Frequently Asked Questions About Private Tours in Tromsø
Find answers to common questions about our private tours in Tromsø, including fishing tours, Northern Lights tours and sightseeing tours. Here you can find practical information about booking, cancellations, clothing, equipment, group sizes and what to expect before your tour.
Tour details can vary depending on the experience, season and weather conditions. Therefore, we recommend checking the individual tour page before booking. If you cannot find the information you need, you are always welcome to contact us.
General Questions
Our tours are private, so the experience is reserved exclusively for you and your group. Each tour has its own itinerary, duration and inclusions depending on the activity. Fishing equipment, warm clothing, snacks, drinks or transportation are included when stated in the individual tour description. Because weather and conditions can change in Tromsø, we may also adjust the route or activity when necessary. Please check your selected tour page for full details.
Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially during busy periods. Since our tours are private and availability is limited, booking early gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date and tour. You can check current availability on the individual tour pages.
You receive a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable. Different conditions may apply if we cancel a tour due to weather or safety conditions. For complete details, please read our Terms and Conditions.
It depends on the tour. Our sightseeing and Northern Lights tours are suitable for many age groups, while fishing tours may require more mobility and time outdoors. Some tours may also have specific safety or height requirements. Therefore, please check the individual tour description before booking. If you are unsure whether a tour is suitable for someone in your group, please contact us before booking.
Dress according to the weather and season, as conditions in Tromsø can change quickly. We recommend wearing layers and bringing warm, waterproof clothing when necessary. Comfortable footwear is also important for outdoor activities.
For tours where additional clothing or safety equipment is provided, you will find this information in the individual tour description. You are also welcome to bring your camera, personal items, and additional food or drinks if needed.
All our tours are private, so you will only share the experience with your own group. Maximum group size depends on the tour and the vehicle or boat used. Please check the individual tour page for the maximum number of guests.
Yes, depending on the tour and conditions, we can adjust certain parts of the experience to suit your group. This may include the route, starting time, fishing preferences or sightseeing stops. Contact us with your ideas before booking, and we will let you know what is possible.
For safety and practical reasons, we do not allow guests to operate drones during our tours. Drone flying in Norway is also subject to national rules and restrictions. For current information about drone regulations, please visit the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (Luftfartstilsynet) website.
Fishing Tours
No, you do not need previous fishing experience. Our private fishing tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. We provide the fishing equipment and explain how to use it, while your guide can assist you throughout the tour.
Yes. We provide the fishing equipment and bait needed for your private fishing tour. You are also welcome to bring your own fishing equipment if you prefer.
Yes, you can keep fish caught during the tour when the species and size comply with Norwegian fishing regulations. Some species have minimum sizes, seasonal restrictions or other rules. Therefore, we follow the current regulations during every fishing tour. For up-to-date information, you can check the official Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries website.
The waters around Tromsø are home to many fish species, including cod, pollock, halibut, wolffish, redfish, mackerel and different flatfish. What we may catch depends on the season, fishing location and conditions on the day. Therefore, your guide selects fishing areas based on current conditions and the type of fishing you are interested in.
You do not need a fishing licence for recreational sea fishing in Norway. However, different rules apply to freshwater fishing in rivers and lakes, where fishing permits or licences may be required. Our private fishing tours take place at sea, so you do not need to arrange a fishing licence before your tour.
Yes, provided that you meet the current Norwegian requirements for fish export. Tromsø Explorer is registered as a tourist fishing business in Norway, so we can provide the required documentation for fish caught during our fishing tours. From 1 January 2026, the export quota is up to 15 kg of fish or fish products per person, and the quota can be used up to twice per calendar year.
Fish export regulations can change. Therefore, we recommend checking the current rules on the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries website before travelling with fish out of Norway.
Boat Tours
We monitor the weather and sea conditions before every boat tour. If conditions are not suitable for a safe trip, we may change the route, reschedule the tour or cancel it. If we cancel the tour and cannot arrange another suitable time, you will receive a full refund. For complete details, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Bathroom facilities depend on the boat you choose. Our cabin boat has a WC on board, while the open boat does not have bathroom facilities. We recommend using the facilities before departure when joining the open boat fishing tour.
Sea conditions around Tromsø can vary, and some guests may experience motion sickness. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precautions before the tour. We do not provide motion sickness medication on board.
Northern Lights Tours
Our Northern Lights tour season runs from October 1 to March 31, when the nights around Tromsø are dark enough for aurora viewing. However, seeing the Northern Lights depends on several factors, including cloud cover and aurora activity. Therefore, conditions and visibility vary from night to night.
Yes. Your guide can help with basic camera settings and provide tips for photographing the Northern Lights. We also take photos during the tour and can photograph you with the aurora when conditions allow. Tripods are available for guests who want to use their own cameras.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. We monitor weather forecasts, cloud cover and aurora conditions and choose the route based on the conditions that evening. However, the weather and aurora can change during the tour. If the Northern Lights do not appear, the tour is still considered completed and is not refundable.
Our private Northern Lights tours usually last 6–8 hours. The exact duration depends on weather conditions, cloud cover, driving distance and where we need to travel to find suitable viewing conditions. Therefore, the return time can vary from night to night.
Practical Questions
The starting location depends on the tour. Our fishing tours depart from Skattøra Marina, while meeting and pick-up arrangements for other tours may vary. You will find the specific details on the individual tour page and in your booking confirmation.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on our tours.
Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This gives us enough time to prepare and start the tour on schedule.
We cannot guarantee snacks suitable for specific dietary requirements or allergies. If you have particular dietary needs, we recommend bringing your own food or snacks for the tour. You are welcome to contact us before your tour if you have any questions.
Our tours are primarily guided in English. If you would prefer another language, please contact us before booking to check whether it is available for your tour.
Have More Questions About Our Tours?
We hope our FAQ has answered your questions about our private tours in Tromsø. If you need more information about a specific tour, booking, equipment or practical arrangements, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help before your tour.
Contact us