Sail and Explore the Coast and Fjords of Norway
Vesterålen, Norway, is where green frosted mountains meet the ocean blue. Hemmed by a heavily indented coastline, this western municipality is the gateway to an endless maze of glacier-carved bays, islands, and fjords. The best way to enjoy this beauty? From sea and shore.
For eight days, this untamed landscape will be your home in the North. With a modern sailboat as your base, you are free to explore and choose your activities for the day.
Sail the frigid waters, hike on mountains, kayak among islets, and bike through deep valleys—all while enjoying Norway’s delicious cuisine and rich history.
Landscapes you can’t afjord to miss
Your journey begins and ends in Andenes, a charming fishing village renowned for whale and puffin safaris. From there you’ll set off for the wonders of Western Norway through a multisport adventure for the ages.
During these eight days of adventure, you will navigate the scenic region of Vesterålen aboard SY Jolly, a spacious steel cruiser built for comfort and durability. The seasoned guiding duo of Ulrik and Maria will be in charge of steering, cooking, and ensuring everyone has a great time.
- EPIC NORDIC SCENERY
- LUXURY IN THE WILD
- TRADITION & HISTORY
- SAIL, HIKE, KAYAK
Trace the coast, taste the sea, and savor Vesterålen
OBSERVE THE GREACEFUL DANCE OF THE MAJESTIC WHALES
Kick off the trip with whale watching at Bleiksdypet as you sail towards Bleik Island — a treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. Say hello to a thriving seal colony in passing, and visit Norway’s largest puffin resorts, offering spectacular opportunities for bird watching.
Take a well-deserved break in Fiskeværet Skipnes — one of the most autenthic fishing villages in the archipelago of Lofoten and Vesterålen. Sample the local food, try your luck at fishing or take in the marvelous scenery around you.
FROM SHIPPING TO KAYAKING: GET TO KNOW THE SERENE WATERS OF SCANDINAVIA
As any local will tell you, no romp through Norway is complete without a little paddling. So, on your free afternoon, hop into your kayak and explore the country’s wild coastline frayed with countless fjords, isles, and bays. This is perfect for exploring the local marine life and the picturesque natural landscapes that envelop the village.
Witness the soaring cliffs of Norway
RELISH THE NATURE AND HISTORY
When you reach the colorful Nyksund, you’ll put on your hiking boots and take a scenic tour of the famous hiking trail, The Dronningruta (The Queen’s Route), named after Queen Sonja of Norway. Gargantuan walls jut out of the sea draped in forest and clouds while the Atlantic lays foamy flowers beneath its feet—this is Norway at its finest.
So what’s next on the menu? How about Tinden, an emblematic outpost that captures the essence of Norway’s history and natural beauty? This historic and cultural gem in the Vesterålen archipelago boasts a history dating back to the younger Stone Age, around 2500 BC.
THINK LOCAL, EAT GREEN
To give you a true taste of Norway’s tradition, your guides will bring you to remote mountain farms and rustic wineries where fresh produce will be waiting for you. After all, nothing complements a spectacular view better than an outdoor feast.
You’ll get a chance to freedive, fish and catch your own food. Ulrik and Maria source their ingredients for cooking from small local shops, making your adventure delightfully fresh and green.
Your floating home away from home
The 15-meter sailing yacht Jolly is a sleek masterpiece of Dutch design that makes sailing a breeze and every new day at sea a pleasure. Upgraded in 2016, it can easily handle even rough open waters.
Aboard you’ll find spacious private suites along with a kitchen, showers, toilets, and a small washing machine. When the bright noonday sun rears its golden head, Jolly’s large deck is the perfect place to relax and catch some rays.
Jolly has a large cockpit and high freeboard that offers a protected steering position when the seas get rough. When the sun is shining, the huge deck is perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
Inside, you’ll find two spacious double-bed private suites with beds that can be separated into singles with a canvas wall, a social area, and a three single-bed crew cabin. The two aft cabins share a bathroom with a shower, toilet and a small washing machine.
Your guides
With many years of sailing and thousands of nautical miles under his belt, Ulrik Møller is Jolly’s jack of all trades. has all the necessary safety training, certificates, and experience to take you safely to various destinations, creating great memories and good times for all on board.
A Colombia native, Maria Llamosa loves sailing and being out in nature, breathing in the fresh air, and cleansing her mind. Aboard Jolly, her role is planning, ensuring the safety of her passengers, and making her guests feel at home by cooking up exciting and exotic meals.
Ramoncito the Sailor is a Carlin Pinscher born on February 4th, 2021, in a former fishing vessel docked in Bergen. He’s spent his entire life at sea and has become a skilled sailor in his own right. Despite his small size, Ramoncito is incredibly smart and always happy. He’s a friendly pup who loves meeting new people and is adored by everyone on board.
Jolly Good Times Sailing is a company that offers unique, authentic, and sustainable experiences aboard the sailboat “Jolly”. Their goal is to be close to nature and provide carefully crafted, truly sustainable, and holistic adventures in the beautiful landscapes of Norway.