Fjord and Whale Watching Safari from Tromsø

Organized by Norwegian Travel
This offer is very popular 192 people chose this activity this year

Activity Snapshot

Fitness level: Everybody welcome
Duration: 8 hrs
Spoken languages: English, Norwegian
Cancellation policy: moderate More info
Opening seasons:
  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D

Activity description

Embark on adventurous whale watching safari in Tromsø and Northern Norway. Take-in the Arctic scenery while observing the world's biggest mammals!

Immerse yourself in the Arctic wildlife and the Norwegian fjords, and learn all about the local marine life of the region. From mid-October to late January, the Norwegian fjords around Tromsø welcome some very special guests: the whales! The world’s biggest mammals that visit to feed on the Atlantic herring throughout the dark winter months. 

The most common whale species you'll be able to see are the humpback whale, orca, harbor porpoise and sometimes even the fin whales. The islands and waters of the Norwegian fjords are also home to sea eagles, seals, and many different bird species!

Your adventure begins at the Harbour in Tromsø's city center where you will meet your guides and follow a safety briefing before boarding the boat. You will also have a small presentation about the whales, and learn some insights about the local history, nature and Nordic culture. 

Equipped with panoramic windows and outdoor decks, this cruise safari promises some astonishing views of the Norwegian coast! Your Captain will follow the best routes to optimize your chances of seeing the whales, and take you on a ride between the islands and the fjords, overlooking the Arctic mountains along the way! 

The journey can take up to three hours, depending on the weather conditions and on the last spot that the whales have been spotted. Once you've made your way to the whale feeding site, the ship will anchor for approximately an hour and a half, so you can observe these magnificent species in their natural habitat. You will drift along with the whales, gently following their path while making them aware of your presence in their natural environment. 

After you've observed the whales, it is time to head back to the Harbour in Tromsø. Marvel at the surrounding landscapes of the snowy mountains and the mesmerizing fjords, accompanied by the local Nordic wildlife!

This is a fantastic experience for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. Book your whale watching safari in Tromsø and immerse yourself in the Arctic marine life, observing the world's biggest mammals!

Course of events

- Please arrive at the Harbour 15 minutes in advance 

- Meet your guides 

- Safety briefing and presentation

- The adventure begins!

- Cruise along breathtaking sceneries

- Stop to observe the whales

- Cruise back towards the Harbour 

- Back in Tromsø

Activity requirements

Keep in mind that the weather in the Arctic can be rough. If becoming seasick is your concern, we recommend taking seasickness medicine half an hour before the tour starts. 

Special terms

* Please be advised that while the Captains will do their best to optimize your chances of seeing the whales, sightings cannot be guaranteed, as a consequence of weather conditions and the whales’ natural behavior. 

* If you don't see any whales on your tour, you can book a second tour for free. (Subject to availability on the next tour) 

Included
  • Thermal winter suit
  • Life jacket
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Water
Excluded
  • Snacks on board (additional fee)
Do not forget to bring
  • Warm footwear
  • Hat
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • Warm layers
100% secure payments
by credit card or Paypal
Meeting point
The harbourside behind Nerstranda, Strandgata 9, 9008 Tromsø. Get directions

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 10 days or more prior to the agreed activity date
You will be automatically refunded for the full amount for the activity
10 days
Cancellation between 4 and 10 days prior to the agreed activity date
You are entitled to a 50% refund
4 days
Cancellation 4 days or later prior to the agreed activity date
No refund will be possible
Weather Guarantee
Regardless of the date, if the activity is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule

Reviews

Average rating
4.8 / 5
  • (35)
Excellent
Very good
Average
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Terrible
  • 5 / 5

Wir sahen mehrere Buckelwale. Immer wieder bekamen wir Erklärungen zu den Tieren, die waren sehr interessant. Leider haben wir keine Orcas gesehen.

  • 4 / 5

Paysages magnifiques. Bon spot. Ce n'est pas Marineland ! Mais l'essentiel est là, les baleines et orques sont libres.

  • 4 / 5

Belle excursion. Paysages magnifiques. Seul bemol, nous sommes restés que 30 minutes à observer les orques et les baleines nombreuses et on serait bien resté plus longtemps surtout que le trajet dure quand même 30 minutes.

  • 5 / 5

tres interessante

  • 5 / 5

Parfait

  • 4.3 / 5

Malgré un long trajet pour voir les baleines, environ 3h aller, 3h retour, nous avons vu des orques et des baleines à bosses. Le trajet est cependant agréable grâce aux magnifiques paysages des fjords et des pecheurs :) Attention lors de la route si il y a beaucoup de vent. Risque de mal de mer ^^

  • 5 / 5

Die Crew hat alles gegeben, damit wir einen unvergesslichen Tag hatten

  • 5 / 5

We enjoyed the expertise of Daniel he was very funny and most knowledgeable so he made it fun all 7 hrs of sailing we got to see group of Humpback whales fascinating!

