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Destination Tromsø (sold by Arctic Resorts) · Tromsø

A night at sea with the whales

Destination Tromsø runs MV Quest, a small expedition vessel with private en-suite cabins, on a 24-hour loop to the whale grounds off Skjervøy. Pick it to beat the transit problem: you have dinner and sleep on board on the way, then get about four hours with the whales.

24-Hour Whale Expedition on MV Quest

About this experience

Day trips from Tromsø spend most of their hours getting to Skjervøy and back. MV Quest does the sailing while you eat and sleep. The reference itinerary has dinner in Grøtsundet, a night anchored in Kågsundet, breakfast, then about four hours of whale watching at Skjervøyskjæret, lunch back in Kågsundet and about five hours home. That is about double the whale time of the biggest day boats.

The ship takes 50 guests at most, in private en-suite cabins with ocean views. Dinner, breakfast and lunch are included, with coffee, tea and snacks, and dietary needs can be handled on request. If the aurora comes out in the night, the crew wakes you. The onboard photographer's pictures arrive digitally within 48 hours. And if you see no aurora and/or no whales, you can join another departure free.

It costs the most of the trips here, so check the live price on the booking page. Bring a passport or ID. The listing advises seasickness medication, because this is open Arctic water, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users. The listing title claims a 99 percent success rate; sightings are still never certain, and the free second departure is the real safety net.

  • About 4 hours of whale watching at Skjervøyskjæret
  • Private en-suite cabin with an ocean view
  • Dinner, breakfast and lunch included
  • Northern lights wake-up call in the night
  • Onboard photos delivered digitally within 48 hours
  • Free second departure if no aurora and/or no whales

How the day runs

  1. DepartureBoard in Tromsø

    Meet at Destination Tromsø's Booking Point on the top floor of the Prostneset Terminal. Bring your passport or ID.

  2. EveningDinner in Grøtsundet

    The first meal on board as the ship heads north. Watch the sky after dark.

  3. NightAnchor in Kågsundet

    Sleep in your cabin. If the aurora appears, the crew wakes you.

  4. MorningBreakfast, then whales

    About four hours of whale watching at Skjervøyskjæret in the midday light.

  5. AfternoonLunch and the sail home

    Lunch in Kågsundet, then about five hours back to Tromsø.

What's included

Included

  • About 24 hours on MV Quest
  • Private en-suite ocean-view cabin
  • Dinner, breakfast and lunch
  • Coffee, tea and snacks
  • Northern lights wake-up call
  • Onboard photography, delivered within 48 hours
  • Free second departure if no aurora and/or no whales

Not included

  • Seasickness medication (advised)
  • Wheelchair access
  • Hotel pickup

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the most time with the whales
  • You want whales and an aurora chance on one trip
  • You like the idea of a night on a small ship
  • You are short on days in Tromsø

Skip it if

  • You are on a tight budget: a seat on the hybrid-electric boat costs less
  • You get seasick in open water
  • Someone in your group uses a wheelchair
  • You want to sleep in your hotel

What guests say

★★★★★

This was an incredible short voyage!

Tim · Mar 2026
★★★★★

The encounter with the orcas and whales was a magical moment.

Magali · Jan 2026
★★★★★

Absolutely phenomenal 24 hour trip.

Hannah · Jan 2026

Tips before you book

  • Pack an overnight bag: toothbrush, a change of base layers and a phone charger.
  • Take seasickness tablets before dinner, not after you feel it.
  • Keep warm clothes by the cabin door. The aurora call can come at any hour.
  • Tell the operator about dietary needs when you book.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do you spend with the whales on MV Quest?

About four hours at Skjervøyskjæret, according to the reference itinerary. The trip lasts about 24 hours in total.

What is included on the MV Quest whale expedition?

A private en-suite cabin, dinner, breakfast and lunch, coffee, tea and snacks, the expedition team, safety equipment, a northern lights wake-up call and onboard photos delivered digitally within 48 hours.

What if you see no whales or no northern lights?

The listing says that if there is no aurora and/or no whales, you can join another departure free.

Where does MV Quest depart from?

Destination Tromsø's Booking Point on the top floor of the Tromsø Havn Prostneset Terminal. Bring a passport or ID.

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Book MV Quest 24-hour expedition

A night at sea on a small expedition ship: private cabin, three meals, whales in the morning and an aurora wake-up call.

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A night at sea on a small expedition ship: private cabin, three meals, whales in the morning and an aurora wake-up call.

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