5-Day Winter Whales & Northern Lights Expedition
A winter yacht expedition from Tromsø towards Alta, designed around watching for orca, humpback whales and fin whales, amongst the arctic fjords and the luminous aurora borealis.
Winter Whale Watching from Tromsø
This 5-day expedition is designed for guests who truly want to experience winter whale watching in Northern Norway, with more time, flexibility and comfort than a standard day tour. Instead of setting out for one fixed day and hoping the whales are in the right place, Stella Oceana becomes your private floating base as we follow the conditions along the Arctic coast.
Winter whales move with the herring, and their location can change from day to day. With several days at sea, there is more time to search, adjust the route and make the most of the short winter daylight. Days are spent looking for orcas, humpback whales and other marine life, while evenings bring quiet moments onboard, warm interiors and the chance to watch for northern lights when the sky is clear.
This is not a fast RIB safari, a crowded sightseeing boat or an in-water whale activity. It is a slower, more private and more immersive expedition for guests who want the best possible opportunity to see whales while experiencing Northern Norway’s winter coastline in a responsible and comfortable way.
Whales & Marine Life
Each winter, large shoals of herring move through the fjords and coastal waters of Northern Norway, drawing whales into the region to feed. This seasonal gathering can bring humpback whales, fin whales and orcas, along with white-tailed eagles and an array of seabirds. With several days at sea, the expedition gives more time to search, follow the conditions and experience this remarkable winter feeding season.
Arctic Coastal Communities
Along the Arctic coast, we may dock near small fishing villages and island communities where daily life is still shaped by the sea. Some places have only a handful of residents, while many have fewer than 500 people. When possible, guests can meet local people, hear their stories, and experience a quieter side of Northern Norway that most visitors never reach.
Northern Lights
The northern lights can appear as a faint silver glow before growing into ribbons of green, sometimes edged with pink, violet, blue or deep red. At sea, when the water is still and dark, the colours can reflect across the surface, turning the black winter water into a quiet mirror of shifting Arctic light.
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. Compared to a standard day tour from one fixed departure point, this expedition offers greater flexibility to adapt to whale activity, sea conditions and guest comfort. The cruising area is designed around Tromsø, Skjervøy and the fjords toward Alta, with each day shaped by the best available conditions. Guests can expect up to 8 hours of cruising per day, with Stella Oceana docking overnight in carefully selected locations.
Day 1: Depart Tromsø toward Skjervøy
Board Stella Oceana in Tromsø and begin the voyage north toward Skjervøy. Settle into life onboard, enjoy your first meal at sea and cruise into the winter coastline, with the route adjusted for weather, comfort and recent whale activity.
Day 2: Skjervøy to Øksfjord
Continue farther north through Arctic coastal waters toward Øksfjord. The day may include searching for whales along the route, passing small coastal communities, and experiencing the quiet atmosphere of winter at sea.
Day 3: Øksfjord to Altafjord
Spend the day in and around Altafjord, where recent winter seasons have seen strong whale activity as the herring migration has moved farther north. Daylight hours are focused on searching for whales and marine life, with the evening reserved for relaxing onboard and watching for northern lights when conditions allow.
Day 4: Begin the Return Toward Skjervøy
Start the return voyage south toward Skjervøy, with continued opportunities to search for whales along the route. The itinerary remains flexible so we can adjust to sea conditions, weather and where marine life has recently been observed.
Day 5: Return to Tromsø
Cruise back toward Tromsø with time to enjoy the winter coastline and your final hours onboard Stella Oceana.
Note
This is a sample itinerary. Each day includes up to 8 hours of cruising, with the final route and stops always adjusted for safety, guest comfort, weather and whale activity.
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 watching from the yacht
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Coastal cruising toward Alta
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Wildlife & cultural guiding
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Use of hot tub
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One-piece insulated warm suit
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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 405,000 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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9–13 November 2026
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7–11 December 2026
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11–15 January 2027
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8–12 February 2027
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8–12 November 2027
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6–10 December 2027
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10–14 January 2028
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7–11 February 2028
Individual Price
from NOK 67,500 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.