Whale Watching · NORWAY

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Norway

36 tours  ·  from $182 a head

The Arctic season is short, dark and spectacular: orca and humpbacks following herring into the fjords from November to January. The 15 below cover Tromso, Skjervoy and Alta, with prices, thermal suits and how much daylight you actually get.

Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Leaving Tromsø in the morning
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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

1.Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,217 reviews · from $195Our pick

Leave Tromsø for the herring-rich fjords near Skjervøy on Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric catamaran. English-speaking guides, heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and onboard food make the long Arctic crossing comfortable. Expect 7 to 9 hours, cold decks, possible waves, and a whale success rate above 95 percent, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Fantastic day out in the fjords looking for whales! We were really lucky with some great humpback sightings that were really close to our boat. The boat itself was super quiet, which was the main reason I chose Brim. The sailing out to where the whales were was very smooth with just one small rough patch for about 30 mins. The staff/guides on board were fantastic, I loved hearing all the information about the different whales we might see and it was great to hear their enthusiasm. I would definitely tour with them again if I make it back to Tromsø, this time hopefully to see some orcas!Read more”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele - The long run toward Skjervøy
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

2.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,937 reviews · 6 hours · from $207

Sail from Tromsø to Skjervøy aboard the warm, comfortable MS Gabriele in search of orcas and humpback whales. Guides including Lorenzo, Raul, and Bjørnar explain whale behavior in English. Watch from large windows or open decks, with snacks and drinks available onboard.

“It was really cold but we managed to see the orcas”

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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari - Reaching Skjervøy and searching for whales
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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

3.Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,221 reviews · from $186

Set out from Tromsø at 8 AM on a heated boat bound for Skjervøy. Guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, or Holly may share whale facts while you watch for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, eagles, and seabirds. Thermal suits, lunch, hot drinks, and outdoor viewing decks are included.

“Very excited to see the whales and listen to the crew share the knowledge of whales in a very engaging way. I got seasick so really recommend people to have medicine in advance, which I didn’t. Despite the fact that I didn’t feel well half way of the journey, the crew were super nice and caring. And I was so lucky to see orcas right in front of my eyes, very close. Definitely worth it!”

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From Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy - The road to Skjervøy is part of the value
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From Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy

4.Tromso: Whale Watching in Magic Skjervoy

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,207 reviews · 12 hours · from $356

Travel by bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy, suit up in thermal gear, then spend 2.5 to 3 hours on a small RIB watching orcas and humpback whales feed on herring. Guides including Kristina, Brigit, and Norbert share Arctic wildlife knowledge. Expect a long, cold, thrilling day.

“Amazing day! Saw 200 + orca’s and loads of humpbacks. Guides were knowledgeable and very respectful of the animals and their space.”

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Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø - The whale search near Kvænangen
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Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

5.Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,017 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $214

Sail from Tromsø toward Skjervøy aboard Brim Explorer, a quiet hybrid-electric boat built for whale watching. The crew searches for humpbacks and orcas near Kvænangen, with talks on whales and Arctic geography. Expect 7 to 9 hours, cold weather, possible rough seas, and no guaranteed sightings.

“A wonderful experience on a lovely boat. The boat was beautiful, clean, warm and the staff absolutely amazing. They travel around as much as possible to maximise your chances of seeing whales and educate you on what types you may see. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins - What the 3.5-hour outing feels like
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Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

6.Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 326 reviews · 3h 30m · from $199

Join a small RIB boat group of up to 12 people from Bleik Marina, 10 minutes from Andenes. Christina, Norbert, Bekka, Katie, or another English-speaking guide leads the search for whales, puffins, seals, and sea eagles, with warm suits, photos, and muffins included.

“We went in deep sea and spotted four sperm whales, which was pretty exciting. But, please be aware that we had to stay one and a half hour still in open sea and this caused several people to become sea sick. And you see the sperm whale not very close. Then we visited two spots for seals and sea puffins (where we also saw many sea eagles from distance).”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm - Boarding at Nerstranda Quay
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

7.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 161 reviews · from $194

Cruise from Tromsø on the white catamaran Keiser Wilhelm for a 6 to 8 hour search for orcas and humpback whales. Guides such as Mario explain whale behavior in English while you watch from large windows or the open deck. A free return ticket is offered if no whales are found.

“Our guides were both super friendly and knowledgeable and nice. They were students from Italy. They had great passion for whales. We ended up spotting orcas who swam with our boat for a good amount of time, despite poor visibility throughout the way. We are super thankful for their useful tips and tricks to avoid seasickness during the voyage. Highly recommended when on a trip to Tromsø.”

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From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise - Orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales
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From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise

8.Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 136 reviews · 3 hours · from $220

Join Sami Experience AS from Havneveien 24 for a whale and seabird cruise on Alta Fjord. A live English or Norwegian guide helps spot orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, sea eagles, and seabirds. Warm suits, hot drinks, biscuits, indoor windows, and outdoor decks make this a practical Arctic wildlife trip.

“The trip was worth every penny. The crew was friendly and attentive, and one crew member even sang in Sami on the way back. We saw many humpback whales and orcas. Simply wonderful. Highly recommended!”

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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy - Choosing the Tromsø departure or Skjervøy meeting point
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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

9.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 136 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $251

Travel from Tromsø or meet in Skjervøy for a small-group RIB safari with guides such as Ina and Ivar. After gearing up in flotation suits, boots, gloves, and goggles, spend about three hours searching for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales among Arctic fjords.

