Whale and Northern Lights expedition in northern Norway from Tromsø – with guide

Come aboard the exclusive expedition ship Ocean Sherpa and experience an unforgettable voyage through the spectacular fjords of northern Norway. In autumn and winter, the majestic orcas and whales hunt for food here in their natural environment, following the annual herring migration. Tromsø, the capital of Arctic Norway, is our port of departure and arrival.

On board you'll experience unforgettable moments: from breathtaking photographs from the crow's nest in the mast to admiring the Northern Lights or learning about marine life from our experienced guide. Together with a small group of like-minded adventurers, you'll experience the raw beauty of nature like never before.

Encounter the Whales and the Northern Lights
The ship and her crew take ten guests and one guide to places accessible only by boat. During this multi-day voyage we can make the best use of our time to search for whales. Using fast and robust expedition Zodiacs, we follow the whales, always in a respectful and ethical manner so as not to disturb these magnificent kings of the seas.

Back on board you'll enjoy a warm, private shower, relax and sample delicious dishes in good company. As we sail far from the city lights, stargazing is not disturbed by light pollution. This also gives us a wonderful opportunity to admire the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis.

You are embarking on a search for wild animals: this means we cannot guarantee successful sightings. We have no control over the weather, nor over the orcas and whales. During the week we travel to ideal locations – away from busy areas – to maximise your chances of unforgettable encounters. Whilst we cannot control the weather, we adapt to it and make the best of every weather condition.

How Does the Voyage Unfold?
Day 1: Welcome Aboard
Your voyage begins in Tromsø, where you board the elegant Ocean Sherpa in the afternoon (17:00 local time). After settling into your comfortable cabin with private washbasin and shower, you'll meet the crew and your guide, who will introduce you to the week's programme.

As daylight slowly fades, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner in the lounge, prepared by the chef. With panoramic views of the city lights around you, this is the perfect start to your adventure.

Days 2–7: Discover, Experience, Enjoy!
Once you're on board, the pace of life slows, and we let ourselves be guided by the rhythm of nature. Each day is unique, influenced by weather conditions, the animals we encounter and the adventurous spirit of the group. It's about experiencing the essence of a voyage of discovery, where no two days are alike.

Mornings begin with a delicious breakfast in the saloon, where you can share stories with your fellow adventurers or take stunning photographs from the deck or from the crow's nest in the mast. Sometimes you can help the crew set the sails and experience the magic of moving under wind power. The guide offers insights into marine life and the unique feeding habits observed in the fjords. You can also browse through the collection of books and discover more secrets of the Arctic world.

Afternoons are devoted to enjoying the scenery in the gentle daylight. Once we're near a group of whales, you can ride in the Zodiac to admire orcas and whales at close quarters as they glide through the fjords. You may encounter humpback whales, fin whales and sometimes even sperm whales. With expert guidance you'll learn to anticipate their movements and better understand their world. We plan to give you the opportunity to go ashore for a guided walk and a good opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis.

Evenings become special through the magic of the Northern Lights. The limited daylight in winter lends the landscape a peaceful atmosphere, whilst the starry sky and the dancing Northern Lights create unforgettable moments. Whether you're enjoying a story from the captain or simply admiring the aurora from the deck, these memories will stay in your heart forever.

Day 7: The Last Morning: Farewell
We reach Tromsø and enjoy a final breakfast to give you energy for the day. We hope that you have not only seen whales but also felt the connection to nature and experienced the spirit of adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The Guides
The guides we deploy during the whale season are all experienced professionals who can inform us about the life, behaviour and biology of various marine animals, particularly humpback whales and orcas. They know where to find these animals and how to observe their behaviour to enable an environmentally friendly experience.

High-quality sailing expedition ship
The beautiful rigging of the Ocean Sherpa may appear traditional, but it is perfectly coordinated. The sails are
easy to handle, so that even inexperienced guests can actively participate in sailing the ship. In addition to the foresail and the aftersail, the Ocean Sherpa has three square sails that enable her to sail in traditional style, like the old explorers.

Comfortable accommodation: (More information about the ship at: https://rederijvanlinschoten.de/schiffe/ocean-sherpa/)
The spacious deck offers plenty of seating to enjoy the view and observe wildlife. The crow's nest in the mast and the accessible bowsprit net provide excellent opportunities for photographing and observing the marine fauna.

In the deckhouse there is a welcoming saloon with a bar and panoramic view. Here you can relax or enjoy a meal whilst observing the wonders around you. Expert insulation, heating and ventilation ensure a pleasant climate on board. The practical double cabins, equipped with shower and washbasin, are located below deck; each cabin has its own porthole and European sockets with 220 volts.

Cook
The cook on board is a professional ship's cook or chef. He offers a wide selection of
meals, prepared in the professionally equipped galley

Included in the price:
- Accommodation on board in double cabins with private shower
- Experienced, certified guides with comprehensive knowledge of the region
- Professional nautical crew
- Standard offshore life jacket and safety line
- Shore landings and tours with the Zodiacs
- Bed linen & towels
- Full board (all meals on board, snacks, hot drinks, non-alcoholic drinks)

Not included in the price:
- Flight prices to/from departure point
- Hotel and meals in Longyearbyen before/after the tour
- Insurance (personal health insurance, travel insurance, cancellation insurance etc.)
- Museum admission
- Alcoholic drinks on board