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Tromso Harbor Area
Depart from Tromso harbor in the calm polar twilight, as the soft light reflects off the surrounding fjords and mountains. Centrally located, the harbor offers easy access for travelers, making it a perfect starting point for your Arctic whale-watching adventure.
90 minutes
1
Onboard Activities
3 activities
Tickets included (based on selection)
Throughout the journey, enjoy a variety of onboard activities designed to enrich your Arctic experience.
1. Safety Briefing & Informational Presentations
Included in price
Once the journey begins, guests will receive a safety briefing. It will be followed by informational presentations throughout the tour. These will cover life in Tromso, the unique Arctic habitats, and tips on identifying the various whale species found in the area.
2. Arctic wildlife sighting
Included in price
Spot Arctic wildlife like sea eagles, dolphins, and seals from the cruise, with breathtaking views of fjords adding to the enchanting experience throughout the journey.
3. Warm beverages & Snacks
Included (based on selection)
Enjoy warm beverages and snacks based on your selected ticket option during your Arctic whale-watching tour, with additional items available for purchase onboard.
Tonsvik
2
Grotnesdalen
1 activities
Free Admission
Pass by this remote, stunning fjord-side location offering breathtaking views of steep cliffs and serene waters. Known for its untouched natural beauty, it provides a picturesque backdrop to the journey, especially under the magical hues of the Arctic sky.
Photo Opportunity & Sunrise Watching
Included in price
Capture the beauty of the Arctic landscape as you cruise past, with the soft, golden light of the polar sunrise creating a surreal and colorful atmosphere. The unique lighting during this period enhances the dramatic scenery, offering perfect conditions for photography, from the fjords to the mountains.
2 hours
Nordlenangen
3
Skjervoy
120 min
5 activities
Free Admission
Skjervoy is the highlight of your whale-watching journey. Its fjords, rich with marine life, serve as a prime feeding ground for humpback whales and orcas, making it the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of these majestic creatures.
1. Humpback Whales Sighting
Included in price
Skjervoy is a prime feeding ground for humpback whales, renowned for their acrobatic breaches and tail slaps. Witness these magnificent creatures as they feed in the nutrient-rich Arctic waters, offering spectacular close-up views and unforgettable moments.
2. Orcas Sighting
Included in price
Skjervoy is famous for orca sightings, particularly during the winter months. Also known as Killer Whales, these apex predators travel in pods, and their sleek black-and-white bodies can often be seen hunting fish and seals in the fjords, providing thrilling wildlife encounters.
3. Fin Whales Sighting
Included in price
The second-largest whale species, fin whales can be spotted in Skjervoy’s waters. Known for their streamlined bodies and fast swimming, they often surface in small pods, offering a rare but incredible opportunity for wildlife lovers and photographers.
4. Sperm Whales Sighting
Included in price
Although sightings are rare, Skjervoy’s deep waters are home to sperm whales, the largest-toothed whales. With a bit of luck, you may witness these magnificent creatures as they dive deep into the Arctic seas, showcasing their massive size and unique features.
5. Other Arctic Wildlife Sighteeing
Included in price
In addition to whales, expect to see sea eagles soaring over the fjords, dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat, and seals lounging on rocky outcrops. These magnificent creatures add to the excitement and beauty of the wildlife experience in Skjervoy.
3 hours
4
Haugnoes
1 activities
Free Admission
Haugnoes is a small, scenic village along the stunning coast of Skjervoy. As you pass by on your return to Tromso, enjoy its serene beauty, dramatic fjords, and Arctic wilderness, offering perfect photo opportunities and chances to spot aquatic animals and wildlife.
Photo Opportunity
Included in price
Capture the unique Arctic light and the tranquil beauty of Haugnoes, where you can photograph the contrasting landscapes of rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and serene waters. The area also offers great shots of local wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat.
90 km
3 hours
Grotnesdalen
Tonsvik
9
Tromso Harbor Area
End your journey with a safe and comfortable return to the harbour, marking the perfect close to your Arctic whale-watching adventure.
Inclusions
Skjervoy Harbor
Prepare for an intimate whale-watching adventure aboard a high-speed RIB boat. Suit up with insulated gear, a life vest, and essentials provided before departure. Follow all safety instructions to ensure a smooth voyage.
Speedboat
1
Skjervoy Fjords & Open Waters
1 activities
Tickets included
Spend close to 3 hours at the Skjervoy fjords to catch glimpses of the magnificent whales, observe their behavior in their natural habits, and come as close as 10 meters for a surreal experience.
