Polar Adventures · Killengreens gate 7-11, Tromsø
A family-run boat leaves central Tromsø at 8 PM and sails north or south on the Arctic sea, wherever the chances look best, and stays with the aurora as long as the trip allows. Pick it for deck access the whole way, a crew that helps set up your camera, and a discounted second tour if the night stays dark.
This is the most reviewed northern lights cruise on this site, with 4.4 stars from 1,642 reviews, and it gives you more time on the water than most: 3 hours 30 minutes, leaving at 8 PM and back at 11:30 PM. Polar Adventures, a local family-run company, sails from its pier at Killengreens gate 7-11 in the centre of Tromsø. The boat sets course north or south in the Arctic sea, wherever the chances look greatest, and the crew stays with the lights for as long as the schedule allows. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
You can be out on the deck the whole trip, which is the point for keen photographers. When you need a break, there is a warm indoor cabin, toilets, and warm and cold drinks to help yourself to. The listing highlights mention snacks and thermal suits, and guests say there are biscuits, cakes and hot chocolate in the cabin. Photos are not included, but the crew helps you set up your camera and phone. Guests also mention blankets on deck on very cold nights.
The lights are never guaranteed, and the operator says so plainly. If you see nothing on your first night, you are offered a discounted second tour on a day with free seats (once only, and not on the dinner cruise option). On nights when the weather looks hopeless, the operator contacts you to move your booking, so keep your phone on in the 24 hours before. If the tour is cancelled for bad weather, you choose a full refund or a new date. The trip needs at least 10 guests, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Meet at the Polar Adventures front pier, Killengreens gate 7-11, in the centre of Tromsø.
The boat leaves and heads north or south, wherever the chances of clear skies are greatest.
The crew helps you find the right settings for the dark, so you are ready when the aurora starts.
Stand on deck as long as you like. The boat stays with the lights as long as the schedule allows.
The boat returns to the pier you left from, a short walk from most hotels.
★★★★★It was a great night. We went far away in search of clearer skies and were able to see the auroras impressively dancing above us. Simply magical. Our very friendly guide lent us some blankets on deck when it was really cold. I recommend it 100%.
★★★★★Spectacular! We saw the auroras from start to finish, dancing back and forth. We spent the entire 3.5 hours outside gazing at the sky. The thermal suit they provide with the tour makes it super comfortable to stay outside! Everyone was very attentive and friendly. You can also make tea, hot chocolate, or coffee as many times as you like. Highly recommended!
★★★★★The Tour was perfect, we got to see the Northern lights (Luck) The service on board was great and we could enjoy warm drinks and sweets. Kristin was wonderful, she was really helpful and kind. Thank to her everybody got the chance to have wonderful pictures and unforgettable memories. Thank you all!
★★★★★It was worth every penny! Everyone put in so much effort and shared so much information with us. The group wasn't overcrowded! Ken did a really great job! [...] It’s a family-run business with a lot of heart!!!
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At 8 PM from the Polar Adventures pier at Killengreens gate 7-11, and it returns to the same dock at 11:30 PM.
You are offered a discounted second tour on a day with free seats. It is valid once and not on the dinner cruise option.
Yes. The listing includes deck access for the whole trip, with a warm cabin to go back to.
On nights with poor chances, the operator contacts you to move your booking. If the tour is cancelled for weather, you choose a full refund or a new date.
Ready to book
Three and a half hours on the Arctic sea, deck open all the way, with a discounted retry on a cloudy night.
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