LOFOTEN WILD

bodo – TROMSO

Offering a unique opportunity to explore one of Norway’s most spectacular Arctic landscapes, Lofoten Wild takes you from Bodø to Tromsø through a world of dramatic mountains, sheltered fjords, remote islands and traditional fishing communities.

Join a crew of experienced sailors for an unforgettable voyage along the northern Norwegian coast, putting your sailing and navigation skills into practice while experiencing the wildlife and sheer beauty of the Arctic.

The route will take us north from Bodø, weaving through the spectacular Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos before continuing towards Tromsø. With long summer days and almost endless daylight, there will be plenty of opportunity to experience the changing landscapes around you, whether sailing offshore, navigating narrow channels or exploring remote anchorages.

1) Lofoten Islands – Leaving Bodø, we will cross towards the dramatic Lofoten archipelago. Famous for its jagged peaks, turquoise waters and colourful fishing villages, the islands offer some of Norway’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Depending on conditions and our progress, we may explore some of the sheltered bays, islands and remote communities that lie away from the main tourist routes.

2) Vesterålen – Continuing north, we will make our way through the Vesterålen archipelago, navigating between rugged islands, open stretches of coastline and spectacular fjords. The area is renowned for its rich marine life, so keep watch from the deck for whales, dolphins, seals, sea eagles and the many seabirds that inhabit these northern waters.

3) The Arctic Coast – As we continue towards Tromsø, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote. Towering mountains plunge into deep fjords, small settlements cling to the coastline and countless islands create a constantly changing sailing environment. Depending on the conditions, we may choose to explore different anchorages and coastal routes along the way, making the most of the opportunities presented by the weather.

Please note: This is an adventure voyage, and the exact route will be determined by the weather, sea conditions and our progress. We may alter our plans, make additional stops or take a more direct route towards Tromsø to ensure we make the most of the conditions and arrive safely.

Wildlife will be a major part of the experience throughout the voyage. The waters around northern Norway are home to an incredible variety of marine life, and sightings can include whales, dolphins, seals, sea eagles and Arctic seabirds. With the long daylight hours of the Norwegian summer, you’ll have the chance to experience these landscapes at almost any time of day.

If conditions allow, we will also cross the Arctic Circle at approximately 66°34’N, marking your passage into the Arctic with the traditional ‘Blue Nose’ ceremony – a memorable sailing tradition for anyone making their first journey into the Arctic Circle.

Our journey will finish in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic and one of northern Norway’s most vibrant cities, bringing an unforgettable sailing adventure through the Lofoten and Vesterålen islands to a close.

Expedition Dates

LOFOTEN WILD:       28 July – 10 August 2027 – prior to this expedition, you can add on the ARCTIC HORIZONS
Please ensure you choose the correct date when making your booking.

ADD AN OFFSHORE DELIVERY PASSAGE from Gosport to Norway

Prior to the first expedition, you can join us for an offshore passage from Gosport, UK to Bergen, Norway, via the Shetland Islands. This is a great opportunity to build on your existing sailing skills, gain valuable offshore experience and learn new ones along the way. The passage will depart Gosport on 09 June 2027 and arrive in Bergen on/around 19 June, giving you the chance to explore Norway before Expedition 1 begins.

Click here to find out more – INTO THE NORTH passage – you can add this at the time of booking or contact us to find out more.

Route: LOFOTEN WILD

Type: EXPEDITION SAILING

Miles: +800nm

Temperature Range: 3°c – 11°c

Expedition Dates:
28 JULY – 10 AUGUST 2027

MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT

TALK TO AN EXPERT

+44 (0) 2392 215 215

ARE YOU CLIPPER RACE ALUMNI? 

IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ONE OR MORE LEGS OF THE CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE, you can get get a 5% discount on your total booking value. 

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Sail through the wild landscapes of northern Norway, with dramatic mountains, remote islands and beautiful fjords along the way. Expect varied sailing conditions, incredible scenery and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. Below are some key highlights:

  • ENJOY A VARIETY OF SAILING CONDITIONS

  • WITNESS TOWERING ICEBERGS & EXPANSIVE FJORDS

  • LOOK OUT FOR WHALES, DOLPHINS, SEABIRDS AND MORE

  • Cross the Arctic Circle and become a ‘Blue Nose’

  • DISCOVER THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF EASTERN GREENLAND

  • EXPERIENCE THE REMOTENESS OF GREENLAND SETTLEMENTS

“I couldn’t have asked for a more interesting way to experience the Arctic. A great group of people from all walks of life embodying the required team spirit, stunning wildlife highlighted by our bird’s eye view of a polar bear, a musk ox home cooked dinner with a delightful Innuit family and, most importantly, a thoroughly professional and fun sailing team.

