Whale watching and Northern Lights sailing cruise in Norway
A liveaboard sailing holiday in the Norwegian fjords tracking a range of whale species, with an expert crew ensuring whale welfare is prioritised. At night, dine on seafood fresh off the boat, and reindeer sourced from local Sámi communities, as you watch the skies for the Northern Lights.
Whale watching and Northern Lights in the Norwegian fjords See orcas, humpbacks and fin whales 100% success rate since 2014 Sleep aboard in warm, cosy cabins Delicious local food
Price
NKr 14900 excluding flights
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Please note that we only do trips on the dates mentioned.
Description of Whale watching and Northern Lights sailing cruise in Norway
This is one of the most unique and popular Norway holidays on our site: combining a five-day whale watching cruise with multiple opportunities to witness the spectacular Northern Lights (aurora borealis) from the sea.
The team behind this whale watching and Northern Lights trip has a superb success rate when it comes to finding whales - in fact the fjords north east of Tromsø are among the best places for whale watching on Earth. You’re likely to see fin whales, humpbacks and orcas swimming along next to the boat, perhaps breaching or even jumping. They are attracted by the large numbers of herring in these waters between late October and late January. Our responsible partners take great care to put the welfare of the whales first, while ensuring you enjoy incredible sightings.
Embarking in Sørkjosen, you will sail from anchorage to anchorage, your days spent watching the sea, your evenings spent watching the skies. Clear weather is best for a mindblowing display of the Northern Lights, to see them dance across the dark canvas of the sky.
Meals aboard will be based around fish, shellfish and reindeer, sourced from local fishermen and Sámi herders, helping support their traditional lifestyles. Afterwards you can relax with fellow travellers and your friendly, vastly knowledgeable crew, before retiring to a comfortable cabin.
This Norway Northern Lights and whale watching cruise is not actively guided – it’s about providing you with a safe and welcoming atmosphere while you take in the magnificent fjord landscapes. You'll feel immersed completely in the scenery, providing you with many chances to spy the wildlife that inhabits it and of course those stunning aurora dancing across the night sky.
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Price information
NKr 14900 excluding flights
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Please note that we only do trips on the dates mentioned.
Check dates, prices & availability
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Reviews
47 Reviews of Whale watching and Northern Lights sailing cruise in Norway
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2024 by Paul Barton
Five stars not enough, fab boat, fab provisions, overall fantastic time. All of it great time met lovely people , Charles & Knut top guys highly recommend. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Jan 2024 by Annie Wolohan
It was the trip of a lifetime. There was a lot more than one memorable part of this trip. The whole trip was memorable. The boat, the scenery, the wildlife the food and the captain and first mate were excellent. Read full reviewReviewed on 31 Dec 2023 by Steve Alcock
The most incredible experience! Such a privilege to be in that environment in such a close, but 'gentle touch' way. Most certainly the holiday of a lifetime! We saw whales every day of the trip, but the most memorable encounter occurred on our final day on the water. The weather had been bad overnight and it was touch and go whether we went out. Thankfully we did! After following a pod of orca for a while there was a lull, and we drifted hoping to see more. Then, a flurry of activity all around the boat. Orca everywhere, circling and spy-hopping. A giant ball of herring forced up to the surface, while the orca fed and the seagulls picked off a meal for themselves. An absolutely spectacular sight, then capped by Humpbacks joining the party! The sight of them feeding on the herring all around and under the boat was extraordinary - Unforgettable! Read full reviewReviewed on 11 Dec 2023 by Macarena Martinez
Everything was perfect, we saw whales (humpbacks and orcas) every day, Charles made amazing meals, had an amazing group on board to share this experience with. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Dec 2023 by Heather O
The whole experience was a dream come true. The incredible Arctic scenery, the stunning fjords and golden light reflecting off the snow capped peaks; the cosy boat, friendly knowledgeable crew, and lovely boat mates (now friends!). Of course the cherry on top was the beautiful whales we saw everyday, including lots of orcas, humpbacks and fin whales! Charles and Knut were fantastic hosts and made the trip so special for us. Charles is a fantastic cook and even made me a gorgeous cake for my birthday. Oh and we saw the Northern Lights nearly every evening!! What more could you ask for! Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Nov 2023 by Jackie Lightfoot
Fabulous! Outstanding! Wonderful! Phenomenal! Unforgettable! Emotional!! I loved every moment, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat and I'm so glad I waited for the right trip to come along. The Goxsheim is far more personal than a big cruise ship and the crew are passionate about the welfare and safety of their guests as well as the best encounters they can offer and their local knowledge is invaluable. When you get back home and you're preoccupied with what you've just experienced and are longing to do it all over again, you know you've been somewhere very special. North Norway is definitely the most spectacular place I've visited & this trip is one of the best things I've ever done. Thank you Charles & Knut Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Nov 2023 by Philippa Wilson
