Adventure Collective
Private Aurora Tour by Alaska Photo Treks in Anchorage - Anchorage

Private Aurora Tour by Alaska Photo Treks in Anchorage

Anchorageeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical activity required; suitable for most fitness levels

Overview

Join Alaska Photo Treks for a private, guided aurora borealis experience in Anchorage. Personalized forecasts, expert photography tips, and a cozy bonfire create an exclusive night under the northern lights. Discover why this trip is a must-do for adventurers seeking a tailored, crowd-free viewing of Alaska’s vibrant skies.

Anchorage, Alaska

Private Aurora Tour

Ages 12+ • 8 Hours • Just you and the northern lights, no crowds!

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About This Adventure

Experience the magic of the northern lights on a private tour designed for an intimate adventure. Enjoy personalized forecasts, scientific insights, and professional photography guidance. Savor delicious food by a portable bonfire, and receive complimentary portraits with the aurora, all while exploring the stunning Alaskan wilderness without the crowds.

Just you and the northern lights, no crowds!

Duration

8 Hours

About

We have taken our popular Anchorage Aurora Quest and put a more high-end, private spin on it. Welcome to our Private Aurora Tour! Much like our Anchorage Aurora Quest, this tour is designed to maximize your opportunity to see the northern lights at scenic locations. We utilize a variety of science-based apps and websites, along with our historical data of recent aurora seasons, to determine the best nights and locations to go. We also provide photographic instruction to those desiring to photograph the northern lights, and provide complimentary professional portraits of you with the aurora, taken by our professional photographer guides.

But we add some special touches to this tour, including an initial presentation about the science of the northern lights at our office (along with drinks and snacks), a hot soup or stew with artisan bread, dessert, and a portable bonfire while out on location and a longer tour duration to maximize your opportunity to see the lights and enjoy them. Finally, unlike our Anchorage Aurora Quest tour, we will pick you up at any location within a two-hour drive of downtown Anchorage. This driving time would be included in the total time of your tour. (Of course, for locations that are farther away, the office presentation would not be available.)

Additionally, starting two days out from your tour, we give you a personalized forecast (at no extra cost) for both the weather and aurora conditions to give you an idea as to the likelihood that the tour will proceed on your scheduled night. If conditions are not looking good, we work with you early to potentially reschedule in order to maximize your success in seeing the northern lights.

What's Included

  • Pick up and drop off at any location within two hour drive of Anchorage (driving time included in tour total)
  • Narrative on the science and lore surrounding auroras provided by your guide.
  • Handwarmers
  • Creative and technical photography instruction is offered by your professional photographer guide.
  • North Slope-rated heavy winter parkas/jackets are available for loan (indicate during booking if you need to borrow one).
  • Soup or stew, artisan bread, dessert, hot drinks, and water (we strive to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment, so fresh water from a jug along with refillable cups).
  • Portable bonfire on location
  • Tripod and camera are available to loan. Camera flash card included in loaner camera. Let us know in advance if you wish to borrow a camera.
  • Aurora portrait and high resolution digital files of all photos taken during the tour.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Temperatures can drop quickly; layering keeps you comfortable while waiting for the lights.

Bring a tripod and camera

To capture the northern lights effectively, stabilize your camera and set long exposure times.

Check weather forecasts

Clear skies are crucial for aurora viewing; monitor forecasts to improve your chances.

Arrive early

Getting to your viewing spot ahead of time ensures you're settled before the show begins.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Red fox
  • Bald eagle

History

Anchorage's location at the edge of wilderness has made it a hub for Arctic research and outdoor adventures since the early 20th century.

Conservation

Alaska Photo Treks emphasizes environmentally responsible tourism, ensuring minimal impact on the pristine wilderness while focusing on sustainable viewing practices.

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Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm clothing and insulated boots

Essential

Keeping warm is essential during night-long outdoor viewing, especially in cold temperatures.

winter specific

Camera with manual controls

Essential

Crucial for capturing long-exposure images of the aurora.

Headlamp or flashlight

Essential

Helpful for navigating in the dark and adjusting camera equipment.

Thermal gloves and hat

Essential

Protects extremities from cold during extended periods outdoors.

winter specific