Northern Lights Aurora Tour with FREE Photography

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks? You’re in luck. This Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Arctic Night Tours promises an evening filled with stunning celestial displays, expert guidance, and complimentary professional photography. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What I love about this experience is the dedicated guides who go the extra mile to find clear skies, the comfort of the transportation, and the quality of the photos you’ll walk away with. It’s also quite flexible, allowing plenty of stops for pictures and moments of awe. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the waiting time, which can be quite long—sometimes over three hours—so patience is a must.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive Northern Lights experience with plenty of chances for photos, and those who don’t mind late nights and cold weather. If you’re eager to see the Aurora in a relaxed, guided setting with professional results, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Expert guides actively seek the best viewing spots, increasing your chances of witnessing the Aurora.
• Comfortable transport and heated vans help you stay warm and relaxed during the long wait.
• Photographers and professional cameras ensure you leave with high-quality images of the Lights.
• Flexible itinerary with stops for photos and multiple locations, maximizing viewing opportunities.
• Weather-dependent experience—clear skies are essential, and sometimes weather delays or cancellations occur.
• Group size limited to 15 travelers, offering a more personal experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Northern Lights Aurora Tour in Fairbanks is designed around the idea of giving travelers a genuine chance to see the Aurora borealis in its full glory. A key feature is the free photography service—you’ll get professional-quality images without having to worry about your camera settings. This is a huge plus, especially after hours spent waiting outdoors in chilly conditions.

The guided aspect is another highlight. Guides like Ed and Elena are praised for their passion and dedication to chasing the best views. Multiple reviews mention their willingness to go the extra mile—driving to locations with minimal light pollution and adjusting plans based on weather conditions. They’re described as friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making every guest’s experience memorable.

The transportation is described as comfortable and heated, with heat packs available to keep you warm during the long hours outside. This is crucial, considering the tour can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, often starting at 8 PM and wrapping up around 4-5 AM. All this means you can focus on soaking in the spectacle instead of shivering.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at Fairbanks at 8 p.m., with guides reaching out beforehand to confirm your pickup location. From there, the journey is flexible, with the guides actively seeking out the best viewing conditions. The first stop is often in a location with clear, dark skies—far from city lights—maximizing visibility.

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on reviews, is the drive to multiple locations if weather or clouds obstruct the view. Guides like Elena and Ed have been known to drive over an hour north, finding open high grounds with minimal light pollution, which significantly boosts the likelihood of seeing the Lights.

Throughout the night, there are plenty of stops to take pictures, with travelers allowed to use their phones or professional cameras. This is considered a major advantage, with guests praising the high-quality photos they receive afterward via Google Drive.

Snacks and refreshments are provided, especially on longer excursions. Many reviewers mention the kindness of guides, who also share their knowledge about the Aurora, making it both a fun and educational experience.

In cases of uncooperative weather, guides have been praised for their persistence, returning for a second attempt or driving even further to find clear skies, demonstrating their commitment. The tour usually ends around 5 a.m., leaving guests exhausted but awestruck.

What Travelers Are Saying

Guests consistently rate this tour highly, often giving it a perfect 5-star review. They highlight the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, especially mentioning Elena and Ed for their genuine enthusiasm and patience.

Many reviewers talk about the stunning Aurora displays they experienced, describing the lights as dancing, colorful, and mesmerizing. For example, one guest said Elena and her husband took professional photos of the Aurora with multiple cameras and a video, capturing the moment beautifully.

Others appreciated the comfort and safety of the vehicle, noting the heat packs and the spacious van as vital during the cold, dark hours. Despite some mentioning the long wait, nearly all agreed that the spectacular lights made it all worthwhile.

A few reviews mention very specific tips, like dressing warmly, bringing extra layers, and being patient during potential weather delays. One guest emphasized that waiting in the vehicle, sometimes for over three hours, is part of the experience—so having a good attitude helps.

The Value of This Experience

At $195 per person, this tour offers considerable value if you’re seeking a high chance of seeing the Aurora with professional photography included. The cost includes private transportation, expert guides, and photos—all of which could cost much more if arranged independently.

Compared to other options, the small group size of 15 travelers offers a more intimate experience, allowing guides to give personalized attention and better spotting tips. The flexibility to stop at different locations means you’re not stuck in one spot hoping for a miracle—your guides actively seek out the best conditions.

The inclusion of free high-quality photographs makes this experience even more appealing. Guests consistently mention how the photos serve as lasting memories, often mentioning how guides used professional cameras to capture the lights in ways personal phones simply can’t.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind late nights and cold temperatures. It’s also perfect if you want the best chance to see the Aurora with the comfort of a heated vehicle, knowledgeable guides, and professional photography to document your experience.

If you value a personalized atmosphere, with a small group size and tailored stops, this tour fits well. It’s especially suitable for first-timers or those who want to maximize their chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in a hassle-free, guided setting.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a quick, short outing or isn’t keen on waiting outdoors for extended periods, this may not be the most suitable choice. Weather can also influence success, so flexibility and patience are key.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
Typically, the Northern Lights tour lasts around 8 to 12 hours, starting at 8 p.m. and ending around 4-5 a.m., depending on weather conditions and Aurora activity.

What if the weather is poor?
If the weather isn’t cooperative, guides like Elena and Ed are known for driving to different locations or even rescheduling to maximize viewing chances. If the conditions don’t improve, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are snacks included?
Yes, snacks and refreshments are provided, especially during longer excursions. Some reviews mention receiving heat packs, water, and even mini cakes as a thoughtful touch.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, allowing for a more personal and flexible experience compared to larger tours.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. Guests describe the vehicle as spacious and heated, with heat packs to keep warm during the long outdoor waits.

Can I take photos?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos with their own devices, and guides also take high-quality pictures with professional cameras, which are sent afterward.

What is the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 48 days in advance, indicating that prime viewing nights fill up quickly during Aurora season.

Is this suitable for children or pets?
Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. However, children should be prepared for a long, cold night outdoors.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Free Photography from Arctic Night Tours offers a thoughtfully arranged, high-value way to try and catch the Aurora in all its glory. The combination of experienced guides, comfortable transport, and professional photos makes it a top choice for those seeking a memorable, hassle-free Aurora experience.

While patience and good weather are necessary, the reviews demonstrate that most guests leave with awe-inspiring memories and stunning images. The small group size fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing guides to focus on individual needs and maximize your chances of a spectacular sighting.

This tour suits travelers who want an adventure packed with expert guidance, comfort, and photo memories—perfect for first-timers or anyone eager to turn their Aurora dreams into reality. Prepare for a late night, dress warmly, and get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars.

To sum it up, if you’re chasing one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles and value professional photography included, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a well-organized, authentic, and captivating experience that many guests have described as truly unforgettable. Just remember, patience is key—and in the end, the sky might just surprise you.