WINTER EXPEDITION · TROMSØ, SKJERVØY, ALTA
Winter Whale Watching Expedition from Tromsø
Orca, humpback whales and northern lights
Five days aboard Stella Oceana, following winter whale activity north toward Skjervøy and Alta. Search for whales by day and look for northern lights by night.
5 days | 4 nights, Nov - Feb
Departure from Tromsø
Small-group expedition: NOK 67,500/person
Private charter: NOK 405,000 for up to 8 guests
Overview
Over five days and four nights, Stella Oceana travels from Tromsø toward Skjervøy and Alta in search of orcas, humpback whales and fin whales. The Captain adapts the route to recent whale activity, weather, sea conditions and guest comfort. Several days at sea allows more time to adjust the search than a day tour, but sightings are not guaranteed. On clear, dark evenings, guests can watch for the northern lights from the yacht.
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. Day light hours are spent looking for orcas, humpback whales and other marine life, while evenings brings quiet moments onboard, warm interiors, walks ashore and the chance to watch for northern lights.
Expect most days with up to eight hours underway with the yacht docking overnight in carefully selected locations. Between watching for whales, relax in the saloon, spend time on deck or relax in the hot tub. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks and hot drinks are served aboard, with meals inspired by Norwegian coastal cooking and dietary needs accommodated with advance notice. Stella Oceana is a custom-built, 34-meter steel expedition motor-sailer, with generous deck space and the comfort of a small, hosted liveaboard. The yacht accommodates up to eight overnight guests in three cabins, with one shared toilet and a separate shower. The listed November to February departures fall within the aurora borealis season, so northern lights sightings are common.
Choose your charter
Prices per person when joining a small-group expedition. Prices for the whole yacht for a private charter.
"What an extraordinary experience on this unique ship! Captain Kenneth is exceptionally experienced in these fjords, and his knowledge and commitment to safety gave us confidence throughout the voyage, even when the weather wasn’t on our side. Sachi looked after us with such warmth and kindness, and we loved her wonderful meals. We enjoyed the different deck spaces, even had a soak in the hot tub, and found the saloon spotless, spacious and comfortable for reading—and for keeping in touch with our family in Switzerland by Wi-Fi. Thank you both for an unforgettable journey. We hope to see you again!"
- Thomas & Sabine
Why spend five days whale watching from Tromsø?
Winter whale activity can shift as herring move through the fjords and coastal waters. A five-day route gives the Captain more time to respond to recent wildlife activity and adapt the search across several areas, including Skjervøy and Altafjord. It creates more time to look for whales, but sightings are never guaranteed. 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.
The voyage is also a chance to experience the Arctic coast at a winter pace. The route passes fjords and small coastal communities, with four nights aboard Stella Oceana as the journey moves along the coast. On dark evenings, guests can watch for the northern lights from the yacht when skies are clear.. Depending on the route and conditions, the yacht may anchor in a remote area or berth in a small coastal community. When conditions allow, guests can go ashore by tender or walk from the dock. These are quiet, lived-in places with few visitor services; their appeal is the scenery, stillness and time to experience Northern Norway at an unhurried pace.
The overnight group is limited to eight guests. World Sea Explorers is a Tromsø-based Norwegian operator, and the locally based Captain and crew bring first-hand knowledge of the coast throughout the voyage. Aboard Stella Oceana, a 34-meter steel motor-sailer, guests can watch from the deck or take a break in the saloon during the coastal journey.
Itinerary
The itinerary is a framework. The Captain may adjust the timing or order of activities to suit the weather, sea conditions, safety and local arrangements.
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: Øksfjord to 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.
The sample route follows the coast from Tromsø via Skjervøy toward Alta.
Day 1: Tromsø to 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 5: Skjervøy 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 aurora activity and wildlife along the way.
What you'll experience
WHALE WATCHING
Killer whales and humpback whales
Herring move through Northern Norway’s fjords and coastal waters, and orcas and humpback whales follow to feed. Their locations shift from season to season; several days at sea allow more time and flexibility to search where whale activity is strongest.
SEABIRDS
Eagles and gulls
When herring gather near the surface, an array of seagulls may feed among the shoals, while white-tailed eagles scan the water from above.
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EXPLORE ASHORE
Arctic coastal communities
The route may include small fishing villages and island communities where daily life remains closely connected to the coast. If the route and conditions allow, guests may go ashore or spend time in a small harbor.
