Small van, big sky, and real photo help. This Northern Lights tour from Tromsø puts you in a 15-seat minibus with warm gear and an energetic guide (like Nelson) who works hard to get you the clearest view and best shots. You also get included aurora photos, so you’re not stuck fighting with a phone camera in the dark.

I really like how the setup is built for cold-weather reality: thermal suits, shoe spikes, and head lamps make the viewing stops safer and more comfortable. One drawback to plan for is that the night can still feel brutally cold at times, and a couple of people note the ride back may be less warm than you’d hope—so bring extra layers and consider hand and foot warmers.

Key Things I’d Focus On

• 15-seat minibus means less bouncing around than huge buses, and more attention at each stop
• Warm suits + shoe spikes + head lamps help you handle uneven snow and long waiting times
• Professional aurora photos are included, not something you have to beg for in the group
• Snacks and hot drinks keep you going while you watch the sky do its thing
• The location can change with weather, sometimes even pushing the trip farther for clearer skies
• Hotel-style drop-off on Tromsø island (sentrum) means you’re not stranded far from town

Chasing Aurora From Tromsø’s City Center

This is a classic Tromsø plan: you start in town, then ride out into the Arctic night in search of clear skies. Your pickup is from the Tromsø City Library, and you’ll want to be there about 10 minutes early, looking for a silver Mercedes Vito.

The big thing to understand is simple: Northern Lights are natural. That means you can’t treat this as a guaranteed show. What you’re really buying is effort, timing, and smart decision-making—plus the gear and comfort to wait without turning the experience into a shiver marathon.

The 15-Seat Minibus Setup That Makes Waiting Less Miserable

I like the cozy size here. A 15-seater minibus is small enough that you can spread out a bit for viewing angles, but still big enough for everyone to stay together. When you’re chasing aurora, the “how” matters almost as much as the “what.”

A certified driver and multi-lingual guide keep the whole operation moving. Expect a nighttime route that may be longer than you think, especially when the team drives to chase better conditions. Some nights can even mean pushing farther out—one review specifically mentions a drive toward Finland when they needed clearer skies.

Warm Suits, Spikes, and Head Lamps for Arctic Stops

The tour is built for standing around outside. That’s why warm suits, shoe spikes, and head lamps are included. The warm suit piece is the one that makes or breaks this kind of trip. It reduces that nasty feeling where you’re dressed for cold weather but still getting chilled to the bone.

Shoe spikes are also a big deal. They’re not about comfort; they’re about safety when you’re standing on snow or uneven ground while you wait for the aurora. And head lamps help you see where you’re stepping without having to fumble with your phone screen in the dark.

Quick packing advice (based on what’s worked for others): wear at least two layers under your suit, and bring gloves and a hat. Also use good winter boots. If you run cold easily, consider extra hand warmers and foot warmers—because that ride back can still feel cold even with thermal gear.

How the Photo Part Works (and why it’s a win)

If you’ve ever tried to photograph the Northern Lights with a smartphone, you know the usual problem: you’re either freezing while holding your phone, or you’re missing the moment while fiddling with settings. This tour solves that by including photos taken by the team.

The guide is actively focused on capturing people, not just the sky. You’ll be set up for photos at the viewing spot, and the team takes what can be far better shots than most visitors can manage on their own. Multiple reviews specifically praise how many pictures they took and how they were provided for free after the tour (some mention zip files for downloading).

So here’s the real value: you get to watch the aurora instead of turning into a mini photographer who can’t feel their fingers. Plus, having shareable results is great for sending photos home without editing nightmares.

How the Viewing Spot Experience Plays Out

Once the team finds a good location, you settle in and wait. This part is mostly about patience and flexibility. The tour typically runs 6–8 hours in total, with 7 hours listed as the duration, and the exact location can change based on weather.

When the aurora appears, it can turn from quiet to wow-fast. Expect the group to stop, gather, and reposition slightly as the sky shifts. Warm drinks and snacks are part of the waiting rhythm, so you’re not just standing there with cold hands and empty stomach thoughts.