1. Whale watching
Included in price
Keep an eye out for humpbacks, fin whales, and orcas, as they occasionally make dramatic appearances in Skjervoy's open waters. The RIB boat's low vantage point ensures close-up, detailed, and unforgettable encounters with these majestic creatures.
2. Baguette & Hot chocolate
Snacks
Savor a warm cup of hot chocolate and a fresh baguette as you reflect on your exhilarating Arctic adventure. Since the trip is lengthy, consider packing extra snacks to stay energized.
3 hours
2
Skjervoy Harbor
Tromso Bus Terminal
Depart from the Tromso Bus Terminal, centrally located for easy access. The bus leaves promptly at 5:30 AM to Skjervoy. Along the way, experience the magic of the polar night transitioning into a stunning polar sunrise, painting the sky with surreal hues.
230 km
4 hours
Hatteng
Manndalen
Olderdalen
Spakenes
1
Skjervoy Bus Terminal
After your scenic drive to Skjervoy, you’ll meet your skipper and take a short walk to the Skjervoy harbor.
0.8 km
10 minutes
2
Skjervoy Harbor
At Skjervoy harbor, gear up in an inflatable suit and receive safety instructions before boarding the RIB boat for an exhilarating whale-watching experience in the surrounding Arctic waters.
Speedboat
3
Skjervoy Fjords & Open Waters
180 min
5 activities
Tickets included
Depart from Skjervoy Harbour on a RIB boat that gets you as close as 10 meters to the whales. Spend three unforgettable hours exploring the serene Arctic wilderness to witness their majestic presence up close.
1. Humpback Whale Sighting
Included in price
Witness humpback whales' acrobatic breaches and tail slaps up close as they feed in Skjervoy's nutrient-rich Arctic waters.
2. Orca Sighting
Included in price
Skjervoy is renowned for orca sightings in winter, where pods of these black-and-white apex predators, also known as killer whales, hunt fish and seals, offering thrilling wildlife encounters.
3. Fin Whale Sighting
Included in price
Fin whales, the second-largest whale species, can be spotted in Skjervoy’s waters. Their streamlined bodies and swift movements make sightings in small pods a rare and incredible experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Sperm Whale Sighting
Included in price
Sperm whales, the largest-toothed whales, inhabit Skjervoy’s deep waters. Rare sightings reveal these majestic creatures diving into the Arctic depths, showcasing their immense size and distinctive features.
5. Other Arctic Wildlife Sighting
Included in price
In addition to whales, spot sea eagles soaring above, playful dolphins alongside the boat, and seals lounging on rocky outcrops, enhancing the wildlife experience in Skjervoy.
Boat
4
Skjervoy Harbor
25 min
After your whale-watching adventure, return to Skjervoy harbour to relax in the dressing room, warming up with snacks and hot drinks.
1. Baguette
Snacks
2. Hot Chocolate
Drinks
0.8 km
10 minutes
5
Skjervoy Bus Terminal
Free Admission
After Skjervoy Harbour, you’ll be escorted to the Skjervoy Bus Terminal for a comfortable journey back to Tromso, concluding your Arctic experience.
230 km
4 hours
10
Tromso Bus Terminal
Inclusions
Exclusions
Kaigata waterfront area
Meet at the pier to the side of Skarven Kro restaurant in Tromso, near the famous Kaigata Street, to hop aboard the Northern Lights cruise.
1
Route options
Free Admission
As you set sail from Tromso in pursuit of the Northern Lights, the cruise passes by three possible routes based on weather conditions on that day.
2
Northern Lights Chase
1 activities
Tickets included
The most awaited part of your cruise is right here! As the stunning Northern Lights begin to appear, put on your warm clothes and step onto the outer deck to soak in the views.
1. Northern Lights stories
Included in price
Listen to enchanting mythical tales from your guides, paired with scientific insights about this phenomenon, as you await the hues of blue, green, purple, and beyond.
2. Hot drinks & snacks
Snacks
Embrace the Arctic chill by cozying up to your warm drinks and snacks aboard the cruise as you wait for the Northern Lights to make an appearance.
Tromso city
Arctic Cathedral
5
Kaigata waterfront area
1
Route options
Free Admission
As you set sail from Tromso in pursuit of the Northern Lights, the cruise passes by three possible routes based on weather conditions on that day.
2
Northern Lights Chase
1 activities
Tickets included
The highlight of your cruise has arrived! As the breathtaking Northern Lights emerge, bundle up in warm clothes and head to the outer deck to savor the view.
1. Northern Lights stories
Included in price
Hear captivating mythical stories from your guides, combined with scientific insights into this phenomenon, as you anticipate the hues of blue, green, purple, and more.
