Fjord Sailing, Whale Watching & Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway

YOUR SAILING AREA

Tromsø, Norway

High above the Arctic circle in Norway sits the city of Tromsø, a top destination for watching the mesmerising Northern Lights and enjoying dog sledding, whale watching and beach campfires under starlit skies. With direct flights from London Gatwick, Tromsø is a great place to begin your adventure sailing holiday in Norway. During November, daylight hours are between 09:00-14:00, with a midwinter “blue light”.

Explore the town of Tromsø before boarding the boat at 12pm. Drop off your luggage and get to know the boat before heading off on your first afternoon adventure – self-drive husky dog sledding OR Sami reindeer sledding.  

The dog sledding excursion is 4 hours from pick up to drop off. You will have 3 hours at the kennel with time to learn about the dogs and the kennel and go on a 90 minute sled in the mountains. Hot drinks and homemade cake will be served at the end of the sled tour before your 30 minute shuttle ride back to Tromsø.

The Sami Reindeer Sledding excursion is also 4 hours from pick up to drop off. You will have 3 hours at the Sami Reindeer Camp and a 30 minute reindeer sled ride, a traditional Sami meal cooked over the fire & warm drinks, and stories and traditional joik songs around a fire inside a tipi.

Return to the boat after 16:00 (4pm), settle into your cabin, and enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner as you embark on your northern lights and hot tub cruise for the evening. Departing from Tromsø, Stella Oceana will sail to an area where the whales have been sighted and drop anchor for the night. 

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Wake up on anchor and enjoy a coffee on deck as the sun comes up. Spend the day sailing the dramatic fjords looking for orca and humpback whales. This area of Norway is also great for spotting dolphins and arctic birds.

​Having two days of whale watching in Norway greatly increases our chances of spotting them and is recommended over the 8 hour day trips that run out of Tromsø. These day trips on a speed boat can be known to “chase” the animals, which is something we do not do. We operate as quietly as possible, under sail where we can and operate a “whales come to us” policy. The Arctic winter weather conditions are highly variable and the area the whales are gathered in the fjords will change from day to day.

On Friday night, Stella Oceana will dock at the island of Reinøya where you’ll get to experience a cultural time capsule of a remote Norwegian village with just 11 residents. Sit around an open fire under a Lavvu (a traditional Sami tipi) in a quiet forest and enjoy local story-telling as you wait for the northern lights to appear! 

On Saturday night, Stella Oceana will cruise back to Tromsø. Enjoy the peaceful arctic scenery in the hot tub onboard before departing the boat in Tromsø harbour at 9pm.

This trip is covered by our Package Travel Regulations. Minimum passenger = 5

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 45 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled, but in most cases, we are still able to run the tour without additional charges, and may ask for your cooperation to make modifications to your tour itinerary, but keeping the original tour start and end dates. When the number of participants is below the critical level, we will inform you 6 weeks prior to the departure date and consult you with your options, which can include additional supplements for the cabins (depending on the number of participants).

If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking and the remaining balance that was paid 90 days prior to the departure date. We cancel because it is both financially and ecologically unsustainable to do a cruise with too few participants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. 

All voyages for Stella Oceana

Stella Oceana

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Gaff Ketch

A custom-built charter yacht, Stella Oceana is the perfect boat for sailing and exploring the beautiful remote island and fjords of Norway. Based in Tromsø and Svolvær, she sleeps 8 guests in private cabins offering individual voyages and whole boat charter holidays in Norway. Explore the remote islands of Lofoten and the breathtaking Arctic fjords in utmost comfort.

Built in 1991 using the 40T keel from her predecessor Anna Marie of Donsö (a Swedish cargo ship), Stella Oceana has spent the past 30 years sailing in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. She’s a beautiful example of Scandinavian craftsmanship with hardwood and metal used throughout her hull, deck and interiors. Her slim but heavy build offers a stable, slow and smooth sailing experience and her 1C ice classification means she can sail through ice up to 50 cm thick! Her unique design allows her to explore the more remote islands and fjords that are not accessible to the larger, more common small cruise ships. 

The resident Captain of Stella Oceana, is a world class sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organisation. His partner takes care of the front of house operations aboard, ensuring guests have a first class, professional and relaxed experience. With a further two crew on hand, you don’t have to have any previous sailing knowledge, just let the crew take you to discover some of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia.

