76% of holidaymakers want to experience night tourism

From stargazing under glittering desert skies to chilling ghost tours and nocturnal wildlife encounters, discover the world’s leading destinations for night tourism.

• Over three quarters (76%) of UK holidaymakers would be interested in ‘noctourism’ – travel experiences that take place after dark

• The United States tops the global noctourism index, offering the largest volume and greatest range of highly rated nighttime activities

• Mexico ranks second, offering unique bioluminescence experiences, where travellers can witness the magical natural glow of marine life

• Confused.com travel insurance expert offers tips around preparing to take part in nighttime travel activities.

Noctourism (a blend of the words nocturnal and tourism) refers to travel activities and excursions that take place after dark. These night-time adventures showcase the wonders of the world from a different perspective.

Travel insurance experts at Confused.com recently looked into holidaymakers’ interest in noctourism and created a global index of the best countries for night-time travel. The index is based on TripAdvisor listings for highly rated  (4 stars and above and over 100 reviews) noctourism activities in each country. The activities include night tours, night safaris and stargazing to name a few.

Uniqueness and adventure drive travellers interest in noctourism.

Confused.com found that just over three quarters (76%) of UK holidaymakers are interested in noctourism. The main reasons it appeals to these travellers include experiencing unique activities you can’t do in the daytime (58%), a sense of adventure (54%) as well as observing nocturnal wildlife (50%).

The global noctourism index:

1. United States – Index score: 9.8

The United States tops the list with their wide range of positively reviewed nighttime activities and an impressive total of 275 spanning different states. From after dark expeditions around canyons and vast national parks, to magical stargazing opportunities, you can embrace what the night has to offer.

The volume of night tours available is the United States’ biggest noctourism asset. The most prominent states for these are Florida, Washington and Louisiana, each with a distinctive offering. Florida delivers variety, from aquatic wildlife tours gliding around the everglades, tasting tours and sightseeing. In Washington you’ll find night-time monument tours, being transported into the past while riding in unique vehicles like electric carts or trolleys. Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, is rich in folklore and mystical history. With haunted histories, ghost stories and even vampire tours, prepare for a thrill.

2. Mexico – Index score: 8.1

While the volume of noctourism activities on offer in Mexico is less, at only 17, variety earns the country second place.

Highly rated bioluminescence activities are rare, but Mexico has the third highest number globally. You can observe the enchanting natural light displays of marine life alongside aquatic animals via kayak or snorkelling excursions.

Many of the night tours in Mexico also showcase the country’s culinary offering, where you can eat at local gems, enjoying fresh tacos or refreshing beers and smokey mezcals.

Note: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico. Check where it’s safe to travel here.

3. Egypt – Index score: 7.1

Egypt offers a total of 44 favourably reviewed noctourism activities. Here, travellers can experience the wonders of Egypt at nightfall – and witness some unforgettable sights!

Most nighttime activities centre around the expansive deserts, where you can appreciate their beauty in the stillness of night, avoiding the scorching daytime sun. You can ride across the plains by quad bikes, jeeps and even camels while learning about Egypt’s rich history and culture. Some also include stargazing opportunities, where you can admire the sky scattered with stars away from the city lights.

Note: FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Egypt. Check where it’s safe to travel here.

4. Australia – Index score: 6.9

Australia is the perfect noctourism destination for wildlife and nature lovers. The 36 acclaimed night-time activities available mainly centre around observing nocturnal wildlife and exploring the wonders of the country’s untamed, breathtaking landscapes.

Species-spotting activities on offer include fishing safaris, tours of wildlife parks, rainforest expeditions and even witnessing penguins return home to shore for the evening.

5. United Arab Emirates – Index score: 6.9

In fifth place is the United Arab Emirates, with an impressive total of 140 noctourism activities. Most of which are evening safaris across the golden desert plains in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Tour companies offer a variety of different packages, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re an adventure seeker, you can ride camels, quad bikes and sandboard. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, other packages include entertainment like live shows, BBQ dinners, campfires and even Arabic coffee making experiences.

Travel insurance expert at Confused.com, Alvaro Iturmendi, shares tips on preparing for night tourism:

• “Ensure you have the right level of cover: Check that your travel insurance covers the specific activities you’re doing. Standard policies may not cover active experiences like watersports or trekking. These can be considered high-risk, so check your policy terms and consider add-ons to ensure you’re protected. Additionally, if you’re travelling to a country with current FCDO advisories, like Egypt or Mexico, travelling outside of approved areas will invalidate your policy,  so check these on the government website.

• “Secure your spot in advance: Since availability of noctourism activities are often limited and in high demand, it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance. Many excursions also operate with smaller group sizes, for the safety of the attendees and to protect wildlife and nature. Reserving ahead not only guarantees you don’t miss out, but helps plan your day ahead of the experience, so you can fully enjoy it without feeling tired or rushed.

• “Prioritise your safety: Choose reputable, experienced activity providers by checking ratings and reviews. Be cautious when exploring unfamiliar areas at night and check local safety advice e.g. online or by asking your accommodation host. Before setting off, make sure you know exactly where to meet your guide and have planned your journey there.”

The survey was carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Confused.com, of 2,000 UK adults who go on holiday abroad at least once a year, between 22nd to 26th September 2025. 

Confused.com created a global noctourism index by analysing the top 1000   TripAdvisor ‘things to do’ listings for the following keywords: night tour, night safari, stargazing and bioluminescence. Results were filtered to only include listings rated 4 stars or more, with over 100 user reviews. Listings were then filtered by country, with the number of qualifying listings under each keyword recorded to create the index. 

Data was collected between 17th to 22nd September 2025. 

Feature Photo by Murat Onder on Unsplash