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Whale Watching, Northern Lights & Sledding from Tromso

Whale Watching, Northern Lights & Sledding from Tromso

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6 Days From

~~$6400~~

$6096

Whale Watching, Northern Lights & Sledding from Tromso

6 Days Starting and ending in Tromsø, Norway

Visiting: Tromsø, Skjervoy, Loppa Island, Nord-Fugloya, Mjølvik

Tour operator:

World Sea Explorers AS

Ship Name:

S/Y Stella Oceana

Ship Capacity:

Physical rating:

Low, Easy

Age range:

18-80

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

From: $6400 $6096 Travel Club discount: -$304

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Sail through arctic fjords on an exclusive expedition in search of the killer whales, humpback whales and northern lights. Watch the whales work together to feed on the annual herring migration in the high north above the arctic circle. Each day you will sail to find the whales so the routes and locations of where you go are determined by the weather and the whales. As this is an exploration expedition, the cruising areas are not limited to one area or harbour. Each night, the boat will dock or anchor in where you can explore the local town. World Sea Explorers adheres to strict and ethical whale watching practices where we always put the whales and dolphins first to ensure animal welfare and safety. Our onboard naturalist-guide will share information about the local area and wildlife. Enjoy this arctic expedition aboard the ice class sailing yacht Stella Oceana, a classy, spacious and safe yacht with professional and friendly crew. Indulge in local and traditional Norwegian cuisine and see the northern lights while relaxing in the outdoor hot tub. Day 1: Dog Sledding or Sami Reindeer Experience & Northern Lights Hot Tub Cruise Day 2-5: Whale Watching, Northern Lights, Cultural Lavvu Excursion with Snowmobile Sled Ride & Tipi Bonfire, Exploration of Remote Islands & Fjords Day 6: Polar Fjord Cruise

Highlights

Ethical & responsible whale watching
Hot tub under the northern lights
Reindeer or dog sledding
Safe, ice class yacht with experienced, local Captain
Local Northern Norwegian Cuisine

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Dog Sledding Or Sami Reindeer Experience & Northern Lights Hot Tub Cruise

Location: Tromsø

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Check-in to the yacht at 12:00 pm then walk over to the pick up point for your Self-drive Husky Dog Sledding or Sami Reindeer Sledding adventure with our trusted partners. 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 (as well as cuddle and take photos with the dogs), 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 includes a 30 minute reindeer sled ride, a traditional Sami meal cooked over the fire & warm drinks, and listen to stories and traditional joik songs around a fire inside a tipi. Return to the yacht after 16:00 (4pm), settle in to your onboard cabins, and enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner as you embark on your northern lights and hot tub cruise for the evening.

Day 2 - 5 : Whale Watching, Northern Lights & Exploring Remote Islands

Location: Skjervoy

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing from Tromsø harbor, the yacht will cruise to an area near where the whales have been sighted and drop anchor or dock for the night. Wake up to incredible arctic scenery, have coffee on the deck, and fill up on breakfast in the interior saloon. During the day light hours (approx. 09:00-14:00), you will spend the day searching for orca, humpback whales, other marine mammals and arctic birds. The daylight is very short from the middle of November, and in midwinter it is just some four to five hours of “blue-light”. Although not a full day, it’s a real experience! 4 days of whale watching increases your chance of seeing the whales and is recommended for whale watching in Tromsø compared to an 8 hour whale watching tour on a small speed boat where time and comfort is limited, and harsh weather and unethical chasing of the animals is common. The arctic winter weather conditions are highly variable and the area the whales are gathered in the fjords will change from day to day. World Sea Explorers' has a strict policy for following ethical and respectful whale watching guidelines and allows plenty of space for the wild animals to be observed in their natural habitat. When the boat's engine is turned off, it is proven that the animals are more likely to approach the yacht on their own. Each night the yacht will dock at a harbor where you can explore the nearby area. On one of the nights, the yacht will dock at the island of Reinøya where you'll get to experience a cultural time capsule of an old Norwegian village with just 11 residents. Get transported by snowmobile to a Lavvo (a traditional Sami tipi) in a quiet forest and connect with the locals around a bonfire as you wait for the northern lights to appear.