Read more about the crew here 

BELOW DECKS

There are two exterior deck levels with plenty of space for relaxation. The main deck is perfect for taking in the view, practicing yoga or even unwind in the boats very own hot tub! The upper deck level has an outdoor kitchen and dining area – a great spot to enjoy any fresh fish you’ve caught! 

Below decks, she has a large saloon with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. There are two twin cabins and a larger four-berth cabin that works well for families or groups of friends. For only 8 berths on a 100ft vessel, Stella Oceana gives guests a spacious, relaxed sailing experience. Her voyages are focussed on the beautiful landscapes, fjords and coastline of Norway with plenty of time to explore ashore. 

Read more about what to expect from life on board here

Life on board

Our sailing holidays in Norway on Stella Oceana are of wonderful, unique and awe-inspiring encounters. Immerse yourself into the natural, dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian fjords, islands and coastline as you experience living as a community aboard this purpose-built charter boat. Her sailing voyages are a social activity, meeting new people or sharing amazing memories with friends and family.

RELAX IN NATURE

Soaking in the natural wonders of Norway while relaxing in pure comfort is at the top of Stella Oceana’s offering. From the hot tub on deck (yes, you read that right!), to an outdoor kitchen for cooking our very own catch of the day (fishing rods/lines are included if you fancy a go) to a spacious saloon below decks, there are plenty of opportunities to relax under sail. There are also two kayaks and two stand-up paddle-boards for guests to use so you can explore the nooks and crannies of the coastline.

The professional crew are always on-hand to provide a high quality service to guests. Stella Oceana does have a gaff ketch rig but the majority of her fjord sailing will be done under motor due to the changeable wind directions. For longer sailing voyages along the Norwegian coast, there will be more opportunities to sail. The crew welcome guests to get involved if they would like to but this is not at all expected. The only expectation is that guests have the most relaxing adventure in Norway!

SLEEPING & RELAXATION

Both above and below decks, Stella Oceana is not short of comfortable spaces to relax in. The exterior deck is split into two levels. The upper deck has seating for al-fresco dining under the stars and an outdoor kitchen for BBQ feasts. The main deck is home to the boats pièce de résistance – a hot tub. Channel your inner Wim Hof with a quick Arctic dip before retreating to the warmth of a luxury 6-person hot tub on deck. Guests are also invited to practice yoga, meditation or just simply sit back and soak in the breath-taking views.

Below decks, the space continues with a high-ceiled large saloon housing a dining area, large corner sofa, bar, coffee machine and even WIFI. The private cabins are made up of two twin bunks and a four-berth cabin all sharing a shower and toilet. Each cabin has wardrobe storage space, adjustable heating and a natural light hatch with all linen and towels included.

FOOD & DRINK

Inspired by northern Norwegian traditions, the menu is ever-changing while using local, ethical, fresh and organic produce. A popular activity aboard is to run fishing rods and lines while moving through the fjords so anything we catch can be served up fresh for dinner! There is a dedicated chef on board to cook all meals with snacks, hot drinks, juices and clean arctic water available throughout the day and all included in your ticket price. An onboard bar sits to the end of the saloon with alcoholic drinks on a tab system.

Climate

The average day in Tromsø during November has 5.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise at 9:19 AM and sunset at 2:25 PM.

The average temperature during November is between 2 to -2 °C! Stella Oceana provides each guest with a thermal suit and a full kit list will be given when booking.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Thermal suit
• One sledding experience
• Whale watching
• Island Excursion with Northern Lights

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol – please bring your own but be mindful this is not a booze cruise!
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot/soft drinks)

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes we can cater for most diets, please check at time of enquiry.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/Norwegian/Japanese

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 2x twin bunk cabins and 1x 4-berth bunk cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  one for guests, one shared with the boat

• Is there WIFI?

  Yes, although please bear in mind that it can be intermittent at sea!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes, thermal suits are provided.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and shower towels are included.

Travel Planning

From: Tromsø, Norway

To: Tromsø, Norway

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

By Air

Fly direct from London Gatwick to Tromsø Airport (TOS)

Take a 20 minute bus journey operated by Troms Fylkestrafikk running every 20 minutes or Bussring hourly into Tromsø. Alternatively a taxi is about 10 minutes.

Indirect flights go to Tromsø Airport (TOS) from;

• London Gatwick (LGW) w, Norwegian Air
• London Heathrow (LHR) w, SAS
• London Stansted (STN) w, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air
• Manchester (MAN) w, SAS