Skjervøy - Norway
Every winter, the herring return to the fjords of Northern Norway.
The whales follow.
What happens next is one of
nature's most remarkable spectacles.
One of the World's Greatest
Wildlife Spectacles.
- Whales in their natural habitat.
For the last eight years - a few short months, October - January, the fjords around Skjervøy become the stage for one of nature's most remarkable gatherings.
Millions of herring arrive in these cold Arctic waters. Orcas and humpback whales follow. What unfolds is a rare wildlife phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.
But the reason people travel here is often more difficult to explain.
Perhaps it is the scale of it all. The mountains. The sea. The Arctic light. Or the feeling of sharing the same natural space as some of the ocean's most extraordinary animals.
Many people feel a deep connection to whales, especially orcas. Seeing them in their natural environment can be both humbling and emotional. Not because they are close, but because for a brief moment, you become part of the same landscape.
Together with our dedicated skippers, we hope to offer more than a wildlife encounter. Through local knowledge, experience and a genuine fascination for these animals, we aim to create a deeper understanding of the whales, the fjords they visit and the ecosystem that brings them here each winter.
Because the most lasting memories are not only about what you saw, but the understanding you take with you — of the whales, their habitat and your place within the natural world.
Tour Information
| Season | 17.10.26 - 30.01.27 |
| Price | 3200 / 3500 NOK |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Departure | Scandic Ishavshotell, Tromsø |
| Location | Tromsø - Skjervøy - Tromsø |
| Age Limit | From 14 years + / 140 cm |
Our whale watching are conducted by RIB boats. With a maximum of 12 guests per boat, we offer a small-group experience that brings you close to element of the ocean, while always respecting the whales’ natural behavior. We approach with care, ensuring we never disturb them while they feed or rest.
Tour overview
- 04:45 - Onboarding at Scandic Ishavshotell - be on time!
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05:00 – Departure - the bus leaves
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08:30– Arrival in Skjervøy and meeting with your skipper. Safety briefing and dressing in suit and life vest
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09:00 – Whale watching
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13:00–13:20 – Light lunch and hot drinks served onshore
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13:20 – Departure by bus
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17:00 – Return to Tromsø
This is a long and rewarding day, so we recommend bringing extra snacks and drinks for the bus ride. A day at sea in Arctic winter air is an experience that truly builds an appetite.
What you can expect
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Comfortable bus transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy and back (4-hours one way)
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RIB boat tour in the Arctic fjords . 4,5-hours including briefing, dressing and time onboard.
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Chances to see orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife
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Experienced skippers and guides sharing knowledge about whales, nature, and Arctic life
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Responsible and respectful wildlife approach and viewing
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Warm hospitality and a personal atmosphere throughout the day
What months are best to see whales in Skjervøy?
The best months to go and see whales around Tromso and Skjervøy are from beginning of November until the end of January where hundreds of Orcas and other giants gather to feed on herring.
We drive you from Tromsø and all the way up to Skjervøy from where the whale watching takes place.
Is it too dark to see whales in Tromso in December and January?
December and January are dark months. But not too dark for whale watching in Skjervøy, as there will be a few hours around mid-day with day light. On clear days you will even get to experience a golden or pink light making whale watching in Skjervøy an even greater experience.
What clothes should I wear for whale watching in Skjervøy?
Warm clothes! You will be approximately 3 hours at sea. We therefore recommend that you wear several layers of wool, fleece and a sweater underneath. It is also good to bring a warm hat, a buff and good wind-proof gloves.
What whales can be seen in Skjervøy?
The most commonly observed species are orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales. Other marine wildlife such as harbour porpoises, white-tailed eagles, seals and various seabirds are also regularly encountered.
SMALL GROUPS · FLEXIBILITY · LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
At sea level - Highlights with us
Designed around small groups, flexibility and local knowledge, our whale watching experiences are built to make the most of every day on the water.
The whales move between fjords, weather conditions change and no two days are ever the same. With dedicated skippers and flexible RIB boats, we can adapt throughout the day and create a more personal experience for every guest.
At sea level, you experience more than the wildlife itself. The mountains feel larger, the Arctic air sharper and the ever-changing conditions become part of the adventure.
Our goal is simple: to give every guest the best possible day on the water — shaped by nature, guided by experience and remembered long after the journey is over.
THE ROAD NORTH · THE FJORDS · THE WHALES
What to expect
Meeting point and departure from Tromsø
Your day begins early bird at our meeting point outside Scandic Ishavs hotel in Tromsø. Here our couches are ready to take you to Skjervøy. Be early - boarding starts at 04:45 and the bus leaves at 05:00 - sharp. The journey takes you through Arctic landscapes, small coastal communities and dramatic mountain scenery. On the bus you can relax, sleep and you have access to toilets.
Scenic bus tour and arriving Skjervøy
After approximately four hours on the road, we arrive in the small fishing community of Skjervøy — one of the world's most remarkable locations for whale watching during winter. Here our skippers will greet you.
At Sea
After a short safety briefing and getting dressed in warm flotation suits, we head out in small RIB boats to explore the fjords and search for orcas and humpback whales.
Whales and Wildlife Encounter
Every day is different. Our skippers use local knowledge, experience and current whale sightings to make the most of the conditions and create the best possible experience on the water.
Return from Skjervøy
After our time at sea, we return to Skjervøy before travelling back to Tromsø, arriving in the evening with memories that often last far longer than the journey itself.
Arriving in Tromsø
After our time at sea, our buses will take you back to Tromsø through the Arctic landscape. Arrival is typically around 17:00, giving you the rest of the evening to explore the city, enjoy a good meal or simply reflect on a day spent among whales, mountains and Arctic fjords.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
RESPECT · KNOWLEDGE · RESPONSIBILITY
Our Approach to Wildlife
For us, whale watching is about more than seeing whales.
Every winter, orcas and humpback whales gather in the fjords of Northern Norway, creating one of the world's most remarkable wildlife experiences. Being part of that experience comes with a responsibility.
We believe meaningful encounters happen on nature's terms. Our role is not to control wildlife, but to observe respectfully, share knowledge and help our guests better understand the animals, the ecosystem and the people who have spent their lives on these waters.
Since our first whale watching seasons in Northern Norway in 2015, we have spent thousands of days at sea. That experience has taught us that no two situations are ever the same.
Experience creates knowledge. Knowledge creates better decisions.
And when wildlife, weather and people meet in the same place, good decisions matter.
EXPERIENCE · SAFETY · RESPECT
The people behind the experience
Our skippers and guides bring together professional maritime experience, Arctic expertise and a deep understanding of whale behaviour. Safety, respect for wildlife and genuine care for our guests guide every decision we make on the water.
Because great wildlife experiences begin with trust.
Katie Dunning
Marine biologist and experienced skipper
Magno Carreira
Experienced skipper and guide
