When is the best time to see whales in Tromso?

The best time is from **late October to February** when large numbers of orcas and humpbacks follow herring into the fjords. This is when your chances of sightings are highest.

What exactly is a RIB whale watching tour?

RIB tours are high-speed, small-group experiences designed to bring you closer to whales. These boats are fast, stable, and perfect for getting great views without disturbing the animals.

How long does the tour last?

Most tours last **3 to 5 hours**, including safety briefing, transfer to whale zones, time on the water, and return to Tromso.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You’re likely to spot humpback whales, orcas, sea eagles, and Arctic birdlife. On late afternoon tours, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

**Sightings are very likely** in peak season. Many tours report over 90% success. But as with all wildlife tours, sightings are not guaranteed.

Are RIB tours suitable for children?

Children must be at least **10 years old** and **140 cm tall** to join. This ensures proper fit of safety gear and comfort during the ride.

Wear **warm base layers**, wool or thermal clothing, and **waterproof shoes**. Avoid cotton. Everything you wear should keep you dry and comfortable under the flotation suit.

Will I be given safety gear?

Yes. You’ll be fully equipped with **thermal flotation suits, life vests, gloves, boots, and goggles**. These are designed for Arctic weather and boat safety.

Are there toilets onboard?

**No,** RIB boats don’t have toilets. Use the restroom at the meeting point or before the boat transfer.

What if I need to cancel my booking?

Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Make sure you double-check the policy when you book.

Is the tour eco-friendly?

Yes. Many RIB tours follow **strict environmental guidelines** to minimize disturbance to marine life and protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

RIB Whale Watching Tromso Tours | Expert Guides & Transfers

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Doudaine

France

Jan 2026

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There were no disappointments during this sea trip. The weather was on our side, and the guides were helpful, welcoming, and dedicated. The meeting point with the animals allowed us to see the Norwegian coast at sunrise, and we were lucky enough to enjoy the sight of several groups of orcas and whales! We also had time to observe them and enjoy the experience to the fullest. We highly recommend this excursion.

Cristian

Chile

Jan 2026

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The crew was amazing. We got there super fast. And we did saw whales. The crew made every effort to see whales and to make the trip fun. Completely recommendable. It says it's not allowed to bring your own food, but everyone does. Bring very warm clothing.

Radisa

Germany

Jan 2026

Unfortunately whales left just before our journey should start - the crew offered 3 options including even full refund. Such honesty is worth rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟! We chose to go for a fjord cruise and learned a lot during the ride! Thank you to crew !!! Was a great experience even without whales!

Sydney

Germany

Jan 2026

The tour guides were very nice and helpful, many whales, very Beautiful experience! Our boat wasnt working so we got on a faster one about an hour later. But it was totally worth it!

Lucas

Sep 2025

If you like being out on the water, this trip is for you. Went with my gf—she’s not a big fan of boats but totally loved this one, mostly because of all the birds and the freakin’ beautiful views. Staff gave us extra cookies when they saw us shivering. Weather kept changing, so bring an extra layer. The boat was clean and didn’t smell fishy (bonus).

Yusuf

Nov 2025

Absolutely loved this day! The guides are full of energy and genuinely care that everyone is having fun. I learned a ton about the fjord and the animals (never knew eagles were THAT big). Fishing was a highlight for me, even though my line got tangled twice. Would go again with friends.

What is an RIB boat tour?

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An RIB whale watching tour in Tromso offers a high-adrenaline, close-to-the-action way to see whales in their natural Arctic habitat. RIB stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat—a lightweight, high-speed vessel with a solid hull and inflatable sides. These boats are smaller and more agile than traditional cruise vessels, allowing you to get closer to the water (and the whales) for a more intimate and thrilling experience.

Perfect for adventurous travelers, RIB tours typically host small groups, offer unobstructed views, and come equipped with thermal suits and safety gear to keep you warm and secure on the open water.

Plan your whale watching tour in Tromso

What to expect on a RIB whale watching tour from Tromso?

