Norway · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in Norway

24 tours  ·  from $182

Humpbacks and orcas follow the herring into the fjords, so the season and the boat matter more than the operator. These 15 compare hybrid-electric hulls with RIBs, priced, timed and honest about the swell.

Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Meeting the boat at Kaigata 6
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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

Join Brim Explorer for a nine-hour whale search from Tromsø to the herring-rich fjords near Skjervøy. Ride a heated hybrid-electric catamaran, hear clear explanations from guides such as Connor, Bee, Adrian, and Ivan, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, and sperm whales.

“Very nice, beautiful setting. Orcas are a little shy and prefer to play with the small boats around them. Biut unless you would die to see orcas, I appreciated the beautiful setting comfortably seated in the big boat, even if the orcas are more far than on small boats.”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele - The long run toward Skjervøy
Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 to Skjervøy aboard the warm, fast MS Gabriele, guided in English by crew members including Lorenzo, Raul, and Bjørnar. Look for orcas and humpbacks, watch from large windows or three outdoor decks, and enjoy the Arctic scenery even when whales have moved on.

“Fantastic, it was an amazing experience and I would definitely do it again”

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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari - From Tromsø harbor to the Arctic fjords
Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Tromsø

From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

3.All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

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

Leave Tromsø at 8 AM for a heated boat ride to Skjervøy, where guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, or Holly may help you spot orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, and seabirds. Expect fjord views, a packed lunch, hot drinks, thermal suits, and a long return ride.

“Great experience. Juan, the main guide was amazing and did a very good job giving a lot of information about orcas and whales. It is very very important to take with you pills for seasick otherwise you will have a bad experience. However the views are astonishing”

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Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø - Boarding in Tromsø and settling into Brim Explorer
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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. You’ll pass Lyngstuva lighthouse, search Kvænangen for humpbacks and orcas, and return past the Arctic Cathedral. Expect 7 to 9 hours, cold weather, paid food, and no guaranteed sightings.

“The Brim is very comfortable and we entertained ourselves by playing cards and listening to the fascinating talks the crew gave on our way to the whale watching area. Once we arrived there a couple of other boats just sitting there waiting. Our captain passed them by and sure enough 10 minutes later we found a pod of Orcas. They were moving around quite a bit, but the Captain always seemed to be one step ahead of them so we basically had a solid hour of constant sightings. Well worth the money and the time it took to transit to the area where the whales hang out.”

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Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins - From Bleik Marina to open water
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

Set out from Bleik Marina on a 3.5-hour RIB trip with up to 12 people. Guides such as Christina, Norbert, Bekka, and Katie explain the wildlife while you search for sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, puffins, seals, and eagles. Warm flotation suits, photos, tea, coffee, and muffins are included.

“RIB was a fun ride, Orcas were with us nearly the entire time.”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm - The long run toward the herring
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

6.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

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

Sail from Tromsø on the comfortable catamaran MS Keiser Wilhelm, guided in English by crew such as Mario. Expect 6 to 8 hours at sea, open-deck whale watching, Arctic fjord views, and a chance to see orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, or sperm whales.

“this was a really good day, the guide chatted about the whales and their habitat and their seasonal ways. Myself and my sister managed to see plenty of Orka's and on our way back, we didnt expect to see any but two Humpback whales which made our day, and got some superb picture's. we took our own snacks, although there was some available onboard. The boat had plenty of seats and was not a problem to get photos and the views were spectacular, definatly worth the trip.”

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From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise - Leaving the pier and entering the Arctic fjord
Alta Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 for a three-hour Alta Fjord cruise with an English or Norwegian guide. Warm suits, coffee, tea and biscuits are included. Look for orcas, humpback and fin whales, white-tailed eagles and seabirds, then enjoy the chance of a Sami joik on the return.

