Whale Watching Tromsø: A Complete Guide to Tours, Season and Tips
I dreamed of watching orcas in the wild, and transformed that into reality with an incredible week of whale watching in Tromsø. If you’ve ever wanted to see these majestic animals up close, this guide covers everything you need to know, from the best season, top tours, what to pack, ethical tips, and how to spot orcas and humpbacks, so you can enjoy this bucket list experience.
Humpback fluke at sunset.
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For the longest time I had dreamed of seeing orcas in the wild and that bucket list trip came true when I joined a one-week photography tour in Northern Norway. Much of the trip was focused on photographing the whale migration in November, when golden light stretched across the snow-dusted landscapes.
After a failed attempt to see orcas in Iceland a few years earlier, I gave myself the best chance of seeing them in Tromsø by maximising the time I spent there, with several days in Tromso and a whole week in Skervoy. And it's a good thing I did, because my trip began with a one in a one hundred year blizzard that meant our mini van was snowed in, but we made it in the end.
And the reward for my perseverance was worth it.
Under golden light that dripped like honey across the landscape, I witnessed humpback flukes, pods of orcas, and even a brand new calf. Once in a lifetime (but definitely would do it again if I can), this is an experience that I can’t recommend enough. This experience resonated with me so much, I wrote about it and won the National Geographic Travel Writing Competition.
In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about whale watching in Tromsø, including the best time to go, how to choose a tour, what to pack, and photography tips. I want you to have an amazing time, so read on to plan the best trip.
Short on time? Whale Watching in Tromsø at a glance
When to go | November to January
Where to stay | Tromsø or Skervoy
Best catamaran tour | Brim Explorer Whale Watching Tour
Best RIB tour | Arctic Adventure RIB Whale Watching Tour
Why is Tromsø the best place in Norway for Whale Watching?
Tromsø is considered one of the best places in the world to go whale watching due to a combination of exceptional geography, an abundance of wildlife and key migration routes, and accessibility. Every winter, shoals of herring migrate to the fjords in Tromsø and the surrounding area which attracts large pods of orcas and humpback whales.
The feeding frenzy makes the likelihood of whale sightings high from November to January. Considered one of the best things to do in winter in Tromsø, visitors have a great chance of seeing these majestic mammals in their natural habitat of snow-covered mountains and Arctic fjords.
The choice of whale watching tours from Tromsø also means accessibility is higher than other areas. With a range of tours from hybrid-electric catamarans designed for eco-friendly wildlife viewing to small, fast RIB boats for more adventurous experiences, there’s plenty of options available.
Single male orca at sunset in Skervoy.
When is the Best Time for Whale Watching in Tromsø?
While a variety of whales can be seen year round in Tromsø and nearby, if you are wanting to see orcas and humpbacks, then early November to January is the best time. This coincides with the herring migration, which is what attracts the seasonal appearance of these species of whales.
On the shoulder of this season, the first half of November and second half of January, whale numbers are typically lower, but sightings are still possible. This time of year is also known as the Polar Night, when the sun hangs low on the horizon, and for a period doesn’t even rise within the Arctic Circle.
This means beautiful golden light for several hours, which is ideal for photography. I personally recommend mid-November to mid-December, as you will get to experience this perpetual sunrise/sunset before the next two months of the Polar Night. During the Polar Night, it’s not pitch black though, but it will have a more twilight atmosphere, so you can still see the whales during this period too.
Pod of orca in Skervoy, Norway.
Where Do Whale Watching Tours Depart From?
Most whale safaris depart from Tromsø or from Skervoy. The exact meeting spot varies by tour company, and some may offer collection from your hotel or somewhere nearby. With the whales moving further north to Skervoy in recent years, I would advise staying in Skervoy or making your own way there and joining a tour from Skervoy Harbour.
However, if you have already booked your accommodation in Tromsø, then you absolutely can join a tour directly from Tromsø. Keep in mind that most of those will involve around two hours travel to reach Skervoy, which is where most whale tours take place as it’s a hotbed for herring feeding.
Tromso harbour.
What Types of Whales Can You See in Tromsø?
There are two types of whales typically seen in and around Tromsø and northern Norway during the winter season:
Orcas (killer whales)
Fin whales are also occasionally seen in the winter herring season, however this is less common. I unfortunately didn’t spot any fin whales during the entire week I was in Tromsø and Skervoy, but it just means I’ll have to return in the future to improve my odds.
Male orca.
Humpback fluke.
How to Choose the Best Whale Watching Tour in Tromsø
When choosing which tour to join, consider which of these factors are most important to you:
Group size - I personally prefer small groups for a more intimate experience and these are usually a more sustainable option too.
