Various dates available
Arctic Explorer
From £1750 per person
Deposit 25%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure.
Join us on a sailing adventure through Norway's jaw-dropping landscapes, as we cruise from Bodø to Lofoten for strolls, fishing, kayaking, surfing, and memorable beach bonfires. This trip is all about wild adventures and moments!
7 Nights: Various dates available for June & July 2024
From: 23,300 NOK / £1,750 per person*
*Trips are priced in the operator’s local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
This is an exhilarating trip from Bodø to the island of Lofoten located north of the Arctic Circle. We’ll be cruising through iconic regions in Northern Norway from Steigen to Hamarøy, and Lofoten with each showing off their own unique charm and truly stunning natural beauty.
Along the way, we will stop at well-known and secret locations, including little villages and islands for coffee stops, saunas or a night swim. You’ll find our Arctic Explorer trip is a great mix of adventure and relaxation, ensuring you'll become well-acquainted with the region.
Participate in planned and unplanned excursions, such as hiking through the Arctic landscape on Skrova, trying your hand at surfing in Unstad, or kayaking in Nordskot. You’ll have the freedom to participate in as many activities as you wish on our itinerary, or simply relax on the boat and take in the stunning surroundings. This trip promises to be a memorable experience either way.
We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure!
Sailing-wise, this trip is not very difficult and is open to novice and experienced sailors. If you are a beginner, you will become a seaman in no time. If you are experienced, you will be given more responsibility and greater challenges so that you can learn new things along the way.
We will be travelling together in a small flotilla of sailboats, and towards the end of the week, we will put your new skills to the test in a sailing regatta against other boats in our group. Which boat team will master sailing the fastest during the week? It's a wait-and-see moment.
After the ultimate week of hiking, exploration, camaraderie, good times, and sailing, we will end our trip in Henningsvær which is perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village. There will toast a great week together!
Why You’ll Love This Trip
- We will take a little midnight trip to the Tranøy lighthouse. This iconic seafaring structure has witnessed the ebb and flow of time since its construction in 1864.
- With our friends at Unstad Arctic Surf, you will get the opportunity to surf, if you wish. For those who would rather stay on land, there are several great hikes around Unstad and some of the best cinnamon rolls in Norway!
- Discover through the quaint little fishing village of Nusfjord which dates back to the 18th century. Here, we have booked a table at restaurant Karoline, for a wonderful fish meal. Afterwards, we will stop in for a drink at a local pub if its open.
- You don't know what it means to have your adrenaline pumping until you have taken part in a thrilling regatta race. This is your moment to show off your new sailing skills.
- Discover the whaling island of Skrova, where there will be an opportunity for a hike to Høgskrova for those who want to partake, or to one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
- As we cruise across the legendary Vestfjorden, breathtaking views will be revealed along the outer side of a peninsula known as "Yttersida."
Who The Trip Is For
- This excursion is meticulously crafted to accommodate individuals travelling alone, couples, or groups looking for a collective adventure.
- Novice sailors will gain practical experience, while seasoned sailors can embrace fresh challenges and enhance their existing skills.
- This journey unveils the untouched beauty of Norway, so if that’s what you’re into, don’t forget your camera!
- Remember to bring your enthusiasm as this journey revolves around active participation and building connections.
Day 1: We meet in Bodø, and the adventure begins!
We meet at the quay in Bodø at 16:00. We start by getting to know each other and the boats, go through the plan and expectations for the week, as well as go over important points in sailing and safety. After dinner, when everything is ready, we set off under sail. We are aiming for Landegode, the majestic island just outside Bodø. Here we anchor or find a pier for the night.
Day 2: Trip to Landegode and sail to Steigen and Nordskot
We wake up, ready to enjoy the first full day on this adventure, and perhaps jump in the sea for a refreshing morning swim! After breakfast, we take a trip on land and see if we can reach one of the peaks on Landegode. Once back in the boat, we depart and practice boat handling and sailing through the archipelago towards Nordskot. Expedition sailors Børge Ousland and Randi Skaug each have their own little island here, and we aim to land at at least one of them for a coffee. We’ll spend the night here, and maybe we’ll get the chance for a sauna and night swim in the evening.
