Experience
Private Charter
Private Charter is a whole sailing yacht with its own skipper, taken by one group and routed around the people on board. You choose the region, the dates and the pace; we provide the boat, the crew, the food and the local knowledge. Nothing is shared with strangers.
At a glance
| Season | All year, with different regions by season |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 nights and upwards, one week most common |
| Base | Tromsø, with Lofoten and Svalbard by arrangement |
| Group size | Two to ten guests, depending on the vessel |
| Sold as | Whole boat — private charter |
| Level | No sailing experience needed |
| Crew | Skipper, plus guide, cook or additional crew on request |
A route written around your group
Most of what we do is private charter in one form or another. You tell us who is coming, what they can and cannot do, and what you want out of the week. We then propose a boat, a crew and a plan for the season you are travelling in.
That plan stays flexible. A skipper who knows this coast will change the route to find shelter, better light or a quieter anchorage, and that is a large part of what you are paying for.
The regions follow the calendar. Winter means the fjords around Tromsø, aurora and whales. Spring means ski touring. Summer opens Senja, Vesterålen, Lofoten and Svalbard.
The crew
Every charter has a skipper. Depending on the trip we add a mountain guide, an expedition guide or a dedicated cook. Some of our skippers have sailed this coast for twenty years and several grew up on it.
Boreal Yachting has operated from Tromsø since 2003 and is a member of AECO. Our vessels are prepared for Arctic conditions, and the crew's job is to make a demanding environment feel straightforward.
Guests are welcome on the helm and on the winches. There is no expectation either way.
A typical week
Every private charter is different. This is the shape most weeks take, before your own plans change it.
Day 1 — boarding
Board in the afternoon in Tromsø, or a port agreed in advance.
Safety briefing, provisioning, and a first short sail to a nearby anchorage.
Days 2 to 6 — the route
Passages of two to eight hours, chosen with the group over breakfast.
Time ashore for walks, villages or a specific activity you have asked for.
Evenings at anchor, with dinner cooked on board.
Final day — return
A morning sail back to the departure port.
Alongside around midday, with the afternoon free.
What is included
Included
- Whole-boat charter for your group
- Skipper and any agreed additional crew
- All meals on board and hot drinks
- Bed linen, towels and end-of-charter cleaning
- Tender, safety equipment and fishing gear
- Fuel and harbour fees
Not included
- Flights and transfers
- Hotel nights before and after
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Specialist guides and equipment hire, quoted separately
- Crew gratuities
Choosing the boat
We operate nine vessels, from aluminium expedition monohulls built for high latitudes to modern catamarans with space for a family. The right choice depends on your group size, the season and how much sailing you actually want to do.
Who this is for
- Families and groups of friends who want the boat to themselves.
- Couples marking something, with a boat and crew for two.
- Companies and small teams looking for something other than a conference room.
- Travel designers booking on behalf of clients.
If you are two people hoping to share costs with strangers, this is not it. We do not sell individual berths; ask us about partner-operated departures instead.
Practical
Fitness and experience
No sailing experience is needed. Tell us about mobility, seasickness or medical needs when you enquire, and we will plan around them properly.
What to bring
Soft bags, layers, a waterproof shell and shoes with grip. Season-specific kit is listed on our packing guide.
Food and diets
The crew cooks on board. Tell us about allergies and diets in advance; provisioning happens before you arrive.
Getting there
Most charters start in Tromsø, 15 minutes from the airport. Other ports are possible with notice and a repositioning fee.
Questions guests ask
- Can we decide the route ourselves?
- Yes, within what the season and the weather allow. The skipper has the final say on safety, and will always explain why.
- Do you sell single cabins?
- No. We sell whole boats. Some departures are sold per person through travel partners, and we can point you to them.
- Can you cater for allergies?
- Yes. Tell us at the enquiry stage and the crew provisions accordingly.
- How many can sleep on board?
- Between eight and ten guests depending on the vessel. Comfort improves noticeably below maximum capacity.
- How far ahead should we book?
- Six to twelve months for peak weeks. Winter charters are sometimes available at shorter notice.
Where this sails
Destination
Lyngen Alps
Peaks that rise straight out of salt water, an hour of sailing from Tromsø. The home ground of Ski & Sail.
Destination
Svalbard
Glaciers, sea ice and Arctic wildlife at 78°N. We have sailed here since 2008.
Destination
Lofoten
Sharp granite islands, fishing villages and open Atlantic water.
Destination
Senja
Norway's second largest island, with steep outer coast and quiet anchorages.
Enquire about Private Charter.
Tell us what you have in mind. We will come back to you within two working days with a considered answer — not a template.