Board the Noorderlicht in Harstad, Norway for an incredible 8-day cruise in search of whales and the northern lights. Reknowned for its beauty, Norway's northern coastlines are rugged and dynamic. Cruise into the western fjords of Troms, around the island of Senja, and back to Harstad. The voyage offers ample opportunities to admire whales feeding on schools of herring and the Aurora borealis from the remote bays where the ship overnights.
Highlights
Watch as whales, gulls, and eagles take part in a herring feeding frenzy
Marvel at the beautiful colors of the northern lights
Enjoy shore-based walking along the beautiful beaches of Sommarøy
Snowshoe in the snow-covered forests above Finnsnes
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive at the airport of Evenes and take a scheduled bus to the port of Harstad (Vesterålen). Take time to wander around Harstad and then embark on the Noorderlicht.
Sail north towards Senja. Depending on the weather conditions west of Senja and information about whales, the ship either goes clockwise or counter clockwise around the islands. Most of the short day is spent sailing. Just before sunset arrive at Gryllefjord, where you might see the first humpback and killer whales. Spend the night at Gryllefjord, a small village in a beautiful fjord. In the twilight, there is an option to take a short walk deeper into the fjord.
Spend the next days searching for whales along the west coast of Senja and in the fjords to the north like Vengsøyfjorden, Ersfjorden, and Kattfjorden. Observe the feeding behaviors of killer and humpback whales who often work together to get to the schools of herring which are plentiful this time of year. Gulls and white-tailed eagles are also attracted to the herring, resulting in a feeding frenzy. In the evenings, spend the nights in scenic vilages on Sommarøy and enjoy shore-based walks on the island's lovely beaches.
In the morning there is time to look for whales, but around lunchtime the ship sails south. Sailing along the eastern side of Senja through Gisundet, admire the narrow sound between Senja and mainland Norway, thought to be one of the most beautiful waterways in the region. Spend the night in Finnsnes, a quaint town on mainland Norway.
This morning, walk through the snow-covered forest above Finnsnes before continuing on to Harstad. The Noorderlicht carries snowshoes for all so walking is relatively easy. Sail back to Harstad, arriving in the evening, and prepare for disembarkation the following morning.
Day 8: Disembark in Harstad
1 Breakfast
From Harstad passengers can again take the scheduled bus to Evenes where scheduled flights go to Oslo and beyond.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,200
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Twin Non Private
The ‘Noorderlicht’ provides accommodation for 20 travellers in comfortable twin cabins.
All cabins have upper and lower berths, a cupboard and wash basin with hot and cold water. Shared shower (4) and toilet (5) facilities are conveniently located.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate.
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Noorderlicht - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.