Kayak, hike and cruise through the wild islands of northern Norway
Journey from Tromsø to the Lofoten Islands aboard M/S Balto, an intimate expedition ship carrying just 12 guests.
Created for paddlers and active travellers, this voyage follows one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines. Explore the sheltered islands and white beaches of Sommarøy, the mountain-framed fjords of Senja, the wildlife-rich waters of Vesterålen and the dramatic fishing villages of Lofoten.
Kayaking is at the heart of the voyage, but it is not the only way to experience the landscape. Zodiac excursions, shore landings, hiking, wildlife watching and visits to historic coastal communities provide plenty of options for non-paddlers.
An intimate Norwegian coastal expedition
M/S Balto will serve as our comfortable floating base as we travel south from Tromsø through a landscape of islands, fjords, skerries and mountains rising directly from the sea.
Carrying only 12 guests gives us the flexibility to seek out quiet anchorages, sheltered waterways and rewarding places to explore. Days may include a morning paddle, an afternoon hike or village visit, a wildlife excursion by Zodiac or simply time on deck taking in the coastline.
In late August, long sunsets cast warm light across the mountains and extend the possibilities for evening outings.
Optional kayak program
Northern Norway offers an extraordinary variety of sea kayaking, from the sheltered archipelagos and white beaches around Sommarøy to the immense mountain landscapes of Senja, Vesterålen and Lofoten.
Rather than follow a fixed paddling route, the guides will work closely with the ship’s captain to seek out the most rewarding sections of coastline in the best available conditions. M/S Balto can carry the group across longer or more exposed stretches, leaving more time to paddle among sheltered islands, fjords and skerries.
A typical day may include a morning paddle followed by lunch aboard the ship and another outing in the afternoon. The small-group format also gives us the freedom to launch early or paddle after dinner when calm conditions and beautiful light make the opportunity too good to miss.
Northern Norway’s maritime weather can change quickly, and wind, swell, rain and cool temperatures will influence our plans. Paddlers should be comfortable with changing conditions and a flexible expedition itinerary.
The optional kayak program includes:
- A place on all suitable kayak outings
- Use of a drysuit
- Kayak, paddle and associated equipment
- The services of a professional sea kayak guide
Grade
Dates
21 August – 01 September
Cost
IncludES
- One night’s hotel accommodation in Tromsø, twin share
- Group dinner in Tromsø on Day 1
- Breakfast in Tromsø on Day 2
- Transfer from the group hotel to M/S Balto
- Nine nights’ accommodation aboard M/S Balto
- All meals aboard the ship
- Regular shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Expedition guide services
- Port taxes and charges imposed by government authorities
- Full carbon offset
Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Airport transfers
- Single supplements
- Lunch on Day 2
- Visa, passport and vaccination costs
- Airport departure taxes, if applicable
- Accommodation and meals not included in the itinerary
- Optional excursions not included in the voyage itinerary
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation charges
- Personal travel insurance
- Laundry
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Drinks from the bar and other items of a personal nature
- Phone and internet charges
- Alcohol
- Gratuities for the ship’s crew and service personnel
- Optional kayaking unless the kayak program supplement has been paid
Day 1: Arrive in Tromsø
Make your way to the group hotel before meeting your guide and fellow travellers for a trip briefing and dinner.
Day 2: Explore Tromsø and embark M/S Balto
Spend the day exploring Tromsø before boarding M/S Balto in the late afternoon and sailing west towards Kvaløya, with a possible introductory paddle before dinner.
Day 3: Sommarøy
Day 4: Senja
Paddle beneath Senja’s steep coastal mountains or explore its fjords, beaches, islands and walking trails, depending on the wind and sea conditions.
Days 5–6: Andøya and Vesterålen
Cross to Andøya and the Vesterålen archipelago, where possible activities include coastal paddling, hiking and a marine wildlife excursion in waters known for whales, seals and seabirds.
Days 7–8: Raftsundet and Trollfjord
Travel south through the islands of Vesterålen towards Raftsundet and the narrow, mountain-walled Trollfjord, watching for white-tailed sea eagles along the way.
Day 9: Henningsvær
Kayak into the sheltered harbour of Henningsvær, conditions permitting, before exploring the historic fishing village, galleries, workshops and local food scene.
Day 10: Western Lofoten
Spend the final expedition day among western Lofoten’s jagged peaks, fjords and traditional fishing villages, with opportunities to paddle, walk or explore ashore.
Day 11: Disembark in Svolvær
Trip Enquiry
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