Tromsø / Excursions / Whale watching

Whale watching tours from Tromsø

Tromsø Whale Safaris – Book Tours & Excursions

The best tours and excursions for whale watching from Tromsø Norway. Compare all whale safaris to spot whales such as fin whales, orcas, and humpback whales.

Whale Safaris and Tours from Tromsø
When	The best time to spot whales near Tromsø is from early November to late January. During this period, whales follow the herring, which gathers in the fjords of Skjervøy and Kvaløya. After January, the herring moves on, and so do the whales, making sightings less likely.
Tours	There are several ways to spot whales from Tromsø. Whale safaris by catamaran (more info on catamaran tours) or large boat (more info on standard tours) are the most popular and comfortable ways to spot whales. Larger boats or catamarans offer heated indoor spaces, panoramic windows, and open decks for the best views. For the adventurous traveler, there are RIB boat tours (more info on RIB boat tours). These fast and small boats bring you closer to the whales and offer a more thrilling experience (thermal suits are required). Because these boats are faster, they can respond more quickly to the movements of the whales. 1. Catamaran Tours 2. Standard Boat Tours 3. RIB Boat Tours

Basics	Clothing: It can be freezing on the water, so dress warmly in multiple layers, including a waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves. Some tours provide extra thermal suits. Seasickness: The sea can be rough, so if you get seasick easily, take motion sickness medication beforehand. Photography: A camera with a good zoom lens is useful, as whales sometimes stay at a distance.

Whale Watching from Tromsø

Tromsø, located in northern Norway, is known as one of the best places in the world to spot whales in the wild. From November to January, various whale species migrate to the fjords around Tromsø to feed on large schools of herring. This makes the Tromsø region a top destination for whale watching tours, where you can admire these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

^{Spotting orcas with a RIB boat}

^{Take a whale safari in Tromsø, Norway}

Why a whale safari in Tromsø?

Whale excursions from Tromsø offer a unique opportunity to see some of the largest marine mammals up close. During the winter months (November to January) many orcas, humpback whales, fin whales and occasionally even blue whales migrate to the fjords of northern Norway. The combination of dramatic Arctic landscapes, the chance to witness the Northern Lights, and encounters with these impressive animals makes a whale tour an unforgettable experience.

A typical whale tour starts early in the morning from Tromsø’s harbor. The boat heads toward areas around Skjervøy, Kvaløya, or Lyngenfjord where the whales gather. Once whales are spotted, the boat often shuts off its engine to avoid disturbing the animals. You’ll see orcas slicing through the water with their distinctive black dorsal fins, while humpback whales dive and breach with their massive tails. Besides whales, you may also spot sea eagles, seals, and other Arctic wildlife during the tour (compare all whale safaris here).