Step aboard the MV Quest and set out for 24 hours at sea, where Northern Lights, whales, fjords, and Arctic silence come together in one unforgettable journey. This is the premium way to experience both whale watching and a Northern Lights chase without rushing from one tour to the next. By combining the adventure into one overnight package, you enjoy the full Arctic experience while saving money compared to booking the activities and accommodation individually.
The MV Quest is a small expedition vessel with private cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and ocean-facing windows. With only a small group of guests on board, you have space to move, easy access to the deck, time with your guides, and the rare feeling of having the Arctic almost to yourself.
As Tromsø fades behind you, the evening begins. Settle into your cabin, enjoy a 3-course dinner, warm up in the Panorama Lounge, or step outside as the vessel moves into darker waters. Later, your guide shares the science and stories behind the Northern Lights, but the real highlight is waiting under the open sky. From the deck, you can look for the Aurora in complete darkness. And if the lights appear while you sleep, we will wake you, so you do not miss the show.
By morning, you wake somewhere no day tour can begin: completely alone in a quiet fjord, already in the waters that the whales call home. This is the magic of sleeping at sea. While other boats are still making their way from Tromsø, you are already there, surrounded by silence, scenery, and the first chances of the day to spot whales. With a little luck, you might spot orcas or humpback whales swimming past your breakfast table, or outside your cabin window while you brush your teeth. You can spend nearly twice as much time with the whales compared to a regular day tour, and with 360-degree decks across different levels, you can move freely for front-row views as whales pass close to the vessel.
After an unforgettable morning, lunch is served as you settle back into the warmth and comfort of the vessel. Your guide will then take you deeper into the world of whales and dolphins, helping you understand the fascinating animals you have just spent the past few hours observing.
Throughout the journey, your guides will help capture the moments on camera, so you can focus on the Arctic as it unfolds around you. Their photos will be made available digitally within 48 hours after the voyage.
As the ship returns to Tromsø, the final stretch is for slowing down, sharing favourite moments with your guides and fellow guests, and letting the past 24 hours sink in before stepping ashore.
Disclaimer: Nature is never guaranteed, but we make sure you get another chance. If the journey ends with:
...no Northern Lights, you can join one of our Northern Lights tours free of charge
...no whale sightings, you can join our daytime whale watching tour free of charge
...no Northern Lights and no whale sightings, join the MV Quest for another departure, free of charge