Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos

Looking to see the Northern Lights in Tromso? This Northern Lights Big Bus Chase offers an exciting way to hunt for the aurora in the Arctic wilderness, with the bonus of free professional photos. With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 142 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour both reliable and memorable.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides who go the extra mile to find clear skies and spectacular displays. Second, the mobile nature of the tour, which significantly boosts the chances of catching the lights by moving to the best spots. Third, the free photo service ensures you leave with beautiful memories—no need to worry about missing that perfect shot in the cold.

A potential consideration? The weather and clouds can always be unpredictable in Tromso, meaning sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, the guides’ flexibility and efforts to chase clear skies often pay off.

This tour is perfect if you’re eager for an authentic, well-organized experience in search of the Northern Lights, especially if chasing a natural phenomenon with a knowledgeable crew sounds appealing.

Good To Know

• Flexible, mobile approach increases chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Expert guides are dedicated to finding clear skies and capturing photos.
• Comfortable heated transport keeps cold at bay during the long night.
• Free professional photos let you relive the experience without extra effort.
• Long duration (7-10 hours) offers ample opportunity for a sighting.
• Good value for money given the personalized service and photo package.

An Overview of the Experience

Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso is no small feat—especially when you’re battling the whims of Arctic weather. This full-day bus tour, offered by Arctic Explorers, combines strategic travel with the hope of catching the aurora dancing overhead. It’s priced at around $172, which might seem steep at first glance, but considering the value of expert guides, free photos, and the immersive Arctic experience, many find it well worth the cost.

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours, providing plenty of time to hunt for the elusive lights and enjoy the Arctic surroundings. It departs in the early evening, around 5:30 PM, giving you a full night’s opportunity to witness what is often called a “once-in-a-lifetime” spectacle.

How the Tour Operates: Step-by-Step

Meeting Point and Starting Out

The adventure begins at Fiskekompaniet, Killengreens gate, a central location in Tromso. Guides meet travelers outside the bus, and from there, the journey into the Arctic wilderness begins. The initial plan involves searching for the Northern Lights within Tromso itself, but the real magic happens as the guides monitor the weather and Aurora forecasts.

The Flexibility of Movement

Unlike static viewing points, this tour’s mobile approach truly makes a difference. If clouds obscure the sky in Tromso, the guides are quick to adjust, driving towards Finland or other nearby spots known for clearer skies. Several reviews mention being driven for hours to maximize their chances—sometimes over a three-hour drive—to find the best viewing conditions. One traveler recounted that they drove into Finland, where the sky cleared up, resulting in an unforgettable display of dancing ribbons of green and white lights.

In-Transit Comfort and Amenities

During the long night, travelers are kept comfortable with heated buses, Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms—a considerate touch given the cold and the hours involved. Warm drinks and snacks are provided, which many reviews highlight as small but appreciated gestures that make the wait more pleasant.

The Search and the Wait

Guides such as Iris, Georgi, and Tomas are praised repeatedly for their enthusiasm and dedication. They encourage patience and chat to keep spirits high, even when the sky remains stubbornly cloudy. As one reviewer put it, guides “did everything they could to make the experience magical,” ensuring everyone stays engaged and hopeful.

When the Lights Appear

The moment of truth varies, but many travelers report seeing the Aurora within just an hour and a half of starting the tour. A lucky few described witnessing “spectacular displays” that felt almost surreal. Several reviews mention that guides were quick to stop the bus for photos or to marvel at the dancing ribbons overhead. The guides also send free, high-quality photos afterward, capturing the moment for you—an often-cited highlight of the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are Wi-Fi, restroom access, warm drinks, snacks, and the essential free photos you’ll cherish forever. These amenities enhance the experience without adding extra costs, making the night more comfortable and memorable.

What’s not included? Dinner and warm clothing are on you to bring, as well as a tripod if you want professional-quality photos. Reviewers recommend dressing warmly, especially since you’ll be outside for extended periods—layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are highly advised.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour caps at 48 travelers, but many reviews suggest it’s often a more intimate experience, especially if early bookings lead to smaller groups. The atmosphere is friendly, with guides creating a lively and encouraging environment. The focus is on quality over quantity, so expect helpful, knowledgeable guides who genuinely want you to see the lights and enjoy the Arctic night.

The Duration and Timing

Starting at 5:30 PM and running into late hours, this is a late-night expedition. Some reviews advise patience, as weather can change quickly, and sightings depend heavily on natural conditions. However, guides are responsive to real-time weather updates and move accordingly.

The Value for Money

At $172, this tour offers a lot: transportation, guides, warm drinks, snacks, and most importantly, the chance to see the Northern Lights with professionals handling the logistics. Many travelers describe it as good value, especially considering the personalized service and the effort guides put into chasing clear skies.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

One reviewer summed it up as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, highlighting that the guides “tried their best to find the lights” even traveling to the border. Another mentioned how guides like Georgi and Iris kept everyone entertained and hopeful, making the long night enjoyable. Several travelers appreciated the effort guides made to move to better viewing spots, sometimes even into Finland, where the sky was clearer.

Even when skies remained cloudy, reviews reflect that the guides’ dedication—along with hot drinks, fires, and stories—made the night special. As one guest said, “Even if the lights aren’t spectacular, the experience is still worth it.”

Who Would Love This Tour?

This Northern Lights chase is perfect for adventurous travelers who are patient and willing to wait in cold conditions for a chance at witnessing a natural wonder. It’s especially suited for those who value expert guidance and want a high chance of seeing the aurora because of the tour’s mobility. If you’re keen on capturing memorable photos without stressing about logistics, the included free photos are a big plus.

Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts will appreciate the effort guides make to get the best shots. And if you’re traveling with family or friends, the friendly atmosphere and amenities create an enjoyable everyone can share.

The Sum Up

The Northern Lights Big Bus Chase in Tromso offers a well-rounded, engaging way to hunt the aurora borealis. Thanks to dedicated guides, strategic travel, and free professional photos, you’re set for an adventure that balances comfort with the excitement of chasing one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

While weather unpredictability remains a factor, the effort and flexibility of the tour team make it a worthwhile option for anyone serious about viewing the Northern Lights. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value personalized service and are happy to spend a few hours in chilly conditions for a chance to witness something extraordinary.

If you’re after a reliable, well-organized, and memorable Arctic experience, this tour ticks many boxes—and many guests leave Tromso feeling they’ve truly experienced something special. Just remember to dress warmly, carry a desire for patience, and be prepared for a late night of aurora hunting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers? Yes, most travelers can participate, but you should be comfortable in cold weather, as the tour involves outdoor waiting in winter conditions.

What should I bring for the tour? Warm clothes are recommended, as well as a tripod if you want to take professional photos. The tour does not include these, so plan accordingly.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights? The guides do their best to find clear skies, often driving to better spots, sometimes into Finland. If the weather clouds out the sky, you might not see the lights, but many reviews mention the guides’ dedication to making the experience enjoyable regardless.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 7 to 10 hours, starting at 5:30 PM, making it a late-night adventure.

Is there a limit on group size? Yes, the tour is limited to 48 travelers, which helps maintain a good balance of camaraderie and personal attention.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund, especially if the tour is canceled due to weather conditions.

This tour’s combination of expert guidance, flexible routing, and the chance to capture stunning photos makes it a standout choice for anyone eager to witness the Northern Lights in Tromso.