Winter sailing in arctic’s magical light with the camera around your neck.
Bring your woollen underwear and get ready to capture northern lights and frozen moments on board! The very special thing about our winter trips is the magical light. Which gives us the craziest #nofilter experiences hour after hour.
From Tromsø to Svolvær
We spend a whole week from Tromsø to the capital of Lofoten, Svolvær. On the way we pass by alpine mountain chains, charming fishing villages at the brim of the big Norwegian sea. As we pass by Senja, Andøya and Vesterålen, we hope to find the northern lights underway, and will definitely learn more about sailing and photography, as well as the areas we sail through.
Magical winter light in winter landscape
This trip is for you who want to capture the rawest pictures of the most breath taking nature in the wildest season! For those of you who want to sail through Northern Norway in the very special winter light with your camera always ready. Winter sailing in the north is a unique experience, and by combining it with photography we maximize our use of the day. We are ready to take the best photos completely free of street lights or other light pollution.
With a photographer on board
We have a photographer joining us on the trip, who will share tips & tricks with us along the way. On this adventure, there is no requirement for prior knowledge of photography. If you just want to take part in an unforgettable sailing trip in winter, you are very welcome! Whether you’re a pro or an amateur doesn’t matter. By sailing together with other photo-interested participants, you will surely learn a lot.
Our winter and photo sailings are also an excellent opportunity for those of you who want to test out winter sailing. And for you who want to learn more about navigation in the dark and sail in changing winds and weather! Always with our cameras ready. Maybe we’ll capture the special northern lights on camera? Or the eternal sunrise/set over white covered peaks? Charge your battery and get the camera ready!
Be part of the crew on board
As on all our trips, you do not need to be able to sail to participate. You will learn a lot about sailing along the way. Our skilled skipper takes care of coaching and navigation on board, and assists with knowledge of the area and life in the sea. Regardless of whether you have a lot or little experience, we will challenge you. You will feel a sense of mastery and have memorable experiences for life! If you’re a first-timer, we want to make you a sailor as soon as possible. Though if you are more experienced, you will quickly get more responsibility and bigger challenges.
You’ll be welcomed along as part of our crew. Getting the opportunity to participate in all tasks on board: stand at the helm, hoist sails, cook, navigate, take a morning swim, gut fish, serve anchor drinks, tie knots etc. In other words; the complete sailing experience!
Sailing the Arctic seas comes with fantastic photo opportunities. You get the chance to shoot this coast like few others have done before, and get a unique element of adventure in the shots. The sun barely rises to say hello before it sinks over the horizon again, those few hours of light are magical, as it's a constant sunrise-sunset following us around and painting the mountains for us.
Norris Niman, photographer and adventurer
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Tromsø
Welcome on board! We meet on the dock in Tromsø at 16:00, get settled in the sailboat and get to know each other. Before we hoist sails we’ll become familiar with the boat, equipment and safety routines onboard. When ready, we set course towards Sommarøy and find a sheltered natural bay on our way. Underway we practice boat handling, “man-overboard” drills, and other emergency situations.
Day 2: Possible kayak in Sommarøy and sailing to Senja
We reach Sommarøy after breakfast today. Which is a mecca for kayaking, and Sommarøy Adventure would love to take us out on the water around this beautiful archipelago after lunch. For the evening we might sail a little further, or we relax on board on anchor around Sommarøy’s wonderful beaches.
Day 3: To the mountain Segla and sailing to Hamn
We have now reached Fjordgard, a small little village in one of the exposed fjords fo Senja. Where we find the iconic mountain of Segla. Cutting towards the sky as a blade or sail! We try to spend the light hours hiking to get this view, if there is not too much snow with our cameras ready! The afternoon is spent sailing to Hamn. Where we are greeted by a hot bathtub and sauna, and we plan to have dinner in the restaurant in Hamn tonight.
Day 4: Full sailing-day to Andøya!
If the conditions are right, we will set our course on the outside of Andøya. This will be a full sailing day where we sail further north, a distance of around 40-50 nm. Underway we get to practice sailing, navigation, and handling the sails! We try to catch some of the winter season light with our cameras, and a cod or two with our fishing rods for dinner! We aim for the charming fishing village of Bleik for the night where some beautiful beaches await us and our bonfire for an evening under the stars!
Day 5: Hiking in Bleik and sailing through Vesterålen
We have had intense days so far and ill take an easy morning today. We spend the morning in Bleik, having some photo-workshop on the beach and the possibility for a hike on land. After lunch we hoist sail further south through Vesterålen. Maybe we’ll catch some cod for dinner today as well?!
Day 6: Towards Raftsundet and Trollfjorden
We are closing in on Lofoten now, where our route takes us through Raftsundet. We will sail into Trollfjorden this afternoon, with its towering mountains and peaks. The perfect place to enjoy our evening onboard under the hopefully clear starry sky.
Day 7: Sail to Svolvær and goodbye for now!
Last day on the trip offers a sail along the Lofoten mountains and back to Svolvær. We cast off early enough to reach our final port after lunch, maybe with a possible stop in Skrova on our way. Anyways with enough time to be ready and packed out of the boat at 16:00 latest. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a starting point which we adapt to weather and conditions. We reserve the right to constantly improve the program for the better. With us along the way, we always have dinghies for beach landings and small expeditions. We have fishing equipment for the cod, and hiking equipment for bonfires and summit hikes – we are ready for adventure, are you?!
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper/instructor with local knowledge on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Travel
This trip start in Tromsø and ends in Svolvær, Lofoten.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Trips are not overly strenuous; with rotating positions, participants can balance sailing and relaxation. Active engagement minimizes seasickness, and if it occurs, it passes swiftly. Weather, however, is unpredictable, with the potential for stronger winds and various conditions in northern Norway and the Arctic, making each trip a true sailing adventure. Be prepared for calm winds and rough weather—embracing the elements for an unforgettable experience.
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you are invited to take part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it. You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together with others out in nature, and not least cooperating and doing activities with new people and different personalities than you might have around you normally, is what creates the best, most interesting and memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Du finner mer om reise, utstyr og andre praktiske tips på vår side om “Praktisk informasjon”