  • 4 / 5

nice

  • 5 / 5

Env. 2h30 pour arriver sur site. Superbes shows vus a plusieurs reprises : groupe de 10 a 15 baleines face a nous à 50/100m du bateau, pendant plusieurs min. Quelques orques. Un vri moment Superbes paysages. Bateau confortable et bien déneigé. Combi thermique dispo a bord si besoin. Bonnes explications à bord avec support Video TV. Services collations OK. Essayez d'arriver vraiment en avance afin d'avoir de bonnes places/tables plutôt que quelques bouts de banquettes à l'arriere. L'une des meilleures excursions faites pendant notre sejour (1 sem 5 pers)

  • 5 / 5

Cette excursion était magnifique, un spectacle majestueux des baleines et des orques à perte de vue et également des aigles des mers. Je recommande fortement, le personnel était incroyable et la bateau confortable et chauffé.

  • 5 / 5

Der Ausglug mit dem Boot in die norwegischen Fjords war traumhaft! Die wunderschöne Landschaft wurde durch die Sichtung von Walen angerundet.

  • 3.8 / 5

2h30 de bateau pour arriver sur site. malheureusement ce jour là, mauvaise météo, beaucoup de houle. Vu 3/4 baleines mais pas grand chose comparé à la veille (meilleur météo donc vu une 20aine de cétacés).

  • 5 / 5

Amazing activity day of seeing whales and birds 🦅

  • 5 / 5

Bateau très confortable (et chauffé!) qui vous emmène à 2h30 de tromso voir les baleines à bosse et les orques. La traversée des fjords est très belle. Prévoir des vêtements chauds et des gants tactiles (pour ceux qui comme moi on un iPhone) car une fois sur le pont il fait très froid et on peut vite perdre un doigt ;)

  • 5 / 5

Excellent tour. No whales to be seen but scenery was amazing.

  • 5 / 5

It was an amazing tour and experience. The crew was very kind and friendly and helpful, many thanks.

  • 4.3 / 5

The activity was quite nice. The cruise through the fjords was absolutely stunning. Good thing we were provided with hot drinks and thermal suits because the wind made it extremely cold outside the cabin!

  • 5 / 5

Considering the weather the team made every effort to find at least a couple of orcas. We had a choice to rebook before we left if we decided to go a different day due to weather. We were one of the only boats that managed to see the whales even though it was brief. Will definitely be going again.

  • 5 / 5

The activity was very good although the conditions were very poor. We were offered an alternative day but unfortunately, it was our last day. We did see some orcas but again conditions were very stormy.

  • 5 / 5

We were lucky with the weather (beautiful calm day), and so had an amazing trip through the fjords during the polar night. After 2.5 hours we reached the bay where the whales feed - the crew kept us close to the action and we saw humpbacks and orca. We were travelling with kids and they loved it - though at times they needed to fight their way to the front to see as everyone gravitated to the side of the boat closest to the whales! As we had young kids we didn't go on the RIB boats - but the people who did got a great display on the day we went and got really close to the whales. You can still see everything from the main boat, but are a bit further back. Crew were great and the boat was comfortable. Highly recommended.

  • 5 / 5

Tout était magnifique : le parcours dans les fjords, les paysages uniques, les luminosités magiques, les baleines enfin. Et des accompagnatrices souriantes et compétentes. Bref c’était tout à fait réussi et à refaire.

  • 5 / 5

Good! Very interesting and impressive

  • 5 / 5

The Trip was amazing! We saw a whole pod of killer whales and two humpback whales and it was insane. We were lucky that the weather was awesome and there were almost no waves. I spent about 4 hours on deck just enjoying the beautiful nature around Tromso!

  • 5 / 5

We were very lucky with the stellar weather and for having the opportunity to watch some orcas and whales!

  • 5 / 5

A breathtaking experience. They travel to where they know the whales are feeding (in this case a 2 hour + boat journey) and all the tour guides were very attentive. Tea and coffee available on board as well as biscuits, plus extra food available at a cost. We were lucky to meet a large amount of Orca’s that came right up to the boat and then saw some humpback whales from a bit of a distance. The driver and team are constantly on the watch for activity and move you as close as possible.

  • 5 / 5

Awesome landscapes, discovering the arctic with a very good team of guides !

  • 5 / 5

Whale watching

  • 4 / 5

We went on a whale safari/fjord cruise with Artic Explorer. We were very lucky on that day I think. We had the chance to see 2 humperback whales and between 3/5 killer whales. The scenery was amazing. All this with amazing fjords and a beautiful sunset.

  • 5 / 5

Absolutely fantastic trip ... very interactive as their was information provide both on the journey out and back on the boat. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and customer focussed. As it was the last day of the trip we did not anticipate seeing any whales however we managed to see humpback whales and a large family if Orca.. got amazing photos will be an experience to remember.

  • 5 / 5

We went on the whale watching tour, saw lots of orca, 2 humpbacks and sea eagles also

  • 4.5 / 5

Whale safari

  • 5 / 5

Absolutely Amazing!!!

  • 5 / 5

The experience was great, really great! We 'met' a high number of whales (more than 10) and they were with us more than one hour. Good job of the organizers! I also enjoyed the view of the nice scenarios that we watched during the trip in the boat.

  • 5 / 5

Everything was great, in the beginning, there were low chances of watching the whales, but the team made it and we found them. The guides were really nice and had very dynamic explanations.