“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 - The 5:20 AM Tromsø start
RIB Boat Safaris, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Tromsø

Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

8.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

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

From Tromsø or Skjervøy, you’ll ride a fast RIB into the whale-rich waters around Skjervøy with an English-speaking guide and up to 11 other people. Expect flotation suits, warm boots, goggles, and sweeping fjord views, plus possible sightings of orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales.

“Words can’t describe how amazing this tour was. Our tour guides were amazing, kind and very helpful. This tour is worth every penny and recommend it to anyone visiting Tromsø. We managed to see 30+ orcas up close and 3 humpback whales. Stunning scenery and amazing people.”

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24hr Northern Lights & Whale Watching Cruise - Checking in at Tromsø Havn Prostneset
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, Northern Lights Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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

Join Norwegian Travel for a 24-hour cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøya, combining a Northern Lights chase, whale watching, meals, talks, and a cabin overnight. You may see orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales, but cloud cover can erase the lights.

“Knowledgable guides gave informative talks on Northern Lights and whales, food good, cabins comfortable. Unfortunately overcast so no northern lights, but whale watching for 3.5hrs was exceptional. So so many orcas, as well as humpback and fin whales. We went for the whales so we were thrilled.”

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Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide - Finding Strandveien 96 in Skjervøy harbor
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, RIB Boat Safaris, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 Reisafjord Xperience AS in Skjervøy for a three-hour RIB safari with local guide Viktor. Look for orcas, humpback whales, and sometimes fin whales while learning about whale behavior. Warm suits, boots, hats, goggles, and life jackets are supplied, but bring good gloves and neck protection.

“Great experience to be on the small powerful boat close to nature and see all the animals in crazy beautiful surroundings. Very friendly and capable tour guide as well.”

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Tromsø: Orca and Whale Watching comfort heated boat Trip - From Samuel Arnesens gate 5 to the Arctic coast
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 from Tromsø to Skjervøy by scenic bus, then join Captain Jacob and guide Philippe on a small-group whale safari. The covered, heated boat has an outdoor deck, toilet, underwater cameras, and room for wildlife photography without bulky suits.

“Really fantastic experience, Philip and Captain Jacob are very friendly and I can feel their passion for the whale. We have some chances to see the whale very close. Even though the weather was not perfect, we still have a wonderful memory of chasing the whales. Highly recommend!”

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Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat - The RIB ride across Arctic waters
Boat Trips in Tromsø, Cruises & Boat Tours, RIB Boat Safaris, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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

Meet Explore 70 Degrees in central Skjervøy for a three-hour RIB trip into Arctic waters. Your English or Norwegian guide provides thermal suits, mittens, goggles and a life vest while you search for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales and sperm whales. 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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Alta: Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat - Leaving Alta Harbor aboard Sea Runner
Alta Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 Valerie and the local crew at Alta Harbor for a four-hour whale safari aboard Sea Runner. Search Altafjord for orcas and humpback whales while staying warm in the heated cabin, then step onto the deck for fjord views, fresh air, and close wildlife encounters.

“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 - The open-water crossing is the hard part
Safari, Tour Reviews, Tromsø Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours in Tromsø

Whale Safari in Tromso

14.Whale Safari in Tromso

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

Sail from Tromsø toward the fjords and whale grounds on a comfortable catamaran with an English-speaking guide. You may see orcas and humpback whales, with guides such as Lorenzo, Mario, Raul, or Eide sharing useful facts along the way. Bring warm layers, snacks, and motion-sickness medicine.

“Great day out, Mario and the team were fantastic. Super knowledgable and friendly! Managed to see a few different groups of orcas and the northern lights.”

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From Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIB - Meeting Æventyr in central Alta
Alta Tours, RIB Boat Safaris, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Tours 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 central Alta, then travel up to an hour to the best harbor before a 210-minute whale hunt by RIB. Your English-speaking guide provides thermal gear, snacks, and safety equipment as you search for humpbacks, fin whales, and orcas in Arctic fjords.

“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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New in Whale Watching

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

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