Day 3: Kayak on Nordskot and sail to Tranøy lighthouse
Around Nordskot there is a rich archipelago full of small islets and chalk-white beaches. For those who wish, this morning there will be an opportunity for a guided kayak trip. After lunch we raise sail again and move north towards Hamarøy and the Tranøy lighthouse. Tranøy lighthouse is centrally located out in the Vestfjorden and has been a beloved landmark for seafarers for generations. This area is rough, but beautiful. We eat dinner along the way, and when we get to Tranøy we might opt for a little midnight trip to the lighthouse.
Day 4: Over the Vestfjorden to Skrova
Now it is our turn to cross the famous Vestfjorden. We get ready for a proper sailing and set course from Tranøy and directly towards Lille-Molla and Skrova, far east in Lofoten. Maybe we’ll also be lucky and get a fish or three on the hook today, which we can enjoy for dinner! Once we arrive at the whaling island of Skrova, we have dinner and there will be an opportunity for a hike to Høgskrova for those who want, or to one of the island’s beautiful beaches!
Day 5: Full sailing day out to “Yttersida”
We are now starting to get a feel for sailing. Today we get to test ourselves; we will sail through the Lofoten Wall, and reach the outer side of the peninsula – “Yttersida” as it is called in the local norwegian dialect. The route goes out of Gimsøystraumen and on the north side of the Lofoten Wall, where we pass well-known beaches such as Kvalvika, Eggum and Unstad. We sail to Tangstad on the inner side of Unstad, where we anchor for the evening.
Day 6: Surfing at Unstad and sailing to Nusfjord
Today we are getting ready for another activity out in the waves, namely: surfing. With our friends at Unstad Arctic Surf, you will get the opportunity to surf, if you wish. You can either participate in a course with an instructor, or just rent some equipment and do your own thing. For those who would rather stay on land, there are several great hikes around Unstad, and we can all enjoy Norway’s best and most expensive cinnamon buns at the café here for lunch. Once back in the boat, we raise the anchor and sail down through the Lofoten Wall again. The route is steep and goes through Nappstraumen; one of the world’s strongest tidal currents. We sail to the small, cozy fishing village of Nusfjord, where we have booked a table at restaurant Karoline, for a wonderful fish meal! Hopefully the Pauline pub will also be open tonight.
Day 7: Regatta day!
In Nusfjord, we have several options for hiking in the morning. Either a shorter hike to the three lakes, or a longer hike up to some of the nearby peaks, such as Mosestind. After lunch we set off on the last leg, and now it’s time for our regatta! Which boat team has learned to sail fastest during during the week? The finish line is at the entrance to the harbor in Henningsvær and it is not allowed to start the engine until we are inside the harbor basin ;) We arrive in Henningsvær, perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village, in plenty of time to have dinner, tidy up onboard, and end the trip with a happy celebration together at Trevarefabrikken.
Day 8: Trip ending in Henningsvær
The adventure is unfortunately over for this time. We pack, clean, and put the finishing touches on the boat this morning, and leave by 10 o’clock at the latest. Those who wish can have breakfast at Lysstøperiet, which has Norway’s best buns. Thank you for a wonderful week and we hope to see you onboard again!
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
- Trip experience with a sailboat – experienced and locally familiar skipper on board
- Our Comfort Package consists of accommodation onboard in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- All the food we eat on board during the trip
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic, and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared trip equipment: dinghy, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related expenses such as diesel, gas, harbour fees, etc.
- Personal safety equipment, Helly Hansen inflatable life vest
- Advice, guidance, and practical training on sailing and boating
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at cafés/restaurants
- Entrance to galleries, museums, and similar, or other activities that you/we may come up with along the way
- Optional activities where we hire external guides and equipment, such as kayaking, glacier hikes, or surfing
- Drinks like wine, beer, or high-exclusive apple juice and other luxury drinks (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel/cancellation insurance – optional, but recommended
Travel – in general
Sometimes flying is the only option, but not always. If you have the luxury of time, always try to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. Travelling slowly also allows you to start your holiday in a special way. Cycling, taking the train, or driving a car together can be good options! Feel free to add some extra time before and after your trip, since up north the weather can be unpredictable and might affect your plans!
Travel Bodø
The Nordlandsbanen train line goes all the way to Bodø and can be taken overnight from Trondheim or Oslo. This is a great way to travel and a beautiful journey from southern Norway. If you live along the coast, the speed ferries or Hurtigruta are possible options either northbound or southbound. Another option is a flight to Bodø, and there are some reasonable tickets.
Travel Henningsvær
From Henningsvær the bus to Svolvær takes approximately 45 mins, and from there you can take a flight, sail with Hurtigruten, the express ferry, or the regular ferry south to Bodø. From Svolvær there is also a bus to Harstad/Evenes airport.
Safety and risk – in general
Safety is taken seriously on our trips, and staff are trained in handling different situations that can occur at sea. On board a boat and on trips, everyone must know what to do in potentially dangerous situations. It is important that as a guest and participant, you are trained quickly enough to be a participant – not a passenger. It contributes to learning, a sense of achievement, and increased safety for all. It’s also why our trips are considered to be sailing courses: you are trained to be one of the crew members on board. Feel free to contact us to discuss the risk.
Level of this trip
Sailing-wise, this trip is not very difficult and is open to novice and experienced sailors. If you are a beginner, you will become a seaman in no time! If you are experienced, you will be given more responsibility and greater challenges so that you can learn new things along the way. Sail is usually along the coast in protected waters, and there is often the opportunity to choose either more or less exposed routes, depending on the weather. The weather Gods decide, so you must be prepared for both windless conditions and sailing in harsher weather!
Equipment/packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of specialized equipment and clothing for sailing. You are not expected to buy lots of new equipment to join any of our trips, so, use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, try to purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last. What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered clothing underneath. Some jackets may not be waterproof enough, or might not perform well in saltwater, so you might want to consider purchasing or renting a set of “oilskins” to use on the wettest days. Even in summer, it can be cold at sea, so bring both swimwear and warm clothing. We will send you a detailed recommended packing list in good time before departure.
Food and cooking
On board, you will be part of the crew and will get the chance to participate in all aspects of the running of the sailboat. This includes the cooking, where everyone is taking turns in the galley! Skippers and guides assist as much as they can along the way. Before the trip, set up a menu and purchase what is needed. Great menu options are offered, with healthy “boat-friendly” food. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and it will be taken into account. During the trip, possibly sail by a good restaurant or two to stop and eat at.
What we expect from you
Guests are encouraged to take part in the routines onboard the sailboat, whether it is sailing, docking, navigating, looking for whales and icebergs, washing up, cooking, cleaning the boat, or contributing in other ways when required. Trips require a little work from the participants – and you must be open to contributing and opening up a bit socially. There are many different people on the trip, and most people get along very well. Take the opportunity to make new friends, and create new and interesting memories!
Life on board and accommodation
Life on board a sailboat is social and pleasant, but for some, it can be perceived as quite intimate and crowded, which one should be prepared for. Everyone should participate in the operation of the sailboat and everyone is considered crew. It requires some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but the new acquaintances and completely raw nature experiences will take your focus as soon as you become comfortable with life at sea.
Accommodation on the boat is part of the fun. The accommodation is generally in shared cabins, some of which have a double bed and some of which have bunk beds. Figuring out who sleeps where can be a bit of a puzzle, but we do believe we’ve gotten quite good at it. Let us know if you have any special needs or reservations. Arrange any accommodation before and after the trip on your own. If you have any doubts about where to stay, we’re happy to give you some recommendations.
There is plenty of heating and good food on the boat, but not always an abundance of fresh water. This means it will not be possible to shower every day, but more or less every other day when in a harbour or when sailing through a place with available showers. A morning swim in the sea is also available all year round!
What kind of people join this trip – and how many will we be on board?
Many come alone, some travel as couples, and others travel as a group of friends. The common denominator for everyone is that these are fun and interesting people you will become friends with almost no matter what. Sharing great experiences creates strong ties! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old as long as you want to go on a trip and intend to do your part in making this a great trip for everyone. The number of participants varies from trip to trip. If there are many participants, there will be more boats and skippers. On most trips, sail with multiple boats in a fleet, with 7-9 people onboard each boat.