Brilliant - absolutely no regrets going and the whole trip was incredible - it pushed me out of my usual comfort zone but I was so glad - great sights, great food, wonderful crew and great making new friends on board. The best way to see this part of the world. Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Nov 2023 by Gillian Wilkinson
The whole holiday was fantastic -exceeded all our expectations. The whales the scenery the boat and the hospitality shown by Charles and Knut made this a holiday to remember... I would do it all again tomorrow! Read full reviewReviewed on 24 Feb 2022 by Mark Martyn-Fisher
Fantastic experience...The whales so close, both orca and humpback Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Dec 2021 by SARA MEEHAN
The scenery was stunning the experience of seeing the Northern lights and viewing the whales up close was amazing Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Nov 2021 by Barry Andrews
I loved every minute, Charles Wara will go out of his way to maximise your trip and takes full responsibility for everything that happens on the trip. No request was too much. Knut was also a really nice member of staff and always helpful and informative. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Nov 2019 by Kevin Docherty
The trip didn’t disappoint in the number of orcas and humpbacks that were seen. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Dec 2018 by Stuart Etheridge
Most memorable? - Seeing over 100 orcas swimming freely around the boat. What a truly breath taking experience... Amazing. I can't recommend this trip highly enough. Charles and his crew are fantastic. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Nov 2018 by Paul Manning
Most memorable parts of the holiday were... the frequent encounters with both Humpback and Orca each day. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Nov 2018 by Jude Runnals
The trip on the boat Goxheim with Charles Wara was absolutely amazing. The boat, food etc was really great. The scenery and wildlife amazing! Way beyond my expectations Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Nov 2018 by Bruce Harley
This was a wonderful remote area experience that gave time to soak in the "place" and to experience people living within the local climate. Socially it was also a great experience with like-minded people... Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Oct 2018 by MICHELE DIENNO
It was a terrific blend of sights and experiences on and off the boat. Charles is an outstanding captain, a fine host, an excellent chef, and an able tour guide. We got to know many aspects of Norwegian life quickly, and in depth. We were lucky enough to spot the Lights three nights in a row. Terrific trip! Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Dec 2017 by Kevin Sheil
Excellent food and excellent company. Charles really knew his stuff. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Dec 2017 by Catherine Morrow
The scenery was breath taking. Sun rises and moon-sets which I have never seen before. The sunlight, being at 69 or 70N was special and almost spectral and the colours were incomparable. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Nov 2017 by Barbarat Mallia
The spectacular scenery. The peacefulness once moored up for the night. In the morning going up on deck and seeing clear blue skies, beautiful colours of the sunrise across the still waters. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Nov 2017 by Karen Dedman
Being with a group of like minded people who shared all the excitement of seeing both Humpback and Orca in their own environment was my highlight. This truly was an amazing adventure never to be forgotten. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Nov 2017 by Charmaine Reid
Seeing the whales in their natural environment, with very few other boats and people around. At one point we were the only my boat around a pod of Orca. Meeting like minded people and sharing the experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Nov 2017 by Anne Blair-Vincent
Seeing the Northern Lights and the whales was the most memorable. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Nov 2017 by Nicholas Fenwick
Seeing a pod of orcas close up and following them for a couple of hours as they swam from the fjord out to sea. Also I think the scenery is a real highlight, much more beautiful than I expected. The heavy snow made the environment look spectacular. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Dec 2017 by Susan Byron
Seeing the humpbacks, orcas, beautiful snowy scenery and the Northern Lights was the most memorable. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Nov 2017 by Frances Leach
A large pod of humpbacks swam alongside our boat, and one breached! We could hear their breathing and watch their backs curve into the famous hump before they flipped their tail and disappeared below for another mouthful of herring... Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Nov 2016 by Claudia Philps
This holiday was perfect - exactly what was needed! It blows the cobwebs away from normal life, gives you the peace and time to watch the world go by, fantastic food and is the perfect opportunity to see nature at its most incredible. A very positive life experience! Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Nov 2016 by Vicki Binley
