What is noctourism and where can you do it? 

From the mystical shimmer of the Northern Lights to the intimate observations of nocturnal wildlife, globetrotters are falling in love with the enchanting appeal of the world that’s revealed once darkness cloaks the sky. 

These travellers are driven not by the heat of the sun, but by the allure of the night. This increased focus on after-dark activities and night tourism has been dubbed 'noctourism' and is pitched to be a top travel trend for 2025. 

Why choose noctourism? 

Adventure doesn’t stop when the sun sets. For travellers seeking new and unique experiences, the unparalleled magic of the night offers a new opportunity to experience the world in a way that daylight hours cannot match. 

Travellers seeking refuge from jostling crowds, uncomfortably hot weather, and damaging UV rays are also seeing the appeal of darkness. Centering your holiday plans around the darkened skies can offer much-needed seclusion, cooler temperatures, and a respite from the sun during your trip. 

Spikes in demand for access to destinations that have typically been difficult to travel to are also opening up new avenues for travellers keen on the solitude and peace found in nighttime adventures. One such destination is Tromsø in northern Norway, which is a favoured base for travellers embarking on Northern Lights tours and whale watching in the Arctic fjords. Airlines have increased their services to the country's northernmost city, with it becoming British Airways' most northern destination. 

Top noctourism experiences in 2025 

From star bathing to truffle hunting and penguin parades, there’s a wealth of activities that are significantly more magical at night. Look beyond your favourite constellation and consider a night trip for a new after-dark experience like no other. 

Nocturnal wildlife adventures 

Observing wildlife at night unveils a hidden world of activity and animal behaviour, offering a unique lens through which to view the beauty of nature and its inhabitants. Many big cats, such as lions, leopards, and jaguars are nocturnal hunters, making night safaris an excellent opportunity to witness these majestic animals on the prowl.  

If a trek into the wilderness is out of reach, you can still experience wildlife by night at some urban zoos. In Singapore, visitors can explore the Mandai Wildlife Reserve by tram or on foot as over 1,000 nocturnal animals commence their nightly rituals. 

In the cooler climes of Phillip Island in Australia, the nightly penguin parade delivers a charming spectacle for visitors. Each evening, as the sun dips below the horizon, crowds gather in hushed anticipation to watch little penguins energetically waddle from the ocean, across the sandy beach, to their burrows nestled in the dunes.  

On the serene shores of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, you'll discover an equally mesmerising spectacle. Here, under the dark canopy of night, sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle, can be seen making their laborious journey ashore to nest on the beach and lay their eggs.  

For those who dare to delve beneath the surface, Fiji offers an otherworldly experience of night diving in the waters off the Mamanuca Islands. Night diving here allows divers to float alongside manta rays and witness the vivid dance of marine life that only emerges after dusk.   

Adding to the nocturnal marvels, the bioluminescent waves on Fiji's shores provide a magical spectacle for after-dark tourists. As the waves break along the beach, they light up with a glowing blue hue caused by microscopic organisms in the water. You can catch this captivating display in waters around the world.  

Equally enchanting is the phenomenon of synchronous fireflies, where thousands of tiny creatures coordinate their flashing light patterns in a stunning natural spectacle. This breathtaking dance of light can be observed in several parts of the world. One of the most famous spots is the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, USA, particularly in early June.  

Celestial Wonders 

The vast expanse of the sky has always drawn our eyes upward as people seek to connect with something bigger than themselves. Between sightings of the Aurora Borealis, lunar eclipses, and supermoons, there’s a stellar showcase of celestial marvels to experience in 2025. 

Get away from the city lights early in the year and you'll be able to observe a rare planetary parade, as several of our solar system's planets appear in the sky simultaneously. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and potentially Saturn will be able to be seen with the naked eye under the right conditions. However, spotting Neptune and Uranus will require tools such as binoculars or a telescope. The planetary alignment will be visible almost everywhere in the world around January 21, but the ideal date to view the alignment may vary depending on your location. 

The northern hemisphere will be the best place to watch the stunning Perseid meteor shower in July and August. Meteors can appear in any part of the sky, so the more you can see the better. Making your way to one of the Dark Sky Places found in 22 countries around the world will give you the most immersive experience. Time your trip with organised star parties or astronomy nights and you may get the chance to use high powered telescopes as experts reveal details about the awe-inspiring cosmos.  

Continuing the celestial journey, the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, commonly known as the Northern and Southern Lights, have been a source of wonder for thousands of years. These ethereal light shows are a result of solar particles colliding with atmospheric gases, creating vibrant displays across the sky. Tourists often head to Tromsø in Norway and Fairbanks in Alaska to catch the Northern Lights, while the Southern Lights dazzle viewers in Tasmania and the southern regions of New Zealand. Each location offers a unique backdrop for one of nature's most spectacular performances. 

If stars and animals don’t excite you, here are a few more unique nighttime experiences to delight adventurous night owls. 

Truffle Hunting 

Truffle hunters often venture out at night when the truffle’s scent is stronger and it’s easier for dogs to find them. For centuries, this wild delicacy grew only in Europe, but improved cultivation techniques mean you can now find these prized fungi in far-flung places. While the exact locations can be a tightly guarded secret, you’ll find nighttime tours in Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, China, and the United States. Join trained truffle hunters and their dogs to search for these coveted fungi under the stars and experience the serene beauty of the forest at night. 

Ghost Tours and Castle Sleepovers 

For those fascinated by the supernatural, ghost tours and sleepovers in historic and sometimes spooky locations can offer a chilling experience. From the shadowy corridors of Edinburgh’s old town to the spooky halls of ancient castles in Transylvania, these tours provide a mix of history, mystery, and the thrill of potential paranormal encounters. More adventurous spirits can even spend the night in some supposedly haunted locales to test their bravery against local legends.  

Nighttime Ziplining 

Ziplining is exhilarating at any time of day, but at night it transforms into a completely different experience. Forests come alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, and the rush of flying through the darkness adds an extra thrill to the adventure. Thrill-seeking nighttime zipliners may catch glimpses of sleeping birds, nocturnal animals, and perhaps even the glint of bioluminescent insects, making it an immersive encounter with nature. 

Embracing the night safely 

Embracing the night can be a thrilling adventure, but it also comes with unique challenges. Whether you're stargazing, witnessing nocturnal wildlife, or simply taking a moonlit stroll, it's essential to balance the allure of darkness with some simple precautionary measures. 

Before embarking on your night-time excursions, it's wise to plan ahead. Opt for licensed organised tours to get the most out of the experience. This is particularly important as some travel insurance policies may not cover your trip to remote areas unless you are part of a licensed organised tour. 

Equipping yourself appropriately is also key. Use headlamps to light your way when needed, star guides to navigate the cosmos, and clothing suited for the nocturnal climate. 

Responsible travel means preserving the integrity of dark sky areas and respecting the local wildlife and communities you encounter. This may mean avoiding the use of bright lights and minimising noise pollution. Some nocturnal animals can be dangerous, so always listen to your guide and follow their instructions. 

Make sure your phone is charged and carry a portable charger as a backup. Consider downloading some star maps and celestial sky apps to help you navigate the cosmos above.  

Remember to let someone know where you’re going and look up the emergency contacts for your destination. Check out our guide on travelling safely for helpful insights on looking after yourself and your travel companions. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy the enchantment of nocturnal tourism while ensuring your adventures are safe and rewarding.