Tromso Fjord Cruise: Hybrid-Electric Boat & Old Fishing Site

Summary

Fjord wildlife cruise tromso with local stories and fishing history

You’ll step onto a quiet hybrid-electric boat in Tromso for a half-day cruise through Arctic fjords, guided by locals who share stories and point out wildlife along Kvaloya’s shores. Explore an old fishing facility where traditions linger in every weathered plank. Warm drinks and pastries are available onboard as you watch for foxes or glimpse fish through an underwater drone. It’s not flashy—just honest northern Norway at its own pace.

What’s the experience like?

I’d barely zipped up my jacket before the boat left Tromso harbor, the city already shrinking behind us. The air had that salty bite you only get up north—kind of stings your nose but wakes you up fast. Our guide, Erik, pointed out Kvaloya’s snowy outline just as a couple of gulls screeched overhead. He told us the Sami name too—Sállir—which I tried to repeat but probably mangled. Everyone laughed (me included). There’s something about being on the water here that makes you feel small in a good way.

The boat ran quiet—hybrid-electric, so you mostly just heard water slapping the hull and sometimes a low hum. We huddled by the rail with mugs of coffee (the onboard café has this cardamom pastry I’m still thinking about). Erik handed around binoculars when someone spotted movement on the shore—just a fox darting between rocks, but it felt like winning something. The cold made my cheeks sting, but I didn’t want to go inside yet.

We stopped at this old fishing facility—weathered wood buildings, nets hanging like ghosts. The smell was part seaweed, part old rope. Erik talked about how fishing kept these towns alive for generations; he showed us some battered tools and told stories about winter ice trapping boats in the fjord. It’s strange to think how harsh life could be here and how people still laugh so easily now.

Before heading back, they dropped an underwater drone into the fjord—you could watch fish flicker across the screen inside. I didn’t expect to care about that part, honestly, but it was weirdly hypnotic. On the way home everyone got quieter, staring out at the gray water or scrolling through photos on their phones. Something about that light—the kind you only get this far north—sticks with you for days after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arctic fjord cruise and fishing facility visit

• Cruise on hybrid-electric boat
• Explore fjord and spot wildlife
• Use underwater drone to explore ocean
• Step ashore at old fishing facility
• Learn about local fishing industry

Top questions

Is there WiFi on board during the Tromso fjord cruise?

Yes, WiFi is available on board throughout the cruise.

Are restrooms available on the hybrid-electric boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board for passenger use.

Does this Tromso fjord cruise include stops on land?

Yes, you'll step ashore at an old fishing facility during the tour.

Can infants or small children join this Arctic fjord cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs?

The boat and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Will we see wildlife during the Tromso fjord cruise?

You have a good chance to spot wildlife like birds or foxes along Kvaloya's shores.

Are food and drinks included on this tour?

No, but local food and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard café.

How long does this Arctic fjord cruise last?

This is a half-day trip departing from Tromso harbor.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising from Tromso aboard a hybrid-electric boat with WiFi and restroom access; guidance from locals sharing stories; time ashore at an old fishing facility; plus onboard options to buy local food and drinks before returning to port.