Sail the fjords of Tromsø in search of Orcas

We leave the harbour early in the morning after a hearty breakfast and cast off to sail up the fjords towards the north.

We usually sail for 3 to 5 hours; lunch is served on board, and we make the most of the midday light to go ashore and go for a walk on an island (1 to 3 hours depending on the weather). The terrain is coastal, featuring island paths, rocks and small bays; the hike is tailored to the conditions and visibility.

Whilst sailing, we’ll keep an eye out for orcas and whales, and in the evening, depending on the weather, we’ll choose to spend the night in port or at anchor. There may be local saunas available at an extra cost and, for those who wish, a swim in the Norwegian Sea in November; the day ends with dinner on board and some time to relax, play games or read, followed by an attempt to spot the Northern Lights, weather permitting.

Today we’re sailing through the vast Skjervøy Fjord in search of orcas and humpback whales. We’re targeting a calm and relatively stationary ‘pod’ (group of orcas) – that is, when the orcas are herding a ‘school’ of herring into a ball before feeding.

We’ll stay at a safe distance, avoid sudden changes of direction and adjust the boat’s speed so as not to disturb the animals. These conditions allow us to observe their hunting behaviour up close, without interference.

By mid-afternoon we arrive back at the harbour or anchorage, and depending on the timing, we may set off again for a walk ashore.

Today we’re heading back out to spot cetaceans in the neighbouring fjords. We’ll be sailing through the sheltered areas to maximise our chances of sightings on calm waters. We’ll be looking out for humpback whales in particular, which are easy to spot from a distance thanks to their blow rising into the sky.

On returning to port in the evening, we’ll be able to go out for a walk if the Northern Lights are visible.

We're crossing the fjord this morning and will make one last attempt to spot some cetaceans along the way, though we can't be sure: the best encounters sometimes happen when you least expect them.

The day is planned to make the most of the strongest light at midday, with a boat trip in the morning and a hike around the peak of daylight to find a vantage point. We make our way over rocky sections and scree slopes lining the fjord, alternating between short climbs and regular breaks. On the ground, the mountains remain capped in white and the sky blends shades of blue and pink, and each stop gives us a chance to observe and better understand the coastal environment.

The pace is relaxed and guided: sailing, walking, photo stops and a return to the boat at the end of the day.

We’ll be sailing for a few hours this morning and will moor in a small fishing harbour for a walk ashore. You might spot some reindeer there, depending on the time of year and your luck. Every day we sail to a different port of call to explore various islands; in the evening, depending on the weather, we alternate between spending the night in port or at anchor, when the bay allows.

In some places there are saunas, available on request and at an extra cost. It’s also an opportunity, for those who wish, to try a dip in the Norwegian Sea in November.

Last day of the trip: we’ll spend the day sailing and exploring, either on board or during short stops along the coast. We’re due to arrive at the port at around 5 pm.

If you’re departing on Friday 23 October, 6 or 20 November, we’ll disembark at the port of Skjervøy at around 7.30 pm and a meal is included on board. If you’re setting off on Friday 30 October, 13 or 27 November, we’ll disembark in Tromsø at around 6 pm and you’ll need to pay for your meal on the return ferry.

Please arrange your own overnight stay in Tromsø. The crew will handle the sailing and disembarkation; you are free to stroll around on deck or head straight to the quay once the ferry has moored.