From meeting the captain and crew, seeing orca, humpback and the northern lights on the first day. We cannot pick out 1 memorable experience, it was all excellent Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Feb 2016 by Daniel Roussel
A wonderful time. One of our best, most memorable holidays. Not a single negative comment. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Dec 2016 by Graham Champken
This trip was so full of great experiences it is not possible to pick just one thing. We were blessed with good weather and two good nights of Aurora borealis - breathtaking! To be part of a small group on board a vessel staying out with the whales made it much more involving... A great experience for anyone whose priority is to get close to the wildlife and enjoy the wonderful landscape. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Nov 2016 by Nigel Carter
Seeing a large number of orcas and some humpbacks feeding on herring - a fantastic sight was a memorable sight... A great experience to be able to see so many whales feeding and also lots of white tailed eagles. We were also lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Nov 2016 by Katie Hutchins
Seeing hump back whales, eagles and the Northern Lights (and fainting herring) was the most memorable part...We loved our time in Tromso Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Nov 2016 by Catrin Lester
Most memorable was being in the midst of a feeding frenzy with orcas bringing herring to the surface for gulls, golden and white-tailed eagles to compete for...We have fantastic memories...It definitely had the Wow factor. Read full reviewReviewed on 10 Nov 2016 by Jenny Noad
What a fantastic trip, a beautiful, quirky boat, complete with a wood-burning stove...I have lived out my childhood dream! Orcas, humpbacks, golden eagles and the Northern Lights! Read full reviewReviewed on 11 Feb 2016 by Carol Ryan
It was an amazing experience. I enjoyed it. Thanks. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Feb 2016 by Lucy Chard
A special experience - would love to do it again. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Feb 2016 by louise de lisle
Watching humpback whales and orcas hunting herring in their natural habitat was just awesome! Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Nov 2015 by Catherine Kingham
Brilliant, amazing, would do it again at the drop of a hat. So very different from sun and beach, and very educational along the way. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Dec 2015 by Iain Murray
Spending whole days watching whales and orcas was absolutely amazing. No other whale watching trip can compare. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Dec 2015 by Annette Musker
Finding ourselves in the middle of a feeding frenzy - herrings, seagulls, orcas and humpbacks, on all sides of and under our boat. True nature in the raw. The sight of humpbacks breaching is breath-taking, the orcas stunningly beautiful and the cacophony of the birds and breathing of the whales exhilarating. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Nov 2015 by ANGELA ROWE
Excellent: exceeded my expectations by far. Can't recommend it highly enough. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jan 2015 by Julie Boissonade
A wonderful experience which I would not miss for the world. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Jan 2015 by Paul Thompson
I loved the holiday. Whale watching has been something I've always wanted to do and this trip felt very 'exclusive' and personalised. As a single traveller (one of three) it was also easy to fit in as a passenger on the boat. Would thoroughly recommend it. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 Dec 2014 by Yoshiko Stokoe
The scenery was breath taking during the day and the stars/Northern Lights were beautiful at night time. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
Our primary aim on the Northern Lights and Whale watching trips is to give our guests an impression of "the not so very often seen" part of northern Norway – wildlife, fisheries, "abandoned" places, the magnificent landscape of the Kvaløya area and it’s people. All our voyages are made in understanding with our cultural, social and ecological surroundings. By this we mean that we shall move like a shadow through the waters. When we have left, no one shall ever see that we were there. When the wake is gone - so are we. If the wind is with us, we'll set the sails to avoid using fossil fuel an by that reducing carbon emissions. A clean an quiet voyage. The whales? Well - we'll keep a good distance and move slowly. So that they can enjoy their herring meals peacefully and quiet. If we experience that they have had enough of us, we'll slowly move to our next anchorage. For OUR dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere.People
Our main dishes will basically be from fish and game (reindeer), which means that we will support local fishermen and the saami people of the North. All our other food – naturally – has to be bought in the local stores we will pass on our way. Our voyages are not actively guided voyages. We want our guests to be the curious, adventurous and an active part. We are only there to make you feel well and responsible. The area we sail is densely populated an the villages are few. If we should happen to have a night stop in one of these, there will be a fair chance for our guests to experience local fishing related activities, chat with the local fishermen, many of them alone in smaller boats (30-40 foot) working the sea during all seasons and in all kinds of weather. The gladiators of the sea! And an important part of the North Norwegian environment.Popular similar holidays
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