From Tromsø: Northern Lights Tour in Minibus with Photos

Experiencing the Northern Lights is often at the top of travelers’ bucket lists, and in Tromsø, Norway, there’s no shortage of tours promising to chase this celestial wonder. This particular tour, offered by El Gigante Tour Aurora, stands out for its small-group setting, professional photography, and thoughtful touches like warm suits and snacks.

From what we’ve gathered, this tour emphasizes comfort, expert guidance, and capturing memories—key ingredients for a successful aurora hunt. We love that it’s designed to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, all while making sure you’re warm, well-fed, and snapped with quality photos.

One potential consideration? The weather in Tromsø can be unpredictable, and Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed since they depend on natural conditions. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, friendly experience that blends local knowledge with practical comforts, this tour is likely a good fit. It’s especially suited for those who value professional photos and a personalized approach over large, rushed groups.

Good To Know

• Small-group experience in a cozy 15-seater minibus for more personalized attention.
• Expert guides who are multilingual and committed to making your experience memorable.
• Warm suits, shoe spikes, and safety gear included, easing the strain of Arctic cold.
• Professional photography offered during the tour, with photos delivered digitally within 24 hours.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Drive to optimal locations, sometimes crossing into Finland, to increase chances of seeing the Aurora.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Northern Lights Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded package for those visiting Tromsø wanting more than just a bus ride in the cold. The small-group format ensures that you’ll get plenty of individual attention from guides like Nelson, who is frequently praised for his friendliness, knowledge, and dedication.

The inclusion of thermal suits, headlamps, and shoe spikes is a clear nod to the practical needs of Arctic travel, allowing you to focus on the spectacle rather than the cold. The fact that they drive out to clear skies, sometimes crossing borders into Finland, shows a serious effort to optimize your Aurora spotting chances.

Another highlight is the professional photography. Several reviews mention how guides will take hundreds of photos with a professional camera—then send you the best shots afterward. This means you can relax and enjoy witnessing the lights without fussing over your phone or camera settings.

And let’s not forget the snacks and hot drinks—simple touches that make the long, cold hours much more comfortable. Many reviewers rave about the hot chocolate and cookies, which add a cozy feel to the adventure.

What to Expect on the Tour

The journey begins centrally in Tromsø, with pickup arranged from the Tromsø City Library. Expect the tour to last around 6 to 8 hours, giving plenty of time to find the best spots and wait for the lights to perform. The exact location may shift depending on weather conditions, but the guides are proactive in chasing clear skies.

Traveling in a 15-seater minibus fosters a more intimate environment compared to larger buses, creating space for questions, local stories, or just quiet awe. The guides, often multilingual in English, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Spanish, go beyond just pointing out the aurora—they share insights into the phenomenon’s background, local folklore, and the history of the Arctic.

Once at a suitable spot—sometimes on the shoreline or even in Finland—the group gets outfitted with thermal suits, safety lamps, and shoe spikes to endure the cold. Guides then assist with photography, ensuring everyone gets great shots of the dancing lights. Multiple reviewers mention guides like Nelson going above and beyond, taking hundreds of pictures for free, and sharing tips on how to capture the aurora with your own camera.

Throughout the night, you’ll enjoy hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and snacks like cookies, which give a boost of warmth and energy. When the Aurora appears, the guides are quick to point it out and encourage longer stays for optimal viewing.

The Experience: Highlights and Real Experiences

What makes this tour special is the combination of professional care and authentic moments. Many reviews highlight guides’ dedication, with one saying Nelson “set everything up and just after, the show started,” describing the aurora as “exploding above our heads.” Others appreciated the effort guides like Nelson put into making everyone feel comfortable, especially with warm clothing and safety gear.

Travelers also commend the drive to Finland when weather conditions aren’t ideal in Tromsø, which can be a game-changer. One reviewer shared that they were driven into Finland to find clear skies, and it was “phenomenal to see the Northern Lights through naked eyes.” This flexibility maximizes chances of witnessing the spectacle, which is crucial since Aurora sightings depend entirely on natural factors like cloud cover and solar activity.

The photos are often a standout feature, with guides taking high-quality images that surpass smartphone shots, capturing the dancing lights perfectly. Multiple reviews mention how these images are shared quickly, allowing travelers to relive the moment and show family and friends back home.

Another appreciated aspect is the small group size, which not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also allows guides to tailor the experience and find the best viewing spots without the chaos of larger groups.

Pricing and Value

At $176 per person, this tour offers a solid balance of value for the comprehensive experience it provides. The inclusions—transportation, warm clothing, professional photos, snacks, and hot drinks—add up to a package that feels well thought out. Many reviews describe it as “great value for money,” especially considering the logistical effort involved in chasing the Aurora and capturing stunning images.

For travelers who prioritize comfort, personalized attention, and quality photos, this price tag reflects a good deal compared to larger, less intimate tours that might skimp on these details. The flexibility of booking now and paying later, along with free cancellation, offers peace of mind in case plans change.

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Practical Tips for a Successful Aurora Chase

• Dress warmly: Even with suits provided, layers, gloves, and a hat are essential.
• Arrive early: The tour recommends being at the pickup point 10 minutes before departure.
• Bring a charged camera or smartphone: You’ll want to snap the lights yourself, especially since guides will take professional shots.
• Be patient: Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, so sometimes you may need a bit of luck.
• Consider bringing hand or foot warmers, especially if you tend to feel the cold quickly.
• Prepare for a long night: The tour lasts up to 8 hours, so bring snacks or extra drinks if you’re hungry.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for small groups who want a more intimate, relaxed experience. If you love being guided by knowledgeable hosts who are eager to share stories and take high-quality photos, you’ll appreciate guides like Nelson.

It’s also ideal for travelers who value comfort and safety, as all necessary gear is provided, and the focus is on enjoying the spectacle without freezing or fussing with gear. Given the drive into Finland, it’s suited for those comfortable with longer nights and variable weather conditions.

However, it might not be the best choice for children under 10 years, wheelchair users, or those with health issues that limit their ability to stay outdoors in cold weather for hours. The tour’s duration and the need for warm clothing mean it’s best for visitors prepared to embrace the Arctic conditions.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary, so check availability for specific departures. The tour generally lasts 6 to 8 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?
The pickup point is the Tromsø City Library, where you should arrive 10 minutes early. Look for the silver Mercedes Vito.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
Since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed. The guides do their best by choosing optimal locations and sometimes crossing into Finland for clearer skies.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, professional guide, warm suits, shoe spikes, headlamps, photos taken during the night, snacks, and hot drinks are all included.

Can I book with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, children under 10 are not suitable, and it’s not recommended for people with mobility issues or medical conditions that prevent outdoor cold exposure.

What should I wear?
Dress in at least two layers with gloves, a hat, and sturdy winter boots. Additional gear like hand warmers can help.

How long is the tour?
Expect around 6 to 8 hours, depending on weather and Aurora activity.

If you’re after a more personal, comfortable, and photo-focused Northern Lights experience in Tromsø, this tour ticks many boxes. The small-group setting, expert guides, and professional photos make it stand out from larger, hurried excursions. It’s a good choice whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a small group that values quality over quantity.

The effort the guides put into finding clear skies, the ability to drive into Finland, and the thoughtful touches like warm suits and snacks demonstrate a genuine desire to give travelers an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Expect a long night of anticipation, stunning visuals, and memories that will definitely brighten your trip to Norway.

This tour suits those who love a friendly vibe, want great photos, and are prepared for the cold. If you’re ready for a cozy, well-organized chase after the Northern Lights, this one should be on your list.

You can check if your dates are available here: