Antigua
Expedition Spitsbergen with the Antigua
An unspoilt country, full of arctic wildlife: you will never forget a visit to Spitsbergen!
Port of departure: Longyearbyen
Port of arrival: Longyearbyen
From: 12 May 2021
To: 20 May 2021
Northern Lights and Whalen on the Ofoten and Lofoten in Northern Norway!
In winter, this exceptionally pristine environment, far above the Arctic Circle offers even more magic: The Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis or Polar light, the Northern Lights are one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on earth. With Antigua we visit places and ports without light pollution, so you have the best opportunities to view the Northern Lights. The splendour of green, purple, blue and rose coloured lights dancing across the sky will not disappoint.
Making this expedition during the Norwegian winter also offers the experience of whale watching. Nowhere else in the world are such large pods of whales visible than in Northern Norway. With Antigua we navigate the fjords to places where we find the largest mammals in the world searching for food and hunting. From the ship we will spend time watching these incredible creatures with an uninterrupted view while remaining respectful of the animals in their natural habitat.
The magical Northern Lights and large pods of whales are central to this winter expedition. The route between ports and anchorages is therefore dependent on circumstances such as weather conditions and whale locations. With this flexibility the captain of Antigua will navigate the expedition through the unspoiled fjords and bays of the Lofoten and Ofoten Islands, assuring the best opportunities for experiencing the wonders of nature while visiting the traditional villages - guaranteeing an unforgettable winter adventure!
Friday 12. November
From 20:00 you may board Antigua in Bodø. Upon boarding you will meet the crew of the ship, your traveling companions and have time to settle into the accommodations on board which will be your home for the coming days. Depending on the circumstances, we will sail out of the harbour the same evening, beginning the winter adventure.
Saturday 13. November – Thursday 18. November
The goal is to sail to Reine, the tiny picturesque fishing village nestled between staggering peaks of granite on the eastern side of the Lofoten. During our stay in Reine we will have the chance to further explore. Either a walk weaving through the red and white fishing huts dotted along the shoreline or a zodiac cruise to the Kerkfjorden surrounded by mountains.
The beautiful and authentic fishing village Nusfjorden could be our next stop. One of the smallest villages of the Lofoten islands Nusfjorden is a hidden treasure. Its traditional fishing huts hug its tiny tucked away harbour. Here too it is possible to go ashore for a walk, visit the local store, the cozy coffee shop and get a taste of the essence of Lofoten.
Next, we like to visit the village Henningsvær. As part of an island group in the Vestfjorden it boasts colourful architecture with a backdrop of majestic mountains. We will moor in the atmospheric port of Henningsvær. The many islets comprising this landscape are perfect for exploring with a zodiac cruise depending on our schedule.
Skrova is an old whaling village. The port is located in a small bay where the hamlet winds around it. A walk through the village and its thriving community is a must. For a different perspective of the landscape and fjords it is possible to climb Høgskrova (258 m). From here you have incredible views over other Lofoten islands and the Norwegian mainland.
Early in the morning we leave from Skrova, so that we arrive at Trollfjord, for a magnificent sunrise. The entrance is well hidden; as if to a secret land. As Antigua sails through a narrow passage with steep rocks on both sides, forming wall like structures, we will watch for sea and white-headed eagles soaring with with us. This is one of the most beautiful and impressive fjords of the Lofoten and offers an experience you will dream of!
Not all our worth travel time we will spend at the Lofoten. Just north of Andoy the steep edge of the continental plate descends and meets the warm Gulf Stream creating perfect conditions for whales. If the weather conditions permit, we will stay on the open sea for a while to revel in the tranquillity of the open space, whale watching and of course the Northern Lights. In the evening we could moor in Hosoy or Gryllefjord at the island Senja with the chance for a fresh evening walk in the old fishing village.
After a beautiful stay at Senja we continue sailing to Tromsø. In the evening we will moor at our final destination.
Friday 19. November
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to your traveling companions and the crew of the Antigua. Disembarking is at 10:00 in Tromsø . The airport can be reached by taxi in 10 minutes.
Note: Wind and weather can influence the journey considerably. When necessary due to unforeseen circumstances significant changes to the route may be made. The last word is always from the captain of Antigua. But even then, there are plenty of comparable alternatives to visit in the region.
Included in the price:
Not included in the price:
Additional information:
Disclaimer: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we have adjusted our rules a little.
If the government decides that the trip cannot take place, we will reimburse you for the travel amount or issue you with a voucher.
On board the Antigua you are on a very special expedition ship. The three master has a specious center deck which enables you as guest to view the vast wilderness and animals of northernmost regions of Europe. The characteristic sailing ship counts three zodiacs used for excursions.
You’re immediately at home in the comfortable and cosy salon of the ship, a perfect spot to wind down from a day at sea. As in the salon, the standard cabins are mahogany finished. For those who prefer slightly more comfort there are a few larger cabins with loose beds. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms with showers and toilets.
With the Barkentine Antigua you will reach regions where other ships won’t be able to sail. It’s for that reason that guests prefer to embark on our unique expeditions in arctic waters.
16 comfortable 2 persons cabins with shower and toilet |
8 cabins are 'comfort cabins' and have seperate 1-persons beds |
All cabins have central heating and air conditioning |
Spacious saloon with bar |
Atmospheric spacious deck with furniture |
Sound installation and beamer |
Ship type: Three masted barquentine |
Year built: 1957 |
Home port: Harlingen, Netherlands |
Day charter: 95 guests |
Berths: 32 guests |
Length overall: 49 m |
Beam: 7,0 m |
Draught: 3 m |
Gross Tonnage: 210 GT |
Main mast height: 31 m |
Sail area: 750 m² |
16 comfortable 2 persons cabins with shower and toilet |
8 cabins are 'comfort cabins' and have seperate 1-persons beds |
All cabins have central heating and air conditioning |
Spacious saloon with bar |
Atmospheric spacious deck with furniture |
Sound installation and beamer |
Ship type: Three masted barquentine |
Year built: 1957 |
Home port: Harlingen, Netherlands |
Day charter: 95 guests |
Berths: 32 guests |
Length overall: 49 m |
Beam: 7,0 m |
Draught: 3 m |
Gross Tonnage: 210 GT |
Main mast height: 31 m |
Sail area: 750 m² |
An unspoilt country, full of arctic wildlife: you will never forget a visit to Spitsbergen!
Port of departure: Longyearbyen
Port of arrival: Longyearbyen
From: 12 May 2021
To: 20 May 2021
An unspoilt country, full of arctic wildlife: you will never forget a visit to Spitsbergen!
Port of departure: Longyearbyen
Port of arrival: Longyearbyen
From: 23 September 2021
To: 01 Oktober 2021
An unforgettable winter experience: Northern Lights, Whales and ubeautiful rough nature on the islands of Ofoten and Lofoten in Northern Norway!
Port of departure: Bodø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 12 November 2021
To: 19 November 2021
Whales, the Northern Lights, this unique sailingtrip will take you to a special atmosphere!
Port of departure: Tromsø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 20 November 2021
To: 27 November 2021
Experience the beauty of the Arctic night aboard of the sailing vessel Antigua.
Port of departure: Tromsø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 28. November 2021
To: 03. December 2020
Whales, the Northern Lights, this unique sailingtrip will take you to a special atmosphere!
Port of departure: Tromsø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 03 December 2021
To: 11 December 2021
Unforgettable Christmas experience in Northern Norway!
Port of departure: Tromsø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 22 December 2021
To: 27 December 2021
Unforgettable New Years Eve winter experience in Northern Norway!
Port of departure: Tromsø
Port of arrival: Tromsø
From: 28 December 2021
To: 2 January 2022