English
English
Contents
What is silent whale watching?
Silent whale watching is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional tours, designed to minimize disturbance to marine life. Unlike traditional boats that use loud, fuel-powered engines, silent whale watching tours use boats with electric, nearly soundless engines, which drastically reduce noise pollution and vibrations that can disturb marine life.
Researchers have found that excessive noise and engine vibrations can cause stress and alter the behavior of whales, sometimes even forcing them to change their feeding or migratory patterns. So, when you opt for a silent tour, you're making a choice to observe without disturbing. This means that while you still see these incredible animals up close, they're free to go about their natural behavior without feeling threatened or chased.
Whale watching tours TromsoWhat to expect on a silent whale watching tour?
Use of electric and silent engines:
Once the boat crew spots whales in the distance, they'll switch to silent electric engines. This is a critical part of the tour, designed to minimize disturbance to the whales and the surrounding ecosystem.
Respecting the whales' space:
The crew doesn't chase or corner the whales. Instead, follow them from a considerable distance and sail slowly in parallel with their swimming direction, allowing them to feed and socialize undisturbed. Often, this respectful approach leads to the whales curiously approaching the vessel on their own.
Our whale watching philosophy
One of the most appealing aspects of these tours is the commitment to responsible wildlife tourism. Here's how these tours show respect for the whales:
Slow and steady boat speed
The boat moves at a slow speed around the whales to avoid startling them. By maintaining a steady pace, the crew ensures that the whales remain undisturbed.
Approaching carefully
When the boat approaches a whale, it is always from the side, in the direction the whale is already swimming. This prevents cutting off the whale's path and allows them to swim freely.
Stopping for close encounters
If a whale swims up to the boat—an experience you'll never forget—the engine is either turned off or placed in neutral to avoid accidental movement or noise that might scare the whale away.
Spending limited time with each whale
To further minimize impact, the tours limit the time spent with any single whale or group. This way, the animals can continue feeding or socializing without feeling disturbed by human activity.
Avoiding crowds
Whenever possible, the crew tries to steer clear of areas crowded with other whale watching vessels. This gives the whales more space and reduces the number of boats in one area.
When to go and what you'll see on silent whale watching Tromso tours?
The best time for whale watching in Tromso is between November and January when the herring migration attracts large numbers of whales to the area. You might spot orcas, humpback whales, and sometimes fin whales during this time.
The setting itself is equally stunning. With Tromso’s breathtaking Arctic landscapes and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights in the winter months, a whale-watching tour here becomes more than just an encounter with wildlife—it’s an immersive natural experience.
Plan your whale watching tour
Book your whale watching tours in Tromso
Frequently asked questions about silent whale watching Tromso tours
What is the benefit of using electric engines around the whales?
Electric engines significantly reduce the vibrations and noise pollution that can disturb marine life. By using these boats, silent whale watching Tromso tours ensure a more peaceful environment for the whales, which helps keep their natural behaviors intact. Moreover, since the boat's engines are nearly silent, it's also much easier to hear the whales' vocalizations and even the sounds of them surfacing for air.
Is there a difference in the behavior of whales when approached silently?
Yes, whales tend to be less disturbed and often behave more naturally when approached by boats with silent engines. This means you may observe them feeding, playing, or even approaching your boat out of curiosity, creating a more authentic and respectful wildlife experience.
What are the environmental benefits of silent whale watching Tromso tours?
By using electric engines and maintaining a respectful distance from the whales, silent whale watching Tromso tours reduce noise pollution and minimize disturbances to marine life. This eco-friendly approach helps protect the whales' natural habitats and promotes sustainable tourism.
How close will we get to the whales?
The tours are designed to respect the whales' space. The boat maintains a safe distance to avoid disturbing them. If the whales are curious, they may approach the boat themselves, but the crew will not actively pursue or chase them.
Are silent whale watching tours suitable for photographers?
Yes, silent whale watching tours are ideal for photographers due to the calm and quiet environment. With less noise and disturbance, you'll have better opportunities to capture natural whale behaviors in a peaceful setting. Additionally, the chance of whales approaching the boat on their own makes for unique and close-up photography opportunities.