Close-up of orca fin breaking surface during Tromsø whale watching tour

Humpback whale tail diving in Arctic waters near Tromsø

Aurora borealis visible above yacht during private cruise in Tromsø

Close-up of orca fin breaking surface during Tromsø whale watching tour

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WHALE WATCHING FROM TROMSØ

Orcas & Humpback Whales

A 3-day cruise from Tromsø to Altafjorden with whales and northern lights

Escape the crowds on Tromsø’s most exclusive 3-day private whale watching experience aboard the 100-foot luxury sailing ship Stella Oceana. With space for just 8 overnight guests, this trip takes you to Altafjorden — the best place to see orcas and humpback whales this winter — without the long 6-hour drive from Tromsø or the limited hotel options in Alta. Enjoy gourmet Norwegian meals, including king crab and cod, panoramic fjord views, and close encounters with whales in their natural feeding grounds. Relax in heated lounges, cozy under blankets on deck, or unwind in the included hot tub under the polar night sky. Guided by an expert local Sea Captain, you’ll enjoy ethical whale watching with engines off, and two nights aboard let you fully immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness and northern lights.

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The most magical part of our trip to Norway! Watching orcas swim beside Stella Oceana while enjoying king crab dinner in the Arctic twilight was unforgettable. This was beyond whale watching—it was a once-in-a-lifetime private expedition.

- Anna M., UK

Guests smiling while spotting orcas near Stella Oceana

World Sea Explorers Stella Oceana Reviews

Highlights of Your Private 3-Day Arctic Adventure

Private Luxury: 3-day, 2-night whale watching cruise from Tromsø
Exclusive Whale Encounters: Orcas and humpback whales in their natural environment.
Respectful Wildlife Viewing: Engines off, no chasing, natural encounters.
Gourmet Meals including Norwegian king crab and cod.
Spacious, stable, and warm yacht built for Arctic comfort, designed to safely explore both protected fjords and open sea routes.
Guided by a former Norwegian Navy Sea Captain with lifelong local Arctic experience for unparalleled expertise and safety.
Hot tub evenings under star-filled skies, perfect for unwinding and watching the Northern Lights.
Personalized, small-group service for a truly exclusive Arctic journey.

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DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM TROMSØ & SCENIC VOYAGE NORTH

Your adventure begins at 10:00 AM as you board your private yacht in Tromsø and set course for Øksfjord — a breathtaking 10–12 hour voyage through Arctic fjords, mountain passes, and open sea. Keep watch for seabirds and the first signs of whales along the way as you enjoy gourmet meals and the peaceful rhythm of life at sea. Arrive in Øksfjord by evening and dock overnight in this quiet coastal village, where you can relax in the hot tub and look out for the northern lights dancing above.

DAY 2: WHALE WATCHING IN ALTAFJORDEN

After breakfast, set out at 08:00 AM for a full day of whale watching in Altafjorden — the heart of the winter migration. Here, orca and humpback whales gather to feed on herring, often surfacing close to the yacht in spectacular displays. Enjoy lunch onboard surrounded by snow-covered peaks and Arctic silence. In the late afternoon, the captain will choose a safe and scenic harbor to dock overnight, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Spend the evening enjoying a warm meal, soaking in the hot tub, and watching for northern lights far from any light pollution.

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!

DAY 3: RETURN TO TROMSØ

After a relaxing breakfast, begin your journey back south toward Tromsø. This return voyage offers another chance to spot whales and wildlife along the dramatic coastline. Enjoy your final gourmet meal onboard and take in the changing Arctic light as you cruise through fjords and open waters. Arrive back in Tromsø and disembark by 20:00, filled with unforgettable memories of the Arctic’s whales, wilderness, and northern lights.

The information detailed here is typical for what you can expect to experience however, site visits and activities can vary depending upon a number of factors, such as the weather, scheduling and constraints of the location.