The tour from Tromso to Skjervoy is a full-day adventure, typically lasting around 12 hours. Here's a detailed breakdown of the experience:

Full-day Arctic adventure

Your adventure begins early in Tromso, with a coach ride through Norway’s winter landscapes. The 3.5 to 4-hour journey to Skjervoy takes you past snowy peaks, frozen fjords, and quiet Arctic villages, setting the stage for an unforgettable whale watching experience in Tromso.

Warm gear and pre-tour briefing

At Skjervoy harbour, you’ll get suited up in insulated flotation suits, thermal boots, mittens, hats, goggles, and life vests to stay warm and safe in the Arctic chill. After a quick safety briefing from your guide, you are all set to begin your RIB journey.

High-speed fjord cruising

Once you’re on the RIB, get ready for an exciting ride through the Arctic fjords. These fast boats take you closer to the whales than larger boats, while still keeping a safe distance. From November to January, when the herring arrive in Tromso, you have a good chance of spotting all sorts of whales, including orcas, humpback whales, and sometimes even fin whales.

360° views and immersive experience

The open design of RIB boats gives you unobstructed, panoramic views, ideal for photography or simply soaking in the stillness of the Arctic. Each boat holds just 12 guests and is led by guides who share insights into whale behavior, Arctic ecosystems, and marine conservation. From the fjords to the marine giants that roam them, every moment feels personal and real.

Comfort touches that matter

After your time on the water, warm up with a hot drink and a fresh baguette back at the dock before your return trip to Tromso. It’s a simple, thoughtful gesture that caps off your Arctic adventure on a cozy note.

Whale watching in Skjervoy >

Plan your RIB whale watching Tromso tour

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Departure from Tromso: 5:30am
Duration: 12 hours
Best time to go on a RIB whale watching tour in Tromso: From late October to February (this is when the whales migrate to the Arctic fjords to feed on herring).

Tromso whale season

Meeting point: Bus Terminal Prostneset

Address: Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008  Tromso (under the grey harbour terminal building) | Find on map

Getting there:

On Foot: If you're staying in central Tromso, it’s an easy 5–10 minute walk (around 500–600 m) to Prostneset. Just follow the harborfront walkway past local shops and cafes until you reach the terminal building.
By Bus: Local buses run frequently throughout Tromso. Get off at the Prostneset stop—this is the main terminal, and most routes pass through here. It’s centrally located and easy to reach from most parts of the city.
By Taxi: Taxis are available across the city. A short ride from anywhere in central Tromso to Prostneset takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic.

How to get to Tromso?

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Thermal suits and safety gear are provided to keep you warm and safe in cold Arctic conditions.
Restrooms are available at the departure point
Refreshments are available at the harbour before/after the trip.
Round-trip AC transfers to Skjervoy from Tromso
Professional skipper/guide on the RIB whale watching Tromso tour

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Guests must be at least 10 years old and 140 cm (4.59 ft) tall to join the tour.
RIB tours are not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with back or neck issues.
Carry any valuable or fragile items, such as cameras, at your own risk. We recommend using waterproof bags to protect your belongings.

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Book in advance, especially during peak whale watching season (November to January).
Carry a valid photo ID at the meeting point for a seamless experience
While you'll be given a flotation suit, it's essential to wear warm layers underneath, especially thermal clothing, a thick hat, gloves, and wool socks.
Bring along a waterproof bag to protect any cameras, phones, or personal items.
If you plan to take photos, use a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture the whales as they breach the surface.
Keep in mind that whale watching can be unpredictable since you're observing wild animals in their natural environment. On some days, you may spot many whales, while on others, it might be a bit quieter.

Frequently asked questions about RIB whale watching Tromso tours

Unfortunately, the RIB whale watching tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or for pregnant guests. Boarding the RIB boat requires a certain level of physical agility, and the ride can be bumpy due to the speed and sea conditions.

Sail silently on an electric catamaran through Arctic fjords for a chance to see the dancing Aurora.

