Question 1

What exactly is a Magnetic North expedition?

Accepted Answer

A small-group rewilding voyage hosted by two brothers, aboard our private 51-foot sailing catamaran, based in Tromsø, Northern Norway. Every voyage runs 6 nights and 7 days, sailing the fjords and islands between Senja and the far north. It is not a cruise and not a survival bootcamp — it is a guided, carefully supported journey into wild country, with real comfort at the end of each day.

Question 2

Which expeditions do you run?

Accepted Answer

Natural Selection (polar winter, orca and freediving, mid-October to mid-January), Spirit of Shackleton (Arctic winter and spring expedition skills, October to end of April), Surf the Arctic (remote cold-water surf, August to April), and Summer Rewilding — our Arctic-summer rewilding voyage under the midnight sun. Each has its own dedicated page with a full day-by-day outline.

Question 3

How long is each trip?

Accepted Answer

All voyages are 6 nights and 7 days, starting and ending in Tromsø. Arrival the day before departure and a late flight out on the final day are strongly recommended.

Question 4

How many guests are on board?

Accepted Answer

A maximum of 8 guests, in four twin cabins. Small numbers are deliberate — they make the trip more intimate and higher quality, and let us give everyone real attention.

Question 5

Where do we actually go?

Accepted Answer

The route is written by the weather, not by a brochure. We sail the fjords, sounds and islands of the Troms and Finnmark coast. Your guides choose each day's anchorage and activity based on wind, swell, ice, light and wildlife. We do not sail to Svalbard or Greenland.

Question 6

Do I need sailing experience?

Accepted Answer

None at all. You are welcome to help sail, take the helm and learn the boat — or simply enjoy the passage. Nothing is compulsory.

Question 7

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Good general health is recommended so you get the most out of your trip, but nothing is compulsory. You are more than welcome to sit out any activity you wish. Because we are two guides on board, we can also adjust activities to different fitness levels. If you have any concerns, reach out and we'll guide you to the right conclusion.

Question 8

Is there a minimum age?

Accepted Answer

Guests under 18 are welcome only when travelling with a parent or guardian or after a conversation with us — some activities, particularly cold-water and freediving elements, have their own limits. Get in touch and we'll advise on your family.

Question 9

What is the boat?

Accepted Answer

A 51-foot performance sailing catamaran: stable, quiet under sail, and far more spacious than a monohull of the same length. Four guest cabins, a large saloon and galley, generous deck space, and an outdoor living area for watching the coast pass.

Question 10

What are the cabins like?

Accepted Answer

Four twin/double guest cabins, each with its own head (bathroom) and shower, bedding, towels and toiletries supplied. Cabins are typically shared by two guests. Solo travellers can book a private cabin — see the pricing question below.

Question 11

Is there heating, hot water and electricity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The boat is heated throughout, with hot showers and power for charging cameras, phones and laptops. Bring your own adapters for Norwegian (European, type F) sockets.

Question 12

Is there Wi-Fi and phone signal?

Accepted Answer

Mobile coverage is surprisingly good along much of the coast, but there will be stretches of fjord and anchorage with no signal at all. We consider that part of the point. If you need to be reachable, tell us in advance and we'll help you plan around it.

Question 13

Who cooks, and what is the food like?

Accepted Answer

A professional chef prepares all meals on board, using local produce and, often, what we've caught that day — cod, halibut, king crab, scallops. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included, as are coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Question 14

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies and religious requirements are all workable with notice. Tell us at the time of booking so our chef can provision before we leave Tromsø; some ingredients are hard to find once we've sailed.

Question 15

Is there a sauna?

Accepted Answer

Yes — sauna and cold-plunge rituals feature on select days of every itinerary, both shore-based and on board depending on the voyage. It's included in the trip price.

Question 16

Is smoking or alcohol allowed?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is permitted outside on deck only. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol if they wish; we simply ask for good judgement — the sea, the cold and alcohol don't mix well.