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3 DAYS | 2 NIGHTS

Private Crewed Yacht Charter

DATES

20 October - End of December

INCLUDED

3-days private crewed yacht charter of Stella Oceana in Troms & Finnmark counties
2 nights onboard sleeping accommodations
1 full day of whale watching
Search for the Northern lights
Local guiding: whales, wildlife, history, culture, nature & geology
Crew of 2-4 professionals
All onboard meals from arrival to departure according to your preferences
Coffee, tea, water, hot chocolate, breakfast juices & snacks
Local ingredients and Norwegian hospitality
Hot tub onboard
Towels, bedding, shampoo, conditioner & hair dryer
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth sound system, TV & charging station onboard
Fuel and port fees

NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Airport transfers
Pre/post charter hotels
Travel Insurance
Alcohol (must be pre-ordered)
Gratuities to the crew

Total Charter Price (max 8 guests)

NOK 360,000

Price per person with 8 guests

NOK 45,000

Price per day per person with 8 guests

NOK 15,000

FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS

Reserve your private charter online with a 5% initial deposit.
An additional 25% deposit is due within 14 days to confirm your booking.
Together, these payments form a non-refundable 30% deposit required to secure your reservation.
The remaining 70% must be paid no later than 90 days before departure.
If booked more than 6 months in advance, the remaining balance may be split into flexible installments upon request.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure: Confirm your charter with a 30% non-refundable deposit. The remaining 70% must be paid within 7 days after the deposit is received.

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BE OUR GUEST, WE'LL DO THE REST!

As a guest on a luxury charter, you just need to relax, enjoy and be pampered! The crew handles the vessel and provides all cleaning, cooking and personable service to each guest.

THE FOOD

Food service includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks throughout the day. The food served onboard is sourced as locally as possible, providing the best quality without too many food miles! Traditional Norwegian cuisine is based largely on the raw materials readily available in the mountains, wilderness and coast. Many of the dishes are the result of what is possible to source considering the the long winters and remoteness of the Arctic region. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if notified in advance.

The typical Norwegian breakfast consists of a slice of bread with a variety of sweet and savory spreads with coffee. Modern Norwegian cuisine has been influenced by globalization so a typical lunch includes foods such as soups, pasta, pizza, BBQ and burgers with a local flare. Norwegian dinners typically include carbohydrate and protein-rich foods such as potatoes, meat and fish. Norwegian desserts combine fresh, delicious forest fruits, cream, and fresh baked desserts with ice cream.

THE YACHT

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: 1 shared WC (toilet) & separate shower room, hot tub, charging station, Wi-Fi, TV, Bluetooth sound system, tender boat, SUP, shampoo/conditioner/bodywash, hair dryer, coffee table books & games.

THE CREW

The crew will consist of our resident Captain and First Mate plus up to 2 additional crew. They go above and beyond for guests to exceed their expectations, ensuring they have a first class, professional and relaxed experience. The crew are reliable, honest, caring and treat guests as unique individuals. Aboard a luxury sailing yacht, you can expect the crew to always be clean, reliable, respectful, willing to serve, and competent at their job. They provide high quality essential services of safe transportation, cooking and cleaning. You get everything on time, enough of what you want, and everything is always clean. The crew sleep in the aft of the vessel in separate sleeping quarters.

NOTE

This tour is available for private charter only. The maximum number of participants is 8.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

Bookings made more than 90 days before departure require a 30% deposit to secure your reservation, with the remaining 70% due no later than 90 days before departure.

Flexible Payment Plan

- Initial Booking: 5% deposit secures your reservation and blocks the yacht’s calendar.

- Secondary Deposit: 25% due within 14 days of booking (or immediately if booking is close to the 90-day mark).

- Final Balance: 70% due 90 days before the charter.

- Advance Bookings (6+ months ahead): The final 70% may be divided into 2–3 installments (e.g., every 60 days) for added flexibility.

Bookings within 90 days of departure require a 30% deposit to confirm, with the remaining balance due within 7 days.

All additional services and fees must be settled before disembarkation. Read our full Terms & Conditions.

Still have questions?

We are available to answer your questions!