Congratulations SKIRR on putting together this opportunity to live the dream.”

MARK | Polar Explorer 2025

“Our Greenland route, was a total blast! A throughly professional operation, good solid and well maintained boat, an experienced crew, and experiences that one cannot get elsewhere.

This was my first sail with SKIRR and it will not be my last. Their operations were first rate from providing me information about the sail beforehand so I was properly equipped for the cold weather, and having a sturdy boat available to sail in potentially hazardous seas.”

PETER | Polar Explorer 2025

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Depending on the weather and ice flow, we will take one of three route options (as mentioned above). The itinerary below is based on heading to Tasiilaq but you can find the alternative sample itinerary on the Arctic Adventure page. 

DAY 1-2

ARRIVAL & SETTING SAIL

Arrive in Bodø between 17:00 and 18:00 to meet your Skipper, crew and fellow Adventurers. You’ll be welcomed aboard, shown around the yacht and have time to settle in before heading ashore for a crew dinner.

The following day will begin with a full yacht familiarisation and safety brief before setting sail towards the Lofoten Islands. The first passage will give you the chance to settle into life on board and put your sailing skills into practice.

DAY 3-4

EXPLORING LOFOTEN

We’ll spend the next couple of days exploring the spectacular Lofoten archipelago, sailing between dramatic mountains, islands and sheltered channels.

Depending on the weather and our progress, there may be opportunities to explore ashore, visit remote communities or spend a night in a quiet anchorage. Keep watch for whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way.

DAYS 5-6

LOFOTEN TO VESTERÅLEN

Continuing north, we’ll leave Lofoten behind and make our way towards the Vesterålen archipelago.

Expect a mix of coastal sailing, narrow channels and more open stretches of water as we navigate between the islands. Our route will be shaped by the weather and conditions, with opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

DAYS 7-8

EXPLORING VESTERÅLEN

We’ll continue through Vesterålen, navigating between rugged islands, fjords and remote stretches of coastline.

The area is renowned for its marine life, so keep watch from the deck for whales, dolphins, seals, sea eagles and seabirds as we continue further into the Arctic.

DAYS 9-10

THE ARCTIC COAST

As we make our way towards Tromsø, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and remote, with towering mountains, deep fjords and countless islands creating a constantly changing sailing environment.

If conditions allow, we’ll cross the Arctic Circle at approximately 66°34’N, marking the occasion with the traditional ‘Blue Nose’ ceremony.

DAY 11-12

FINISH: TROMSØ

Complete the final leg of the journey towards Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic. Once the yacht is secured, there’ll be time to relax with your crew and fellow Adventurers and reflect on the journey.

After breakfast on 9 August, you’ll help with a final clean of the boat before saying farewell to your Skipper, crew and fellow Adventurers. You’ll be free to depart the boat by 11:00, taking with you memories of an unforgettable Arctic sailing adventure.

EXPECT AN EXPEDITION
NOT A CRUISE

The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.

All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.

the detail

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
  • Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
  • Use of safety equipment including life jacket
  • Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg

What’s not included

  • Dinner on arrival night
  • Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
  • Any meals ashore
  • Visas
  • Personal equipment (see packing list)

SOLO TRAVELLERS

Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.

PERSONAL FITNESS
You will be expected to participate in various tasks such as hoisting sails, steering, anchoring, and docking. You will also have the opportunity to explore different destinations on foot, which may involve a short hike. Therefore, we recommend that you have a moderate degree of fitness, mobility and health before joining our expeditions.

 

You can always improve your fitness in the months leading up to your departure by following a simple exercise routine and eating a balanced diet.
AGE

To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!

GROUP SIZE
Our small group sailing expeditions operate a maximum guest size of 12 onboard each boat. We send two boats on each expedition, so there can be up to 24 guests across both boats at any one time.
 
You can book individually or with your friends and family, and enjoy the experience of sailing with a professional crew and a friendly group of fellow explorers.

sailing experience

To join this expedition leg, you will need prior recent sailing experience.

This can be one of the following:

  • Clipper Race Level 1 Training
  • RYA Day Skipper
  • Equivalent sailing experience

If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.

If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).

OPTION 1

CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1

Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.

You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.

FROM £650* | 7 DAYS

*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures

OPTION 2

RYA DAY SKIPPER

You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.

For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.

 FROM £1,079 | 9 DAYS +

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE?

BOOK NOW TO JOIN THE 2026 EXPEDITION.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.