The guide also adds context while you wait. One review notes the guide shared explanations around aurora history, local folklore, and Norwegian background, even touching on the Viking era. You don’t need a lecture background to enjoy it—think of it as short, story-based facts that make the night feel more connected.

Snacks and Hot Drinks: Small Comforts That Matter

This is not a long meal tour. It’s a winter night out, and the included food and drink are designed for that reality.

You’ll get snacks (cookies) and hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The point isn’t gourmet dining—it’s keeping your energy steady while you wait for the sky to do its thing. Hot chocolate especially helps with that mid-wait slump when the aurora isn’t showing yet.

Also note what’s not allowed: alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the tour, and you can’t have food in the vehicle. The goal is a safer, calmer group experience at night.

The Long-Drive Reality (and How to Dress for It)

Let’s be honest: you’re signing up for cold, dark, and some time on the road. Even with thermal suits, the drive itself and the waiting can still be intense. That’s the trade-off with aurora chasing—clear skies often require movement.

A couple of reviews point out that the van may not be warm enough for the ride back, even if you’re in a suit for the outside portion. So don’t count on the vehicle to save you if you run cold easily.

Here’s what you can do:

• Dress in two layers or more under the suit
• Wear gloves and a hat you can handle in freezing wind
• Use good winter boots with grip
• Consider bringing hand warmers and foot warmers

Also keep expectations realistic. Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed. What is more reliable is the plan: drive to better conditions, manage the group, and provide gear so you’re comfortable enough to enjoy the wait.

Price and Value: What $152 Buys You

At about $152 per person for roughly 7 hours, this tour is priced like a true “all-in” winter experience. You’re not just paying for a seat on a vehicle. The value shows up in what’s included:

• Transport in a small minibus
• Driver and a multi-lingual guide
• Warm suits, shoe spikes, and head lamps
• Snacks and hot drinks
• Included aurora photos

If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d quickly spend money and time on transport, layers and gear, and then still struggle with photography. Here, you get the hard parts handled: equipment that makes cold-weather viewing manageable and a photo service that turns the night into something you’ll actually keep.

Could you find cheaper options? Probably. But based on what’s included and the consistently high rating, this one leans toward convenience and results.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and who should skip it)

This tour is best for people who can handle winter conditions and want a guided, comfortable aurora chase. It’s also a strong match if you care about photos and don’t want to spend the night troubleshooting a camera.

It’s not suitable for children under 10, and it’s not a fit for wheelchair users. It also doesn’t work well for people with vertigo, people with pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or for people who are visually impaired.

Alcohol and drugs are also off the table. Intoxication isn’t allowed, and safety gear and nighttime footing matter here.

If you’re comfortable in cold weather, enjoy guided explanations, and want a low-stress night where you can focus on the sky, you’re in the right place.

Should You Book El Gigante Tour Aurora?

I’d book this if you want three things: a small-group ride, real winter gear included, and aurora photos that look better than what you’ll likely get on your own. The best part is that the experience is designed for waiting outside—warm suits, spikes, head lamps, and hot drinks make the time pass without turning miserable.

I’d think twice if you’re very sensitive to cold, you have mobility or health constraints that make winter footing harder, or if the idea of Northern Lights not showing up would stress you out. Also, if you’re expecting a super-warm vehicle ride the whole time, adjust your expectations—pack extra layers and consider warmers.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Lights tour?

The tour is listed as 7 hours, and the experience may run about 6–8 hours depending on conditions and where the team goes.

Where do I meet in Tromsø?

You’ll be picked up at the Tromsø City Library in the city center.

What vehicle should I look for?

Look for the silver Mercedes Vito at the meeting point.

What gear is included for cold-weather viewing?

Warm suits are included, along with shoe spikes and head lamps.

Are professional photos included?

Yes. Photos are included as part of the tour.

What snacks and hot drinks are provided?

You get snacks (cookies) and hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

Alcoholic drinks are not allowed, and intoxication isn’t permitted.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings are not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?

Children under 10 are not suitable, and wheelchair users are not suitable.

What languages are the guides?

The guide provides live commentary in English, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Spanish.