According to a recent study by Skyscanner, AstroTourism is predicted to skyrocket next year.
According to a recent study by Skyscanner, AstroTourism is predicted to skyrocket next year. Whether you’re excited to study the cosmos or experience unique nighttime adventures, look up to the skies in 2025. From stargazing in Chile’s Atacama Desert to cultural experiences under the stars in Japan, read on to discover 14 amazing destinations to embrace AstroTourism.
Certified Dark Skies
The World’s first Dark Sky City Welcomes A New Astronomy Discovery Center, Arizona
Flagstaff, The World’s first Dark Sky City, has welcomed the brand new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at the world-renowned Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. The centre, which opened on 16 November, allows visitors to explore the origins and growth of the universe through the lens of astronomy with interactive exhibits and experiences. There’s also an open-air rooftop planetarium to enjoy Flagstaff’s famous starry skies.and at the Universe Theater, learn about the planets and constellations on a two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen before peering through telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.
Explore Nevada’s Dark Sky Sanctuaries, Nevada
Beyond the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, Nevada is home to some of the darkest skies in the world. Thanks to the state’s lack of light pollution, there are 14 stargazing parks dotted across the state, some located in dark sky sanctuaries, and are completely free – telescopes optional. . Those looking for an adventure on the more, , head along the “Starry-est Route In America”, which takes travellers from Death Valley National Park to Great Basin National Park via some of the least light-polluted spaces in the U.S.
Admire the night sky over the Atacama Desert, Chile
Chile’s Atacama Desert offers 300 days of guaranteed clear skies, making it a premier destination for stargazing. Here, visitors can explore the universe with the naked eye or powerful telescopes at observatories designed for public access. The Atacama’s high altitude, dry climate, and minimal light pollution provide an unparalleled view of constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way. Local guides offer stargazing tours, complete with cultural insights and astronomy expertise from as little as £25pp.
Study the skies in Nasu Highlands, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
In the Nasu Highlands of Japan, a popular nighttime activity is stargazing at the Nasu Highland Observatory. With its high altitude and clear mountain skies, the area provides breathtaking views of constellations and visitors can join guided stargazing tours where experts point out planets and seasonal celestial events through high-powered telescopes. Some tours also offer night hikes to picturesque vantage points for panoramic stargazing over forested landscapes.
Winter Lights and Scenic Delights
Try starlit snowshoeing in Méribel, France
Guided night snowshoe tours in Méribel take adventures through serene alpine forests and snow-covered trails, illuminated only by the moonlight and headlamps. For the soft-footed, there’s a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife like foxes or hares and for those that feel the chill. Some tours include stops to enjoy hot drinks or even a traditional Savoyard snack around a cosy campfire.
Get festive at Ullr Nights at Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass hosts Ullr Nights twice a month at Elk Camp, which transforms into a snow-globe wonderland in honour of the Norse God of Snow. Families can ride the Elk Camp Gondola up the mountain to enjoy tubing, a thrilling ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, or toasting s’mores by the bonfire with hot chocolate.
Cultural Celebrations After Dark
Embrace sacred ceremonies under the stars in Kii Peninsula, Japan
In Japan’s Kii Peninsula, evening temple rituals near the sacred waterfalls offer a profound and spiritual experience for travellers. At Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan and an ancient pilgrimage site, Shinto priests perform ceremonies that blend chants, traditional music and sacred fire rituals. Illuminated by torches, the falls take on an ethereal glow, enhancing the mystical atmosphere as the sounds of chanting and flowing water echo through the forested landscape. These nighttime rituals honour the spirits of nature and are deeply rooted in the beliefs of Shinto and Buddhism.
Dive into the deep in Fakarava, French Polynesia
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava’s South Pass, part of The Islands of Tahiti’s Tuamotu Archipelago is one of the world’s top dive sites, known for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. At night, the pass transforms into a spectacular scene as nocturnal predators emerge to hunt, and divers can witness incredible interactions between sharks, rays and other reef fish. The famous ‘Wall of Sharks’ is especially mesmerising after dark, with dozens of grey reef sharks navigating the currents in search of prey..
Discover the Omizutori Festival, Nara Prefecture, Japan
The Omizutori Festival, officially known as Shunie, is held every March at the Todai-ji Temple in Nara prefecture. One of Japan’s oldest Buddhist rituals dating back over 1,200 years, the ceremony is intended to cleanse people and welcome Spring. A key highlight is the nightly fire ritual where giant torches are lit and carried along the temple’s wooden balcony. Spectators gather to watch as sparks shower down, believing that catching the falling embers will bring good fortune and protection for the year ahead.
Embark on a Night Vision Rainforest Walk in Byron Bay, New South Wales
The Night Vision Rainforest Walk in Byron Bay offers an extraordinary way to experience the Australian rainforest after dark. Using military-grade night vision goggles, guests can explore the nocturnal world without the intrusion of bright lights, allowing them to catch a glimpse of elusive wildlife like pademelons, possums, bandicoots, tawny frogmouths, and frogs in their natural habitat.
Adventures by Moonlight
Experience night safaris in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
The vast, quiet plains of Hortobágy National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hungary, offers an extraordinary nighttime safari experience. On a guided night walk guests can expect to come into contact with wild horses, Hungarian Grey cattle, and nocturnal birds like the barn owl. Guides also offer insight into the traditional “csikós” (horsemen) who have tended these plains for centuries and explore rustic landmarks, such as the Nine-Holed Bridge.
Adventure through the Everglades after dark, Florida’s Paradise Coast
A night tour in the Everglades reveals a world that comes alive after sunset. Guided by poleboat, kayak or canoe, the night tours, which typically run from December to March, allow visitors to encounter nocturnal creatures like bobcats, bats and the elusive Everglades mink while the air buzzes with the sounds of frogs, owls and insects. Far from major city lights, guests are treated to twinking stars overhead while paddling through the mysterious waters.
Give nighttime kayaking a go, Washington State
Whidbey Island is home to kelp forests, craggy shoreline, and old-growth trees that are habitats for otters, seals, porpoises, eagles and hawks. From June to August visitors can also view bioluminescence, a subaquatic light show.. Whidbey Island Kayaking offers these unique natural tours at a number of choice spots on the southern end of the island.. For optimum viewing, tours are run in the summer around the new moon when the skies are darkest. Tours start from £83 for 2hour tour.
Try night skiing just 40 minutes from the city of seattle, Washington
Just a 40 minute drive from the city of Seattle, the Summit at Snoqualmie proudly offers the most night skiing in the US, with nearly 600 acres to discover under the stars. Featuring famous steeps, backbowls, terrain parks, a Nordic centre and Tubing Park as well as fantastic terrain for beginners, The Summit operates 7 days, and 6 nights a week with single-use tickets starting from £65 per person.