Experience whales in Northern Norway’s winter feeding grounds
Since 2015, Arctic Adventure Tours has offered whale watching experiences to locals and travellers from around the world.
Each winter, vast shoals of herring move into the fjords around Skjervøy, attracting orcas and humpback whales and creating one of Northern Norway’s most remarkable seasonal wildlife events.
The tour starts in the early morning with a bus transfer from Tromsø to our base in Skjervøy. After dressing in warm flotation suits, we head straight out on the fjord by RIB boat. With only 12 guests per boat, you can enjoy a small and personal experience close to the sea, surrounded by beautful Arctic landscapes.
Our experienced skippers combine professional seamanship with strong knowledge of marine wildlife and Arctic waters. All encounters are guided by strict safety and wildlife regulations. We reduce speed well in advance, adjust positioning carefully, and allow whales to approach on their own terms — always prioritising their wellbeing.
About Whale watching by RIB
At Arctic Adventure Tours, all whale watching are conducted by RIB boat. 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:
-
05:30 – Departure by bus from Tromsø Havn Prostneset
-
09:00–09:30 – Arrival in Skjervøy and meeting with your skipper
-
09:30–10:00 – Safety briefing and dressing in floating suit, life vest, boots, and goggles
-
10:00–13:00 – Whale watching by RIB in the Arctic fjords
-
13:00–13:20 – Light lunch and hot drinks served onshore
-
13:20 – Departure by bus
-
17:30 – 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 to expect
Our whale watching tour is a full Arctic day designed to combine spectacular scenery with unforgettable wildlife encounters. From start to finish, we focus on comfort, safety, and genuine experiences in the wild Arctic.
What you can expect:
-
Comfortable bus transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy and back (4-hours one way)
-
RIB boat tour in the Arctic fjords (4-hours including briefing, dressing and time onboard)
-
Chances to see orcas, humpback whales and other marine life during the winter season
-
Experienced skippers and guides sharing knowledge about whales, nature, and Arctic life
-
Responsible and respectful wildlife approach and viewing
-
Warm hospitality and a personal atmosphere throughout the day
Why choose Arctic Adventure Tours
Since 1999 – Arctic Adventure Tours has been creating authentic nature-based experiences in the Arctic. From our local base in Kvaløya, we offer small-scale, personal tours led by a passionate and professional team who know the Arctic. As a family-run company built by Per-Thore and Hege, we combine decades of experience with genuine hospitality and respect for animals, wildlife, nature and culture.
When you choose Arctic Adventure Tours, you choose quality, dedication and a local provider with guides, skippers, drivers and prople who wants to give you a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable Arctic experiences. You are welcome to join a real Arctic Adventure Tour!
Highlights with us
Boats based in Skjervøy – Bus from Tromsø
Operating with boats directly from the whales’ winter feeding grounds. Comfortable bus transfer from Tromsø city.
Small-Group Experience
A limited number of 12 guests on each boat ensures space, visibility, and a more personal atmosphere.
Sea-Level Immersion
The low profile of a RIB places you close to the waterline, offering an immediate and immersive perspective.
Agile & Efficient
RIB boats are designed for stability and maneuverability in northern waters, allowing us to navigate responsibly and adapt to conditions.
Wildlife-First Approach
We follow strict maritime and wildlife guidelines at all times, allowing encounters to unfold naturally.
Experienced Skippers and guides
Our skippers and guides combine professional seamanship with knowledge of wildlife and Arctic nature.
Tour information
- Meet your bus driver at 05:20 at the pick up point at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008, Tromsø (Bus terminal at Tromsø Havn Prostneset) and settle in for a comfortable and scenic drive out to Skjervøy.
- You will be picked up by a big red bus from Best Arctic.
- When you arrive, your skipper will greet you and walk you to the dressing room. Here you will receive a thermal flotation suit, boots, life vest, goggles, a hat and mittens.
- Once you are kitted up, then it is time for the search to begin! Spend 3 hours marvelling at these incredible animals, and watching them feed on the herring shoals that surround Skjervøy. After your RIB tour is over, your guide will assist you in the dressing room and give you a baguette snack to enjoy before the bus ride home.
- The bus will arrive back into Tromsø at approximately 17:30.
Remember to bring snacks with you, as it will be a long day. If you have specific allergy or dietary requirements we recommend bringing your own food and snacks with you, so you are sure you have food that is safe and good for you to eat.
- Please note, that it can be windy on the tour and you may get splashed by waves. You are welcome to bring your camera on the boat, however please take care to protect any equipment from exposure to salt water. Personal possessions are stowed onboard at your own risk.
- Although snacks and drinks are provided after the tour, it is a long day, so you may wish to bring extra food and water with you.
- Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.
- Note: For safety, guests must be over 140cm tall to join this tour. Children younger than 7 years old cannot join the tour.
- Pregnant women cannot join our RIB tours for safety reasons.
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 whale watching worth it in Skjervøy?
YES! You can be lucky to see a lot of orcas hunting the herring, jumping humpbacks and even fin whales. We cannot guarantee what or how many you will encounter, but we will do our very best to give you a good whale watching experience.
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.