Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group

Experience the Magic of Aurora Hunting in Rovaniemi

The Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group tour offers an intimate and flexible way to try spotting the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland. Priced at $157 per person and lasting about 4 hours 30 minutes, this tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized aurora adventure. The tour departs between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, depending on sunset times, and includes pickup service and thermal clothing to keep you warm during the outdoor vigil.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on visiting up to 23 different locations, which increases the chances of catching the elusive aurora, weather permitting. The trip also features a cozy campfire break with hot drinks and sausages, making the experience both exciting and comfortable. However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon—no tour can guarantee sightings, but the professional guidance aims to maximize your odds.

Key Points

• Small-group size with a maximum of 8 travelers enhances personalization
• Up to 23 different locations are visited based on weather conditions
• Thermal clothing and winter boots are supplied, ensuring warmth outdoors
• The tour includes a campfire break with hot drinks and sausages
• Tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours, starting 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Pickup service is offered if within 8 km of the Sunny Safari meeting point

The Small-Group Advantage in Aurora Hunting

This tour limits participation to 8 guests, allowing for a more intimate experience with less crowding. The small-group setting makes it easier for the professional guide to tailor the location choices based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts. This personalized approach aims to increase the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, even though the tour cannot promise sightings due to the natural unpredictability of the phenomenon.

The guide actively monitors weather conditions and aurora activity, moving between locations to find the best spots for viewing. This flexibility is beneficial, especially in a region like Rovaniemi, where aurora visibility varies nightly. The thermal clothing, including overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks, helps travelers stay warm during outdoor waits.

Visiting Up to 23 Locations for Aurora Chances

The itinerary involves starting in Rovaniemi, with stops at 2 to 3 different locations during the night. Each site is selected based on current weather and aurora activity, aiming to maximize your chances of sightings. The locations are not fixed, but rather adapted dynamically by the guide, making the experience different each night.

The stops are spaced out just enough to avoid light pollution and find clear views of the sky. While the exact sites are not disclosed beforehand, the focus remains on finding the best possible vantage points for aurora viewing and capturing memorable photos.

Warmth and Comfort with Thermal Gear and Campfire Snacks

A major highlight of this tour is the provision of thermal clothing which includes overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks. This gear is designed to keep you comfortable during outdoor waits in freezing temperatures.

Once at a suitable location, the group enjoys a break around a campfire, where hot drinks and sausages are served. This rustic snack break offers a chance to relax, chat, and warm up while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. The combination of warmth, good company, and traditional snacks creates a cozy atmosphere amid the outdoor adventure.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Timing, and Group Size

The tour begins at Sunny Safari, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi. The meeting time is usually set before 8:00 pm, with pickup available if your accommodation is within 8 km of the meeting point. The duration includes transfer time, outdoor waiting, and clothes changing, making the 4 hours 30 minutes experience comprehensive.

The tour operates from November 16 to April 12, aligning with the prime aurora season, weather permitting. The minimum participation requirement is 2 full-paying adults, ensuring the trip is viable for small groups. Since the tour is private for your group, it offers a more personalized experience than larger, generic aurora hunts.

The Reality of Aurora Sightings and Customer Feedback

While the tour offers professional guidance and visits multiple locations, reviews indicate some disappointment due to missed sightings. For example, one review laments not seeing the Northern Lights and criticizes the booking platform for not allowing date changes. Another reviewer expresses dissatisfaction with the overall value, especially considering the high price, and highlights that aurora activity can be absent for days, regardless of effort.

Despite these reviews, the tour’s expert guide and weather-based location selection are designed to improve chances, but the unpredictability of nature remains a key factor. The full refund policy applies if cancellations occur more than 24 hours in advance, but no refunds are offered for cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time.

How This Aurora Tour Compares to Others in Rovaniemi

This experience emphasizes personalization and flexibility, with the small group size and up to 23 location visits setting it apart from larger bus-based tours. The focus on warm clothing and campfire snacks adds a rustic charm that many travelers appreciate.

Compared to other tours such as Northern Lights wilderness tours or reindeer and aurora excursions, this tour leans more into the aurora hunting experience itself, rather than combining it with other activities. The price point of $157 makes it competitive, especially given the inclusion of thermal gear and pickup, but travelers should be aware of the natural variability of aurora sightings.

Suitability and Recommendations

This tour is best suited for those who want a small, personalized experience with expert guidance and are comfortable with the possibility of not seeing the lights. Travelers should be prepared for outdoor cold weather and long waits. It’s ideal for visitors who value flexibility in location and authentic campfire moments.

Because the tour runs only during the aurora season, from mid-November to mid-April, it aligns with the best period for northern lights viewing. Booking in advance is recommended, and it’s wise to wear enough warm clothing to stay comfortable during outdoor periods.

Final Thoughts on the Aurora Chase in Rovaniemi

The Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group tour offers a personalized, flexible approach to Northern Lights hunting, with the added comfort of thermal gear and campfire snacks. Its small-group size enhances the experience, creating a more intimate and tailored outing. The focus on weather-dependent location changes aims to maximize the chances of a sighting, even if success is never guaranteed.

However, the unpredictability of the aurora means visitors should manage expectations accordingly. The pricing reflects the included gear and guided expertise, but reviews suggest the experience’s value depends heavily on aurora activity during your chosen night. This tour suits those who prioritize personalized service and are prepared for the outdoor winter adventure, with the understanding that nature’s spectacle always holds an element of chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers guided aurora hunting, thermal clothing (overalls, boots, gloves, socks), pickup service within 8 km of the meeting point, and campfire snacks with hot drinks and sausages.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, including transfer, outdoor waiting, and clothes changing.

What should I wear for the tour?
Warm clothing is provided, but travelers should wear enough layers underneath. It’s recommended to wear thermal underwear, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Sunny Safari, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi. Pickup is available if within 8 km of this location.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. No refunds are offered for cancellations less than 24 hours before the start.

Is this tour suitable for children or pets?
Yes, pets and service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, though outdoor cold weather and the length of activity should be considered.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, sightings are not guaranteed. The guide does their best to find optimal viewing spots, but success varies nightly.

What is the weather like during the tour?
The tour operates in winter conditions, with cold temperatures that the supplied thermal gear helps manage. Be prepared for outdoor exposure for about 2 hours.

Is this tour private or shared?
It is private for your group, providing a more personalized experience compared to larger bus tours.

Are meals included?
Yes, hot drinks and sausages are served during the campfire break, adding warmth and comfort to the outdoor experience.