Tromsø: Polar Fjord Cruise & Arctic Wildlife with Lunch

Summary

Arctic fjord cruise in tromsø with wildlife, local crew and hot soup

You’ll board a traditional boat in Tromsø’s harbor, bundle up in thermal gear, and sail past icy fjords while searching for Arctic wildlife like eagles or seabirds. Warm up with homemade fish soup (vegetarian available) as your local guide shares stories about life above the Arctic Circle. It’s more than just scenery — it’s five hours that stay with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to taste that clean — almost sharp, like biting into snow. We met our guide right at the dock in Tromsø’s city center (which made things easy), and I remember the way she smiled when she handed out these thick thermal suits. “You’ll thank me later,” she said, and yeah, she was right about that. The boat itself felt old but loved; wooden benches, a bit creaky underfoot. There was this group from Oslo who kept making jokes about catching a whale — no one did, obviously.

As we started cruising through the polar fjords, I kept looking for those white-tailed eagles everyone talks about. Our skipper — I think his name was Erik? — pointed out a dark shape gliding above the water. “There!” he shouted over the engine noise. For a second everything went quiet except for the wind and some gulls. The cold got into my gloves but then someone passed around mugs of coffee so strong it nearly knocked me back awake. It’s funny how you start noticing little things: the way salt sticks to your lips or how your breath fogs up when you laugh too hard.

Lunch was fish soup (vegetarian option too — Anna from Berlin was relieved), steaming hot with bread that tasted faintly sweet. People sat close together because of the chill and swapped stories in a mix of English and Norwegian. The crew told us about winters where the sun barely rises; I tried to picture it but honestly can’t imagine not seeing daylight for weeks. If you’re doing this day trip from Tromsø, bring extra socks — trust me on that one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fjord cruise and wildlife viewing

• Meet guides at city dock
• Board traditional boat
• Cruise Troms's majestic fjords
• View Arctic wildlife and birds
• Enjoy beverages, snacks, and soup
• Return to city dock

Top questions

Is fishing included on this Tromsø fjord cruise?

No, fishing is not available from November 1st 2025 to January 31st 2026 due to tour changes during that period.

How long does the Polar Fjord cruise last?

The sightseeing cruise lasts approximately five hours from departure to return.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included—usually fish soup with vegetarian options available—plus coffee or tea and snacks.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Tromsø?

Yes, pickup is included at a central meeting point near Tromsø’s city center dock.

Are thermal suits provided on this Arctic wildlife cruise?

Yes, thermal suits are provided to keep guests warm throughout the journey.

Can children join this fjord tour?

Yes, children can join; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized seats are available if needed.

Is this Polar Adventures tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian soup is available—just let them know when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Tromsø’s city center dock, all needed fishing equipment (outside winter season), use of thermal suits for warmth on deck, guidance from friendly locals throughout the cruise, hearty fish soup for lunch with vegetarian options if you ask ahead, plus coffee or tea and snacks while you watch for wildlife among Norway’s polar fjords before heading back to shore together.