Question 17

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Send us an enquiry through the contact page with your preferred expedition, dates and number of guests. We confirm availability personally, then send you everything you need in writing. We deliberately keep this human rather than automatic — most guests have questions before they commit.

Question 18

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is per guest, per voyage, quoted in Norwegian kroner (NOK). Natural Selection is currently 65,000 NOK per guest sharing a twin cabin. Other voyages vary by season and itinerary — we'll quote you exactly when you enquire.

Question 19

I'm travelling alone. Do I pay a single supplement?

Accepted Answer

A solo guest wanting a cabin to themselves pays the equivalent of the two-berth cabin less a 10% private-cabin discount, rather than a punitive supplement. If you're happy to share, tell us — we'll pair you where we can.

Question 20

Can I charter the whole boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A full private charter takes the boat exclusively for your group of up to 8 guests, priced at 8 guests less a 10% whole-boat discount. This is the most popular option for families, friend groups and corporate journeys.

Question 21

What is included in the price?

Accepted Answer

All accommodation on board, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, professional guiding, all specialist expedition and safety equipment, immersion suits for water activities, sauna and cold-plunge experiences, on-board photography support, and all activities in the itinerary. Boots and beanies are not included, so please bring your own.

Question 22

What is not included?

Accepted Answer

International and domestic flights, accommodation before and after the voyage, travel insurance, optional excursions in Tromsø on either side of the trip, alcoholic drinks, boots and beanies, gratuities and personal items.

Question 23

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We invoice you directly and confirm each payment personally. Online card payments are being finalised and will be offered soon; for now, everything is arranged with you by email.

Question 24

When do I pay, and what happens if I don't?

Accepted Answer

Unless the trip page says otherwise, full payment is due within 48 hours of your booking confirmation, using the payment link we send. If payment doesn't reach us in that window we may release the place. All prices are in Norwegian kroner and include VAT; any other currency we show is indicative only. Payment always goes to the business account of Magnetic North Expeditions AS — never to a personal account.

Question 25

Is my booking guaranteed as soon as I book?

Accepted Answer

Most departures need a minimum number of paying guests to run, and where that applies the trip page says so. Until we confirm the departure in writing, your booking is conditional. If we conclude the minimum can't be met, we cancel and refund 100% of everything you've paid, with no deductions, and we'll tell you no later than two weeks before departure. Until a departure is confirmed, book flexible or refundable flights.

Question 26

What about cancellations and refunds?

Accepted Answer

Cancel in writing by email; it takes effect when we receive it. Before we've confirmed the departure you get a full refund. After confirmation: a full refund if a replacement guest — found by you or by us — is approved by us in writing and pays in full at least 7 days before departure; otherwise a 10% refund, because with so few guests our costs are committed well in advance and the departure still has to run for everyone else. No-shows and missed departures are not refundable. The full detail is in our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Question 27

What happens if you cancel the expedition?

Accepted Answer

If we cancel for reasons within our responsibility — technical failure, crew illness, other operational reasons — and can't offer a suitable alternative, you get a full refund. If the minimum number wasn't reached, you get a full refund. If weather or other circumstances beyond our control stop the expedition running at all, we'll do everything we can to offer an alternative or a rescheduled date; if you don't accept it, we refund the portion relating to services we haven't delivered. We can't cover flights, hotels or missed connections — that's what travel insurance is for.

Question 28

Do I have to accept terms and conditions when I book?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You tick a box confirming you've read and accepted our Booking Terms & Conditions when you send a reservation request, and that acceptance is recorded with your booking. You can read the full terms at any time on the Booking Terms page, linked in the footer of every page.

Question 29

Do you work with travel agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a dedicated agent portal with live availability, trip dossiers and direct messaging to our team. Agencies can request access from the contact page.

Question 30

Where does the trip start and finish?

Accepted Answer

Tromsø, Norway — 69°N, well inside the Arctic Circle. We meet at the harbour; exact time and berth are confirmed in your pre-departure notes.

Question 31

How do I get to Tromsø?

