Norway · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Boats in Norway

24 tours  ·  from $182

Orca and humpback follow the herring into the Arctic fjords each winter, so this is a seasonal booking. These 15 compare hybrid-electric boats against RIBs, trip length and what happens on a day with no sighting.

Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Why Skjervøy is the main event
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

1.Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

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

Cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøy on Brim Explorer’s quiet hybrid-electric catamaran, watching for orcas, humpback, fin, and sperm whales. Guides such as Bee, Adrian, Ivan, and Connor have led lively onboard talks, while heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and a café make the long Arctic crossing comfortable.

“Honestly everything was wonderful. I was on the bus up part of the journey, don't worry about which side you sit on - its all incredible. Look out for porpoises in the fjords as you go up. The bus is comfy and has USB/USBC chargers & WiFi and some water and a cereal bar for you. once you get to the boat they get you on quickly and within 15 minutes we were watching Orcas and Fin whales..I honestly couldn't believe it. They were incredible. The boat are really respectful of their habitat and slowdown/stop within certain distances to allow the Whales to make their own minds on how close…”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele - Why the MS Gabriele makes the long trip easier
Arctic Safaris in Tromsø, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

2.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

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

Cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøy aboard the warm, fast MS Gabriele, searching for orcas and humpback whales that follow the herring. Guides such as Lorenzo, Raul, and Bjørnar explain whale behavior and Arctic wildlife in English. You can watch from heated indoor seats or three outdoor decks, with snacks and drinks sold onboard.

“Great trip, received communication in advance that whales had left area so would be a different trip visiting an island. The boat was comfortable, our guide was informative and interesting and great scenery to view.”

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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari - Searching the Skjervøy whale grounds
Arctic Safaris in Tromsø, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

3.All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

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

Set out from Tromsø at 8 AM for an eight-hour boat trip to Skjervøy, where you search for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, and Arctic seabirds. Guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, and Holly share whale facts while you use heated cabins, outdoor decks, thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, and lunch.

“We saw orcas, fin whales and humpback whales, we got told information about them. The sfaff was really nice. Be mindful of bad weather conditions and sea sickness.”

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Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø - Leaving Tromsø and passing Lyngstuva lighthouse
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

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

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

Cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøy aboard Brim Explorer’s quiet hybrid-electric boat. The 7 to 9 hour trip follows the Lyngen Alps and Lyngstuva lighthouse to feeding grounds where humpback whales and orcas may gather. Expect a warm cabin, outdoor decks, wildlife talks, paid snacks and drinks, and no guarantee of sightings.

“We did get to see some whales from roughly 400 yards. Was not really close enough to get the ideal pic. The boat ride was cool to see the views from a different perspective so I’m not gonna put all negative. But here’s where my positive ends. We were told that it was not a full menu on Sundays. And even if it was a full menu, there really is no choice of a protein for food and if you leave before breakfast, don’t plan on having an actual meal until dinner time. Also, the soup was just OK and 185 NOK. You do the math. I’m sure this company…”

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Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins - What you may see at the canyon
Lofoten Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

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

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

From Bleik Marina, guides including Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie take up to 12 people by RIB into Bleik Canyon. Expect 3.5 hours of whale watching, puffin colonies, sea eagles, warm flotation gear, photos, and muffins under the summer midnight sun.

“The whale safari was absolutely amazing. We even came back for a second run ;-) Being so close to this magical sea creatures is powerful and magical. Norbert en Christine are great guides. They're kind, professional, experienced. And, this was very important to us: respectful to the animals. They have a lot of knowledge on their behaviour and are careful with them.”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm - The long run to the herring grounds
Arctic Safaris in Tromsø, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

6.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

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

Sail from Tromsø’s Nerstranda Quay aboard the warm catamaran Keiser Wilhelm, guided in English by a whale-focused crew that may include Mario. Expect six to eight hours at sea, with orcas and humpbacks the main targets, large viewing windows, an open deck, onboard snacks and drinks, and a free return trip if no whales are found.

“Absolutely brilliant trip, one of the best days of my life. Thank you so much to Mario and team for looking after us, all of your knowledge and passion for the whales shone through. We were lucky enough to see lots of orcas and humpback whales! Boat ride left on time, was easy to find and was as smooth as possible. Facilities on the boat were great too.”

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From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise - The first run across the fjord
Alta Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Alta

From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise

7.Whale and Seabird Cruise

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

Set out from Havneveien 24 with an English or Norwegian guide for a whale and seabird safari on Alta Fjord. Warm suits, indoor viewing, outdoor decks, coffee, tea and biscuits are included. In autumn and winter, herring can draw orcas, humpbacks and fin whales close to the boat, while white-tailed eagles patrol the sky.

“It’s unbelievable experience. Have seen orcas and whales, definitely recommend the tour, it’s a good value for money. Captain is a nice person and it was really warm inside the ship, so if you get cold, you can warm up inside with tea or coffee and cookies.”

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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy - Dressing for three hours on open water
Arctic Safaris in Tromsø, RIB Boat Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

8.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

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

Travel from Tromsø to Skjervøy by bus, or meet the team there, then spend 2.5 to 3 hours on a small RIB searching for orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales. Guides including Ina and Iver provide flotation suits, boots, mittens, goggles, and local wildlife knowledge. The long bus ride is the main trade-off.

