Sedona Star Gazing Tour Experience
Your Sedona Star Gazing experience begins with a general tour of that evening’s most visible constellations. Next, you’ll be shown at least 6 different notable objects in the sky via one of their high-powered telescopes as your expert astronomer guide is on-hand to share insights and anecdotes about everything above that is catching your eye. Each night’s sky is a vastly different experience, but on a typical evening you’re likely to encounter any number of stars, planets, passing satellites, nebulas, and/or even galaxies.
This special tour usually lasts about 1.5 hours. The list-price of a ticket here already includes tax, and usually runs about $70 for an adult and $40 for a kid age 6 through 12. If you book a group of 5 or more adults for the same tour, you can receive some $10 off the price of each ticket. Also, if you’re so inclined, you can book a completely private tour in advance for 12-15 adults at a cost of around $900.
The schedule varies seasonally. From April 15th to the end of August tours begin at 9:00pm, while between the month of September and March 15th things start at 8:30pm. Meanwhile, between March 15th and April 15th Sedona Star Gazing offers a single tour that runs twice daily—once for families with children, and once for adults only. For families with children, things start at 8:00pm; the adults-only session runs at 10:00pm. All tour times are subject to change at any point in time on account of weather issues and/or special “night-sky” circumstances and/or events.
It is recommended that, to best maximize your ability to see as many wonders in the sky as possible, that you avoid booking your tour on any of the 2 or 3 nights before a full moon—as well as the night immediately afterwards.
Things to Know & Insider Tips
- Sedona Star Gazing does not permit any children under 6 to go on one of their tours. No pets are allowed to come along to the viewing sites either.
- Sedona Star Gazing strongly recommends that, for tours running between the months of November and March, you bring your own set of winter gloves and hats. Sedona Star Gazing will provide adults with jackets; there are blankets and chairs available for everyone.
- It is recommended that you make a reservation ahead of your desired tour date; Sedona Star Gazing has a strict policy of no more than 12 people per each telescope/astronomer guide, and they frequently sell out their tours. Reservations must be made online.
- Sedona Star Gazing never charges any kind of cancellation fee when a tour must be postponed or cancelled on account of inclement weather.
- If you have a pleasant time studying the night sky while with Sedona Star Gazing, it is considered polite to tip your guide somewhere in the range of 20%. The price of your tour ticket does not include any sort of gratuity.
Is Sedona Star Gazing the Tour Company for You?
If you are a family with small kids, this is not the tour for you—children under the age of 6 are not even allowed to come along. However, if you want to experience the starry night sky above Sedona as part of a formal tour, this outing is a must-do. On a good, clear night you’ll be amazed by all you can see from one of Sedona Star Gazing’s telescopes, and thrilled by what you can learn from one of their knowledgeable and engaging astronomer guides. The price per ticket is not inexpensive, but it is worth it if you have a strong interest in space.