Accepted Answer

Tromsø Airport (TOS) is served by frequent daily flights from Oslo, and seasonal direct routes from several European cities. Most guests connect via Oslo. The airport is roughly ten minutes from the harbour.

Question 32

When should I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Arrive at least the day before departure. Northern flights are weather-sensitive and a missed connection can cost you the voyage. We recommend a late flight home on the final day, or an extra night in town.

Question 33

Can you recommend accommodation in Tromsø?

Accepted Answer

Yes — tell us your budget and we'll point you to hotels and apartments we know and trust, all within walking distance of the harbour.

Question 34

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

Norway is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays; others require a Schengen visa. Check the requirements for your passport well in advance — visa processing can take weeks.

Question 35

Is travel insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. We do not require guests to have it if they choose not to — that is their choice and their own risk. If you do take it, make sure it covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and the adventure activities on your itinerary.

Question 36

How cold does it get?

Accepted Answer

Winter air temperatures on the coast usually sit between about -10°C and +2°C, moderated by the Gulf Stream, with wind chill the real factor. Summer runs roughly 8–18°C. Layers matter far more than raw temperature — but don't be surprised if you come out one morning and find -15°C or colder.

Question 37

Will I see the northern lights?

Accepted Answer

The chance of seeing the northern lights is very high. Especially on a 7-day trip, we would be surprised if we didn't see them. We're directly beneath the auroral oval, and being at sea takes you away from light pollution. Still, it's a natural phenomenon dependent on solar activity and clear skies, so we can't and won't guarantee it.

Question 38

Will I see orca and whales?

Accepted Answer

During the herring season, roughly November to January, orca and humpback sightings are frequent and often spectacular. Again, wildlife is wild — we track the herring, work with local knowledge, and give ourselves the best chance, but nothing is promised.

Question 39

Can I swim or freedive with orca?

Accepted Answer

On Natural Selection, in-water encounters are part of the voyage where conditions and the animals allow. They are conducted under Norwegian regulations and strict guide supervision, with full thermal immersion suits provided. We never chase or crowd animals; the encounter happens on their terms.

Question 40

What is the daylight like?

Accepted Answer

In polar night (late November to mid-January) there's no true sunrise, but several hours of extraordinary blue and pink twilight each day. In summer the sun never sets. Both are worth experiencing at least once.

Question 41

What if the weather ruins the plan?

Accepted Answer

We say here in the north that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. With your expert guides, we'll make the best of any situation. If it's a perfect weather day, hell yeah. If it's stormy, hell yeah — then we head out into the storm, feel the elements, and get a different sort of expedition.

Question 42

What about seasickness?

Accepted Answer

It's the most common concern, and easily managed. We sail sheltered fjord water wherever possible, and a catamaran is far steadier than a monohull. Bring medication regardless — scopolamine patches or non-drowsy tablets both work well. See the Practical page for detail.

Question 43

How safe is this?

Accepted Answer

Safety governs every decision we make. The boat carries comprehensive safety equipment, the crew are professionally qualified, and every guest is briefed and fitted with gear on Day 1. No guest is ever placed in unmanaged risk — challenge, yes; danger, no.

Question 44

What gear do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Far less than you'd think — base layers, mid-layers, your own trousers and a warm hat cover the minimum. We provide or rent all specialist gear and activity equipment. See the Practical page for the full packing list.

Question 45

Can I rent gear from you?

Accepted Answer

Yes — winter boots, down jackets and additional technical layers are available to rent. Tell us your sizes when booking and it will be waiting on board.

Question 46

Do I have to tell you about a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

Yes — before departure you must tell us in writing about any pre-existing condition, recent injury or surgery, medication, allergy or other health factor that could affect your safety or ours. It's treated confidentially and shared only with the crew who need it. We may restrict participation in a particular activity if we reasonably believe it creates unacceptable risk, and if something material isn't disclosed we may have to end participation without a refund.

Question 47

What risks am I accepting?

