Have you ever looked up at the stars and felt a deep sense of peace? That fleeting moment when you recognise your place in the universe – small, yet extraordinary – reminding you of the miracle of existence.

At Another World Adventures, we’ve always cherished the night sky, whether sailing under constellations or trekking through remote wilderness. Lately, we’ve been thrilled to see more people embracing the magic of nighttime adventures through “noctourism”, shifting their perspective on darkness from something to endure to something to explore. “Noctourism” involves seeking out adventures under the cover of darkness which comes with the bonus of avoiding the heat and the crowds. 

For many of us in Europe and North America, the shorter days of winter can feel restrictive. But when we learn to appreciate the night sky, everything changes. A simple shift in perspective transforms darkness into an invitation – an opportunity to seek out the world’s best stargazing spots, experience the stillness of night, and escape light pollution for a clearer view of the cosmos. 

So if you’re ready to embrace the night sky and all of its magnificence, here are 9 incredible adventures that will connect you to it like never before.

9 adventures to connect to the night sky

Many of our adventures take you to remote destinations, where nights spent outdoors or on night watches naturally lend themselves to stargazing. Here are some of our favourite adventures that offer unforgettable opportunities to connect with the night sky:

Sail Greenland to Iceland 

No list of night-sky adventures would be complete without experiencing the northern lights. This 19-day sailing expedition from Greenland to Iceland offers a unique blend of coastal and blue-water sailing aboard a family-run tall ship, where you join the crew as a guest. Greenland’s nutrient-rich waters attract whales, seals, polar bears, and seabirds. As you sail through these pristine waters with no light pollution, you’ll be treated to breathtaking displays of the northern lights, creating an unforgettable night sky experience.

Sail Transatlantic Namibia to Brazil 2025 

Anyone who’s experienced what it’s like to sail across the Atlantic will tell you the night sky at sea is breathtaking. With no light pollution, the stars blaze brilliantly, creating a mesmerising celestial display. On night watch, you’ll take charge of the boat beneath this endless expanse, letting your mind drift into a world of magic and wonder. For an unforgettable adventure, join the crew of a world-class tall ship in Namibia and sail 3,000 nautical miles across the high seas to Brazil, stopping at the remote island of St Helena.

Celestial Navigation Transatlantic Eastbound 2025

For the ultimate stargazing adventure, sail the Atlantic using only celestial navigation – just as explorers once did. Begin on the Caribbean island of Antigua with two days of expert tuition, then embark on a 3,500-mile voyage across the ocean, relying on the sun, moon, planets, and stars to chart your course using a sextant. Make landfall in the Azores after 2,300 nautical miles before continuing 1,200 miles to England’s south coast.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro 

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s second-highest freestanding mountain, for breathtaking views of the Milky Way and countless constellations. Its remote location means zero light pollution, making for some of the clearest night skies on Earth. Whilst many focus on the summit challenge, the journey itself is just as rewarding. The western Lemosho route, an eight-day trek, provides ample opportunities to stargaze along the way and from the summit, where the stars feel almost close enough to touch.

Magical Marwar & Pushkar Fair Horse Ride

This 13-day Marwar & Pushkar Fair Horse Ride adventure combines the excitement of horseback riding with nights beneath star-filled skies in India’s northern “Golden Triangle.” Follow the ‘Leopard Trail’ on native Marwari horses, with the chance to spot wild leopards in their natural habitat. After a day in the saddle, enjoy delicious meals before settling into en-suite tented camps, ideal for stargazing. Highlights include riding through the Aravalli hills, the Thar Desert, and experiencing the Pushkar Camel Fair – a spectacular annual gathering of camel, horse and cattle traders from across Northern India.

Pacific Adventure Sail Tahiti to Hawaii

Sail from Tahiti to Hawaii on a legendary Pacific voyage, where warm night watches and steady trade winds set the scene for incredible stargazing. With no light pollution, the night sky comes alive – just as it did for Polynesian navigators who once used the stars, ocean currents, and wave patterns to journey across the Pacific. Embrace the rhythm of the sea and feast your eyes on oceanic seascapes, with the possibility of learning the art of celestial navigation on this unforgettable adventure.

Trails of New Zealand 

Ideal for active adventurers, this 19-day small-group journey showcases the best of New Zealand’s trails. Travel from Auckland’s vibrant waterfront to the breathtaking Southern Alps, exploring both the North and South Islands. Along the way, sail pristine waterways, hike volcanic landscapes, and jet boat through Mount Aspiring National Park. With minimal light pollution in these remote locations, you’ll have incredible opportunities to experience the magic of Southern Hemisphere stargazing.

Petra and Wadi Rum by Bike 

Embark on a nine-day cycling adventure through Jordan, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Petra and Wadi Rum. Ride through vast desert scenery, past nomadic communities, and along well-maintained tarmac roads. Discover the awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed city of Petra before heading into the otherworldly expanse of Wadi Rum. Here, you’ll camp beneath a canopy of stars, fully immersed in the quiet beauty of the desert wilderness – an unforgettable way to experience Jordan’s history and natural wonders.

Scotland Isle Sailing Adventure 

With some of the darkest skies in Europe, the Scottish Isles offer a spectacular setting for stargazing – especially when explored under sail. Over ten days, navigate breathtaking Scottish coastlines, sail past ancient rock formations, and encounter wildlife such as whales, seabirds, and seals. Experience the magic of night watches on longer passages to remote destinations like St Kilda or through the Pentland Firth, where the absence of light pollution reveals an awe-inspiring display of stars across the vast northern sky.

Whether you’re dreaming of stargazing snuggled in a sleeping bag, surrounded by mountains or sand dunes, or you see yourself facing the elements of night watch onboard a ship in the Arctic. The night sky unites us. It has a mysticism that makes it impossible to look away, and connects us across history and place.

There are some incredible adventures out there in some of the most remote – and dark – parts of the world and we can’t wait to see where the night sky takes you.

For more opportunities to connect to the night sky, explore our solar eclipse and astronomy adventures. Or, get in touch with our team to discuss how to plan the ultimate adventure.