The aurora belt · NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISES IN TROMSO
Good northern lights cruises in Tromso fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Sail from central Tromsø at 8 p.m. with Polar Adventures, searching the fjords and Arctic sea for the Aurora Borealis. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Ken, Holly, Thomas, and Hans, helps with camera settings while you warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, cookies, and indoor seating.
“Real 10 out of 10. super friendly guides. The atmosphere was cosy and happy.”
Join guides such as Yana, Valeria, Douaa, or Hannah-Rose aboard a warm catamaran from Tromsø. Sail into darker fjords, watch through panoramic windows or outdoor decks, enjoy free tea or coffee, and receive a free second cruise if no aurora appears.
“Simply stunning. We were very fortunate to see a wonderful display on Monday 23 February. Whole experience, from staff, guides abd amenities were excellent. Highly recommended.”
Settle into a heated, panoramic catamaran for a three-hour evening around Tromsø. You’ll enjoy a three-course Arctic meal, hear local stories in English, and step outside when the sky clears. Seafood is central, with a vegetarian option available if requested at least 24 hours ahead.
“The crew was great and very supportive. They informed us as soon as they noticed some activities in the sky and helped with the camera settings when needed, so that we could see the lights on the way back to Tromsø. One thing, some of the guests were really annoying as they focused on drinking and became louder and louder. Therefore, it was hard to understand eachother or the crew‘s instructuctions or announcements. Nevertheless, great experience !”
Sail from Tromsø for 3.5 hours aboard Brim Explorer, following weather forecasts toward Kvaløyvågen, Ramfjorden, or Kvaløya. Guides such as Tobias, Darcel, and Ayona share Aurora science and folklore while the crew watches the sky. Heated lounges, vegan soup, and photo help are included.
“The Aurora was stunning. We had perfect conditions. The boat was warm and comfortable. The soup was absolutely delicious.”
Search for the aurora aboard the 70-year-old MS Strønstad on a four-hour Tromsø fjord cruise. You’ll get a pre-cruise presentation, warm coffee, indoor seating, and access to a bar, with optional sauna or jacuzzi time. Guides such as Jana, Janna, and Tobi add local insight.
“Despite not really seeing the northern lights (we just didn’t get lucky), the adventure was really great. The guides were welcoming and friendly and full of interesting information. The boat was cool to explore and we enjoyed meeting the captain and travelling through the fjords on different decks of the boat. The guests and guides were an eclectic mix of different nationalities and we really enjoyed chatting with the whole crew.”
Cruise around Tromsøya from 19:00 to 22:30 aboard a quiet electric boat. You’ll receive a welcome drink, a three-course dinner, aurora guidance, and access to an outdoor viewing deck. The crew may include Elli, Alberto, Fani, Andrea, Francesca, Yvan, or Connor.
“The Green Lady was very generous. The vessel, the crew and the dinner met our expectations and beyond. A 'must do'.”
Join Captain Kenneth and Sachi aboard Stella Oceana for a four-hour evening cruise from Tromsø. Search for the aurora, warm up with reindeer soup and hot drinks, and enjoy scheduled hot-tub time at sea. The yacht holds no more than 12 people and returns to the same dock.
“Beautifully curated and luxurious experience! Big icebreaker yacht and plenty of space and time to relax , eat, enjoy the sky and the hot tub!”
Cruise Tromsø’s Arctic fjords aboard the 32-meter Stella Oceana with up to 12 people. Captain Kenneth and Sachi serve reindeer stew, hot drinks, and cookies, while you search for the aurora from two decks or a warm hot tub.
“The hot tub was amazing and the experience on cruise was relaxing. Felt warm hosting by captain and crew, the reindeer soup dinner was very delicious!”
Leave Tromsø for a 24-hour coastal cruise toward Skjervøya, with a three-course dinner, Northern Lights search, whale watching, breakfast, lunch, lectures, and an overnight cabin. Expect a small ship setting with up to 52 people and a return around 7 PM the next day.
“The crew and tour guides are lovely, couldn’t do more for you to ensure upmost comfort. Knowledgeable about the whales and northern lights with several talks across the 2 days. We learnt lots of new things. Cabins are comfy and warm and there’s several food choices at each meal. All you of what we had was lovely. Whilst we didn’t get to see the northern lights due to cloud cover the polar twilight gave impressive scenery and beautiful colours in the sky. We did see loads of humpback whales including several breaches and several pods of killer whales some getting pretty close. An amazing trip and one to remember for…”
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