Sailing in Norway: Northern Lights and an encounter with orcas
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNorway / Tromsø and its region
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AgeFrom 12 - 69 years
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CO₂-Emissions886.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a unique 7-day adventure aboard a comfortable sailboat in the Skervøy fjords , in the heart of the Arctic . Aboard the Davaï , encounter humpback whales and orcas , and, as night falls, marvel at the Northern Lights , an unforgettable celestial spectacle. Each day, our experienced crew will guide you to observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat, while respecting this pristine environment. Enjoy stops in picturesque villages of Norway's "far west," hikes to breathtaking panoramas, and relaxing moments on deck. On board, everything is designed for your comfort and safety , with delicious meals prepared with care. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a novice sailor , this voyage offers an intimate and authentic experience , far from mass tourism. Discover the raw beauty of the Norwegian fjords and reconnect with what truly matters. An exceptional adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The highlights
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Whale and orca watching
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The hunt for the Northern Lights
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Sailing in the Norwegian fjords
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is ideal for both novices who want to enjoy a journey to discover the fjords without the pressure of having to participate, and for sailing enthusiasts! But how is that possible?!
Our professional crew manages the sailboat and ensures your safety, so you are not "indispensable" for maneuvers.
However, those who wish to participate are more than welcome. We assign tasks to each person to help them get involved on board!
For example, you could:
- Learn how to tie the essential nautical knots for mooring a sailboat, installing fenders, etc.
- Learn to steer
- Learning how to trim sails (for Arctic sailing in the fjords!)
- Understanding the wind, the reactions of a sailboat,...
The purpose of this trip is to observe cetaceans; therefore, we often sail at reduced speed, with the engine running or even with the engine off!
This trip includes hiking or snowshoeing (depending on snow conditions at the time of your trip). The elevation gains and distances are relatively small. However, a good level of physical fitness is necessary due to the cold and the potentially snowy conditions.
In figures
Sailing
- Average duration/day: 4h30
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 6 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 200 m
- Average daily descent: 200 m
Management
French
English
Paul is one of the sailboat's potential captains. He ensures your safety on board and optimizes navigation based on the weather to guarantee you an unforgettable week. Paul has been sailing in polar regions since 2015 and remains as passionate about this place as ever!
All our skippers are experts in this sailing area, are cautious and are there to make choices that guarantee your safety and comfort throughout your cruise.
Maud is a sailor and nature guide. She is the second crew member and also the person who accompanies you on land excursions. She knows the polar regions well, having explored the Arctic for the past 10 years.
We also work with other sailor-guides who are also experts in these sailing areas and will be just as happy as Maud to share their passions with you!
Program
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Arrival and boarding of the sailboat
- Transportation Plane - 05h - 2500km
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You arrive in the late afternoon at the Tromsø city center harbor , where the crew warmly welcomes you from 6:00 PM onwards . Once on board, you'll discover your cabin and take some time to settle in comfortably. The crew will then provide you with essential safety instructions for your stay. The evening continues with a convivial dinner on board the sailboat , ideal for getting to know the other participants. You'll spend your first night on board, lulled by the peaceful atmosphere of the harbor.
This trip is a one-way journey between Tromsø and Skjervøy; the direction varies from week to week. It's incredibly simple: a ferry connects Tromsø and Skjervoy on the evenings of your embarkation or disembarkation!
Boarding in Tromsø on Saturdays October 17th, October 31st, and November 14th
Disembarkation at Skjervøy on Friday, October 23, November 6, and November 20
Boarding at Skjervøy on Saturdays October 24th, November 7th, and November 21st
Disembarkation at Tromsø on Friday, October 30, November 13, and November 27
Day 1 -
Sailing trips, whale watching, and aurora borealis viewing
- Transportation Boat - 04h - 50kmper day
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 2h per day
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 4h per day
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a safety briefing, we set sail for our first sail. Depending on the conditions, we'll sail or motor, admiring the surrounding scenery. In the evening, we'll anchor in a sheltered bay or dock in a charming little port. Our first night on board promises to be peaceful.