Environment and sustainability
In general, sailing is an environmentally friendly activity, with skippers sailing as much as possible and using the engine as little as possible. Crew and participants are encouraged to travel as environmentally friendly as possible, and local ingredients and resources are used as much as possible. There are also trips to collect litter and clean ocean trash from beaches.
Philosophically, sailing is an exercise in sustainability: to move with the wind and have limitations on things like water, diesel, electricity, and food. In order to run sustainably, knowledge, patience, flexibility, and hard work are required.
Take an internal flight to Bodø. Refer to “Other Practical Information” for more details.
Take an external flight from Svolvær. Refer to “Other Practical Information” for more details.
Day 1: We meet in Bodø, and the adventure begins!
We meet at the quay in Bodø at 16:00. We start by getting to know each other and the boats, go through the plan and expectations for the week, as well as go over important points in sailing and safety. After dinner, when everything is ready, we set off under sail. We are aiming for Landegode, the majestic island just outside Bodø. Here we anchor or find a pier for the night.
Day 2: Trip to Landegode and sail to Steigen and Nordskot
We wake up, ready to enjoy the first full day on this adventure, and perhaps jump in the sea for a refreshing morning swim! After breakfast, we take a trip on land and see if we can reach one of the peaks on Landegode. Once back in the boat, we depart and practice boat handling and sailing through the archipelago towards Nordskot. Expedition sailors Børge Ousland and Randi Skaug each have their own little island here, and we aim to land at at least one of them for a coffee. We’ll spend the night here, and maybe we’ll get the chance for a sauna and night swim in the evening.
Day 3: Kayak on Nordskot and sail to Tranøy lighthouse
Around Nordskot there is a rich archipelago full of small islets and chalk-white beaches. For those who wish, this morning there will be an opportunity for a guided kayak trip. After lunch we raise sail again and move north towards Hamarøy and the Tranøy lighthouse. Tranøy lighthouse is centrally located out in the Vestfjorden and has been a beloved landmark for seafarers for generations. This area is rough, but beautiful. We eat dinner along the way, and when we get to Tranøy we might opt for a little midnight trip to the lighthouse.
Day 4: Over the Vestfjorden to Skrova
Now it is our turn to cross the famous Vestfjorden. We get ready for a proper sailing and set course from Tranøy and directly towards Lille-Molla and Skrova, far east in Lofoten. Maybe we’ll also be lucky and get a fish or three on the hook today, which we can enjoy for dinner! Once we arrive at the whaling island of Skrova, we have dinner and there will be an opportunity for a hike to Høgskrova for those who want, or to one of the island’s beautiful beaches!
Day 5: Full sailing day out to “Yttersida”
We are now starting to get a feel for sailing. Today we get to test ourselves; we will sail through the Lofoten Wall, and reach the outer side of the peninsula – “Yttersida” as it is called in the local norwegian dialect. The route goes out of Gimsøystraumen and on the north side of the Lofoten Wall, where we pass well-known beaches such as Kvalvika, Eggum and Unstad. We sail to Tangstad on the inner side of Unstad, where we anchor for the evening.
Day 6: Surfing at Unstad and sailing to Nusfjord
Today we are getting ready for another activity out in the waves, namely: surfing. With our friends at Unstad Arctic Surf, you will get the opportunity to surf, if you wish. You can either participate in a course with an instructor, or just rent some equipment and do your own thing. For those who would rather stay on land, there are several great hikes around Unstad, and we can all enjoy Norway’s best and most expensive cinnamon buns at the café here for lunch. Once back in the boat, we raise the anchor and sail down through the Lofoten Wall again. The route is steep and goes through Nappstraumen; one of the world’s strongest tidal currents. We sail to the small, cozy fishing village of Nusfjord, where we have booked a table at restaurant Karoline, for a wonderful fish meal! Hopefully the Pauline pub will also be open tonight.
Day 7: Regatta day!
