Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi with Pickup

Chasing the northern lights is a bucket-list experience, and this Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical way to try your luck. With a focus on photography, expert guides, and the chance to see the elusive auroras, it promises a memorable night in Lapland. The tour lasts around four hours, includes hotel pickups in select locations, hot drinks, and winter clothing, making it a cozy, well-organized way to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows.

One thing we love about this experience is the guided photography assistance—having experts help you set your camera or capture your moments can transform a fleeting light display into lasting memories. Plus, traveling by bus to different viewing spots maximizes your chances of seeing the aurora, which is crucial given how unpredictable the Northern Lights can be.

A possible consideration is that, despite the effort, the aurora remains a natural phenomenon—no guide can guarantee a sighting. Weather conditions and solar activity play a big role, so some guests might leave without a visible display.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value authentic Arctic experiences with a focus on photography and are okay with the unpredictability of nature. If you’re looking for a cozy, guided adventure with helpful tips and a high chance of capturing great photos, this could very well be your ideal choice.

Key Points

• Expert guides provide photography tips and help you capture your Arctic memories.
• Multiple stops increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, as the auroras are unpredictable.
• The tour includes hot drinks and gingerbread cookies—a cozy touch during winter nights.
• Transportation by bus covers up to 200 km in search of clear skies and optimal viewing spots.
• The experience is kid-friendly, but children need to be accompanied by an adult, and there’s a maximum group size of 15.
• Weather cancellations are possible, and the tour offers free cancellations if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Detailed Review of the Aurora Hunting Photo Tour

What the Tour Offers and Who It’s For

This four-hour adventure is designed for those eager to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis while also taking home stunning photos. The experience kicks off at Safartica’s office in Rovaniemi, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. With a maximum group size of 15, it’s intimate enough to get personalized attention, especially when it comes to camera tips.

The tour is primarily run by professional guides and photographers who know the best spots to see the lights. Several reviews mention guides like Valentina, Tiina, Antoine, Suzanne, and Martin, all praised for their friendly, knowledgeable, and patient approach. They don’t just drive around—they actively seek out the dark, light-pollution-free areas with the best potential for aurora sightings.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The main stop, Safartica, serves as the meeting point and initial base, where you can get suited up with winter clothing and warm footwear. From here, your bus will venture across Lapland, covering up to 200 km in search of clear skies. The idea is to avoid cloudy areas and find spots with minimal light pollution, a crucial factor for viewing and photographing the northern lights.

Guests are taken to several different locations, which is a smart move. Since the aurora’s appearance can vary greatly from one spot to another, having multiple vantage points increases your odds of witnessing the lights dance. Several reviews confirm that guides made good calls, taking guests to places where sightings were more intense or clearer.

The Photography Experience

One of the tour’s standout features is the focus on photography. Guides will assist you with camera settings, helping you optimize your chances of capturing the auroras, even on less-than-ideal nights. For those carrying smartphones, the guides often play with light to create fun effects, turning simple photos into memorable keepsakes.

Guests frequently mention that the guides made an effort to photograph everyone, setting up camera shots with light painting or long exposures. As one reviewer put it, “The guides did try to find aurora but didn’t really succeed. However, when they did find a very slight aurora, they picked the best spot to set up their camera.” While the Northern Lights are unpredictable, having professionals point your camera in the right direction makes a meaningful difference.

Comfort and Included Amenities

The tour offers hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, adding a cozy touch that’s appreciated during cold Arctic nights. The bus provides winter clothing if you didn’t bring your own, and the transportation is comfortable and spacious, making it easier to relax and focus on the view.

Pickup is available from select hotels, which simplifies logistics. The tour typically starts at 7 pm or 8 pm, aligning well with prime Northern Lights viewing hours, and lasts approximately four hours. Some reviews note that the pickup can be delayed if other customers are late, but overall, the process runs smoothly.

What Guests Have Said

While the reviews are a mixed bag, most praise the guides’ effort and professionalism. Several mention guides like Valentina, Elise, Antoine, Tiina, and Suzanne for their friendly attitude and patience, especially when helping guests with camera settings or locating the best spots.

For example, one guest said, “Our guide Martin was excellent, and we went to four locations where we saw auroras, some more intense than others.” Another delighted traveler shared, “The fire fox appeared in the sky, and we could admire the beauty of that dance,” highlighting how magical the experience can be.

However, some reviews do point out occasional shortcomings: a few guests felt the aurora was elusive that night, or the guides could have been more assertive in managing viewing spots. One reviewer expressed frustration over a late pickup and a perceived lack of effort, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

The Price and Its Value

At around $145 per person, this tour offers a decent balance of value, considering the included amenities—transportation, expert guidance, photography help, winter gear, and refreshments. Given the costs of private photography sessions or self-organized trips, this package provides convenience and expertise.

Most travelers find it worth the price, especially because the tour increases chances of seeing the aurora and captures professional-quality photos. Several guests mentioned that even if they didn’t always see the northern lights, the experience of being out in the Arctic with skilled guides made it worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book?

This tour is particularly suited for those wanting a guided experience with a focus on photography. If you’re excited about capturing the northern lights on camera and don’t want to worry about finding the best spots on your own, this is a solid choice. Families with children are welcome, provided they are accompanied by adults, and the group size remains small enough for personal attention.

It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort and good organization—hot drinks, warm clothing, and a cozy bus make the cold nights more bearable. But, keep in mind that nature is unpredictable, and the aurora can still be elusive despite the best efforts of guides.

If your main goal is to see the aurora dance across the sky and get some professional photos, this trip delivers. But if you’re seeking a guarantee or a solo adventure, you might want to explore other options or arrive prepared for some luck.

FAQ

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made after that are not refundable.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Pickup is offered from selected hotels only, so check the list of meeting points to see if yours is included.

What should I wear?
The tour includes winter clothing, but it’s recommended to wear warm layers, thermal underwear, and sturdy boots suitable for snow.

Will I see the northern lights?
While the guides make every effort to find the aurora, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. No guarantees are provided, but multiple stops by experienced guides increase your chances.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most travelers.

What’s included in the tour?
Transportation by bus, guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), winter clothing, hot drinks, gingerbread cookies, and professional photography assistance.

Final Words

This Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical, well-organized way to try your luck at seeing the northern lights. Its strength lies in experienced guides who care about capturing your memories and the flexibility of multiple stops. While aurora sightings are never fully guaranteed, the effort to find dark, clear skies in a small group makes it a worthwhile adventure, especially for those eager to photograph the Arctic night.

If you’re craving a cozy, guided experience with the chance of some truly spectacular photos, this tour ticks many boxes. It strikes a good balance between comfort, expertise, and adventure—ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their Arctic night without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

Whether the lights dance for you or not, you’ll leave with stories, photos, and a deeper appreciation of the magic that is Lapland under the northern lights.