Northern Norway Whale and Aurora Cruise

Northern Norway Whale and Aurora Cruise
from £2,158 including flights
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Highlights

Look out for orca, humpback and sperm whales

Drop anchor in remote locations ideal for viewing the aurora

Explore the scenic fjords around Senja island

Visit the Arctic city of Tromso

Watch out for the magnificent white-tailed eagle
Why this trip...

How you travel
This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Overview
Two natural wonders await the intrepid traveller joining this 8-day whale and aurora sailing adventure. Spotting majestic whales combined with seeing the phenomenal northern lights can only be described as awe-inspiring. The once-in-a-lifetime trip sails the coastal waters of Northern Norway during the winter months.
Norway has a spectacular coastline waiting to be explored – its fjords are renowned for their beauty. In the far north, about 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the islands of Kvaloya, Senja and Ringvassoya are located. Around these islands something special happens during winter. Enormous schools of herring from the Barents Sea gather here in the fjords – this abundance of food attracts large numbers of whales, as they feed on it. This voyage is dedicated to meeting these giants of the ocean when the days are short and the nights are long - providing the opportunity to see the northern nights away from artificial light with remote fishing villages and scenic bays providing a fitting backdrop.
In January and February the herring, and so the whales, migrate southwards, often to the northwest coast of Senja and Andfjord. The exact sailing route will be adapted by the expedition leader according to the best chances to see the whales. In November and December the voyage takes you to the fjords and islands around Kvaloya and Ringvassoya - three days will be spent searching for whales near Kvaloya, the other days sailing under canvas and exploring some of the remote islands on foot.
Is this trip for me?
This sailing expedition will appeal to independent minded travellers looking for adventure and camaraderie onboard. The itinerary is ship-based, and not physically demanding, however, you should be in good health and be able to walk several hours per day on shore landings as well as getting on/off the ship to the zodiacs along a steep gangway.
Itinerary
Day 1 arrive in Tromso
On arrival at Tromso airport make you way to the city centre either by the regular Flybus coach service, stopping at Scandic Ishavshotel or directly by taxi to the harbour (payable locally). Those travelling on the Rembrandt van Rijn board in the late afternoon as the vessel departs in the evening on day 1.
Passengers travelling on the Noorderlicht also board early evening for dinner. Afterwards, take an evening walk in the town and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this Arctic city before returning to ship which remains in the harbour overnight.
On arrival at Tromso airport make you way to the city centre either by the regular Flybus coach service, stopping at Scandic Ishavshotel or directly by taxi to the harbour (payable locally). Those travelling on the Rembrandt van Rijn board in the late afternoon as the vessel departs in the evening on day 1.
Passengers travelling on the Noorderlicht also board early evening for dinner. Afterwards, take an evening walk in the town and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this Arctic city before returning to ship which remains in the harbour overnight.
Day 2 set sail for Senja
Early in the morning the Noorderlicht will leave Tromso, while the Rembrandt van Rijn will already be at sea. The exact itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage and the location of the whales. The route may take you clockwise or counter clockwise around the mountainous island of Senja.
Early in the morning the Noorderlicht will leave Tromso, while the Rembrandt van Rijn will already be at sea. The exact itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage and the location of the whales. The route may take you clockwise or counter clockwise around the mountainous island of Senja.

Days 3-6 Whale Safari and Aurora Cruise
The next few days will be spent around the north coast of Senja and in Andfjorden, where whales have been gathering in recent years. Besides orca and humpback whales, there are also chances to see sperm whale. Near Andenes, along the edge of the Continental Shelf, these large whales dive into the depths of the ocean where they feed on giant squid. Furthermore, there are good chances to spot white-tailed eagle, as they also want a share of the herring frenzy. This magnificent bird of prey is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident in Northern Norway.
In the afternoon, before it gets too dark, the captain will find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages such as Skrolsvik, Andenes and Gryllefjorden. When the sun sets, you can take small hikes along the coast and hope for some clear sky so you can see the aurora. The journey continues with the circumnavigation of Senja, heading north to the small island of Sammaroy.
The next few days will be spent around the north coast of Senja and in Andfjorden, where whales have been gathering in recent years. Besides orca and humpback whales, there are also chances to see sperm whale. Near Andenes, along the edge of the Continental Shelf, these large whales dive into the depths of the ocean where they feed on giant squid. Furthermore, there are good chances to spot white-tailed eagle, as they also want a share of the herring frenzy. This magnificent bird of prey is one of the largest birds of Europe and a resident in Northern Norway.
In the afternoon, before it gets too dark, the captain will find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages such as Skrolsvik, Andenes and Gryllefjorden. When the sun sets, you can take small hikes along the coast and hope for some clear sky so you can see the aurora. The journey continues with the circumnavigation of Senja, heading north to the small island of Sammaroy.



Day 7 return to Tromso
The morning is spent exploring the lovely island of Sammaroy with its small bays and white beaches and try to climb to the top of the 211 metre high Mount Hillesoya. From here there are excellent panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Sail back to Tromso, arriving about midday where the last night is spent on board the vessel.
The morning is spent exploring the lovely island of Sammaroy with its small bays and white beaches and try to climb to the top of the 211 metre high Mount Hillesoya. From here there are excellent panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Sail back to Tromso, arriving about midday where the last night is spent on board the vessel.

Day 8 depart Tromso
After breakfast say goodbye to your fellow travellers, perhaps venturing into the city if you decide to extend your stay. Or make your way to the airport by taxi or Flybus coach service for your flight home (payable locally).
After breakfast say goodbye to your fellow travellers, perhaps venturing into the city if you decide to extend your stay. Or make your way to the airport by taxi or Flybus coach service for your flight home (payable locally).
Vessels

S/V Rembrandt van Rijn
33 passengers
There are 16 Cabins, all with private toilet and shower. There is 1 Triple Cabin with porthole; 6 Inside Twin berth cabins and 9 Twin berth cabins with porthole

S/V Noorderlicht
20 passengers
There are 10 Cabins, all with shared facilities using 4 showers and 5 toilets. Each cabin has a wash basin.
Prices and Departures
Price from £2,158 including flights
What's Included
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Tromso via Oslo
- Shipboard Accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Shore excursions
- English speaking guide
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Prices per person
Based on two sharing a cabin, unless otherwise stated. Single passengers can share a Twin cabin with another passenger.
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Inside Twin | Inside Single | Porthole Twin | Porthole Single |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21 Nov 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
28 Nov 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
5 Dec 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
12 Dec 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
19 Dec 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
26 Dec 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,524 | £3,988 | £2,843 | £4,529 |
02 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
09 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
16 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
23 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
30 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
20 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
27 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
04 Dec 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
11 Dec 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
18 Dec 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
25 Dec 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Rembrandt van Rijn | £2,430 | £3,958 | £2,748 | £4,498 |
Prices per person
Based on two sharing a cabin, unless otherwise stated. 'Single shared' means single travellers will be sharing with another passenger.
Departure | Duration | Vessel | Twin | Single Private | Single shared |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Feb 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
22 Feb 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
29 Feb 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
07 Mar 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
14 Mar 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
31 Oct 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
07 Nov 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
14 Nov 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
21 Nov 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
26 Dec 2020 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,252 | £3,524 | £2,252 |
02 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
09 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
16 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
23 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
30 Jan 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
30 Oct 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
06 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
13 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
20 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
27 Nov 2021 | 7 nights | S/V Noorderlicht | £2,158 | £3,494 | £2,158 |
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