“We had a whale of a time. Be prepared for a long bus transfer (approx. 4 hours) to the activity plus the same transfer time back. Our guides, Ini and Iver were very informative and provided a memorable experience. We were very lucky to spot Orca and Humpback Whales.”

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24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise - Sleeping at sea instead of rushing back to Tromsø
Cruises & Boat Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

9.24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise

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

Set sail from Tromsø for an overnight Arctic cruise toward Skjervøya. You’ll enjoy a three-course dinner, northern-lights viewing from the boat, lectures, a cabin, breakfast, lunch, and several hours of whale watching. The small group is limited to 52 people, with English service throughout.

“The crew and tour guides are lovely, couldn’t do more for you to ensure upmost comfort. Knowledgeable about the whales and northern lights with several talks across the 2 days. We learnt lots of new things. Cabins are comfy and warm and there’s several food choices at each meal. All you of what we had was lovely. Whilst we didn’t get to see the northern lights due to cloud cover the polar twilight gave impressive scenery and beautiful colours in the sky. We did see loads of humpback whales including several breaches and several pods of killer whales some getting pretty close. An amazing trip and one to remember for…”

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Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide - Finding the harbor meeting point
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, RIB Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 109 reviews

Join local guide Viktor and Reisafjord Xperience for a three-hour RIB safari from Skjervøy. Watch for orcas, humpback whales, and sometimes fin whales while learning about their behavior. Warm suits, boots, hats, goggles, and life jackets are supplied, but bring good gloves and neck protection for the cold ride.

“What an incredible experience! We might have been the only RIB to spot orcas today. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close in their natural environment was absolutely unforgettable. The captain was fantastic. His expertise made the experience even more special. I couldn’t recommend this tour enough. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure I’ll never forget! If you’re considering a whale-watching tour, this is the one to book!”

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Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip - The ride from Tromsø to Skjervøy
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip

11.Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip

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

Travel by comfortable bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy, then board a covered, heated boat with Captain Jacob and guide Philip. You will search for orcas, humpback, minke, and fin whales, with photo advice, underwater cameras, hot drinks, and room to step outside on the terrace.

“The trip was fantastic! The guide and captain were both excellent—very professional and knowledgeable, sharing lots of interesting information throughout. We were lucky to see orcas and humpback whales, which was truly amazing. The boat was also warm and comfortable, making the experience even better. Highly recommend!”

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Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat - What a three-hour RIB trip feels like
Cruises & Boat Tours, RIB Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat

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

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

From Skjervøy, you ride a high-speed RIB along Norway’s Arctic coast for three hours, searching for orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and sperm whales. A small group of up to two people gets thermal suits, life vests, mittens, goggles, and an English or Norwegian guide. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“Incredible! Stunning northern landscapes! Excellent organization! We saw lots of killer whales, humpback whales, and fin whales. We were thrilled. I'm showing the photos and videos to my friends. Everyone is delighted. I'm thinking of going on this tour again next year.”

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Alta: Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat - The first hour: finding the herring and the whales
Alta Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Alta

Alta: Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat

13.Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat

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

Join guide Valerie and a local captain for a four-hour whale safari from Alta Harbor. You’ll ride Sea Runner, a compact boat with heated indoor seating, a toilet, WiFi, coffee, tea, and cookies while searching for orcas and humpback whales in the Altafjord. Sightings are likely but never guaranteed, and warm layers are essential.

“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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Whale Safari in Tromso - Through the Tromsø fjords toward whale country
Arctic Safaris in Tromsø, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Tromsø

Whale Safari in Tromso

14.Whale Safari in Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $182Best value

Set out from Nerstranda in Tromsø at 9:00 a.m. for a six to eight-hour catamaran cruise through the fjords toward whale country. English-speaking guides such as Lorenzo, Raul, Eide, and Mario share facts about the wildlife. Expect orcas, humpbacks, cold decks, a warm cabin, and possible rough water.

“The humpback whale viewing was difficult because guests at the front wouldn’t kneel to allow more people to see. Otherwise, the guide was great and seeing the orcas was delightful! The cabin was comfortable and overall we really enjoyed our experience”

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From Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIB - What the 210-minute itinerary feels like
Alta Tours, RIB Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Alta

From Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIB

15.Small Group Whale Watching by RIB

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

Meet at Æventyr Adventure Store in Alta, then ride to the harbor where whales were last seen, sometimes up to an hour away. On a small-group boat with no more than 12 people, search for humpbacks and orcas among winter fjords. Thermal suits, gloves, goggles, shoes, hot drinks, snacks, and an English-speaking guide are included.

“An outstanding whale watching experience! The tour was extremely well organized, and the guides shared fascinating knowledge about the whales, their behavior, and their natural habitat. We especially appreciated how carefully the guides respected a safe distance at all times, always prioritizing the animals’ well-being. We felt very well looked after throughout the tour. A truly memorable and responsible experience that we highly recommend!”

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New in Whale Watching

★ 4.0Whale safari with Puffins and Muffins (Andøy, Vesterålen)From $2056 reviews
★ 5.0Small group Whale watchingFrom $2858 reviews
★ 5.0Alta Fjord Whale Watching on a Heated BoatFrom $2526 reviews

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