Orca Safari and Northern Lights Tour with S/Y Ocean Sherpa

Step aboard S/Y Ocean Sherpa for a unique 6-day Arctic expedition that goes far beyond whale watching.

General information

This is a coastal sailing journey through northern Norway’s fjords, in search of orcas, northern lights, and dramatic winter landscapes.

More than just a whale trip, this is a full cruising experience. You'll explore pristine Arctic fjords during daylight hours and search for the northern lights from the deck at night. Each day offers the chance to observe orcas and humpback whales from the comfort of the mothership or via our Zodiac boat.

When conditions allow, we offer snorkeling with orcas using drysuits – no diving certification required. If you're comfortable in cold water with a drysuit, this can be an unforgettable in-water encounter with some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. However, this is not the main focus of the tour — the cruise, the scenery, the atmosphere, and time spent on board are at the heart of the experience.

You’ll stay in shared twin cabins, enjoy nourishing meals prepared by the crew, and feel part of a small group of like-minded travelers. A certified dive guide and Arctic nature guide ensure safety, education, and insight throughout the journey.

We’ve included one flexible day for rest or reorganization during the cruise — perfect for relaxing on board, editing photos, or simply soaking up the Arctic light.

This trip is for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure-seekers — whether you're coming for the wildlife, the silence, the auroras, or just the thrill of being far away from it all.

Included: All meals on board, hot and cold drinks, bed linen, shared twin cabin, guiding by a dive guide and a nature guide.
Please bring: Warm clothes, camera, toiletries, passport, and optional personal dive gear.
Number of participants: Min. 6 – Max. 10
Level of difficulty: Medium
Departure time and place:
- Tour 1: Departing Tromsø – November 14. Disembarking in Skjervøy – November 20 at 07:30
- Tour 2: Embarking in Skjervøy – November 20 at 18:00. Disembarking in Tromsø – November 26 at 09:30
Duration: 6 days / 6 nights

Facilities

  • English
  • Photo included
  • Boat (up to 12 persons)
  • Norwegian
  • Vegetarian
  • Toilet on boat
  • Medium
  • Light meal included
  • Vegan
  • 8+ hours

About Backyard Svalbard

Backyard Svalbard specializes in exclusive Arctic adventures for small groups – year-round.


Our specialty is tailor-made tours on foot, on skis, by snowmobile, and sailing expeditions with orcas – all adapted to your preferences and skill level.



Whether you dream of skiing under the midnight sun, exploring ice caves, snorkeling with orcas, or sitting on board a ship watching the northern lights dance – we’ll make it happen. With us, you’ll experience real, unforgettable moments – far from mass tourism.



Welcome to the Arctic – welcome to our backyard.