Northern Norway, Northern Lights + Orcas

Tromsø, perched above the Arctic Circle, is a surprisingly vibrant city where Nordic tradition meets modern life. Surrounded by mountains and sea, it’s known as the gateway to the Aurora Zone. In winter, its cosy cafés, lively restaurants and cultural sites provide a warm contrast to the icy landscapes, making it the perfect place to begin an Arctic adventure.

The remote fjords north of Tromsø are wild, silent and spectacular. In December, they become a haven for orcas feeding on herring. Exploring these icy waterways by electric-powered Zodiac allows for peaceful, close-up encounters with wildlife. Snow-dusted peaks rise dramatically from the sea, and the absence of light pollution makes them an ideal setting for Northern Lights sightings.

Swimming with orcas in Arctic Norway is a rare and unforgettable experience. In December, these peaceful giants gather in the fjords to feed, undisturbed by humans. Outfitted in drysuits and snorkelling gear, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can safely enter the water alongside expert guides, drifting silently as orcas pass by, curious, calm and entirely at ease in their natural environment.

Aboard the Captain Arctic, the Northern Lights can feel impossibly close. With no light pollution and only 36 guests, you can step straight from your cabin onto the deck to watch the aurora ripple across the sky. Wrapped in silence and framed by towering fjords, it’s one of the most magical and intimate ways to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.

The guides onboard the Captain Arctic are seasoned polar experts with years of experience in Arctic expedition travel. Warm, knowledgeable and deeply passionate about the region, they join guests for daily activities and meals, sharing stories and insight along the way. By the end of the journey, they often feel less like guides and more like old friends.

This journey offers the chance to explore Arctic landscapes not just by sea, but also on foot. Using Zodiacs, the expedition team leads guests ashore to remote spots for guided hikes and snowshoeing. It’s a rare opportunity to walk through silent valleys and along snowy ridgelines, with breathtaking views across the fjords and a real sense of solitude.