The Aurora Chaser Tour offers an intimate small-group experience for those eager to witness the northern lights near Fairbanks. Knowledgeable local guides lead the way, ensuring optimal viewing from a specially chosen location. With a cozy atmosphere and complimentary refreshments, the tour accommodates 4-10 travelers. While overall experiences are positive, some guests suggest guides could enhance communication and interaction to elevate the adventure further. Discover more about what makes this tour a must-do for aurora enthusiasts.
Key Points
- This guided northern lights viewing tour in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a small-group experience led by knowledgeable local guides.
- The tour provides a personalized and intimate atmosphere, with complimentary coffee and tea during late-night viewing sessions.
- The tour timing allows for daytime activities before the 10 PM departure, ensuring a well-rounded aurora-viewing experience.
- The tour has a special viewing location outside Fairbanks selected for optimal northern lights sightings, with an average group size of 4-6 people.
- The tour has a non-refundable policy, but full refunds are provided if the tour is canceled due to poor road conditions or cloud cover.
Tour Overview
The Aurora Chaser Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska offers a small-group, guided experience for optimal northern lights viewing.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes guests to a special location outside the city for the best chances of northern lights sightings.
With an average group size of 4-6 people, the tour provides a personalized and intimate atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea during the late-night viewing session, which starts at 10 PM, allowing for daytime activities.
The tour’s 24 reviews average a rating of 4.6 out of 5, indicating a positive overall experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Fairbanks.
Key Features
Although the Aurora Chaser Tour offers a small-group experience guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour’s key features extend beyond simply chasing the northern lights.
Guests are treated to a special viewing location outside Fairbanks, chosen for optimal northern lights sighting. To keep them comfortable during the late-night watch session, the tour provides complimentary coffee and tea.
The tour’s timing is designed to allow guests to enjoy daytime activities in Fairbanks before the 10 PM departure, ensuring a well-rounded aurora-viewing experience.
Pickup and Meeting Options
The Aurora Chaser Tour offers pickup service from all hotels and B&Bs within Fairbanks city limits.
However, they don’t provide pickups from North Pole or areas outside Fairbanks. For those unable to be picked up, there’s an alternative meeting point at the Walmart Supercenter on Johansen Expy.
The tour requires a minimum of 3 guests to initiate a new date, with an average group size of 4-6 and a maximum of 10 travelers.
Customers should provide their lodging details and contact information during the booking process to ensure a smooth pickup experience.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
As the Aurora Chaser Tour is a non-refundable experience, cancellations result in no refund for customers. However, the tour may be canceled due to poor road conditions or cloud cover, with timely notifications provided to customers. The cancellation policy is outlined in the following table:
| Reason for Cancellation | Refund Policy |
|---|---|
| Poor Road Conditions | Full Refund |
| Cloud Cover | Full Refund |
| Customer Cancellation | No Refund |
This policy ensures that customers are aware of the financial risks involved and that the tour operator can maintain the integrity of the experience for all guests.
Guest Experiences
Guests have shared a mix of experiences with the Aurora Chaser Tour. Some highlighted the excellent knowledge and dedication of the guides, while others noted a lack of interaction.
Positive experiences included successful sightings and memorable moments, though some guests faced challenges with seating arrangements and cloudy conditions.
Feedback indicates a need for improved communication and customer service during the tours.
Key guest experiences include:
- Successful northern lights sightings
- Knowledgeable and dedicated guides
- Lack of guide interaction and communication
- Challenges with seating and weather conditions
Pricing Information
The Aurora Chaser Tour starts from $161.00 per person. This price covers the small-group aurora-chasing experience guided by knowledgeable locals, as well as coffee and tea during the watch session.
Booking confirmation is received at the time of reservation, and it’s essential to provide lodging details and contact information.
The tour requires a minimum of 3 guests to initiate a new date, with an average group size of 4-6 and a maximum of 10 travelers.
Pickups are available from all hotels and B&Bs within Fairbanks city limits, with an alternative meeting point at Walmart Supercenter.
Booking Process
Booking the Aurora Chaser Tour is a simple process. Guests can reserve their spot online or via phone. Upon booking, confirmation is received immediately, and it’s essential to provide accurate lodging details and contact information.
The tour requires a minimum of 3 guests to run, with an average group size of 4-6 and a maximum of 10 travelers.
Some key booking considerations include:
- Timely notifications in case of tour cancellations due to poor road conditions or cloud cover
- No pickups from North Pole or areas outside Fairbanks city limits
- Alternative meeting point available at the Walmart Supercenter
Preparing for the Tour
Proper preparation goes a long way in ensuring a memorable Aurora Chaser Tour experience. Guests should pack warm, layered clothing and wear sturdy boots to withstand the chilly Alaskan nights. Bring a camera and extra batteries to capture the mesmerizing northern lights. Consider packing a small flashlight and snacks to keep energy levels up during the long wait.
| What to Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Warm Clothing | Protect against cold temperatures |
| Camera | Capture the aurora |
| Flashlight | Navigate in the dark |
| Snacks | Maintain energy levels |
| Extra Batteries | Ensure camera is operational |
Proper preparation sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure under the enchanting aurora borealis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. Travelers of all ages are welcome to join the aurora chasing experience, though parental supervision may be necessary for young children.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?
Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator provides coffee and tea during the viewing session. It’s recommended to bring snacks or a light meal to enjoy during the late-night excursion.
How Long Does the Northern Lights Viewing Session Typically Last?
The northern lights viewing session typically lasts 2-3 hours. Guests can expect to spend a significant portion of the tour observing the aurora borealis at the designated viewing location outside Fairbanks, where the guide will provide information and assist in spotting the celestial display.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available at the Viewing Location?
There are typically no restroom facilities available at the viewing location. Guests should plan accordingly before the tour begins. The tour company does not provide any restroom amenities during the northern lights viewing session.
Can We Extend Our Tour if We See an Especially Strong Aurora Display?
Unfortunately, the tour has a fixed duration and cannot be extended. The tour schedule is set to provide the best opportunity to view the northern lights, but extended viewing times aren’t offered. Guests must adhere to the tour’s predetermined length.
Sum Up
The Aurora Chaser Tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for those eager to witness the northern lights near Fairbanks. With knowledgeable local guides, guests enjoy optimal viewing from a specially chosen location, ensuring the best chances of sightings. While overall experiences are positive, some feedback suggests a desire for enhanced communication and interaction from guides to elevate the adventure further.
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