Tromsø: Evening Cruise with Northern Lights Opportunity

Planning a trip to Tromsø and dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights? If so, this evening cruise offers a solid chance to see the Aurora Borealis while enjoying the Arctic sea in comfort. We’ve looked into what travelers love — and what they might find less appealing — to give you a clear picture.

Two things that stand out about this tour are its friendly, knowledgeable crew and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights from a comfortable boat. The experience is designed to keep you warm and relaxed, with hot drinks and snacks on hand. One potential limitation? Since the Northern Lights are a natural display, there’s no guaranteed sighting, but the tour’s flexible approach and expert chasing make it a good option.

This tour is perfect if you’re eager for a cozy, well-organized Arctic adventure that combines scenery, expert guidance, and the chance for Aurora sightings. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate honesty about the unpredictability of nature and want to maximize their chances with a professional crew.

Key Points

• Warm, comfortable boat experience with indoor and outdoor viewing options
• Expert guides actively chasing the best spots for Aurora viewing
• No guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights but with options for rescheduling or discounts
• Includes hot drinks, cookies, and thermal suits to stay warm
• Great for those craving a laid-back, scenic escape on the water
• Approximate price of $117 per person for 3.5 hours of Arctic adventure

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re considering a Northern Lights cruise, this tour from Polar Adventures offers a friendly, approachable way to enjoy Tromsø’s Arctic night sky. With a duration of about 3.5 hours, it’s long enough to give you a fair shot at catching the Aurora, but not so long that you’ll be exhausted or bored. The departure is conveniently located in Tromsø’s city center, making it easy to access without fuss.

The Boat and Comfort

The vessel used is the MS Sagasund, a boat that strikes a good balance between coziness and functionality. While some reviews mention the boat as being a bit old, many found its charm added to the adventure. It’s spacious enough for everyone to enjoy, with indoor cabins for shelter and toilets for comfort. During the tour, you can stay inside or venture out onto the deck — the crew encourages you to be outside as much as you like, which is essential for Aurora spotting.

The Itinerary and Route

The tour kicks off at Kilengreensgate 7-11, where you meet your guide and crew. From there, the boat departs at 20:00, heading toward areas where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are greatest.

What makes this cruise stand out is the active pursuit of clear skies. The crew uses apps and satellite data to chase gaps in the clouds, sailing long distances to find the best viewing spots. This approach is appreciated by travelers who know the Aurora’s unpredictability can be frustrating but are glad to see the crew’s genuine effort.

The route includes a 30-minute stop at a river, providing a chance to stretch, enjoy the scenery, or snap photos. There’s also a break time in Troms County, where you can explore, take more pictures, or simply relax onboard with refreshments.

Food, Drinks, and Gear

Included in the ticket are warm and cold drinks, like coffee, tea, water, and cookies, perfect for keeping you warm and cozy. You can purchase additional snacks or waffles on board, with some reviews mentioning the freshly made waffles as a real treat.

The crew provides thermal suits to help you stay warm outside, which is a thoughtful touch. While hot meals aren’t included, the focus is on comfort and warmth, making the experience enjoyable even in cold weather.

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The Northern Lights Experience

While the crew will do everything possible to find the Aurora, they are honest that there’s no 100% guarantee. The weather plays a big role, and clouds, snow, or poor conditions can block the view — a reality shared by many reviewers.

One traveler noted, “Despite the cloudy weather, this tour turned out to be an incredible experience,” highlighting how the journey and the crew’s effort can still make the trip worthwhile. Another reviewer said, “They managed to find a spot where we saw some activity — even with the weather against us,” illustrating the crew’s dedication.

If you’re lucky, like some guests, you’ll see bright, dancing Northern Lights that make the chilly night unforgettable. Some guests even reported catching multiple displays, or being offered a second trip free of charge if the weather didn’t cooperate initially.

The Value for Money

At around $117 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value and experience. For that price, you get a comfortable boat ride, expert guides, warm attire, and the chance to see one of nature’s most stunning displays. Plus, the option of a 50% discount on a future tour if you don’t see the lights on your first try is a nice reassurance.

Several reviews compare this experience favorably against other options like bus tours, noting the comfort of being on a boat and the ability to move around freely. It’s not the cheapest tour available, but many feel the added comfort and personal attention make it worth the cost.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Departure and Route

The tour begins in Tromsø’s lively city center before heading out into the Arctic Sea aboard MS Sagasund. The boat departs at 20:00, giving you a good window of time to chase the Aurora. The crew’s use of technology to find the best spots means they actively adapt their route, which adds a layer of excitement.

Onboard Experience

Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating both inside and outside. The indoor cabins are cozy, with toilets for convenience. The crew is described as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, often calling guests outside when Aurora activity is spotted.

One reviewer commented, “The crew was very helpful, and they even helped us set up our cameras,” which is great if you want to capture the lights but aren’t sure about your camera settings.

Scenic Stops and Breaks

The itinerary includes a couple of scenic stops, like a river trip and time in Troms County. The river stops give you a chance to enjoy the Arctic landscape and take photos without the glare of city lights. The break in Troms County is a good opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or explore a bit before heading back.

The Northern Lights Hunt

The crew’s goal is to find a clear sky, and they keep in touch with other guides and use satellite apps to find gaps in the clouds. This hands-on approach is appreciated and increases your chances of a sighting.

Weather and Visibility

Weather is a wildcard — snow, clouds, or bad conditions can block the Aurora. Still, many guests have noted that the crew’s efforts and flexibility often lead to impressive displays. Be prepared for cold evenings; the thermal suits and warm drinks help, but layering up is essential.

The Return

The boat heads back around 23:30, giving you a full 3.5 hours of Arctic night adventure. Many reviews mention the magic of seeing the Aurora from water, an experience that many find more intimate and beautiful than land-based options.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights and don’t mind that there’s no guarantee of a sighting, this cruise is worth considering. The crew’s effort to find clear skies, along with the cozy boat setting and included warm drinks, makes it a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate friendly guides, the chance to chat with fellow guests, and the comfort of being on a boat rather than in a bus or car. The price reflects the quality of the experience, including the onboard amenities and expert guidance.

However, if your priority is guaranteed Aurora viewing or you’re looking for a low-cost option, you might want to explore other tours or combined packages. But if you want a relaxing, scenic, and honest approach to chasing the Northern Lights, this tour offers a memorable Arctic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a seat on the boat, an experienced crew, a 3.5-hour Arctic sea voyage, warm and cold drinks, thermal suits, snacks, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the crew actively tries to find clear skies and good Aurora conditions, there’s no guarantee. Weather plays a crucial role, and sightings depend on natural factors.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, including warm shoes. The tour provides thermal suits, but good thermal underlayers and gloves are advisable. Bring a camera and phone, and ask the crew for help with camera settings.

Is food included?
No hot meals are included, but drinks, cookies, and snacks are provided. Additional snacks like waffles can be purchased onboard.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You’re offered a 50% discount for a future tour, typically valid once. The tour also offers flexibility, and if weather conditions are poor, you may be contacted to reschedule.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not explicitly advertised as family-friendly, but the boat is comfortable and the experience is gentle. Children who are comfortable in cold weather and enjoy boat rides should be fine.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

Whether you end up seeing the Aurora or not, this cruise offers a genuine Arctic adventure — one with friendly guides, cozy comfort, and the hope of witnessing one of nature’s most stunning light displays. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to keep things simple, warm, and scenic while chasing the Northern Lights from the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: