Northern Lights Sailing Cruise, Tromsø

4.7 (7 reviews)
Sail into darkness and witness the captivating northern lights aboard a yacht in Tromsø, Norway.

Overview

Embark on a four-hour night cruise in Tromsø, Norway, with chances of witnessing the stunning northern lights. Onboard the yacht, you'll journey into the darkest areas of Tromsø, away from artificial light, increasing your chances of witnessing this enchanting spectacle in all its glory. The cruise offers a hot tub on deck, a serving of local reindeer stew, and a professional, friendly crew, providing a cozy and unique opportunity to witness nature's spectacular celestial show.

As we depart our home port, you can enjoy the scenery outside under cozy blankets with a warm drink. We’ll cruise out to the best place to see the lights depending on the weather for the day. Settle into our dining room for a traditional dinner of reindeer stew paired with local root vegetables and fresh bread. Your guides will share local stories and answer any questions you have about the aurora borealis or Northern Norway. 

Now full and content, you can opt to take a soak in our outdoor hot tub. This is literally the best way to stay warm and keep an eye out for the auroras. Alternately, if you’re not going to hot tub, you can rent a thermal suit to stay warm and bundled up while searching for the lights, or stay out as long as it's comfortable for you then go inside to warm up. 

Highlights

  • Experience the northern lights from the deck of a cruise
  • Savor a local dish of Reindeer stew or vegetarian soup aboard
  • Relax in the on-deck hot tub while sailing through the fjords
  • Enjoy the intimacy of a small group setting on a well-maintained vessel

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
3 years old & up
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Food & Drink
Dinner Included

What you'll do

Your nighttime fjord cruise begins in Tromsø, a city accessible by foot from most local hotels. Your guide will welcome you aboard the Stella Oceana. This luxurious sailing yacht is designed for Arctic Norway's unique environment, ensuring safety and stability throughout your journey.

With two outer decks and a large interior saloon, there is ample room for everyone to enjoy the tour individually or engage with fellow passengers. As you set sail, you're taken away from the city lights to the darker areas above the Arctic Circle, where the only light you'll appreciate is the natural glow from the stars and, hopefully, the northern lights.

Your captain, just as excited about these celestial displays, will notify you when they're visible, ensuring you don't miss out. If conditions are right, you'll also witness the stunning Milky Way spanning the clear night sky. During the cruise, you'll savor the flavors of local Norwegian cuisine, including a satisfying reindeer stew or vegetarian soup, providing a delicious and warming experience amid the refreshing Arctic air. Additionally, you'll have the chance to relax and unwind in the on-deck hot tub, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning Arctic surroundings.

Start times

  • Daily
    6:45 pm

What's included

  • Dinner: Reinsdyrgryte (reindeer stew)
  • Hot tub and shower
  • Coffee, tea, water, cookies

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Traveler reviews

7 total ratings, 7 with reviews
4.7
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Food
4.2
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.8
S
serene c.
Singapore | Reviewed on Dec 19, 2024
The ship was lovely! If it weren’t so cold, in sure it would be even more enjoyable. Nevertheless kenett and sachi kept us occupied with delicious reindeer stew and games within the insides of the ship. There was also a hot tub experience outdoor but we skipped that one as my husband was having a flu that day. Read more

The ship was lovely! If it weren’t so cold, in sure it would be even more enjoyable. Nevertheless kenett and sachi kept us occupied with delicious reindeer stew and games within the insides of the ship. There was also a hot tub experience outdoor but we skipped that one as my husband was having a flu that day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chris
Chris H.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2024

The Northern Lights Sailing Cruise was a wonderful experience despite the rain. Sitting in a hot tub on the Norwegian Sea was crazy, though we didn’t see the Northern Lights. The crew was fantastic, and we still had a great time.

Paula
Paula S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2024
Fantastic sail with perfect hosts! Recommend highly! Read more

Fantastic sail with perfect hosts! Recommend highly!

Tips for future travelers

Don't hesitate taking a turn in the hot tub despite frigid weather. You might even be entertained by the NL while soaking in the warmth!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ernesto
Ernesto A.
Mexico | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2023
Great views of The sunset and fiord.
The out side hot tub amazing and jumping into the water woww
The Captain was a great pleasure to meet him
Read more

Great views of The sunset and fiord.
The out side hot tub amazing and jumping into the water woww
The Captain was a great pleasure to meet him

Tips for future travelers

Swimming in the polar artic at 1º

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
randi
randi g.
Hough, OH | Reviewed on Mar 06, 2023
This is a great choice for a night cruise on a fjord. The night was cloudy and there was a very small chance of seeing the lights. Halfway through, the captain of the boat starts yelling that there is a sighting and everyone ran up on deck and we were lucky enough to see the lights. His reaction to the lights was contagious. It was though it was his first time too. He was so excited that we were getting this experience.
The boat holds 12 people and feels very intimate. They serve a...
Read more

This is a great choice for a night cruise on a fjord. The night was cloudy and there was a very small chance of seeing the lights. Halfway through, the captain of the boat starts yelling that there is a sighting and everyone ran up on deck and we were lucky enough to see the lights. His reaction to the lights was contagious. It was though it was his first time too. He was so excited that we were getting this experience.
The boat holds 12 people and feels very intimate. They serve a Reindeer stew or a vegetarian soup for dinner which was good. They also have a hot tub on deck. I think I would have preferred it to be 3 hours instead, especially being cloudy.

Tips for future travelers

Shoes come off while in the cabin. Keep this in mind.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Becky
Becky P.
San Ramon, CA | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

You can tell a lot about a captain by his boat, and this is one of the most well maintained vessels I've ever seen. You won't find a better boat or a more experienced captain in Norway.

Qian Tong
Qian Tong L.
Malaysia | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023
Such a cosy cruise with the lovely Sachi and Kenneth. Had reindeer stew on board and saw northern lights. Read more

Such a cosy cruise with the lovely Sachi and Kenneth. Had reindeer stew on board and saw northern lights.

Tips for future travelers

Layer up because it's freezing cold onboard!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

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