Whales, Sauna & Northern Lights Sailing Adventure

The experience

Discover Northern Norway at its wildest on a 7-day winter sailing adventure from Tromsø, combining whale watching, spectacular Arctic landscapes, local sauna culture and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Sail north through the fjords around Skjervøy, Kvænangen and the Lyngen Alps, following the huge shoals of herring that attract orcas and humpback whales each winter. With a full week to explore, the route can adapt to weather conditions and the latest whale activity. Along the way, experience the extraordinary light of the Arctic winter, visit small coastal communities and warm up in local saunas after cold days at sea. When darkness falls, remote anchorages away from city lights offer the chance to watch the aurora dance overhead. This is a hands-on sailing adventure: no previous sailing experience is required, but you’ll become part of the crew, learning to steer, handle sails, navigate and take part in everyday life aboard.

Hosted by Seilnorge

SeilNorge creates small-group sailing adventures across Norway and the Arctic, combining hands-on sailing with hiking, skiing, kayaking, fishing and exploration. Since 2008, their experienced skippers and guides have helped both beginners and sailors discover wild coastlines, fjords and remote islands.

View all experiences by Seilnorge

Response time

~24h

Languages

english, norwegian

Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Tromsø to Kvalsundet

   Meet your crew in Tromsø at 16:00 and settle aboard. After a safety briefing and introduction to sailing, set off towards Kvaløya and Kvalsundet, practising boat handling and essential skills along the way.

2. Day 2
   Rebbenesøy & Vannøya

   Sail around Ringvassøy through the beautiful islands of Northern Norway, passing Gåsvær on the way towards Rebbenesøy or Vannøya. Try your luck fishing before settling into a sheltered Arctic anchorage for the night.

3. Day 3
   Searching for Whales

   Follow the winter herring north in search of humpback whales and orcas. Sail past Vannøya and Arnøya towards Kvænangen and Skjervøy, exploring the fjords for memorable wildlife encounters away from the crowds.

4. Day 4
   Kvænangen & Spildra

   Spend the precious daylight hours searching for whales around Kvænangen before sailing to remote Spildra. This tiny island community offers the chance to experience local life — and hopefully warm up in its sauna and small pub.

5. Day 5
   Whales & the Lyngen Alps

   Continue whale watching before sailing through the spectacular Lyngen Alps, where snow-covered mountains rise dramatically from the sea. Finish the day at historic Hamnes on the island of Uløya.

6. Day 6
   Arctic Winter Light

   Sail around the Lyngen Peninsula towards Tromsø, surrounded by mountains and the extraordinary colours of the Arctic winter. Back in Tromsø, celebrate the adventure together with an optional dinner ashore.

7. Day 7
   Goodbye in Tromsø

   Enjoy your final morning aboard before helping clean and prepare the yacht. The expedition finishes in Tromsø at around 16:00, marking the end of an unforgettable week of whales, sailing and Arctic winter landscapes.

What's included

The boat

Name

Nirvana

Type

sailboat

Length

13.95 m

Year

2004

Cabins

4

Capacity

8 guests

Meeting point