2. Dinner (with veg options)
Dinner
Enjoy a winter dinner menu on the cruise, with vegetarian options to suit your taste. The meals are prepared by a local partner, giving you an authentic taste of Norwegian cuisine as you wait for the dancing lights to show up.
Bicycle
Tromso city
Arctic Cathedral
5
Kaigata waterfront area
Meet at the pier to the side of Skarven Kro restaurant in Tromso, which is near Kaigata 6, and hop aboard the Northern Lights cruise.
1
Route options
Free Admission
As you set sail from Tromso in pursuit of the Northern Lights, the cruise passes by three possible routes based on weather conditions on that day.
2
Northern Lights Chase
2 activities
Tickets included
The moment you've been waiting for is here! As the stunning Northern Lights appear, wrap up warmly and step onto the outer deck to enjoy the spectacle.
1. Northern Lights stories
Included in price
Enjoy captivating mythical tales from your guides, paired with scientific explanations of this phenomenon, as you await the dazzling hues of blue, green, purple, and more.
2. Snacks and Soup
Snacks
Relish hot drinks and snacks as you wait to see the spectacular Northern Lights in the Arctic skies. Not only that, you also get to enjoy a fish soup on your return to Tromso, a classic delicacy of the region.
3. Fishing
Included in price
With fishing gear provided, try your hand at fishing aboard the luxury cruise while chasing the Northern Lights. You might reel in some luck!
Bicycle
Tromso city
Arctic Cathedral
5
Kaigata waterfront area
Inclusions
Exclusions
Tromso
Ramfjord
Ristraumen
1
Kvaløya
Tickets included
Stop at the local fishing facility in Kvaløya to learn about the influence of the fishing culture in northern Norway and its importance in family and culture.
Fish products
Snacks
On the island of Kvaløya, you will learn about traditional and famous drying racks and how they make it to the plate. As you get to know about this, you will get to try out some products that were and are still made at the facility.
4
Tromso
Inclusions
Exclusions
Bus Platforms at Bus Terminal Prostneset
The comfortable RED bus for the small-group whale-watching tour departs from Bus Platforms at Bus Terminal Prostneset (Samuel Arnesens Gate 5, Tromsø). The bus light banner will indicate Whale Route Skjervøy, making it easy to hop aboard the right bus.
4 hours
Ullsfjord
Lyngenfjord
1
Skjervoy
240 min
2 activities
Tickets included
Now that you've arrived at your much-awaited stop and spot for whale-watching, meet your expert Captain and environmental guide to receive brief orientation and safety instructions and hop aboard the heated cruise to go have a whale of a time!
1. Whale-watching
Included in price
Immerse yourself in one of the world's richest marine ecosystems with the opportunity to observe orcas, humpback whales, and other majestic cetaceans in their natural habitat. Learn more about their behavior and get fascinating insights into their environment from your environmental guide onboard.
2. Photography
Included in price
This tour is designed for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts as you get photography tips during the cruise. Apart from that, you can catch glimpses of marine life beneath the waves as the boat is equipped with a night vision underwater camera and hydrophone, helping you tune into the haunting calls of the whales.
Boat
4
Bus Platforms at Bus Terminal Prostneset
Inclusions
Comfort Hotel Xpress, Gronnegata 35, Tromso
Ready for a unique small-group expedition? Meet your guide/driver at the Comfort Hotel Xpress prior to the scheduled time so you can hop aboard and start your adventure timely.
89.9 km
79.8 minutes
1
Northern Norway
120 min
1 attractions
1 activities
Free Admission
Drive to some of the most picturesque locations in Northern Norway to experience the true beauty of the Arctic region and enjoy fresh perspectives of the everchanging landscapes.
1. Whale island and fjords
Free Admission
On your drive, experience the snow-clad peaks of Whale Island and see the sparkling water of the fjords. The driver makes stops at unique locations so that you can soak in the best Arctic views and enjoy taking pictures as you stop.
2. Wildlife spotting (tentative)
Included in price
The spots you will be driven to are also places you might catch glimpses of sea eagles soaring above in the Arctic skies or reindeer grazing along side.
3. Lunch
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch with vegetarian and vegan options that you can request as per your preference. You can also choose from a variety of warm beverages to brave the Arctic chill.
2
Comfort Hotel Xpress, Gronnegata 35, Tromso
Enjoy driving through the scenic Arctic fjords from Tromso with a small group, lunch, and promising views that make for an exciting adventure
Enjoy driving through the scenic Arctic fjords from Tromso with a small group, lunch, and promising views that make for an exciting adventure
Inclusions
Your whale watching trip kicks off with a guide sharing interesting facts about the whales and the Arctic ecosystem, making the trip educational and fun. You will learn about the migration pattern of the whales, their behavior and feeding habits, and the importance of protecting these incredible creatures.
