5-Day Summer Whales, Birds & Midnight Sun Expedition
A summer yacht expedition from Tromsø toward Senja and Andenes, designed around whales, seabirds, wild coastlines and the quiet beauty of 24-hour Arctic daylight.
Summer Whale Watching, Seabirds & Midnight Sun from Tromsø
This 5-day expedition brings you from Tromsø toward Senja and Andenes, one of Norway’s best areas for summer whale watching. Cruise through Arctic coastlines, search for whales and seabirds, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the midnight sun under 24-hour daylight.
The waters outside Andenes are known for sperm whales, with other possible sightings including pilot whales, minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, dolphins and porpoises. Summer whale safaris in Andenes usually operate from May to September, and local operators describe the area as one of Europe’s richest whale grounds.
This expedition is designed for guests who want more than a short whale safari. With Stella Oceana as your floating base, you have time to slow down, follow the coast, enjoy long Arctic evenings and experience Northern Norway from the sea.
Whales & Marine Life
Search for sperm whales, pilot whales, minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, porpoises, seals and otters.
Seabirds & Arctic Coastlines
Look for puffins, white-tailed eagles, oyster catchers, guillemots, loons, cormorants, eiders, mergansers, long tailed ducks, scoters, goose, swans, terns and herons between the mainland coast of Troms county and the outer islands of Kvaløya, Senja, Hinnøya and Andøya.
Midnight Sun
The midnight sun creates a dreamlike atmosphere, where the sky glows in soft shades of gold and pink and never fully darkens. Nights feel calm, colorful, and almost timeless, offering a rare sense of stillness beneath the endless day of the Arctic summer sky.
Respectful Wildlife Watching
We follow strict ethical guidelines for responsible wildlife tourism. We never chase animals, keep a respectful distance, and turn off the engine and sonar when near wildlife whenever safe to do so. Any close encounters happen naturally, when animals choose to approach out of curiosity.
Expedition Itinerary & Route
The exact route is always weather and safety dependent. The expedition is designed around Tromsø, Senja, Andenes and the surrounding coastal waters, with flexibility to adjust for wildlife activity, guest comfort and sea conditions. Each day may include up to 8 hours of cruising, with Stella Oceana anchoring or docking overnight in carefully selected locations.
Day 1: Tromsø to Tranøy, Senja
Board Stella Oceana in Tromsø and begin the voyage south through the fjords and islands of Northern Norway. Settle into life onboard as the yacht cruises toward Tranøy, a peaceful historic area on the southern coast of Senja, surrounded by quiet coastal landscapes and soft Arctic summer light.
Day 2: Tranøy to Andenes
Wake up surrounded by nature in Senja and continue west toward Andenes, where Senja, Vesterålen and the open Norwegian Sea meet. The journey offers wide ocean views, mountain scenery and seabird activity on the approach to one of Norway’s best-known summer whale watching areas.
Day 3: Whale Watching in Andenes
Spend the day searching for whales in the deep-sea waters off Andenes, an area especially known for summer sperm whale sightings. The day is planned around weather, sea conditions and responsible wildlife observation, with plenty of time to enjoy the comfort of Stella Oceana between wildlife watches.
Day 4: Andenes to Hamn i Senja
Begin the return journey along the outer coast of Senja, where open sea, steep mountains, white beaches and small fishing communities shape the landscape. Arrive at Hamn i Senja for a peaceful final evening surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
Day 5: Hamn i Senja to Tromsø
Cruise back toward Tromsø through the fjords and islands of Northern Norway. Enjoy the final hours onboard with lunch at sea, time on deck and the chance to watch for seabirds and marine wildlife along the way.
Note
This is a sample itinerary. Wildlife, weather and sea conditions decide the final route. Specific sightings or exact stops are not guaranteed.
Life Aboard Stella Oceana
Aboard Stella Oceana, you can relax while the crew takes care of the vessel, meals, cleaning and onboard service. This is a small-group yacht experience with space, comfort and a personal atmosphere at sea.
Stella Oceana is a custom-built 34-meter steel Arctic sailing yacht and certified passenger vessel with Ice Class 1C. She offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas, a warm saloon, open decks, a hot tub, coffee bar and comfortable shared facilities.
The yacht accommodates up to 8 overnight guests in three cabins: two twin bunk cabins and one four-berth bunk cabin. There is one shared toilet and one separate shared shower room.
Meals are served onboard throughout the expedition, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks and hot drinks. The food is inspired by Norwegian coastal traditions and sourced as locally as possible. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Your journey is led by a professional crew of 2–4, including our local Tromsø captain, a former Norwegian Navy sea captain with deep experience in Northern Norway and coastal conditions. Learn from our experienced and knowledgeable crew members about the local culture, history, environment and marine life. They can offer insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation efforts related to the whales and other marine species you might encounter.
Included
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5-day / 4-night yacht expedition from Tromsø
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Accommodation onboard Stella Oceana
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Professional crew of 2–4
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Onboard meals, snacks, coffee, tea, water and breakfast juices
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Whale and wildlife watching from the yacht
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Coastal cruising toward Senja and Andenes
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Wildlife & cultural guiding
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Use of hot tub
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Bedding, towels and standard onboard amenities
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Fuel, port fees and local taxes
Not Included
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Airport transfers
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Alcohol and sodas
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Crew gratuities
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Third-party excursions
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Private guides
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Restaurant meals ashore
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Special provisioning or premium requests
Booking Options
1. Private Expedition
For one private group of families, friends or colleagues who want more flexibility, privacy and the full yacht experience. The private expedition is planned around your preferred dates, group size and travel style.
Charter Price
from NOK 375,000 for up to 8 guests
2. Join a Small-Group on a Scheduled Departure
For couples, solo travelers and friends interested in joining a small-group without chartering the full vessel on a fixed-date. Scheduled departures only operate once the minimum number of 6 guests has been reached. Joining the interest list does not reserve a place or confirm a booking.
Dates
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22–26 June 2027
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6–10 July 2027
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20–24 June 2028
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4–8 July 2028
Individual Price
from NOK 62,500 per person
Confirmation Deadline
4 months (120 days) prior to departure date
To operate a scheduled departure, the minimum number of 6 guests must be reached by the confirmation deadline. Guests who joined the interest list will be contacted upon the confirmation deadline with full details, pricing, payment terms and cabin arrangements. Once the minimum is confirmed, payment is due to confirm your booking.
Payment
Bookings made more than 90 days before departure:
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30% deposit required to secure your reservation.
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The remaining 70% must be paid no later than 90 days before departure.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure:
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Full payment is required at the time of booking, or a 30% non-refundable deposit may be accepted to confirm the reservation.
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The remaining 70% must be paid within 7 days after the deposit is received.