Tromsø: Adult Only Aurora hunt with Citizen Science

Tromsø: Adult Only Aurora hunt with Citizen Science

This 8-hour Aurora hunt in Tromsø offers a unique combination of Northern Lights viewing, outdoor adventure, and citizen science. Led by Wandering Owl, this small-group tour typically accommodates up to 8 guests, ensuring an intimate experience in the Arctic wilderness.

Starting from the center of Tromsø, the tour takes you away from city lights into the countryside, sometimes even driving to the Finnish border based on weather conditions. The tour’s highlights include warm thermal suits and boots, a homemade vegan soup, and the opportunity to learn night photography. Plus, you’ll actively participate in citizen science projects to support local environmental research.

While the tour promises a well-rounded adventure, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed due to natural unpredictability. This experience is especially suited for adults who enjoy outdoor activities, photography, and contributing to environmental efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 8 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• Location: Tromsø and the surrounding Arctic countryside in Norway.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• Warm Clothing: Thermal suits, boots, and other gear are included.
• Food & Drink: Homemade vegan soup, hot chocolate, and biscuits.
• Citizen Science: Participate in collecting environmental data to support local research efforts.

Small Group Aurora Hunting Experience with Wandering Owl

This tour is designed with an intimate group of 8 in mind, which allows for personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere. The guide leads the group through Tromsø’s Arctic wilderness, selecting the best viewing spots based on real-time weather forecasts. This flexible approach increases the chances of catching the Aurora Borealis, sometimes even driving towards the Finnish border for clearer skies.

The small size also makes it easier to socialize and ask questions, especially during the campfire meal where guides share insights about the Northern Lights and the local environment. The group remains warm in thermal suits and boots provided by the guides, helping guests stay comfortable during the outdoor hours.

Departure Point and Meeting Arrangements in Tromsø

Meet in front of the Scandic Ishavshotel at Fredrik Langes Gate 2, where the guide will be waiting at the main entrance. The tour starts and ends at this same location, making it convenient for those staying nearby or planning to explore Tromsø afterward.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included in this experience, but the multiple drop-off locations in the city center make returning straightforward. The end of the tour sees guests back at the meeting point, allowing for easy onward plans.

Comfort and Clothing for Arctic Conditions

Guests need to bring their own warm clothing including passport or ID, hats, gloves, and woolen socks. The thermal suits and boots provided are designed to keep you warm, but layering with your own winter gear is recommended. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or children under 18, and guests over 300 lbs (136 kg) should check for suitability.

Weather can be unpredictable, so packing hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing ensures comfort during the outdoor walking and searching for the Aurora. There is limited toilet access during the trip, with a gas station stop planned, or otherwise the forest may be the only option.

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Learning Night Photography and Free Photos

One of the tour’s popular features is the learning session on night photography. Guides teach how to use cameras effectively to capture the Aurora, offering valuable tips for photographers of all levels.

After the experience, guests receive free web-sized photos via email, including images of themselves taken by the guides. This provides a nice memory without the need for personal photography equipment or extra costs.

Participating in Citizen Science and Environmental Conservation

A distinct aspect of this tour is active participation in citizen science. During optimal conditions, guests collect data that is uploaded to a research database, contributing valuable information for environmental studies and local conservation projects.

Wandering Owl emphasizes responsible tourism and regenerative travel, integrating scientific data collection into the adventure. This involvement not only enhances the experience but also helps protect and understand Arctic ecosystems.

Food, Beverages, and Campfire Atmosphere

Guests enjoy homemade vegan soup along with hot chocolate and biscuits by the campfire. The warm meal creates a cozy atmosphere and provides energy during the outdoor hours.

The campfire setup provides a relaxing setting for guests to chat, share stories, and enjoy the Arctic night sky. The hot beverages help everyone stay warm, especially after potential chilly moments outside waiting for the Aurora.

Driving to the Best Aurora Viewing Spots

The guide’s route depends on latest weather forecasts and microclimates in the region. The tour often involves driving into the wilderness, sometimes reaching remote locations where light pollution is minimal and sky visibility is maximized.

This flexible route maximizes chances of sighting the Northern Lights, but it’s important to remember that Aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed. The guide’s local knowledge and experience are valuable assets in finding the clearest skies.

End of Tour and Return Options

After the outdoor activities and campfire, the tour concludes with drop-offs at multiple locations within Tromsø’s city center. The return journey is relaxed, giving guests time to reflect on their experience.

Since hotel pickup isn’t included, guests need to plan transportation back to their accommodations. The conclusion back at the starting point makes it easy to continue exploring Tromsø or rest after a full night outdoors.

Suitability and Important Tips for Participants

This tour is best suited for adults comfortable with outdoor winter conditions and short walks. Guests should wear warm base layers and charge their cameras or bring extra batteries to avoid losing power in the cold.

Those with mobility impairments, children under 18, or overweight over 300 lbs are advised to check with the provider beforehand. Since alcohol and drugs are not allowed, guests are encouraged to stay sober and alert, especially when driving or walking outside.

The Experience Provider and Booking Flexibility

Operated by Wandering Owl, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before and the option to reserve now and pay later. This flexibility is ideal for travelers with uncertain plans or variable schedules, ensuring they can secure a spot without immediate payment.

Final Thoughts on the Tromsø Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science

This adult-only tour combines Northern Lights viewing with outdoor fun, learning, and environmental contribution. The small group size, personalized route, and campfire atmosphere make for a memorable Arctic adventure.

While the Northern Lights are naturally unpredictable, the host’s local knowledge and scientific approach improve the chances of a successful sighting. Guests who enjoy photography, outdoor activities, and contributing to conservation efforts will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Overall, Wandering Owl’s Aurora hunt offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and environmental responsibility that enhances the traditional Northern Lights experience. It’s an excellent choice for adults seeking a meaningful and cozy Arctic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes thermal suits and boots, tripods and headtorches, homemade vegan soup, hot chocolate, biscuits, and souvenir photos in web-sized resolution. Participation in citizen science is also included if conditions allow.

Are hotel pickups available?
No, hotel pickup is not included. The activity starts and ends at Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø, with multiple drop-off points in the city center for convenience.

What should I bring for this tour?
Guests should bring passport or ID, warm clothing, hat, gloves, socks, and hiking shoes. It’s recommended to charge camera batteries and dress in weather-appropriate layers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18, and people with mobility impairments are advised to check with the provider beforehand.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
There is no guarantee of Aurora sightings, but the guides use their local knowledge and weather forecasts to increase the chances. The tour emphasizes responsible weather-dependent viewing.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for 8 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Can I participate in the citizen science project?
Yes, participation is part of the experience, and collected data is uploaded for environmental research if conditions are suitable.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
Guests are required to bring their own warm clothing, but thermal suits, boots, tripods, and headlamps are provided by the guides.

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Yes, participants must be 18 years or older. The tour is designed for adults seeking a wilderness experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby