Tromsø, Northern Lights and Wilderness Evening Catamaran Cruise

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights while in Tromsø, Norway, this evening catamaran cruise might be on your list. It promises a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour outing aboard a large, comfortable vessel, with the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis if luck and sky cooperate. While some travelers leave raving about their experience, others point out the unpredictable nature of the sighting and some missed opportunities. We want to give you a balanced look so you can decide if this tour suits your expectations.

What we do like is the proximity to the Arctic environment — the boat offers both indoor comfort through panoramic windows and outdoor decks where you can stand under the starry sky. Plus, the guides’ knowledge about the Northern Lights and their mythology adds a layer of storytelling that many find enriching. On the flip side, a key consideration is that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed—a natural phenomenon, after all, that’s reliant on perfect conditions. This tour is best for those who want a cozy, scenic outing with a chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, rather than an absolute guarantee.

Key Points:

• Comfortable, large catamaran with indoor panoramic views and outdoor decks
• Expert guides with knowledge of the Aurora Borealis and local mythology
• Weather-dependent experience, with no guarantee of seeing the lights
• Price point of around $158 per person offers a decent value for the experience
• Includes a Northern Lights guarantee with a free re-booking if the lights aren’t seen
• No food or drink included, so bring your own snacks or beverages

An Honest Breakdown of the Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour kicks off at 9 pm from Tromsø, departing from the Alti Nerstranda meeting point. The boat used is the MS RYGERDRONNINGEN, a sizable catamaran designed for scenic cruises and aurora hunting. The journey lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a relatively short but potentially rewarding outing.

The main highlight is, of course, the chance to see the Northern Lights reflected on the vast Arctic sky. Since Tromsø experiences polar nights from late November to mid-January, with no sunrise during this period, conditions are ideal for Aurora viewing—if the skies are clear. The boat is equipped with panoramic windows so you can watch the sky from inside, a major plus on cold nights.

What Makes the Itinerary Special

The cruise departs at night, when the darkness offers the perfect backdrop for Aurora hunting. It’s a flexible experience—if the lights aren’t visible, the company offers a Northern Lights guarantee. That means if you don’t see the Aurora on your first try, you can rebook a free ticket for another departure, which many find reassuring.

During the cruise, you’ll get the chance to look out from the outdoor decks—a must if you want the full experience of Arctic skies without the distraction of city lights. The cozy indoor cabin with panoramic windows is perfect for warm-up breaks and taking in the scenery without freezing.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guides are bilingual, speaking Norwegian and English, and some reviews particularly praise guides like Carlo, citing their knowledge and enthusiasm. This added storytelling makes the experience more engaging. One reviewer shared, “He was so knowledgeable about the Aurora Borealis/Australis,” which can turn a potentially cold, dark night into something memorable.

The Weather: A Major Factor

One common theme from reviews is that weather conditions can dramatically affect your experience. Clear skies are essential, and if the sky is overcast or snowing heavily, seeing the Aurora becomes unlikely. A reviewer noted, “luck-of-the-roll weather determines whether it’s a good experience or not,” highlighting the unpredictability of such tours.

Similarly, some travelers felt that boat-based sightings were less optimal compared to land or bus tours, especially if the boat stays close to the coast or in light-polluted areas. One reviewer commented, “Sightings from the boat were very limited compared to bus tours,” which suggests that your chance of seeing the Aurora depends heavily on the night’s conditions.

Comfort and Group Size

The large vessel makes for a comfortable cruise, with plenty of room inside and outside. Multiple reviews mention how pleasant and spacious it is — some even highlight it as a perfect vessel to “hit waves” if the Arctic gets choppy. The group size, capped at 100 travelers, keeps the experience manageable without feeling crowded.

Cost and Value

At roughly $158 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option but is fair considering the included features—comfortable transportation, expert guides, and the Northern Lights guarantee. Some reviews mention that, even if the lights aren’t seen, the cruise remains enjoyable thanks to the friendly crew and beautiful scenery.

However, a few reviews pointed out that without the Aurora, the experience might feel somewhat underwhelming, especially since food and drinks aren’t included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or beverages if they want to stay comfortable throughout the cruise.

The Reviews Speak: A Mixed Bag

While many appreciated the comfortable boat and knowledgeable guides, the overall rating remains a 3 out of 5, reflecting the natural variability of Aurora sightings. Angelica_C praised the guide Carlo, saying he was “excellent and very knowledgeable,” even though they didn’t get to see the lights. Conversely, some travelers, like Sonali_M, expressed disappointment about last-minute cancellations due to weather, which is an inherent risk with Aurora tours.

A common thread is the weather’s influence—those who had clear skies often enjoyed spectacular views, while overcast or stormy nights resulted in disappointment. That’s simply part of chasing Aurora Borealis; it’s a natural show, and no tour provider can control the sky.

Pros According to Travelers:

• Comfortable, spacious boat with indoor panoramic views
• Knowledgeable, friendly guides who share interesting facts
• The Aurora guarantee offers peace of mind
• Possibility to rebook if you don’t see the lights

Cons:

• No guarantee of Aurora sighting; weather is a big gamble
• Limited visibility if weather conditions are poor
• Absence of included food or drinks, so plan ahead
• Some feel the boat stays too close to coast, reducing Aurora visibility

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic outing with a reasonable chance of seeing the Northern Lights. If you’re okay with the possibility of not witnessing the Aurora and value comfort and storytelling, you’ll likely enjoy this experience. It’s also appealing if you prefer a shorter, less intense outing over longer, more rugged land-based tours.

However, if seeing the Aurora is your top priority and you’re willing to chase different locations or even spend more for a possibly better view, you might want to explore alternative options like land-based tours or Aurora chases with more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The Tromsø Northern Lights and Wilderness Evening Catamaran Cruise offers a cozy, scenic way to hunt one of nature’s most magical phenomena. Its large, comfortable vessel and expert guides make it a solid choice for those who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere and don’t mind weather uncertainty. The Northern Lights guarantee adds a layer of reassurance that many will find valuable.

Just keep in mind that the experience hinges on mother nature’s mood—a clear, dark sky is essential. If you’re prepared for the unpredictability and want a peaceful, scenic cruise with good company and informative guides, this tour could be a memorable part of your Tromsø adventure.

FAQ

Is there a guarantee I will see the Northern Lights?
While the company offers a Northern Lights guarantee with a free re-booking if you don’t see them on your first trip, it’s important to remember that Aurora sightings depend on weather and sky conditions. The tour cannot control when the lights appear.

What should I bring with me?
Since food and drinks aren’t included, bringing snacks and beverages is a good idea, especially for a 2.5-hour cruise. Dress warmly—layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are recommended since you’ll be outside on the decks.

Does the boat have indoor seating?
Yes, the vessel features indoor panoramic windows where you can stay warm and still enjoy the view. Many reviews find this space comfortable, especially on cold nights.

Can I see the Northern Lights from inside the boat?
Absolutely. The boat’s panoramic windows provide excellent indoor viewing, but stepping outside onto the decks can offer a more immersive experience, weather permitting.

What’s the group size?
The tour caps at 100 travelers, ensuring that it remains a manageable size for a comfortable experience.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the calm, scenic nature of the cruise suggests it’s suitable for most travelers, including families, provided children are comfortable on boats and in cold weather.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered the opportunity to rebook or receive a full refund. The tour is weather-dependent, and safety always comes first.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance aren’t eligible for refunds.

This Tromsø cruise offers a seriously comfortable way to chase the Aurora—if luck is on your side. Think of it as a scenic Arctic adventure with a bonus shot at witnessing one of Earth’s most breathtaking light shows.