Day 6 : Polar Fjord Cruise

Location: Tromsø

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cruise back to Tromsø after your week long arctic sailing holiday. Enjoy the peaceful arctic scenery in the hot tub onboard on the return cruise. Tour ends at 12:00 pm in Tromsø harbor at the same place it started in front of the Fiskekompaniet restaurant.

Ship Details

S/Y Stella Oceana

Ship Overview

Stella Oceana is the perfect small ship for arctic expedition cruises for up to 8 guests and 4 crew. It is a custom ice class sailing yacht made in steel with 2 wooden sailing rigs, 2 exterior decks, a large spacious interior saloon, 3 guest cabins, a hot tub and separate crew area. It is a slim & heavy ship that is sturdy, steady, and sails smoothly with great fuel efficiency.

Ship Details

Ship Name:

S/Y Stella Oceana

Adults Only Areas:

N/A

Ship Children Facilities:

N/A

Ship Nursery:

N/A

Smoking Areas:

Upper deck

Ship Size:

30 meters / 100 feet

Ship Class:

Passenger Vessel, Ice class 1c

Ship Style:

Custom

Ship Type:

Sailing yacht

Ship Kind:

Expedition ship

Ship Currency:

Norwegian Kroner (NOK)

Ship Language:

Norwegian and English

Ship Capacity:

Ship Crew Count:

Number of Decks:

Number of Cabins:

Number of Large Cabins:

Number of Wheelchair-Friendy Cabins:

Ship Launch Year:

1991

Ship Refit Year:

2022

Ship Gross Tonnage:

118

Ship Length (Meters):

30 M

Ship Width (Meters):

5 M

Ship Speed (Knots):

7 Kn

Deck Plans

Cabins

A (Grade LDSB)

Cabin for 2 with 2 single bunk beds.

C (Grade LDP)

Cabin for 2 with 2 single bunk beds.

B (Grade LDF)

Cabin for 4 with 4 single bunk beds and ceiling height curtains for privacy between the two sides of the room.

Dining

Gratuities

Useful Information

Amenities & inclusions

1 shared guest shower room, 1 shared guest wc, washer/dryer available if needed, bluetooth surround sound system in interior saloon, BBQ grill available in the summer, TV, Wi-Fi, Included: towels, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, clean and fresh arctic drinking tap water, coffee, tea, snacks, dessert

What's Included

Accommodation

Onboard cabin accommodations
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

Wi-Fi available onboard
Fully Guided

Onboard naturalist-guide
Meals – Full Board

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks all day, coffee, tea, water, breakfast juices.
Dog sledding or Sami Reindeer sledding

Choose one
Remote island culture & Lavvo excursion

Visit Finnkroken, snowmobile sleigh ride to a evening tipi campfire

What's Not Included

Airport Transfers at Destination

Transportation between the boat and airport must be self arranged.
Country Entry Visas

Please check your embassy regarding travel to Norway
Tipping and Gratuities

Tipping is culturally expected for this type excursion.
Alcohol

Accommodation

S/Y Stella Oceana is a custom-built luxury sailing yacht. The yacht is a breathtaking sight under sail and features intricate design and rich, highly crafted steel and wood work that reveals magnificent craftsmanship. Stella Oceana is a certified passenger ship and has an ice classification of 1c. The unique design of the ship allows you to explore the more remote islands and fjords in the arctic that are not easily accessible to ships of a similar size or larger. The ship offers a safe and comfortable holiday experience with large communal living spaces for small groups.

Cabin Arrangements: 2 twin bunk cabins & 1 four berth bunk cabin for a total of 8 guests. All cabins are equipped with spacious closets, adjustable heating, a window, warm duvets, linens and towels.

Exterior: Main deck with hot tub and spacious walking & lounging areas; Top deck with outdoor kitchen & seating area.

Interior: Large saloon with high ceilings and windows; 2 lounging areas; 3 dining tables; coffee bar.

Amenities: 2 shared toilets & showers, hot tub, charging station, Wi-Fi, TV, Bluetooth sound system, tender boat, thermal suits, shampoo/conditioner/bodywash, hair dryer, coffee table books & playing cards.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Tourist class / 3-4 star
What is it like sailing in Lofoten Norway?

In the far North above the arctic circle, the weather changes very quickly so be prepared for all kinds of weather from no wind to storms, with a chance of snow, ice, rain, sun and clouds with temperatures ranging from freezing, mild, and warm depending on the season. Everywhere you go, there are many wildlife sightings. The water is emerald blue, and the mountains offer picturesque scenery.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Absolutely.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

A copy of our booking terms and conditions and release of liability waiver.
Do you have a flexible policy with regard to Covid-19?

Book with Confidence: World Sea Explorers’ has their guests covered from booking to boarding to give 100% risk-free cancellation and flexibility options.

What is the local food like?

We source our food from local farmers, bakeries, and establishments. This means some food is only available seasonally and is of high quality. Common Norwegian foods include seafood, lamb, reindeer, potatoes, root vegetables, bread and pastries.
How long has the tour company been trading?

2019
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

Reschedule 15 days or more prior to your tour date free of charge.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No
What is it like sailing on Stella Oceana?

Sailing on Stella Oceana gives you peace and comfort to relax and feel safe because the boat is so strong and heavy. It was made to go in the ice and is extremely steady in rough weather. With only 8 guests, there is ample space for everyone (including high ceilings in the saloon), and compared to smaller sailboats, you can walk around inside and on the decks normally without feeling crammed.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

A small group of up to 8 guests comprised mostly of singles, couples and friends from Europe, North America and Scandinavia.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Corona Refund: Easily rebook, or we will refund you if we have to cancel your charter for COVID-19 related reasons. 15-Day Easy Rebook: Easily rebook for any reason up to 15 days prior to your charter. COVID-19 Protection: Easily rebook if you have to cancel your trip within 1 to 14 days of the charter due to COVID-19.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Jen UK

Absolutely breathtaking!

12-Dec-2023

My partner and I did this 6-day expedition cruise with World Sea Explorers, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the magnificent whale sightings to the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the sky, every moment was enchanting. We were in awe of the stunning landscapes and the seamless organization of activities like dog sledding, Sami reindeer sledding and exploring the remote islands and meeting with locals. The crew's expertise and warmth made the experience even more memorable. This was our first adventure of this kind, and it won't be our last. We're already planning to return. A huge thanks to World Sea Explorers for an unforgettable journey!

Paula France

Unforgettable Arctic Journey Fulfilled My Wildlife Dreams

23-Nov-2023

As a dedicated traveler passionate about wildlife conservation, I carefully select excursions that prioritize respect for nature. My 6-day adventure with World Sea Explorers exceeded every expectation. From the moment we set sail, the team’s dedication to wildlife preservation was evident. Their commitment to ethical practices and respect for the environment shone through every moment of our journey. The knowledgeable crew ensured we observed wildlife from a safe distance, allowing these majestic creatures to roam freely. The tour wasn't just about sightings; it was an educational immersion. The experienced guides shared insights on marine life, ensuring we understood and appreciated the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. Each day brought a new adventure—whale watching under the dancing Northern Lights, sled rides through pristine landscapes, and moments of serenity that only the Arctic can offer. The yacht's comfort and warmth made the experience even more magical. World Sea Explorers' dedication to wildlife conservation and their efforts to maintain sustainable practices deeply resonated with me. They've set a benchmark for responsible tourism in wildlife excursions. This journey was not just a trip; it was a lifelong memory and a celebration of our planet's natural wonders. I highly recommend World Sea Explorers to fellow wildlife enthusiasts seeking not just an adventure but a respectful and unforgettable encounter with nature. Merci beaucoup for this exceptional experience!

Brent USA

Best personalized service

03-Jan-2023

Me and 6 other guys spent a week onboard Stella Oceana watching for orcas and humpback whales. Both the yacht and the service excelled! The crew was always there when we needed them - for help and advice, thank you so much. As a diver with 22 years of experience I've been to many live-abords around the world, some of them very luxurious , but I've never got such personal care which I got on Stella Oceana. As soon as you are ready for a trip to Norway, go for this yacht!

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Nov 25, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024

~~$6400~~ $6096