Northern lights and whales in northern Norway

Seven nights sailing from Tromsø in search of the northern lights and the whales of northern Norway. The barquentine Antigua takes you to remote bays far from artificial light, and a nature guide leads walks through the wintry landscape.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Tromsø – fjords and islands of northern Norway – Tromsø
Departures: 29 October – 5 November 2027 and 27 November – 4 December 2027; each time boarding at 18:00 and disembarking at 09:00 in Tromsø (the 2026 departures are fully booked)
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Antigua, barquentine

Prices per person

Standard cabin (bunk beds): € 1,980
Comfort cabin (two single beds): € 2,180

Lowest price from € 1,980 per person in a standard cabin, including full board and a nature guide.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM THE DECK

North of the Arctic Circle, winter turns the landscape into a world of snow, blue light and silence. The northern lights, dancing across the sky in green, violet or blue, are one of the most impressive natural phenomena on earth.

The Antigua seeks out remote bays and small harbours far from any artificial light, where conditions for seeing the northern lights are at their best. At this time of year orcas and humpback whales also move into the fjords around Tromsø to hunt herring.

THE ROUTE

Tromsø

You board in Tromsø, with its famous Arctic Cathedral and lively centre.

Fjords and islands

The captain sets the route according to weather, wind and the chances of northern lights and whales. The ship sails to places that are otherwise almost inaccessible.

Walks with a nature guide

Ashore you go on walks with the nature guide, who tells you all about the landscape, the wildlife and life in the far north.

Back in Tromsø

On the final morning you disembark after breakfast in Tromsø.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Antigua is a barquentine, a three-master with square sails on the foremast. You sleep in a standard cabin with bunk beds or in a more spacious comfort cabin with two separate beds, each with its own shower and toilet. Bed linen, towels and full board are included, as are harbour dues and fuel. You are always welcome to help on deck, but you do not have to: the permanent crew sails the ship. You wait for the northern lights in the warm saloon; as soon as they appear, everyone goes on deck.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For nature lovers and photographers who want to experience the northern lights and whales up close. No sailing experience is needed.

GOOD TO KNOW

• On board you settle drinks and extras at the end of the trip, in cash and in euros only.
• If you prefer not to share, you can book a single cabin at the standard price plus 50 per cent.
• Drinks (except coffee, tea and water) are not included.
• Bring proper winter clothing: thermal underwear, a warm coat, hat, gloves and good boots.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I sure to see the northern lights and whales?

No, it is nature. The timing is ideal, though, and the ship seeks out the best spots.

How do I get to Tromsø?

You fly to Tromsø via Oslo; there are several connections every day.

How cold is it?

Expect -5 to +3 °C. With good clothing in layers it is perfectly comfortable.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

The barquentine Antigua has been sailing European waters for over 50 years. She began life as a UK fishing ship build 1957. With sense of nautical tradition and attention to detail, in 1993 the Antigua was converted to the beautiful tall ship she is today.