On days 3 and 4, the day begins with a cruise that takes us to areas renowned for whale and orca watching . We take the time to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, a landing is planned to discover a site offering an exceptional view of the region. In the evening, if the sky is clear, the Northern Lights will illuminate our night, whether from the deck or a secluded beach.
On the last day, we enjoyed one last sail , always on the lookout for marine wildlife. A final stop ashore allowed us to savor a moment surrounded by nature. We returned to port at the end of the day, our heads full of memories, before saying goodbye to the crew.
Days 2 to 6 -
Last day and disembarkation from the sailboat
- Activity Sailing
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
At the first light of dawn, we set off to explore the majestic , snow-covered fjords. The morning light enhances these unique landscapes, providing an ideal setting to immerse ourselves in Norwegian nature. During our return voyage to Tromsø, a stop is planned for a local fishing session , or, if conditions permit, a landing to enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the mountains plunging directly into the Norwegian Sea.
Depending on the period, disembarkation takes place in Tromsø around 6pm or in Skjervøy at 7:45pm , followed by a return trip by Hurtigruten ferry to Tromsø.
Day 7
Accommodation
The SKADI sailboat is a 15.5-meter sailboat equipped for polar regions. It is a 2009 Bavaria 51-footer. It has 5 cabins (4 of which are for guests) and 3 bathrooms (to be shared with the group).
Access
This trip is a one-way journey between Tromsø and Skjervøy; the direction varies from week to week. It's incredibly simple: a ferry connects Tromsø and Skjervoy on the evenings of your embarkation or disembarkation!
Boarding in Tromsø on Saturdays October 17th, October 31st, and November 14th
Disembarkation at Skjervøy on Friday, October 23, November 6, and November 20
Boarding at Skjervøy on Saturdays October 24th, November 7th, and November 21st
Disembarkation at Tromsø on Friday, October 30, November 13, and November 27
Your ferry tickets must be booked according to the dates on the "Hurtigruten Port-to-port" or "Havila Port-to-port" websites.
Go to the starting point
🚂 To reach the port of Tromsø from France by public transport, the last train station is Narvik, then you need to take a bus to Tromsø.
Tromsø bus station is in the city centre and is less than a 5-minute walk from the meeting point, the boarding point.
More information about this possible route can be obtained through our partner.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 6 nights in a shared double cabin on the sailboat "Davaï"
- Full board
- The onboard cash register
- Supervision at sea by French professional sailors
- Ground supervision for walks and hikes
- The bedding on board
- Loan of hiking equipment
- Drinks (non-alcoholic)
The price does not include
- Meals before boarding the sailboat and after disembarking
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages (however, you can bring your own drinks on board)
- Optional sauna visits (approximately €30 per person) or museum visits
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Snowshoes
- Hiking poles
- Small crampons for walking
Equipment to bring
- 1 hiking backpack (30L) with its waterproof rain cover
- 1 bath towel
- 1 microfiber bath towel
- 1 toiletry bag
- Earplugs
- Refrigeration gloves ( very practical if you want to participate in the operations )
- 1 gourd
- 1 pair of clean shoes ( sneaker type )
- 1 pair of slippers or Crocs
- 1 good pair of hiking shoes or snow boots
- An aperitif ( a specialty from your region )
Clothing to bring
- 1 pair of winter hiking pants
- 1 pair of ski pants
- 1-2 pairs of wool or fleece tights
- 1 waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex type) or a foul-weather jacket
- 1 down jacket or ski jacket
- 1 thin fleece
- 1 thick fleece
- 2 technical undercoats
- 1 beanie
- 1 thin neck warmer
- Thin gloves
- Ski gloves or mittens
- 1 swimsuit
- A comfortable outfit for the evening
