Tromso Fjord Cruise on Luxury Sailing Yacht: Balsfjorden

Sailing yacht tour in the fjord: experience quiet canvas and unique deck views

A 4.5-hour fjord cruise on S/Y Stella Oceana sails through Balsfjorden near Tromso with a live guide in English, Norwegian, or Japanese. The yacht carries up to 12 guests and includes a local reindeer soup lunch with vegetarian option, unlimited hot beverages and cookies, and access to the outdoor decks to watch for eagles, dolphins, seals and birds. You can upgrade to add a polar plunge and private time in the outdoor hot tub. Routes adjust with weather and your choices.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury fjord cruise with lunch

• Board the sailing yacht Stella Oceana
• Cruise through Balsfjorden and fjords
• Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains
• Spot wildlife like eagles and seals
• Have local reindeer soup lunch onboard
• Relax inside or on outer decks

The experience

If you land in Tromso with a free afternoon or want to see the fjords without renting a car, the yacht departs and returns to the same point, so you step aboard and the day is already shaped. The crew handles the route: Balsfjorden's water and mountains are the constant, but where the boat turns depends on weather and what wildlife appears. You spend the morning or afternoon on deck watching for seals and eagles, or you move inside to the heated cabin where books, games, and unlimited coffee, tea, and hot chocolate wait. Lunch is served during the cruise: a local reindeer soup with root vegetables and fresh bread, with a vegetarian version available if you request it 24 hours ahead.

The yacht itself is the difference. S/Y Stella Oceana carries only up to 12 people, which means the boat moves differently through the water than a larger tour vessel, and the crew can answer questions about the fjord and local history without shouting over an engine. If you want more than the standard cruise, you can add a polar plunge, a swim in the arctic water, and private time in the outdoor hot tub afterward, though the routes and timing shift with weather and your choice to take the plunge. Dress warmly for the outer decks. The inner cabin is heated and stocked with everything you need to stay comfortable.

What’s included

• The cruise includes the 4.5-hour sail through Balsfjorden.
• a local reindeer soup lunch with root vegetables and fresh bread (vegetarian option on 24-hour notice).
• unlimited hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water, and cookies.
• access to the heated cabin with books and games.
• a restroom on board.
• and a live guide in English, Norwegian, or Japanese. The polar plunge and outdoor hot tub time are available as an upgrade.

Options for this experience

2 options

Polar Fjord Cruise in TromsøGuide in English, Japanese or Norwegian · 10:00

Polar Fjord Cruise with hot tubGuide in English, Japanese or Norwegian · 10:00Upgrade to a hot tub, including a shower, a towel and an optional polar plunge.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

GroupUp to 12 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Japanese and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by World Sea Explorers

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to watch from the water rather than hike. The yacht brings the fjords and wildlife to you, and the crew adjusts course for sightings that larger tour boats miss.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Norwegian and Japanese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the Balsfjorden cruise?

Eagles, dolphins, seals, and various birds appear in the fjord. The crew watches for them and can tell you about the animals and the landscape as you sail.

Is the reindeer soup lunch included in the ticket?

Yes, a local reindeer soup with root vegetables and fresh bread is served during the cruise. A vegetarian option is available if you request it at least 24 hours before departure.

Can I add the polar plunge and hot tub to my booking?

Yes, you can upgrade your cruise to include a polar plunge and private time in the outdoor hot tub. The route and timing adjust based on weather and whether you choose the plunge.

How many people sail on the yacht at once?

S/Y Stella Oceana carries up to 12 guests, so the group stays small and the crew can answer questions about the fjord and local history.

What if I want to stay warm inside the yacht?

The interior cabin is heated and stocked with books, games, unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, and cookies, so you can relax inside and still watch the fjord through the windows.