Tromsø: Arctic king crab cruise with self-captured lunch

If you’re after a hands-on experience in Norway’s Arctic waters, this king crab cruise in Tromsø might catch your eye. It promises a mix of adventure, education, and delicious food, all wrapped into a 4.5-hour outing on a classic explorer vessel. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying, what to expect, and whether this tour is worth your time — especially if you’re curious about the region’s iconic crustacean.

What we like about this tour? First, the chance to actually participate in catching a king crab, which adds a layer of engagement that many tours skip. Second, the combination of a scenic fjord cruise, learning stories from the crew, and enjoying a freshly cooked crab meal makes it feel authentic and memorable.

A possible drawback? Some reviews mention that the experience can feel a bit crowded — if you’re after a more intimate or exclusive outing, this might not scratch that itch. Also, not everyone will get the chance to personally pull in a crab — sometimes, the staff handle most of the catching for the group.

This would suit travelers who enjoy interactive experiences, love seafood, or are simply curious about Arctic fishing traditions. If you’re traveling with family or kids who love hands-on activities, it’s worth considering, though older children might get more involved than very young ones.

Key Points

• Hands-on crab catching adds excitement and authenticity to the experience.
• Beautiful fjord scenery offers fantastic views and a sense of the region’s rugged beauty.
• Informative guides share stories about life at sea, navigation, and crab history, enriching the trip.
• Fresh seafood – the taste of self-caught king crab claws and red fish soup – is a definite highlight.
• Crowd levels vary; some reviews mention it can feel busy, so manage expectations or arrive early.
• Weather considerations mean packing warm clothes and shoes — the outdoor elements can be chilly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Start: Onboarding and Introduction

You’ll meet your crew at the designated spot for the MS Tromsø, identified by its Norwegian fjord explorer branding. The meeting point is conveniently located with coordinates 69.65406799316406, 18.968841552734375. By around 09:30, you’ll step aboard, and within minutes, the crew will give you a warm welcome and introduce you to the plan.

Once onboard, your first stop is the crab saloon, where the crew will explain the history of the king crab and how the hunt works. This part is crucial, especially if you’re new to Arctic fishing or seafood. Expect to learn about the importance of king crabs in local culture and how the crew manages to find and catch these elusive creatures.

The Cruise into Tromsø’s Fjords

At 10:00 sharp, the boat sets sail into Tromsø’s dramatic dark fjords. You’ll notice that the vessel is designed for comfort but also built to handle the cold and sometimes rough waters of the Arctic. The scenery is stunning — towering cliffs, dark waters, and a sense of quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere.

During the sail, you’ll hear stories from the captain about navigating polar waters and life at sea, which many guests find fascinating. The wheelhouse visits are a highlight for those interested in maritime navigation and a chance to ask questions about polar adventures.

The Crab Hunt

Around 11:00, the boat arrives at the king crab fishing grounds. Here, the real action begins. The crew will show how the crab pots are set, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get involved in hauling them in. Some reviews mention that guests have the opportunity to participate in pulling up the pots, which adds a genuine hands-on feel.

However, the experience isn’t always purely participatory for everyone. One review notes that staff often catch crabs and then share them among your, meaning some may not get a direct shot at the net. The key is to stay engaged — whether pulling or watching, it’s part of the fun.

The Catch and Cooking

Once the pots are hauled, it’s a quick photo opportunity before the crabs are cooked fresh onboard. The taste of king crab claws, especially when they’re caught just hours before, is considered a real treat. The crew will prepare the crabs along with rich red fish soup, which many find surprisingly tasty and hearty.

Multiple guests comment on the quality of the seafood — the freshness, the flavor, and how satisfying it is to eat something you’ve just helped catch. One traveler from Hong Kong exclaimed, “I love the king crabs. They are delicious!”

The Final Moments: Lunch and Reflection

By around 12:30, everyone gathers for the lunch — a generous serving of the freshly cooked king crab and the red fish soup, along with coffee, tea, and fruits. It’s a relaxed time to enjoy the flavors and share stories with fellow travelers.

Later, the boat heads back toward Tromsø, arriving around 14:30. Some guests choose to stay aboard in local bars or lounges, soaking in the atmosphere and perhaps chatting about the day’s adventure.

• Dress warmly — layers, waterproof gear, sturdy shoes. Even in summer, Arctic waters can be cold.
• Bring a camera — the scenery and the crab-catching moments are worth capturing.
• Expect a group size that can be bustling, but guides and staff work to keep everyone involved.
• The tour is approximately 4.5 hours, with scheduled times for each activity.
• Price-wise, it offers a good balance of activity, education, and seafood, especially if you enjoy learning and hands-on experiences.

Reviewers have mixed opinions, but most are positive about the guides and scenery. One reviewer from Hong Kong raved, “The crew was nice and the cruise was comfy,” and another from Singapore appreciated the involvement with “some involvement in pulling our catch.”

However, a critical review from Israel pointed out that the overcrowding and frozen crabs made the trip less enjoyable for them — a reminder that experiences can vary depending on conditions and expectations.

Yet, in general, the knowledgeable guides and delicious seafood seem to be what most guests remember fondly. Many travelers also highlight the friendly atmosphere and the interesting stories shared by the crew.

This experience is ideal for those who want a genuine Arctic adventure with a taste of local culture and seafood. If you’re curious about fishing traditions, love seafood, or simply want a unique way to explore Tromsø’s fjords, it’s a solid pick. It also suits travelers who don’t mind a group setting and are prepared for outdoor weather.

Family travelers with older children who enjoy participatory activities might find this particularly engaging, though very young children may not get as much out of it. It’s also a good option for food lovers who want to enjoy a fresh seafood meal in a scenic setting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on nature and outdoor environment might appeal to children, especially those interested in fishing or seafood. Check with the operator for age restrictions.

How long does the trip last?
It’s about 4.5 hours in total, from onboarding around 09:30 to returning around 14:30.

Do I need to bring my own clothes?
Yes, dress warmly with layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes. The outdoor parts can be chilly.

Can I participate in catching the crab?
Yes, you can join in pulling up the pots, but some reviews mention that staff often handle most of the catch, sharing crabs among the group.

What is included in the meal?
A lunch of red fish soup and freshly cooked king crab claws, plus coffee, tea, and fruits.

Is the experience crowded?
It can feel busy, especially when many guests are involved in the activities, but guides try to keep everyone engaged.

How is the scenery?
Stunning fjord views with towering cliffs and dark waters — perfect for photography and soaking in the Arctic atmosphere.

What language is the tour guided in?
Norwegian and English.

Is it possible to stay longer in Tromsø after the tour?
Yes, many guests stay in town and enjoy local bars or explore more of the area.

How do I find the boat?
Look for the MS Tromsø marked with the Norwegian fjord explorer logo at the coordinates provided.

If you’re all about active, interactive experiences and enjoy seafood, this king crab cruise offers a memorable taste of Arctic life. The chance to actually catch your own crab elevates it beyond a simple boat tour, making it a meaningful adventure. The scenery and stories from the crew add depth, providing a more textured understanding of the region’s maritime history.

It’s not without its small flaws — like potential crowding or the possibility of sometimes sharing crabs caught earlier — but these are minor compared to the overall charm and uniqueness of the outing. It’s a good pick for adventurers, seafood lovers, and curious travelers ready to dive into Tromsø’s maritime culture.

In the end, this tour balances fun, education, and fresh flavors, making it well worth considering if the idea of a hands-on Arctic seafood adventure appeals to you.

You can check availability for your dates here: