Whales and Aurora Expedition Cruise
Whales and Aurora Expedition Cruise
from £2,552 excluding flights
Customers rate Discover the World
Average score 4.8/5
Based on 1186 reviews. Powered by
Highlights
Look out for orca, humpback and sperm whales
Explore the scenic fjords of northern Norway
Drop anchor in remote locations ideal for viewing the aurora
Watch out for the magnificent white-tailed eagle
Visit the Arctic city of Tromso
Spend time with huskies
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
Like-minded travellers
Share your travel experiences with fellow travellers
Overview
Two natural wonders await on this expedition-style small ship cruise. Exploring the coastal waters of Northern Norway during the magical winter months, you’ll have the chance to combine world-class whale watching with the dazzling spectacle of the northern lights. There’s also time to experience dog sledding and other winter activities during this comprehensive Arctic adventure.
Spend 5 days exploring northern Norway’s dramatic coastline in search of whales and other marine life. Against a spectacular backdrop of fjords, rugged islands and snow-covered mountains, high above the Arctic Circle, you may spot orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales. Enormous schools of herring from the Barents Sea gather in these fjords during the winter months, and it is this abundance of food that attracts large numbers of whales.
From late November to mid-January the region is shrouded in Polar Night, when the sun remains below the horizon and an ethereal twilight occurs from around 9am to early afternoon. This mystical blue light provides unique photographic opportunities by day, while the long dark nights spent in isolated fjords make the perfect conditions for aurora viewing.
During the cruise you’ll also have time to head ashore, visiting remote settlements, meeting the locals and having the opportunity to try winter activities such as dogsledding or snowmobiling.
Itinerary
Day 1 Embarkation, Tromso
Your adventure begins in Tromso, nicknamed the ‘Paris of the North’. This sub-Arctic Norwegian town is thought to have been inhabited since the last Ice Age and is rich with Norse and Sami history. You will board the MS Quest today for initial briefings and a welcome dinner, before heading ashore this evening for your first excursion in search of the northern lights. You’ll take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain for spectacular views over Tromso City and an introduction to Night Vision Photography as you keep watch for the aurora. Later, return to the ship and set sail for the beautiful Lyngen Alps.
Your adventure begins in Tromso, nicknamed the ‘Paris of the North’. This sub-Arctic Norwegian town is thought to have been inhabited since the last Ice Age and is rich with Norse and Sami history. You will board the MS Quest today for initial briefings and a welcome dinner, before heading ashore this evening for your first excursion in search of the northern lights. You’ll take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain for spectacular views over Tromso City and an introduction to Night Vision Photography as you keep watch for the aurora. Later, return to the ship and set sail for the beautiful Lyngen Alps.
Days 2-3 Cruising the Norwegian Coast
Over the next two days you will explore the fjords and islands of northern Norway. Your route will depend on sea and weather conditions as well as maximising the opportunity to see wildlife – every cruise is unique.
Most departures will head northeast from Tromso, cruising across Lyngen Fjord to the wildlife-rich waters north of Skjervoy, a renowned spot for whale watching. You may also head into Lyngen Fjord to visit the northernmost distillery in the world, Aurora Spirits, where you can enjoy a tour and tasting experience. Nearby you can also visit a Cold War defence bunker. A stop to explore the ancient trade and fishing settlement of Hamnes, on the island of Uloya, is also included if conditions permit.
Along the way your expedition team will share their experiences and stories, perhaps arranging informal lectures, and keep an eye out for whales each day and the northern lights dancing across the sky by night.
Over the next two days you will explore the fjords and islands of northern Norway. Your route will depend on sea and weather conditions as well as maximising the opportunity to see wildlife – every cruise is unique.
Most departures will head northeast from Tromso, cruising across Lyngen Fjord to the wildlife-rich waters north of Skjervoy, a renowned spot for whale watching. You may also head into Lyngen Fjord to visit the northernmost distillery in the world, Aurora Spirits, where you can enjoy a tour and tasting experience. Nearby you can also visit a Cold War defence bunker. A stop to explore the ancient trade and fishing settlement of Hamnes, on the island of Uloya, is also included if conditions permit.
Along the way your expedition team will share their experiences and stories, perhaps arranging informal lectures, and keep an eye out for whales each day and the northern lights dancing across the sky by night.
Day 4 Arctic Wilderness Camp
Spend today ashore at a Wilderness Camp where you can meet the huskies and may have the chance to try some winter activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling. You may also meet the local Sami people and their reindeer (all activity options subject to weather and availability). Lunch will be served around the campfire, and your day’s adventures will end with another hunt for the northern lights.
Spend today ashore at a Wilderness Camp where you can meet the huskies and may have the chance to try some winter activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling. You may also meet the local Sami people and their reindeer (all activity options subject to weather and availability). Lunch will be served around the campfire, and your day’s adventures will end with another hunt for the northern lights.
Day 5 Disembarkation, Tromso
Your expedition cruise ends after breakfast as you disembark at the port of Tromso.
Your expedition cruise ends after breakfast as you disembark at the port of Tromso.
Prices and Departures
Price from £2,552 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £280 per person (with higher fares during peak times). When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- All transfers & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team
- Fjellheisen Cable Car
- Aurora Spirit Distillery visit
- Wilderness Camp activity day & meet the huskies
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2023-24 departures
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Triple and Single prices available on request.
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02, 06, 10, 14, 18 December 2023 | 4 nights | Quest | £2,552 |
| 01, 05, 09, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29 January 2024 | 4 nights | Quest | £2,552 |
Meet our expert
You may also like
Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
