Top 10 Sailing Trips in Scandinavia

1.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107Our pick

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for up to three hours aboard the Amelia Rose, an offshore yacht with three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, and blankets. Guides such as Lucky and Roman help you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Hotel pickup is optional, and a return ticket is offered if no wildlife appears.

“We really loved our time whale watching on the Amelia Rose Yacht! We were lucky with good weather in the morning and saw a few Humpback whales and many Minke whales. The guide was very helpful teaching us how to spot the first signs of whales coming to the surface. The wind on the deck of the boat does get cold so bundle up! And there is a nice seating area inside with a bar and a bathroom if needed. We also enjoyed the smaller crowd on this boat and were able to see most of the whales spotted between the three levels of decks available.”

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2.Social Sailing – Copenhagen Canal Tour – Captain’s Favorite

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,610 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $105Top rated

Spend about three hours aboard a covered boat with up to 12 passengers, sailing Copenhagen’s canals and harbor. Your English-speaking captain, such as Mathilde, Caroline, or Mats, adapts the talk to the group. You’ll stop at Trekroner Fort, pass Parliament and the navy command, and have time to chat over optional drinks.

“Great way to see the city with a small group. Our captain Caroline was excellent with information and humour. Being only a small group of twelve, the maximum our boat carried, she set the tone for a social afternoon whereby there was interaction between everyone. I would definitely recommend it as a must do activity and a very worthwhile 3 hours.”

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3.Northern Lights Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,253 reviews · 2 hours · from $93

Board at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for a two-hour Northern Lights cruise along Faxaflói Bay. Your English-speaking guide points out the aurora and helps with night photography. Use three viewing decks, warm blankets, Wi-Fi, sea-sickness tablets, and an onboard bar. Hotel pickup is optional, and free rescheduling may be offered if the lights do not appear.

“The boat was nice, not overcrowded and we could choose a seat inside or outside. The guide pointed out the northern lights and spent time with us on how to change our phone settings to get a decent photo of them. The bar inside had a choice of drinks, but I would highly recommend the hot chocolate with amaretto in for a cold night As we found out what to look for on this tour, we were then able to spot northern lights again the next night right above our hotel by the marina”

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4.Aurora Dinner Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 727 reviews · 3 hours · from $198

You’ll spend three hours aboard Brim Explorer’s quiet hybrid-electric catamaran, circling Tromsø after dark while enjoying a three-course Arctic seafood dinner. Heated saloons, 360-degree windows, local guides, and outdoor viewing areas make this a comfortable way to look for the Aurora. Vegetarian and child-friendly menus are available with advance notice.

“We had a fantastic time on this tour. Everyone was knowledgeable and friendly and, despite the overcast weather preventing the lightshow, gave us detailed information around the Lights, Norway and the local area while checking in on everybody and making sure we had everything we could've needed. All around a delicious meal. would highly recommend!”

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5.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for a three-hour wildlife cruise. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca share sharp spotting tips as you search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, seabirds, and summer puffins. Warm blankets, Wi-Fi, a bar, and a return ticket after a no-sighting trip add practical value.

“Very good, boat was lovely and we did manage to see a few whales”

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6.2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 694 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40

Board an authentic sailing ship at Rådhusbrygge 3 for a two-hour cruise past Hovedøya, Dyna Lighthouse, Oslo Opera House, wooded shores, and summer cabins. Choose from several departures, use the free Oslo Fjord Guide app in 13 languages, and warm up with blankets or a drink from the onboard bar.

“Beautiful day on the water to tour the city. Great way to start the trip. Definitely recommend including it on your vacation exploration.”

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7.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about three hours in Faxaflói Bay. A guide helps you search for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and perhaps orcas, while the crew shares facts about marine life and the city’s islands. The yacht has indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, toilets, and a café-style bar.

“The boat was great, lots of places to watch for whales and places to sit! Clean and comfortable.. Crew was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable!! Great trip”

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8.Fjord Mini Cruise by Wooden Sailing Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 503 reviews · 50 min · from $36Best value

Board at Rådhusbrygge 3 for a 50-minute cruise on a traditional Norwegian wooden sailing ship. You’ll pass Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Munch Museum, Bygdøy, Tjuvholmen, and Sørenga. English commentary plays onboard, while the Oslo Fjord Guide app adds information in 13 languages. Blankets, a toilet, drinks, and snacks are available.

“The cruise around the fjord was very nice. There was a narration onboard of the places we passed by. The ship even had drinks and snacks you could purchase. We really enjoyed the 2hr cruise and would recommend it.”

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9.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Cruise Faxafloi Bay for about three hours aboard Harpa or Amelia Rose, looking for whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins. An English-speaking guide explains the wildlife, while the yacht offers outdoor viewing decks, indoor seating, blankets, a bar, snacks, and Wi-Fi. If no wildlife appears, you receive a free second tour.

“Fantastic trip, crew were very friendly and welcoming. We saw whales up close and it's a memory that'll stay with us forever”

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10.Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 428 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about two hours in search of the northern lights. You’ll cruise along the coast and among islands in Faxaflói Bay, with a chance to spot whales, dolphins, porpoises, orcas, and seabirds. Guide Isabella has helped visitors find and photograph the aurora. The yacht has Wi-Fi, a bar, warm indoor seating, blankets, and outdoor viewing decks.

“The crew was great! Very knowledgeable and the boat and staff was excellent. Highly impressed! It was so beautiful and an excellent way to experience the Northern Lights”

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