SKALAND GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Senja in Winter: Four Days of Whales, Zodiac Fjords and Northern Lights from Tromsø
An all-inclusive, small-group 4-day expedition combining a Tromsø whale safari, open-Zodiac fjord cruise, scenic driving on Senja and two nights hunting the northern lights — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Senja in Winter: Four Days of Whales, Zodiac Fjords and Northern Lights from Tromsø.
Basecamp Senja’s Exclusive 4-day expedition runs between Tromsø, Finnsnes and the outer shores of Senja, pairing a full-day whale safari from Tromsø with a Zodiac fjord cruise, drives along the Scenic Route Senja and two guided northern-lights outings from a shoreline lodge. The package is all-inclusive on Senja and intended for small groups over three nights of accommodation and guided activities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Full-day whale safari from Tromsø
A full-day catamaran whale safari departs from central Tromsø to the feeding fjords where humpback whales and orcas have been observed during the season; the vessel offers an indoor lounge and food for purchase on board.
Two guided northern-lights safaris from a shoreline lodge
Guests spend two evenings searching for the aurora from outer-Senja viewpoints, guided by experienced hosts based at the Posthuset Expedition Lodge situated at the shoreline — the schedule is adjusted according to weather forecasts to maximize viewing opportunities.
Open-Zodiac fjord cruise and the Scenic Route Senja
An open Zodiac tour into Bergsfjorden — with provided suits — may reveal sea eagles and seals, followed by a road trip along the dramatic Scenic Route Senja to iconic viewpoints.
What the day feels like
What the four days feel like
The expedition unfolds as a compact, easy-paced loop: a full day at sea for whale watching from Tromsø, an evening express-boat transfer to Finnsnes and a short drive to a cosy shoreline lodge on Senja, followed by a Zodiac fjord cruise, a scenic road day on Senja and two guided aurora nights, with lectures, meals and steady guidance from an experienced host throughout.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this expedition suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Please bring warm clothes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the expedition and how many nights do we stay on Senja?
The expedition lasts 4 days and 3 nights.
Where and when do we meet at the start of the trip?
Departure is at 08:00 from the dock in the centre of Tromsø, close to The Edge Hotel.
What is included and what is not included?
On Senja the package is all-inclusive (meals, accommodation, lectures, coffee/tea/fruit/cake, transport Finnsnes–Senja–Finnsnes, guides, listed activities). Transport between Tromsø and Finnsnes (express boat or Hurtigruten) and meals in Tromsø on the first day are not included.
Are there set start dates?
The expedition runs on specified start dates in November, December and January; for the 2024–25 season example start dates include 21 and 28 November; 5, 12 and 19 December; and 9, 16, 23 and 30 January.
How many participants are on each departure and how difficult is the trip?
Group size is small — the expedition operates with between 2 and 8 participants — and the difficulty level is rated 'easy'.
Do I need to arrange my own Tromsø–Finnsnes transport?
Yes. The express boat from Tromsø to Finnsnes (Prostneset Tromsø havn) at 20:30 on day one and the return Hurtigruten option (e.g., NOK 316 listed) are not included; purchase tickets in advance or on board as instructed.