The Tromsø northern lights cruise with a free second chance

About this experience

Every northern lights cruise sells the same dream, and none of them controls the sky. No boat can promise the lights. Visit Norway calls them a natural phenomenon, just like the weather. What separates the boats is what happens on a cloudy night, and this is the cruise with the best answer. If you do not see the aurora on your first trip, the operator gives you a free second chance on the next available departure. It has 4.3 stars from 1,574 reviews, and several guests say the second night is when they saw the lights. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.

The boat is a sustainable hybrid catamaran, run by Rødne Fjord Cruise from the quay at Nerstranda in the centre of Tromsø. It runs quietly, which matters more than you would think on a dark fjord. Inside there is a warm cabin with leather seats and panoramic windows. Outside there are viewing platforms on the sundecks. The trip lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, and the captain heads for the area with the best chance of a clear sky that night. A local guide tells the myths and the science of the aurora on the way, and when the green lady shows up, the guide calls you out and helps you with your camera.

Coffee and tea are free, and there is Wi-Fi on board. Snacks and other drinks are sold at the kiosk. There is no hotel pickup, so walk to the quay. Two things to know before you go. In the low season the boat sails only on Fridays and Sundays, and shoe spikes are not allowed on board, which surprises people in icy Tromsø. Bring warm clothes for the deck.

• A free second cruise if you see no northern lights
• A silent hybrid catamaran, away from the town lights
• Warm lounge with leather seats and panoramic windows
• Outdoor viewing platforms for when the guide calls
• Free coffee or tea, Wi-Fi and photo tips from the guide
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the cruise runs

1. EveningMeet at the Nerstranda quay

   Walk to the Rødne Fjord Cruise quay in central Tromsø and board the catamaran. Leave the shoe spikes in your bag.

2. DepartureSail for the clearest sky

   The captain heads into the fjords toward the area with the best chance of a clear night, leaving the town lights behind.

3. On boardStories and science

   The guide explains how the aurora forms and the old tales about it, while you warm up with free coffee or tea.

4. Lights upOut on deck

   When the aurora appears, the guide tells you where to look and helps you set up your phone or camera.

5. 2 hours 30 minutesBack at the quay

   The boat returns to Tromsø. No lights on the night? Ask the crew how to book your free second trip.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Book it for your first evening in Tromsø. That leaves you nights to spare for the free second chance.
• Check the weekday in the low season. The boat then sails only on Fridays and Sundays.
• Take your shoe spikes off before boarding. The listing says they are not allowed on the boat.
• Dress for the deck, not the lounge. The wind on open water feels much colder than the town. Our guide to what to wear on a northern lights cruise has the layers.
• Still choosing? Our guide to the best northern lights cruise in Tromsø compares every boat by what you get on a cloudy night.

Read next:

• Best northern lights cruise in Tromsø
• What to wear on a northern lights cruise
• Northern lights: boat or bus

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Evening Aurora Cruise from TromsøThree and a half hours at sea, 8 PM to 11:30 PM, deck open all the way, with a discounted retry on a cloudy night.★ 4.4 · 3 hours 30 minutes · from $129Electric Northern Lights CruiseA quiet electric boat that sails toward the clearest forecast, with heated lounges and soup on the way back.★ 4.2 · 3 hours · from $139Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub and DinnerA 34-metre yacht for 12 guests at most, with reindeer stew and a private hot tub, lights or no lights.★ 4.8 · 4 hours · from $345