning visit to Santa’s Village — a highlight for many. Here, you get a short reindeer ride (400m), which offers a genuine chance to interact with these gentle animals. You’ll also have the freedom to explore Santa’s Pets, feeding reindeer and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The guide’s insights mean you’ll learn more than just the basics, adding depth to this family-friendly activity.

Next, you’ll hop onto a husky safari (500m). This short ride is exhilarating and offers a wonderful taste of Arctic winter travel. As one reviewer noted, “The huskies were beautiful, well cared for, and their guide was lovely and informative.” However, some visitors, like one reviewer, have expressed disappointment about the husky experience, citing concerns about the dogs’ health and treatment. It’s worth noting that, according to others, the staff do prioritize the dogs’ well-being, switching them out if they seem tired or unwell.

After a leisurely lunch break or some free time at Santa’s Village, the tour transitions into its evening phase — a true highlight. Starting around 8 PM, the group is driven to two carefully chosen dark sky locations. These spots are near Arctic lakes and forests, away from light pollution, maximizing your chances of spotting the northern lights. Guides will share insights about the aurora, making the experience both magical and educational.

Many reviewers, like Miranda and Lesley, have described the evening aurora hunt as “magical” and “incredible,” often citing the guide’s expertise and patience. While weather conditions can impact the northern lights’ visibility — a common challenge — the overall setup offers a much better opportunity than wandering blindly. Keep in mind, no guarantee exists for clear skies, but the effort of visiting two locations definitely improves odds.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a warm cup of berry or fruit tea, which is a lovely touch after a long night outdoors. This simple gesture underscores how the tour balances adventure with comfort.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of $277.50 per person, you get a lot: hotel transfers in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, a knowledgeable guide, and all the activities mentioned — reindeer ride, husky safari, pet visits, and aurora spots. Plus, you’re welcomed with Fazer chocolates, a thoughtful gesture.

What isn’t included? Mainly lunch and any additional snacks or drinks beyond the provided hot berry or fruit tea. The evening aurora hunt doesn’t include a meal, so you might want to bring a snack along if you get hungry.

A key point for travelers is that the group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 8 participants per vehicle, which allows for a more personalized experience. The entire day is roughly 7 hours, making it manageable even for those with limited time in Rovaniemi.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

The majority of reviews are glowing, praising guides like Alexander, Rafi, William, and Paul for their friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility. One reviewer noted, “Our guide Rafi took us to all activities on time and answered all questions,” which highlights the professionalism of the guides.

Of course, there are some downsides. One guest gave a low rating, citing poor behavior from a guide and feeling that the experience was not worth the cost. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the aurora hunt, which was hindered by weather and scheduling. It’s a reminder that, in Arctic conditions, weather can be unpredictable and may impact certain activities.

Another reviewer mentioned that they felt the husky experience was disappointing due to concerns about the dogs’ health, but other reviews pointed out that staff generally prioritize animal welfare and switch dogs if needed. This discrepancy underscores the importance of managing expectations and understanding the nature of outdoor animal experiences.

The Value Proposition

While $277.50 might seem steep, it’s important to think about what’s packed into this tour. You’re covering a variety of activities in one day, with the convenience of door-to-door transfers, guided insights, and multiple locations to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights. The experience is designed to be comprehensive, especially for travelers who want to make the most of their short time in Rovaniemi without the hassle of organizing each activity separately.

The reviews suggest that for many, this is a good value — especially when you consider the inclusions and the quality of guiding. If you’re someone who loves diverse experiences and appreciates the comfort of a guided tour, this trip will likely serve you well.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one Arctic adventure without the hassle of piecing together activities. It’s great for those interested in Santa’s village, reindeer, huskies, and searching for the northern lights in one convenient package.

While the activities are family-friendly, keep in mind that the tour involves outdoor components in cold weather, so suitable clothing and some comfort with winter conditions are necessary. It’s also perfect for those who value guided expertise — the guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer husky rides, or have high expectations for guaranteed aurora sightings, you might find this tour somewhat brief or uncertain. Still, most reviews reflect a positive experience overall, especially when the weather cooperates.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hassle-free hotel transfers in a comfortable vehicle, making it easy to start and end the day without logistical worries.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour is approximately 7 hours, combining morning activities at Santa’s Village with an evening aurora hunt.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy a short reindeer ride, husky safari, visit Santa’s pets and feed reindeer, and go to two dark sky locations for aurora hunting.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, and the evening doesn’t feature a meal either. You might want to bring snacks or plan for options during the day.

What’s the group size?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 participants per vehicle to ensure a more personal experience.

Can I expect to see the northern lights?
While the tour visits two prime locations to increase your chances, aurora sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity, so it’s not guaranteed.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the activities are generally suitable for those comfortable with winter outdoor experiences, including kids.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded, guided Arctic adventure that balances animals, scenic beauty, and the chance to see the northern lights, this tour offers a lot for its price. The combination of Santa’s village, reindeer and husky encounters, and Aurora hunting makes it a compelling option, especially if convenience and variety are priorities.

The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which adds value to the experience. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the hotel pickup makes it straightforward to enjoy your day without logistical stress.

On the flip side, remember that the weather can impact the aurora — patience and flexibility are key. Also, if you’re a husky enthusiast or concerned about animal welfare, it might be worth researching the provider’s practices or reading further reviews.

This tour is best suited for those who want a full Arctic day wrapped in comfort, guided by friendly experts, and with a real shot at witnessing the Northern Lights. It’s a memorable way to tick off many Arctic bucket-list experiences in one go.

Ready to embrace the Arctic wonder? This tour offers a practical, engaging, and scenic way to experience Rovaniemi’s winter magic — just pack warm!