AURORA BOREALIS
Search for the northern lights
The aurora may appear on clear, dark nights. From the yacht, guests can watch the sky from the deck or hot tub. The aurora may appear on clear, dark nights. Four nights aboard give you several opportunities to watch from the deck or hot tub, but sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover and weather.
WINTER COAST
Fjords, islands and changing light
Cruise through Northern Norway’s winter coastline, where steep mountains, islands and sheltered waters frame the route. The light changes through the day and season, from the low glow of winter to brighter afternoons later in the season.
LIFE ABOARD
Time alone or together at your own pace
With no more than eight overnight guests, the atmosphere is personal. Share the day’s sightings and stories with the group, or take a quieter moment between watches while the crew looks after life aboard.
The Yacht
S/Y Stella Oceana
Custom-built, steel motor-sailer · Built in 1991 · Refit in 2025
Stella Oceana cruising in Northern Norway
Length
34 meters
Overnight guests
Up to 8 in 3 guest cabins
Shared facilities
1 toilet and a separate shower
Amenities
Hot tub, spacious open deck, covered upper observation deck with table seating, and high-ceiling saloon with lounge and dining areas
Cabins
2 cabins for two people, and 1 cabin for 4 people, all with bunk beds; bedding, towels and toiletries provided.
Norwegian Operated
Norwegian-flagged. Norwegian-owned. Crew based in Norway.
Stella Oceana combines the character of an expedition yacht with the comfort and welcoming atmosphere of a boutique floating hotel. Sails may be used when conditions allow; the engine is likely to be used for much of this itinerary.
What's included
SMALL-GROUP EXPEDITION
NOK 67,500/person
6-8 guests
PRIVATE CHARTER
NOK 405,000
Up to 8 guests
Included
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5 day expedition
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4 nights accommodation aboard Stella Oceana
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Onboard meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snacks, coffee, tea, water and breakfast juices
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One-piece insulated warm suit
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Tender outings and landings ashore
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Wildlife and cultural guiding
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Onboard amenities including hot tub, bedding and towels
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Fuel, port fees and local taxes
Not Included
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Flights to Tromsø
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Airport transfers
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Alcohol and soft drinks
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Cancellation and travel insurance - highly recommended
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Hotel nights before or after the expedition
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Tip/gratuity for the crew
People who know the coast—and whales
The people behind your expedition
Your expedition is operated by World Sea Explorers’ Norwegian founder-led team and led aboard Stella Oceana by Captain Kenneth Tårnes. A Master Mariner and former Royal Norwegian Navy captain, Kenneth brings more than 40 years at sea. Sachi coordinates your expedition and onboard hospitality and is your guide. She has studied cetaceans with the Ocean Mammal Institute and is involved with marine conservation. A professional crew of two to four looks after the voyage, meals and day-to-day details.
You’ll speak directly with the team responsible for planning and operating your expedition, so you can ask practical questions and share what matters to your group before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Plan your trip
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Book more than 90 days before departure:
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30% deposit at booking
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70% due 90 days before departure
Book 90 days or less before departure:
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30% deposit at booking
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70% due 7 days after booking
Book less than 14 days before departure:
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Full payment is due at booking
Secure payments through Flywire payment link by card or bank transfer, in your local currency.
TRAVEL, PACKING AND PREFERENCES
Getting to Tromsø
The expedition begins and ends in Tromsø. Fly to Tromsø Airport (TOS) and arrange your own transfer to the yacht. Avoid tight connections. Flights, accommodation before or after the expedition, and transfers to and from the harbour are not included.
Packing for Tromsø
Pack warm winter layers and waterproof outerwear for changeable conditions on the water. Bring warm winter boots, comfortable boat slippers and swimwear for the hot tub.
Tell us about your group
Before departure, share dietary requirements, allergies and food preferences so we can plan your onboard meals. Please also tell us about mobility considerations and any alcohol or soft drinks you’d like to pre-order; alcohol and soft drinks are not included.
Book Your Winter Whale Watching Expedition
Choose your preferred dates and request your expedition aboard Stella Oceana.
Small-Group Expedition NOK 67,500 | Private Charter NOK 405,000
Maximum 8 guests · Secure payments through Flywire
Questions before booking? Contact us