Accepted Answer

Real ones, and you should read them honestly: cold-water immersion in roughly 2–4 °C water with the risk of hypothermia, polar night and fast-changing weather, remote locations where medical help is hours rather than minutes away, wild marine mammals, movement on deck and small-boat transfers in swell, and the plain physical demand of expedition travel. We manage all of it professionally, but no operator can remove it. Our full terms set out how risk and liability work under Norwegian law.

Question 48

Does the boat's insurance cover me?

Accepted Answer

Not in the way people assume. The vessel carries the passenger liability insurance required under the Norwegian Maritime Code — that's liability cover, not personal accident, medical, evacuation or cancellation cover for you. It doesn't cover anything ashore, your medical treatment or repatriation, your flights, or cancellation for personal reasons. Travel insurance is not mandatory and we won't refuse you for choosing to go without it, but we strongly recommend comprehensive cover that includes remote-Arctic evacuation and the specific activities on your trip — many standard policies exclude cold-water snorkelling and freediving, so read the wording.

Question 49

What if I have a medical condition or take medication?

Accepted Answer

Tell us in advance, in confidence. Most conditions are entirely manageable with a little planning; what causes problems is finding out at sea. Bring more medication than you need, in your hand luggage.

Question 50

How far are we from medical help?

Accepted Answer

The Norwegian coast is well served by search-and-rescue and the University Hospital of North Norway is in Tromsø. We remain in contact and plan our anchorages accordingly, but you should expect that in remote fjords, help is hours rather than minutes away — which is exactly why insurance and honest disclosure matter.

Question 51

Who will I be travelling with?

Accepted Answer

Two brothers — Cruise and Storm Ferreira — host every voyage. We are the guides, the chefs, the leaders and the captains. Our background is in the ocean and in conservation — that shapes how we run everything, from how we approach wildlife to how we cook what we catch.

Question 52

Can I bring photography or drone equipment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, and we'll help you get the shot — on-board photography support is included. Drones are welcome subject to Norwegian aviation rules and never around wildlife or other vessels. Bring more batteries than you think; cold drains them fast.

Question 53

How sustainable is this?

Accepted Answer

We sail wherever the wind allows, keep group sizes small, source food locally and fish for our own where legal and sensible, and follow strict distances and protocols around wildlife. Conservation isn't an add-on for us; it's the background we grew up in.

Question 54

Can you host a private, corporate or family group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whole-boat charters for up to 8 guests are available across every itinerary, and we're happy to shape the programme around your group's aims — even complete custom itineraries. Contact us to discuss it.

Question 55

Are there rules on board?

Accepted Answer

A few, and they aren't negotiable. The skipper's word is final on safety, itinerary and conduct. You may bring and drink your own alcohol in moderation, and the skipper can restrict it where safety requires. No illegal drugs, weapons or pets. Smoking and vaping only in designated outdoor areas at the skipper's discretion. No black-soled or stiletto footwear on board. Respect for guests, crew, wildlife and the Arctic — and a strict leave-no-trace policy — is expected of everyone.

Question 56

Will you photograph or film me?

Accepted Answer

We photograph and film expeditions, and by joining you allow us to use that material promotionally — but we won't publish clearly identifiable images of you without your written consent, and you can withdraw that consent at any time by emailing us. Some departures carry a filming programme; where that's the case the trip page says so before you book, and we'll happily point you to a departure without one.

Question 57

Something went wrong on my trip. How do I complain?

Accepted Answer

Tell the skipper at the time — most things can be fixed on the spot, and we can't put right what we don't know about. If it isn't resolved, email us within 30 days of disembarkation and we'll respond in writing.

Question 58

I still have a question that isn't answered here.

Accepted Answer

Write to storm@magneticnorthexpeditions.com. A real person who has actually sailed the route will answer you.

Questions, answered plainly.

The expeditions

The boat & life on board

Booking & pricing

Getting there & travel

Weather, wildlife & conditions

Safety, gear & health

Other questions

Ask us anything. We answer personally.