Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography

Fairbanks’s Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography offers an accessible and engaging way to witness the Northern Lights. Priced at $179 per person and lasting approximately 5 hours, this tour departs from your hotel in Fairbanks, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area. Guides help locate the best viewing spots depending on weather conditions, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora borealis.

A standout feature is the guided photography assistance, ensuring guests can capture stunning images of this natural phenomenon. Hot drinks and snacks are provided, adding comfort during potentially chilly waits. While sightings depend on weather and aurora activity, the tour’s flexible approach and knowledgeable guides make for a reliable and enjoyable experience, especially if you appreciate expert help and practical logistics.

Key Points

• Price of $179 per person for a 5-hour northern lights chasing experience in Fairbanks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics
• Guided photography assistance helps you capture the aurora with confidence
• Weather-dependent: sightings are not guaranteed, but guides work hard to find clear skies
• Snacks and hot drinks are provided to keep you comfortable during the wait
• Maximum group size is 18, ensuring personalized attention

Starting in Fairbanks with Convenient Pickup

This tour begins with a hotel pickup in Fairbanks, saving guests the hassle of arranging transportation. After collection, the vehicle heads into the surrounding areas to chase the aurora, with locations varying based on weather conditions. The guides monitor the sky closely, adjusting the route to maximize the chance of seeing the lights.

This flexible approach means you could visit different spots around Fairbanks, depending on cloud cover and aurora activity. The tour duration of around 5 hours allows plenty of time to find a suitable viewing location, even if the lights are slow to appear. The group size is capped at 18 travelers, supporting a more personalized experience.

Locations and Stops in Fairbanks’ Surroundings

The tour primarily takes place in areas north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, to improve visibility of the aurora. The guides choose the best spots each night, sometimes stopping at multiple locations. These stops are designed to give a good chance of witnessing the lights while providing scenic views and photo opportunities.

Travelers can expect to be taken to quiet, dark spots with minimal light pollution, ideal for viewing the aurora. The flexibility of location choices helps accommodate changing weather, though it’s important to understand that sightings are weather-dependent and not guaranteed.

Professional Guides and Personalized Photography Help

One of the tour’s most praised features is the guides’ expertise and their help with taking photos. Guides like Michael and Daniel are noted for their dedication, often relocating multiple times to find clearer skies. They assist guests in setting up cameras or smartphones, helping to ensure that the stunning lights are well captured.

Guests receive all photos taken during the tour afterward, allowing them to relive the experience without the need to worry about camera settings. This photo assistance is especially valuable for those hoping to get high-quality images of the aurora.

The Experience of Aurora Conditions and Weather Factors

The nature of aurora viewing means sightings are not guaranteed. The reviews reflect this, with some guests seeing vibrant displays, while others experience only faint glows or clouds blocking the view. Factors like cloud coverage and aurora intensity significantly influence the experience.

Guides do their best to adapt, relocating multiple times and monitoring weather updates. On cloudy nights, the experience can be limited, but guides still work hard to find the clearest skies possible. Guests should dress warmly and be prepared for a late-night adventure, often into the early hours of the morning.

What’s Included in the Tour Experience

Besides the scenic locations and expert guidance, the tour provides hot drinks and snacks to keep guests comfortable. These small comforts are especially appreciated during cold, dark evenings waiting for the lights to appear.

The tour also includes free photography services, with all photos sent afterward. The pickup and drop-off service from hotels in Fairbanks simplifies logistics and makes the experience accessible even for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Customer Feedback and Guide Performance

Review summaries highlight the dedication and expertise of guides like Michael and Daniel, who are praised for their efforts to find the lights and assist with photos. Many reviews mention that guides stop at multiple locations, sometimes even when aurora activity is low, demonstrating their commitment.

Guests appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the guides, as well as their patience during long waits. A few reviews note that cloudy weather can limit the experience, but the guides’ persistence remains a positive aspect.

Comparing with Similar Aurora Tours

This tour is comparable to others in Fairbanks offering aurora chasing with photography help, such as the 4-hour Aurora viewing with free photography at Aurora Camp or the Pickup service Aurora Viewing. What sets this tour apart is the longer duration and the flexible locations, giving a better chance of catching the lights even in less-than-ideal weather.

Many similar options offer private or group experiences, but the max group size of 18 helps maintain a personal atmosphere. The inclusion of free photos and snacks makes this a well-rounded option for most travelers seeking a reliable aurora experience.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those wanting guided assistance with photography, especially if they are not confident with camera settings. It suits travelers who are willing to wait late into the night and understand that aurora sightings depend on weather.

Guests valuing convenience will appreciate the hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the opportunity to relax in the vehicle while guides monitor sky conditions. It’s well-suited for small groups seeking a balance of adventure, comfort, and expert help.

Final Words on the Aurora Chasing Tour in Fairbanks

The Aurora Chasing tour with Free Photography provides a practical, well-supported way to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Its dedicated guides and photography assistance stand out, especially for those new to aurora viewing or wanting beautiful photos. The hotel pickup makes the experience accessible, and the snacks and drinks add comfort during late-night waits.

While the natural unpredictability of the aurora means sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour’s flexibility and guided approach improve the odds significantly. Most reviews rate it highly, praising guide professionalism and the chance to capture memorable images.

This tour is best for adventurous travelers who value expert guidance and are prepared for the possibility of faint or no aurora displays, depending on weather. Overall, it offers good value for money with a focus on personalized service and photo opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Aurora Chasing tour?
The tour costs $179 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 10:00 pm with hotel pickup included.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Fairbanks for convenience.

What is included in the tour?
Guests receive guided aurora chasing, free photography, hot drinks and snacks, and hotel transportation.

Can I guarantee to see the Northern Lights?
No, sightings depend on weather conditions and aurora activity, which cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as it is a late-night outdoor activity in cold weather.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Guides will try to relocate to improve visibility, but cloud cover can limit sightings.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 18 travelers.

Is there a refund if I cancel?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What should I expect in terms of viewing spots?
Stops are made at dark, quiet locations north of Fairbanks, away from city lights, based on weather conditions.

Are there any additional costs?
No, everything included in the $179 price covers transportation, guiding, photography, and snacks.