Send us an email to info@worldseaexplorers.com

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Tour Map

Detailed Private Whale Watching Tour Description

This 3-day private whale watching cruise from Tromsø is the most exclusive and comfortable way to experience the Arctic winter and see orcas and humpback whales in their natural feeding grounds. Each winter, the whales follow the herring, and this season they have moved further north into Altafjorden — far beyond Skjervøy. Because of this longer distance, 1-day tours from Tromsø can no longer reach the whales, and staying in Alta is difficult due to very limited accommodations and a 6-hour drive each way. This extended journey aboard Stella Oceana solves that problem, combining luxury, flexibility, and adventure all in one unforgettable Arctic expedition. Travel in style on the 100-foot luxury sailing ship Stella Oceana, with space for only 8 overnight guests. The ship is spacious, stable, and warm, built for comfort in Arctic conditions, and designed to safely explore both protected fjords and open sea routes. Enjoy gourmet Norwegian cuisine, including king crab and cod, while relaxing in heated lounges or out on spacious decks wrapped in cozy blankets. After a day on the water, unwind in the hot tub under the polar night sky, with a chance to see the northern lights dancing overhead. Your expert local Sea Captain and crew have decades of experience sailing these northern waters. Each day’s route is flexible and adjusted for weather, sea conditions, and whale activity, giving you the best possible chance of close sightings. When whales are found, the captain turns off the engines, allowing for peaceful and ethical whale watching where orcas and humpbacks may naturally approach the ship. Between whale encounters, enjoy hot drinks, fruit, snacks, and desserts, and take in the breathtaking views of Arctic fjords and snowy peaks. With two nights onboard, you’ll have time to relax, explore, and fully connect with the beauty of the Arctic wilderness — far away from the crowds. This private Arctic expedition blends luxury, authenticity, and respect for nature, making it the most exclusive whale watching experience from Tromsø. Perfect for couples, families, friends, or colleagues, this 3-day journey offers the best of the Norwegian winter: whales, northern lights, gourmet food, and total comfort at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the 3-day whale watching tour depart from?

The tour departs from Tromsø, the gateway to Arctic fjords and northern whale migration routes. Guests board the 100-foot luxury yacht Stella Oceana for a fully private expedition.

Which whales can we see on this trip?

During the winter season, you are likely to see orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales feeding on herring in their natural habitat in the Alta fjords. Sightings are guided by an expert local Sea Captain for ethical encounters.

Why is the 3-day trip better than a 1-day tour?

This season, the whales have moved far north beyond Skjervøy, making it impossible for most 1-day tours to reach them. The 3-day itinerary allows enough time to travel safely, adjust for weather, and maximize your chances of close whale encounters without long drives or limited hotel options in Alta.

What makes this a private tour?

The cruise is fully private, with space for 8 overnight guests, ensuring an intimate experience. You won’t share the yacht with strangers, and the captain customizes the route daily based on whale activity and sea conditions.

What is included in the trip?

The trip includes a 3-day crewed yacht charter, two nights onboard, gourmet Norwegian meals including king crab and cod, local guiding, heated lounges, spacious decks, cozy blankets, and the hot tub. Hot drinks, snacks, and desserts are available throughout the day. See the full list of inclusions above.

Will we see the northern lights?

While sightings are not guaranteed, the cruise takes place during the polar night, offering excellent opportunities to watch the northern lights from the deck or hot tub in remote fjords with minimal light pollution.

How safe is the cruise?

The yacht is stable, seaworthy, and designed for Arctic conditions. An experienced local Sea Captain and crew handle navigation, weather, and safety, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey across fjords and open sea.

Who is this trip suitable for?

This expedition is ideal for families, couples, friends, or colleagues looking for an exclusive, luxurious Arctic adventure. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages who can safely move around the yacht.

How do we book this tour?

You can book directly through our website or contact our team for personalized arrangements. Limited availability ensures a private and intimate experience, so early booking is recommended.

READY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE ARCTIC ADVENTURE?

Step aboard Stella Oceana and discover the Norwegian Arctic like never before. From chasing the Northern Lights and spotting majestic whales to sailing through pristine fjords, every journey is crafted for unforgettable moments. Small groups, personal service, and breathtaking scenery await.

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