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North Norway, Aurora Borealis & Whales
The North Norway cruise follows the path of more than one kind of whale as it travels amongst the fjords of Troms. The long Norway nights offer travellers on this expedition an excellent chance to take in the beauty and wonder of the Northern Lights. ItineraryParis of the North Your adventure begins in Tromsø, nicknamed the “Paris of the North,” located in an area rich with Norse and Sami history. Enjoy exploring this sub-Arctic Norwegian town, said to have been inhabited since the last ice age. In search of Norway’s whales Early in the morning, you depart from Tromsø. The itinerary depends largely on the weather conditions, the amount of daylight during the voyage, and the expected location of the whales. You might sail clockwise or counter-clockwise around the island of Senja. Whales of the shelf You spend the next several days along the north coasts of Senja and Andfjorden, areas where many whales have been spotted in recent years. Keep a look out for sperm whales and other whale species here. Near Andenes, along the edge of the continental shelf, whales dive particularly deep to feed on giant squid. You may also see white-tailed eagles, one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, vying for their share of the herring. In the afternoon, you find a place for the night in one of the scenic fishing villages nearby, such as Skrolsvik, Andenes, Gryllefjorden, or Sommaroy. Once the sun has set, you can make small hikes along the coast and maybe even catch sight of the aurora. Under the northern lights Continuing your circumnavigation of Senja, you sail to the small island of Sommaroy. Here there are good opportunities to see the northern lights as well as embark on pleasant hikes. You spend the last morning of the cruise exploring the island’s small bays and white beaches. You can even climb the 211-meter-high (692 feet) Mount Hillesoya, the summit of which affords panoramic views of the rugged coastline. That afternoon you sail back to Tromso. After spending the night on board, you disembark the following day with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. NotesPLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. The onboard expedition leader determines the final itinerary. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the sailing program: The boat is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time). This is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or the other propulsion method. If sails are used, the crew operates them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn 6.5 knots.Some departures will be on the M/S Noorderlicht Important note: Tromsø is the base and gateway in which our voyages start and end These voyages focus on viewing the aurora borealis and whales, and the expedition leader determines the final itinerary to be intruced during the welcome briefing on day one. The map shows two possible routes that we may take in order to raise our chances for wildlife sightings: One route (the described one) heads south around the island of Senja, mainly in the period from mid-January till March. The other route (represented by the dotted line) heads north to the Kvaenangen fjord, very likely to be visited during November to mid-January. Because of the seasonal occurrence of herring and whales in these fjords, the whale safari cruises take place in winter, when the Northern Norway days are short and the nights long. Whale watching (orcas and humpbacks) is highly dependent on the variable herring stocks in the area, and this is ultimately unpredictable. Other whales (i.e., sperm whales) are not dependent on herring, which is why we have a good chance of seeing them in specific areas, such as along the south route near Andenes. Our chances of seeing orcas are minimal, while the odds of encountering other species (for instance, humpbacks) are higher. The expedition leader will adapt the sailing plan to maximize your chances of seeing whales. Additional note: The coasts and fjords of Norway are renowned for their beauty In the far north of the country, about 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, lie the islands of Kvaløya and Senja. Enormous schools of herring gather in the fjords around these islands to live out the winter. This abundance of food creates one of the largest concentrations of biomass on Earth, which in turn attracts large numbers of whales. It is these giants of the sea that this voyage is dedicated to finding. During winter the daylight is limited, but the nighttime hours are far from wasted: North Norway is one of the best areas in the world to see the northern lights, a magical phenomenon that can only be fully appreciated when the sky is clear and dark, with minimal light pollution. This voyage offers ample opportunities to admire the auroras from the remote bays and fishing villages where you’ll spend the night. Please NoteMarch 7 & 14, 2020 , December 26, 2020 departures will be on S/V Noorderlicht Price IncludesVoyage Aboard the Indicated Vessel As Indicated in the Itinerary.All Meals Throughout the Voyage Including Snacks, Coffee and Tea. All Shore Excursions and Activities Throughout the Voyage by Zodiac. Program of Lectures by Noted Naturalists and Leadership by Experienced Expe All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges Throughout the Program. Aeco Fees and Governmental Taxes. Price Does Not IncludeAirTransfers to / from the Vessel. Pre- and Post Land Arrangements. Baggage, Cancellation and Personal Insurance (which Is Mandatory). Government Arrival and Departure Taxes. The Customary Gratuity at the End of the Voyages for Stewards and Other Ser OCE-1269
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