“We had such a great trip with Ivar and his entire crew in Skjervøy. They were very helpful, provided great information about the location, nature and the whales. We got to see so many whales, including humpbacks and entire orca families. The provided clothes kept us warm throughout the entire trip. We would highly recommend this tour since it’s entirely managed and fulfilled by locals. The boat was nice and fast, not too crowded and the captain always kept a safe distance to the whales to not disturb them.”

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24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise - Checking in at Tromsø Havn
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24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

10.24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 22 hours to 1 day (approx.) · from $1,214Top rated

Join Norwegian Travel in Tromsø for an overnight cruise toward Skjervøya. You will chase the northern lights by boat, sleep in a private cabin, eat three meals, hear talks in the Panorama lounge, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales.

“It’s may see expensive, but to my senses it is worth, 24 hours, all meals and unlimited coffee and cookies, northern lights and whale watching and one night stay with nice room and excellent crew on board.”

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Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide - Finding the harbor meeting point
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Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide

11.Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 109 reviews

Meet local guide Victor behind the old white harbor building near Ekstra, suit up in thermal gear, and spend three hours searching Skjervøy’s waters for orcas, humpback whales, and sometimes fin whales. The RIB carries up to 12 passengers and offers an exciting, close-to-the-water ride.

“In short: highly recommended! I’ve been to Tromsø whale watching 10 years ago and back then I had to say it can’t get better than this. Now the herring has moved further north east and with it the whales and the tourists. This year I wanted to give this experiance to my young daughters and I’ve booked a tour with Viktor. Everything about this tour was highly professional and we felt being in good hands. We got all equipment needed including boots, hats, googles, suits, etc. The weather was nice, we even got sunlight and the snow covered mountains in the distance couldn’t have been more beautiful. There was a…”

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Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip - Finding the boat in Skjervøy
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Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip

12.Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 107 reviews · from $373

Travel by heated bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy, then join Philippe, Captain Jacob, and a small group aboard a covered boat built for wildlife photography. Search for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and fin whales while staying warm, hearing guide commentary, and viewing the sea through onboard underwater cameras.

“Perfect day. One of my best whale watching experiences. Thank you Philipe, thank you Jacob.”

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Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour in Skjervoy from Tromso - Orcas, humpbacks, and the thrill of the RIB
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Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour in Skjervoy from Tromso

13.Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour in Skjervoy from Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $365

Leave Tromsø before dawn for the four-hour journey to Skjervøy, where you suit up for a fast RIB boat search for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales. Guides such as Andy, Brigitta, Bridget, and Øystein have led trips, with warm flotation suits, boots, mittens, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and snacks included.

“An amazing day! Well organised, great staff and just stunning sights. I saw orcas and humpback whales. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough 😊”

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Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat - What the RIB ride feels like in winter
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Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat

14.Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 87 reviews · 3 hours · from $240

Meet the Explore 70 Degrees crew in central Skjervøy and ride a fast RIB into Arctic waters for three hours. You may spot orcas, humpback, fin, or sperm whales. Thermal suits, life vests, mittens, and goggles are supplied, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Die Whalewatching Tour allgemein war einfach toll. Ich habe mir meinen Traum erfüllt Orcas in freier Wildbahn zu sehen. Unglaubliches erlebnis. Danke dafür”

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Andenes: Responsible Whale Watching with Classic Catamaran - Searching for whales in changing Arctic waters
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Andenes: Responsible Whale Watching with Classic Catamaran

15.Andenes: Responsible Whale Watching with Classic Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 86 reviews · 4 hours · from $183

Join Arctic Whale Tours AS in Andenes for a 3 to 5 hour search for sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, puffins, and sea eagles. Marine biologists and local guides explain the wildlife, while a heated cabin, hot soup, and Whale Pass rebooking help make the outing more comfortable and flexible.

“Malgré une mer agitée, une sortie qui a tenu toutes ses promesses avec 3 baleines observées. Les guides étaient très bien et particulièrement la guide Française qui nous a permis de mieux comprendre les différents types de baleines. Les guides connaissent très bien leur sujet. Despite a rough sea, an outing that kept all its promises with 3 whales observed. The guides were very good and particularly the French guide who allowed us to better understand the different types of whales. The guides know their subject very well.”

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New in Norway Whale Watching Tours

★ 3.8Svolvær: Whale Watching Day Trip to AndenesFrom $36127 reviews
★ 4.1Tromsø: Whale Watching on hybrid boat with scenic bustripFrom $20830 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkeling with Orcas In Norway, 4 days All-Inclusive expeditionFrom $3,5429 reviews
★ 4.0Whale safari with Puffins and Muffins (Andøy, Vesterålen)From $2056 reviews
★ 3.5Summer Whale Safari in Andenes (Andøy, Vesterålen)From $1942 reviews
★ 5.0Small group Whale watchingFrom $2858 reviews
★ 5.0Alta Fjord Whale Watching on a Heated BoatFrom $2526 reviews
★ 4.5Alta Fjord: Whale Safari ExperienceFrom $2642 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Whale Watching by RIBFrom $30112 reviews
★ 4.53.5-Hour Arctic Magic with Fjord and Whale Watching AdventureFrom $2964 reviews
★ 4.9Skjervøy: Orca and Whale-Watching comfort heated Boat TripFrom $30127 reviews
★ 4.9Alta: Small group Whale watchingFrom $25114 reviews
★ 4.4Alta: 3.5 Hour Fjord & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $2318 reviews
★ 4.9Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIBFrom $27828 reviews
★ 4.7Alta: Alta Fjord Whale Watching TourFrom $26226 reviews

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