The 10 Best Whale Watching Tours in Norway

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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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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3.Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

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

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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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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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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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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7.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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8.Alta: Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 4 hours · from $262Top rated

From Alta Harbor, join guide Valerie and the captain aboard Sea Runner for a four-hour whale safari through Altafjord. Watch for orcas, humpbacks, sea eagles, and other wildlife while staying warm in the cabin, then step outside when the sea calms for close views of the Arctic fjord.

“Amazing whale watching trip with enthusiastic & knowledgeable guide. We saw 1 family of Humpbacks whales very close to our boat and others in the distance. So many views of Orcas we lost count! Bonus was a White- tailed sea eagle flying above our heads. We would recommend this trip.”

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9.Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIB

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 3h 30m · from $278

From Alta, you travel by minibus for up to an hour if needed, then head into the winter fjords in a RIB boat limited to 12 people. Your English-speaking guide provides thermal gear, hot drinks, snacks, and a careful search for humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life.

“Nous avons vus pleins d’espèce : orques, rorqual commun, baleines à bosses. C’était génial ! À cause de la météo nous avons du décaler notre sortie au lendemain du jour prévu nous avons été prévenus et avons échangés facilement par la messagerie. Seul bémol : à cause de la météo ils ont du changer de bateau : un petit bateau avec cabine mais accès extérieur et cela pour le prix du petit bateau à moteur initialement prévu… dommage”

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10.Alta: Alta Fjord Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $262

Join a captain-led, four-hour cruise from Fiskerihavna into Alta Fjord. With only eight places, you get a close look at the search for orcas, sperm whales, hourglass dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes seals. Warm coveralls, boots, wool socks, mittens, tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided.

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