About World Sea Explorers
Founder-led Yacht Experiences in Norway
World Sea Explorers is a founder-led expedition yacht operator based in Tromsø, Norway, specialising in small-group cruises, whale and wildlife expeditions, private coastal journeys and custom yacht charters aboard Stella Oceana, our custom-built 34-meter Arctic expedition yacht.
Designed for guests seeking a refined, more personal way to explore Norway by sea, our journeys combine comfort, local insight, thoughtful hosting and professional seamanship. Each voyage is intentionally small in scale, allowing more time, space and attention to the experience.
From northern lights and Arctic fjords to whale-rich waters, Lofoten’s island coast and Bergen’s dramatic fjord landscapes, our journeys are shaped by the season, the sea and the natural beauty of Norway’s coast.
The World Sea Explorers Difference
The difference is in the way each journey is operated: with a capable Arctic vessel, experienced local leadership and close attention to the conditions, comfort and people onboard. Aboard Stella Oceana, guests experience Norway from the sea with more space, flexibility and perspective than a conventional tour allows.
Our approach is considered rather than hurried, combining professional maritime standards with the warmth and attention of a privately hosted experience.
A Unique Arctic Expedition Yacht
Stella Oceana is a custom-built 34-meter steel expedition yacht and certified passenger vessel with Ice Class 1C. She offers the strength and character of an expedition vessel with the comfort, space and atmosphere of a private yacht.
Small Groups by Design
We welcome up to 12 guests on short cruises and up to 8 overnight guests on multi-day journeys. This gives each experience more space, calm and attention to detail.
Real Local Seamanship
Our voyages are led by a local Tromsø captain, Master Mariner and former Norwegian Navy sea captain. Routes are shaped by season, weather, sea conditions, guest comfort and safety.
Thoughtful Hospitality
We care about the full experience: clear communication, safe operations, clean and comfortable spaces, good food, personal hosting and time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Our Founders and Crew
Captain | Master Mariner
Kenneth
Kenneth is a Tromsø-based Captain and Master Mariner with more than 40 years of experience working on boats and at sea. A former Norwegian Navy sea captain, he holds Norway’s highest deck officer certification, giving him unrestricted command authority as captain with no limitation on vessel size or cruising area.
Raised in Northern Norway, Kenneth brings calm leadership, professional seamanship and deep local knowledge to every journey aboard Stella Oceana. His experience spans naval service, commercial maritime operations, Arctic coastal waters and a lifetime connected to the sea.
As captain, Kenneth is responsible for safe navigation, route planning, guest comfort and decision-making in changing coastal conditions. His approach is steady, professional and deeply respectful of the local communities and natural environment.
Operations | Guest Experience
Sachi
Sachi oversees the guest journey from the first inquiry to the final details aboard Stella Oceana. Originally from Seattle, she brings an international background in hospitality, concierge service, business operations and guest communication.
Her experience combines shore-side planning with hands-on work at sea, including deck, stewardess, cook and bridge duties. Her background also includes maritime safety and passenger vessel training, along with experience as a dive professional, freediver and former U.S. National Team synchronized swimmer.
With a deep passion for the ocean, wildlife and marine conservation, Sachi brings calm focus, thoughtful service and clear communication to each journey, helping guests feel informed, comfortable and well cared for.
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Our Way of Exploring
We believe the most memorable journeys at sea come from slowing down, paying attention and allowing the coast to reveal itself in its own rhythm. Our approach is guided by three principles:
Connection
We create space for guests to feel closer to Norway’s coast, whether through quiet moments on deck, local stories, wildlife encounters, shared meals or time spent simply watching the landscape change.
Care
We pay attention to the details that shape the experience, from route planning and onboard comfort to communication, atmosphere and the rhythm of each journey.
Respect
We move through the coast with respect for nature, wildlife, local communities and changing sea conditions. Every journey is adapted to the season, the surroundings and what is safe and suitable on the day.
Rather than rushing through a fixed checklist, we allow the experience to unfold with the coast itself.
Our Responsibility
World Sea Explorers was created with deep respect for the ocean, wildlife and coastal communities that make Norway so extraordinary. We believe travel should bring guests closer to nature while encouraging care for the places they visit.
Our small-scale approach helps us operate with greater awareness of the environment, wildlife and local surroundings. We focus on thoughtful routing, responsible wildlife observation and experiences that feel connected to place rather than crowded or intrusive.
We do not offer swimming, snorkeling or freediving with whales. Our whale and wildlife experiences are boat-based and centred on respectful observation from Stella Oceana, with safety, animal welfare and natural behaviour at the heart of the experience. Responsibility also extends to the people onboard.
We welcome guests from around the world and aim to create a calm, inclusive and thoughtful atmosphere where people feel respected, comfortable and well cared for.
Explore with Us
Whether you join us for northern lights, Arctic fjords, whale and wildlife encounters, Lofoten island voyages, Bergen fjord charters or a fully custom coastal journey, World Sea Explorers offers a considered way to experience Norway by sea.
Aboard Stella Oceana, the journey is shaped by the coast, the conditions and the care of the people who know these waters.