Originally the home of Vikings and the Sami people, Tromsø is a Norwegian hotspot for adventurous travelers and nature lovers. Located 350 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, this remote Scandinavian region boasts captivating sights of fjords, mountains and wildlife.

Boat tours in Tromsø are an exhilarating way to experience these natural wonders, and you may even catch the northern lights during your trip.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most enchanting outdoor activities in Tromsø.

What are the most popular boat tours in Tromsø?

Depending on what you’d like to see and do, there are lots of options for boat tours in Tromsø. Whether you want speed or relaxation, fishing or views of the northern lights from a jacuzzi, there is a tour for you.

Wildlife tours

Witness countless arctic species on a wildlife boat tour in Tromsø. Book a summer trip for endless daylight for bird and ocean mammal sightings. Winter tours give you a chance to see puffins and whales.

Northern lights tours

From mid-September through the end of March, take advantage of Tromsø’s long arctic nights and dark skies on a boat trip in search of the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis.

Fishing tours

In the summer months, cast a line into the Norwegian Sea for a chance to catch pollock, cod and halibut. With your high chances of catching a fish, you can look forward to a lunch of the day’s catch, prepared by a chef onboard.

Midnight sun tours

From late May to late August, Tromsø’s sun stays above the horizon. Take advantage of the extra sunlight to see arctic wildlife and the Lyngen Alps from the chilly straits.

RIB or speedboat tours

If you want to cover more area in less time, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) or speedboat tour is a great solution. Both speedboats and RIBs can motor you to ideal wildlife sighting spots at speeds of up to 45 knots.

Dinner cruises

Whether you want to eat fresh-caught fish or try Norwegian-style tapas, a boat tour with a meal is a fun way to explore while tasting local fare.

Private tours

You decide what you’d like to see and do with a private boat tour. Choose your itinerary and your companions for tours that show you the best of arctic Norway. Private tours include meals and drinks.

How much does it cost?

Wildlife boat tours in Tromsø cost from US$130 per person to US$250 per person, depending on the duration of the tour and whether food is included in the price.
Northern lights tours cost from US$100 per person to US$150 per person. Lower-priced tours do not include meals, and higher-priced tours include amenities like a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Fishing tours cost from US$120 per person to US$190 per person, depending on inclusions and the size and duration of the tour.
Midnight sun tours cost around US$130 per person..
Dinner cruises cost around US$170 per person.
RIB or speedboat tours cost around US$90 per person.
Private tours cost from US$120 per person to US$240 per person depending on your group size and the duration of the trip.

Some tours offer reduced prices for children aged 3 to 16 and free entrance for children aged 2 and under.

What are the highlights?

Once known as the “Paris of the North”, Tromsø is a surprisingly cosmopolitan city above the Arctic Circle. There is much to see on land and by sea, and here are some of the places and things you may discover on a boat tour in Tromsø.

City landmarks

Tromsø is home to innovative architecture and engineering, as well as quintessential arctic seaside buildings. See Polaria Aquarium’s walls that seem to topple upon each other.

Watch the Fjellheisen cable car take sightseers to the summit of Storsteinen. Peer at the colorful stained glass of the Arctic Cathedral as it’s lit from within. Pass under the Tromsø Bridge that connects the city’s island to the mainland.

Northern lights

Tromsø is one of the best spots on earth to see the northern lights. Caused by activity on the sun’s surface, the aurora borealis is easier to see in Tromsø due to its remote arctic location and the fact that the winter months experience many days without sun.

Wildlife

Sea bird and mammal sightings will keep you busy scanning the horizon. Birds you may see are sea eagles, guillemots, eider ducks and puffins. Look out for sleek seals and furry otters.

In the winter months, the high concentration of herring and plankton in Tromsø’s waters attracts humpbacks, pilot whales, orcas and harbor porpoises.

Midnight sun

See the sky look the same at midnight as it does at midday. Take advantage of the extended daylight to see more of the region. For an extra treat, book a boat trip during the summer solstice and longest night of the year (usually falls on June 21).

How long does a boat trip last?

Boat trips in Tromsø last from 2 to 9 hours. The shortest trips are northern lights tours and speedboat or RIB tours. The longest trips often require travel time of several hours to access sites with the best chances to see wildlife.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours in Tromsø leave from landmarks near the port. Expect to meet in front of a hotel or restaurant within a few steps of the dock. Some tours have you meet at their offices located near the docks.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Tromsø?

A boat trip in Tromsø can be an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. Summer gives you endless sun for great photographs, as you cruise the waves.

Fall through spring provides chances to see the aurora borealis, and winter months combine the thrill of the northern lights with possible whale sightings.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Tromsø?

Travel tips

Come prepared with several layers of clothing, jacket, hat and mittens, even in the summer.
Tour companies provide thermal suits to keep you warm, and some lend you warm boots. However, check ahead of time if you need to bring your own.
Bring food and drinks or a credit card to purchase meals onboard if your tour does not include food or drink.
Norway is a very expensive country, so be prepared for your money not to get you as much as you would in other places.

Boat Tours in Tromsø