Day out to: Sail silently through Arctic fjords on a 3.5-hour cruise, guided by experts who share stories and science behind the Aurora. Relax in heated lounges with vegan soup or step onto the deck for breathtaking views.
You'll get: A cozy Arctic cruise, live commentary from professional guides, vegan soup included, drinks available for purchase, and panoramic views of Tromso’s skyline on the return.
Northern Lights: Witness the Arctic sky ignite with shades of green, purple, and pink as the Aurora Borealis sweeps across Tromso’s horizon, a breathtaking natural wonder.
Upgrades: Choose a luxury option with thermal suits, fishing gear, snacks, and soup, or upgrade to a dinner package with a full 3-course meal onboard.

Inclusions #

Electric cruise through the Tromso fjords
Professional local guide
Northern Lights Luxury Cruise (as per option selected)
- Warm coffee, tea, and a snack
- Fish soup on the way back to Tromso
- Thermal suits for all guests
- Fishing gear
Northern Lights Cruise with Dinner (as per option selected)
- 3-course meal

What to bring

Dress warmly in layers, including a hat, gloves, and scarf, as it can get cold on the water.
Bring a valid photo ID if requested at check-in.
Consider bringing a camera to capture the Northern Lights.
Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard.
Smoking is not allowed on the vessel.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Drinks are available to purchase onboard.
The cruise operates in cold and potentially changing weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please check your booking confirmation for the exact departure time and further instructions.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sail silently on an electric catamaran through Arctic fjords for a chance to see the dancing Aurora.

Day out to: Sail silently through Arctic fjords on a 3.5-hour cruise, guided by experts who share stories and science behind the Aurora. Relax in heated lounges with vegan soup or step onto the deck for breathtaking views.
You'll get: A cozy Arctic cruise, live commentary from professional guides, vegan soup included, drinks available for purchase, and panoramic views of Tromso’s skyline on the return.
Northern Lights: Witness the Arctic sky ignite with shades of green, purple, and pink as the Aurora Borealis sweeps across Tromso’s horizon, a breathtaking natural wonder.
Upgrades: Choose a luxury option with thermal suits, fishing gear, snacks, and soup, or upgrade to a dinner package with a full 3-course meal onboard.

Inclusions #

Electric cruise through the Tromso fjords
Professional local guide
Northern Lights Luxury Cruise (as per option selected)
- Warm coffee, tea, and a snack
- Fish soup on the way back to Tromso
- Thermal suits for all guests
- Fishing gear
Northern Lights Cruise with Dinner (as per option selected)
- 3-course meal

What to bring

Dress warmly in layers, including a hat, gloves, and scarf, as it can get cold on the water.
Bring a valid photo ID if requested at check-in.
Consider bringing a camera to capture the Northern Lights.
Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard.
Smoking is not allowed on the vessel.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

Drinks are available to purchase onboard.
The cruise operates in cold and potentially changing weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please check your booking confirmation for the exact departure time and further instructions.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Sightseeing Cruises

Tromso: Northern Lights Cruise

Sail silently on an electric catamaran through Arctic fjords for a chance to see the dancing Aurora.

Day out to: Sail silently through Arctic fjords on a 3.5-hour cruise, guided by experts who share stories and science behind the Aurora. Relax in heated lounges with vegan soup or step onto the deck for breathtaking views.
You'll get: A cozy Arctic cruise, live commentary from professional guides, vegan soup included, drinks available for purchase, and panoramic views of Tromso’s skyline on the return.
Northern Lights: Witness the Arctic sky ignite with shades of green, purple, and pink as the Aurora Borealis sweeps across Tromso’s horizon, a breathtaking natural wonder.
Upgrades: Choose a luxury option with thermal suits, fishing gear, snacks, and soup, or upgrade to a dinner package with a full 3-course meal onboard.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

3 hr. - 3 hr. 30 min.

Meals included

RIB Whale Watching Tours from Tromso

From happy customers

Top things to do in Tromso

Discover Tromso's whales with an exciting RIB whale watching tour

What is an RIB boat tour?