Keep your eyes peeled for the stars of the show—humpback whales breaching, orcas slicing through water, and occasionally, the enormous fin whales making an appearance. Keep your camera ready—you might even see pods of dolphins or seals lounging on ice floes.
While spotting whales, you'll also be treated to breathtaking panoramic views, with snow-capped mountains, crisp blue waters, and peaceful skies creating an idyllic backdrop to your tour. The scenery alone is worth the trip.
Many whale safari boats offer a heated indoor parlor where you can warm up and relax during your whale spotting Tromso tour. While the outdoor deck offers the best views, the cozy indoor space allows you to escape the chill and enjoy the scenery through large panoramic windows.
During your Arctic whale watching tour, you can enjoy warm beverages and snacks, with options available for purchase onboard. Sipping hot chocolate or warm soup while watching whales glide through the Arctic fjords is a classic Tromso experience that warms both body and soul.
The fjords around Tromso are rich in herring, which attracts the whales to these waters. Watching these mighty creatures feed is one of the highlights of any whale watching tour—an awe-inspiring moment that showcases the power and grace of these giants.
In winter, as the days grow shorter, Tromso whale watching tours may offer a rare chance to see the Northern Lights. If you're lucky, you might witness the Aurora Borealis lighting up the Arctic sky while you're on the water—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whale watching tours in Tromso often cater to small group sizes, which means a more personalized and intimate experience. You'll have plenty of space to enjoy the views, interact with the guide, and fully experience the Arctic environment.
One of the most common whale species in Tromso, humpback whales are famous for their acrobatic displays, often breaching and slapping the water with their fins. These gentle giants migrate to the Norwegian coast to feast on the abundant herring, making them a regular sight on whale watching tours Tromso. With a length of up to 16 meters, seeing a humpback leap out of the water is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Tromso is dedicated to protecting its pristine Arctic environment, and most whale watching tours follow eco-friendly practices to ensure minimal impact on marine life:
These sustainable efforts reflect a commitment to responsible tourism so that future generations can enjoy the incredible beauty of Arctic wildlife. Choosing an eco-conscious tour supports conservation and enhances your whale-watching experience.
Departure time: Most tours generally depart early in the morning between 7:30am - 8am.
Duration: 8 - 9 hours
Best time to go whale watching in Norway:
Boarding point: Brim Explorer Tromso - Meeting Point Tours | Find on map
Getting there:
While whale watching in Tromso may be the main event, don't miss the opportunity to go on a Northern Lights excursion. Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, and many tours are designed to optimize your chances of witnessing this magical phenomenon.
Aurora Boreal tours
For a truly Norwegian experience, try a dog sledding adventure through the snowy Arctic wilderness. You'll be pulled by a team of eager huskies as you glide through pristine landscapes, an exhilarating way to explore Tromso's natural beauty.
The starting price of Whale watching tours Tromso is . This price may vary depending on the type of tour you choose and any extra amenities included.
Whale watching in Tromso Norway typically lasts 8 to 9 hours, depending on the specific tour and the weather conditions. Some tours may extend a little if there is an opportunity to see more wildlife. Remember that these are full-day experiences, so plan accordingly with appropriate clothing, snacks, and any medication for seasickness.
Yes, most whale watching tours in Tromso are family-friendly and safe for children. However, it's important to consider the length of the tour (usually 8 to 9 hours) and the potentially rough sea conditions. Be sure to bring warm clothes for your children and seasickness medication if necessary. Some tours may have age restrictions, so it's advisable to check this when booking your tour.
Seasickness can be a concern, especially for those prone to motion sickness. The waters can sometimes be choppy, so it's a good idea to take seasickness pills beforehand if you're concerned. Many boats are equipped with stabilizers to minimize rocking, and the heated indoor areas provide a stable environment where you can sit if you feel unwell.
It is possible to see the Northern Lights during a whale watching tour, especially if you're out in the evening or early morning. November to February, the best months for whale watching, are also peak times for seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso. While the main focus of the tour is the marine wildlife, a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis adds an extra magical touch to the experience.
While spottings are very common during peak season, they cannot be guaranteed since whales are wild animals. Tour captains use their expertise to take you to areas with recent whale activity. Even if whales are elusive on a particular day, the stunning Arctic scenery and a chance to see other wildlife make the trip worthwhile.
Yes, most whale watching Tromso tours are suitable for wheelchairs, prams, and strollers. The boats are designed to easily maneuver wheelchairs or strollers.
