Noctourism, or after-dark travel, is emerging as a growing trend among travellers looking for distinctive and more immersive holiday experiences. Research from booking.com found that 62% of travellers across 33 countries are seeking unique experiences at night.
From bioluminescent bays and firefly cruises to night safaris and aurora hunting, these experiences offer a fresh perspective on destinations while helping visitors avoid daytime crowds.
The trend is expected to gain further momentum ahead of the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, which will be visible across much of Spain and partly across Europe and North America.
Such celestial events, combined with growing interest in stargazing and nature-based tourism, are creating new opportunities for travel agents to build memorable itineraries around after-dark experiences.
Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico
On the island of Vieques, Mosquito Bay is widely regarded as the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. As visitors paddle through the water by kayak, microscopic organisms create an electric blue glow with every movement, producing one of nature’s most remarkable nighttime displays.
The bay was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1980 and remains one of Puerto Rico’s standout attractions. Conditions are often at their best during the drier months, when clear skies enhance the experience.
For clients seeking something beyond the traditional beach holiday, Mosquito Bay combines nature, adventure and a genuine sense of discovery, making it an excellent addition to a Caribbean itinerary.
Journey Latin America offers a tailor-made Puerto Rico itinerary including San Juan and Vieques.
Firefly Cruises on the Kampot River, Cambodia
As darkness falls along the Kampot River, thousands of fireflies illuminate the mangrove-lined banks, creating a magical spectacle best experienced from a small riverboat.
Kampot is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, renowned pepper plantations and relaxed riverside atmosphere. The destination offers a quieter alternative to Cambodia’s better-known tourist hotspots while providing plenty of opportunities to experience local culture.
A firefly cruise is an easy but memorable excursion that can be combined with longer Cambodia itineraries, appealing to couples, families and travellers interested in wildlife and sustainability.
Gold Medal packages Cambodia itineraries including a Kampot stay, with a firefly cruise arranged through their local DMC partners
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights continue to rank among the world’s most sought-after travel experiences.
Visible across parts of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada and Greenland, the phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere, producing ribbons of colour across the night sky.
Aurora holidays can be tailored to a wide range of clients, from luxury travellers seeking remote lodges to families looking for winter adventures. Many itineraries also incorporate activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and cultural experiences with local communities.
The combination of natural wonder and destination experiences makes Northern Lights holidays a reliable seller year after year.
Discover the World has dedicated agent support and tailor-made Northern Lights holidays to Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada.
Night Diving, Perth, Australia
Western Australia offers excellent opportunities for night diving, allowing experienced divers to explore marine environments that transform after sunset.
Many species that remain hidden during the day emerge at night, including reef sharks, giant trevally and turtles. Coral formations take on different colours under dive lights, while bioluminescent plankton can add an extra dimension to the experience.
For adventure-focused clients, or for repeat visitors to Australia looking for something different, night diving provides a unique way to experience the country’s rich marine ecosystems. As with all diving excursions, trips should be undertaken with qualified operators and appropriate supervision.
Trailfinders’ Australia tailor-made holidays can include Perth stays and pre-booked dive excursions.
Night Safaris, Namibia
Namibia’s vast landscapes and exceptionally dark skies make it one of Africa’s leading destinations for nocturnal wildlife viewing and stargazing.
Night safaris offer the chance to observe species that are most active after sunset, including hyenas, leopards and other elusive wildlife. Many lodges and wilderness camps also provide expert-led astronomy experiences, taking advantage of some of the clearest skies in the world.
For clients interested in combining wildlife, conservation and astronomy, Namibia delivers a compelling alternative to the traditional safari experience and can be marketed as a destination that truly comes alive after dark.
Travelbag sells Desert and Delta Safaris trips which include multi-country Southern Africa itineraries featuring Namibia with wildlife and astronomy experiences.