In Nusfjord, we have several options for hiking in the morning. Either a shorter hike to the three lakes, or a longer hike up to some of the nearby peaks, such as Mosestind. After lunch we set off on the last leg, and now it’s time for our regatta! Which boat team has learned to sail fastest during during the week? The finish line is at the entrance to the harbor in Henningsvær and it is not allowed to start the engine until we are inside the harbor basin ;) We arrive in Henningsvær, perhaps Lofoten’s most spectacular fishing village, in plenty of time to have dinner, tidy up onboard, and end the trip with a happy celebration together at Trevarefabrikken.
Day 8: Trip ending in Henningsvær
The adventure is unfortunately over for this time. We pack, clean, and put the finishing touches on the boat this morning, and leave by 10 o’clock at the latest. Those who wish can have breakfast at Lysstøperiet, which has Norway’s best buns. Thank you for a wonderful week and we hope to see you onboard again!
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
Adventure-wear
- Woollen underwear – shirt and longjohns/zip longs (bring two pairs so you have spare)
- Woollen socks (multiple pairs) and woollen soles (bring two pairs so you have spare)
- Woollen scarf/buff/high neck and hat (preferably warm and windproof)
- Mittens or gloves preferably with wind or water-resistant covers.
- Woollen sweater, preferably a turtle-neck
- Warm pants, preferably multi-layered with warmer materials. (For use on the deck or while sailing)
- Warm winter jacket – down jacket or preferably Primaloft (as they can handle water)
- “Nice/party-/restaurant” clothing
- Sea/sailing/rain/rubber boots, preferably “winter” style. Bring some big enough so that they breathe even with woollen socks and woollen soles. Tip – check out lightweight ice fishing/snowmobile boots…
- Light shoes/sandals/crocs that breathe well. (For use indoors and on deck in nice weather)
- Sailwear/oilskin – jacket and pants (we rent out/sell good quality oilskins at reasonable prices, see separate information)
- Sailing gloves (not a must) and here you can also use skiing gloves or rubber/fishing gloves with wool liners.
- A head torch (preferably one with dimming function/red (night) light) + extra batteries.
- Optional: Small seat-pad to put inside your pants, or the padded longjohns we’ve developed together with Northern Playground, https://www.northernplayground.no/en/shop/ziplongs-padded
Other equipment
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottle(s), minimum 0,75 – 1 litre, Hydration reservoir (Camelbak)
- Small washing cloth and soap
- Towel and swimming gear
- Thermos (insulated bottle) for hot water.
- Drytech lunch/dinner for a day trip. (optional – instead of packed lunch)
Equipment for skiing
- Skis or split board with fitted climbing skins and ski crampons, boots and poles!
- Skis should be packed in a ski bag, boots in a boot bag/bag for storage on board and easy&safe transportation to the shore in the dinghy.
- When we go in the dinghy in between the mother vessel and land, we use rubber boots in order not to get wet. We then change to ski boots on the beach. So… you should bring watertight boots as high as possible. The absolute best are waders that fly-fishers use, however :)
- Avalanche safety kit: Shovel, probe and transceiver/beacon (with extra batteries) – Everyone going ski touring must have a complete kit!
(We have a few kits for rent, which can also be rented in Henningsvær/Tromsø) - Ski clothing
- Helmet and goggles
- (Skiing) Backpack, 30 – 50 litre capacity
- Ski crampons are recommended.
- Splitboard-crampons are required. For icy/hard conditions.
- Boot ice crampons and an ice axe (we normally do not plan any runs that require this, so it’s optional, not a must)
- Map over the area
- Compass
Smartphones, charging and other advice
- Onboard, the boats have USB outlets for charging phones during the sail. 220V outlets are available when we’re docked.
- We have cellular coverage most of the time in Mainland Norway.
- We have enough life vests for everyone, but if you have a vest of your own that you want to use, then bring it! Make sure to unscrew the gas cylinder before checking in your bag at the airport.
- Pack like a sailor; in a bag or backpack, NOT in a rigid suitcase.
- Pack as little as possible, but bring what you need.
- The fewer items you bring, the faster the sail, and the less time you spend fooling around with your gear.
- Please make sure that you have valid travel insurance, preferably with a cancellation coverage
PS: This is a recommended packing list. Please take into account if there are other items you may need on board.