Price - which tour options fit within your budget?
Where the tour departs from
The type of boat - do you want a catamaran, or would you prefer to get closer with a RIB tour?
Depending on the type of tour and experience you want, I’ve included my top recommendations below:
Brim Explorer Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat | This tour offers a high-speed catamaran tour departing from Tromsø, with a heated indoor cabin and outdoor viewing space. It switches to a near-silent electric mode once it reaches the feeding grounds of the whales to minimise disruption. This is my number one pick for most travellers.
Norwegian Travel Whale Watching Safari | Another great high-speed catamaran option departing from Tromsø. It offers more time in the whale sighting area, and if you don’t spot any whales, they offer you a second chance for free via their ticket office.
Arctic Adventure Tours Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour | Departing by coach to Skervoy, you transfer to a RIB (a small zodiac-style boat) that means smaller groups and a more intimate experience. There is no indoor cabin, so dress extra warm. This is the type of experience I had for five days in Skervoy and absolutely loved it.
Male orca.
Is Whale Watching in Tromsø Ethical?
The question of ethics around animal and wildlife experiences are never as simple as a yes or no. There are many factors to consider, from how the tour providers conduct their tours, to overtourism and disruption to wildlife. I saw some excellent and some terrible behaviour while I spent a week on the sea whale watching in Norway.
So, when you’re trying to decide how to choose an ethical whale watching experience in Tromsø, keep these things in mind:
Look for operators with eco-certifications or sustainability credentials.
Choose hybrid-electric or low-noise boats to reduce disturbance.
Check reviews and avoid operators that race or crowd whales with high-speed boats.
Pick smaller group tours for a lower impact and better experience.
Support companies that include marine biologists or support conservation.
Male and female orca.
Packing List: What to Wear and Pack for a Whale Watching Trip
Packing the right gear is essential for joining a whale safari in Norway. Since you’re on the water for the day and whale season coincides with winter, you need to stay warm. Here’s a list of essential items to pack so you can stay cosy and warm while you search for whales near Tromsø.
Merino wool thermal top and leggings
Wool socksFleece or wool mid-layer sweater/jacket
Insulated down-style puffer jacket
Waterproof parka or sailing jacket (your tour provider might provide one, so double check)
Waterproof ski or snow pants
Insulated waterproof gloves (consider a liner pair if you are taking photos)
Warm hat/beanie
Neck gaiter or scarf
Insulated boots/snow boots
Sunglasses (protection snow and water glare)
Hand and toe warmers (I use these ones)
Dry bag or waterproof backpack
Camera with extra batteries (keep spares warm to keep them charged longer)
Binoculars (optional)
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Motion sickness tablets (if you are prone to sea sickness)
Two female orca with a calf.
Whale Watching Photography Tips
I spent my week in northern Norway on a photography tour with a group of other like minded travellers that wanted to shoot in the arctic conditions. While I’ve been shooting for a long time, I’d never been in these conditions before so learnt a few extra things along the way too.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate photographer and want to snap the best shots you can while whale watching in Norway, then here are my tips for you:
Use shutter priority (Tv/S mode) or manual mode to freeze movement.
Set continuous autofocus (AI Servo/AF-C) to track moving whales.
Use burst mode to capture multiple frames during breaches or tail slaps.
Remember that you may need to push your ISO higher than usual, Arctic winter light is dim, so ISO 800–3200 may be needed.
I always suggest slightly underexposing in bright snow/glare to protect highlights.
A 70–200mm or 100–400mm zoom lens gives flexibility on moving boats for wildlife shots and a 24–70mm zoom lens is great for landscape and scenery.
Bring microfiber cloths to wipe spray off lenses frequently.
Leave space in front of the animal for better framing.
Me shooting on a 70-200mm lens in Skervoy on a RIB.
Me rugged up ready for a day of photographing orca and humpback.
Is Whale Watching in Tromsø Worth It?
Spending a week in search of orcas and humpbacks stands to be one of my favourite travel experiences ever and often tops the list when people ask me about standout experiences. If you have always dreamed of seeing whales in the wild, then this is one of the best places on earth to do it. Yes, it is an expensive activity, but 100% worth it in my opinion.
Not only are you able to see some of the most majestic animals in their natural habitat, but the landscapes of the Norwegian fjords and seascapes are absolutely breathtaking.
Planning your holiday in Tromsø? These guides will help you to make the most of your trip.
The ultimate 3-day Tromsø winter itinerary
Everything you need to know about Fjellheisen, Tromsø’s cable car with incredible views
How much does a trip to Tromsø really cost? A budget breakdown
Haven’t booked your accommodation yet? This is my guide on where to stay in Tromsø
