Polar night Arctic expedition, land and water, Islands of the North

kayak-logoAn Arctic Polar night expedition being guided by explorers of the Arctic North and Sea, across land and water experiencing the Islands of the North, this expedition will give you the opportunity to train with the best, challenge yourself with the best and together, experience the natural phenomenons only found here. The ultimate perspective to view the jagged coastline, fjords and peaks of Norway are seen from sea level. On our kayak expedition we will be seeking the majestic explorers of the deep, the Humpback whale, followed by peacefully traversing through the mountainous islands by cross country skiing and the ultimate Scandinavian transport, driving a team of Huskies in search for the Northern Lights. We will be camping under the Blue Light and where the Aurora Borealis can be seen at its best – the Arctic wilderness.

active-tromso-logoThe aim of this expedition is to experience Arctic Norway during the Polar Night, taking part in extreme activities which include: Dog Sledding, Cross Country Skiing and winter paddling, viewing the Humpback and Orca whales which are visiting the Fjords of Kvaloya and Senja.

MEET YOUR ULTIMATE EXPEDITION GUIDES

Jeff Allen

Polar Bear

Tore Albrigtsen

Jeff Allen first started kayaking as a young cub scout, then later on in the sea cadets and as a young soldier in the British Army, In fact it was whilst serving in Cyprus, with the United Nations that he would see his first sea kayak, three brand new, shiny Nordkap’s waiting on the beach, all ready to go on Expedition.
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. It is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi).
Head Guide and Manager of Active Tromso, Tore Albrigtsen, here pictured in the world’s longest sled dog race Iditarod, where he attended and finished in 2006. Nine years earlier, like a true pioneer, he went the same course on skis with one dog!

Itenerary

Day One:
On arrival in Tromso Saturday the 17th January 2015 we head to Tromso Camping where we meet our fellow expedition members and familiarize ourselves with the local area and itinerary.
Breaking camp early on Sunday 18th we shall draw equipment from Bjorn’s Kayaks and pack the kayaks ready for the sea kayaking/whale watching later in the week.
Day Two: Dog Sledding:
On the evening of the 18th or possibly early on the Monday morning (19th) we shall depart from the camp site to Active Tromso for one long day of Dog Mushing activities, our guide will be Tore Albrigtson.
Day Three and Four: Ski Touring
On Tuesday morning (20th) we shall embark on two days of cross country skiing, this will be a guided cross country activity skiing from cabin to cabin, Ski equipment, which will have been prepared on the Sunday shall be travelling with us to Active Tromso. Our Ski guides will be Bjorn Eines and Nick Arding.
Day Five and Six: Sea Kayaking with Whales
For the past five or six years the Fjords of Kvaløya and Senja have been visited in great numbers by Humpback Whales and Orca, these have been drawn in by the vast shoals of Herring which have moved North from their historical feeding grounds around the Lofoten Islands.
We shall depart for wherever the Whales have been sighted utilizing local knowledge to ascertain where the whales are and then spend the final two days whale watching in the traditional way, from a sea kayak.