Killer Whale Skjervøy – Witness Orcas in the Arctic

When winter arrives in Northern Norway, Skjervøy becomes one of the world’s most extraordinary places to see killer whales in the wild. As the herring migration fills the fjords, hundreds of orcas gather to feed, hunt, and socialize against a backdrop of snowy mountains and Arctic light. If you dream of seeing these iconic predators in their natural habitat, a killer whale tour in Skjervøy with Arctic Whale Tours is an experience you’ll never forget.

Why Skjervøy is the Best Place to See Killer Whales

The cold, deep fjords around Skjervøy are a magnet for marine life during the winter months. From November to January, massive shoals of herring attract large numbers of killer whales and humpback whales, creating one of the most concentrated whale-viewing opportunities in the world.

Unlike many other destinations, in Skjervøy you don’t just see an occasional orca. You may encounter entire pods working together to corral herring, communicating with clicks and whistles, and sometimes putting on spectacular displays of power and agility.

Killer Whales – The Ocean’s Apex Predators

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social animals that live in tight-knit family groups called pods. They are skilled hunters, known for their cooperative techniques and ability to take down prey much larger than themselves.

On a killer whale tour in Skjervøy, you might witness:

• Pod hunting behavior – orcas circling and herding schools of herring
  
  
• Breaching and tail slapping – dramatic displays above the surface
  
  
• Close interactions – playful orcas surfacing near the boat

Seeing orcas in the wild is more than just a visual encounter – it’s a rare chance to witness the behavior of one of the most intelligent species in the ocean.

Join a Killer Whale Tour with Arctic Whale Tours

Arctic Whale Tours is proud to offer responsible and memorable whale watching tours in Skjervøy, giving you the best chance to meet orcas in their natural environment.

MS Hagbart Waage – A Historic Vessel

Your journey takes place on MS Hagbart Waage, a former Norwegian rescue ship with a proud maritime history. Once responsible for saving 11 lives and assisting nearly 400 vessels, she is now upgraded with stabilizers, heated indoor cabins, and spacious decks – combining history, safety, and comfort.

Comfort and Whale Pass Guarantee

Enjoy heated indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, complimentary hot drinks and snacks. And with our Whale Pass, if no whales are spotted, you’ll be able to join another tour free of charge within 12 months.

What to Expect on Your Whale Safari in Skjervøy

A whale tour in Skjervøy typically lasts 2–3 hours, giving you a concentrated, powerful Arctic experience without taking up your entire day.

From boarding at Skjervøy Harbour to cruising through the fjords, the focus is on finding pods of orcas and enjoying unhurried moments with these incredible animals. Along the way, you may also see humpback whales, dolphins, sea eagles, and a variety of seabirds.

Our multilingual guides – speaking English, Norwegian, German, French, and more – enrich the experience by sharing knowledge about killer whales, the Arctic ecosystem, and local culture.

You can read more about our Skjervøy whale safari here. 

Practical Details for Your Orca Adventure

• Departure point: Skjervøy Harbour, Havnegata 18
  
  
• Check-in: 09:30 directly at the boat
  
  
• Departure: 10:30
  
  
• Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Season: November – January
  
  
• Passengers: 20–64 per tour
  
  
• Family-friendly: Minimum age 1 year; children under 16 must be with an adult
  
  
• Pets: Dogs are welcome on deck (due to allergies, not inside)

Easy Access from Tromsø

Even if you are staying in Tromsø, joining a killer whale tour in Skjervøy is simple. Thanks to our partnership with Best Arctic, daily bus transport connects Tromsø and Skjervøy. You’ll leave Tromsø early in the morning, join the whale tour, and return by late afternoon – making it a seamless day trip.

Responsible Killer Whale Watching

Respect for nature is at the heart of Arctic Whale Tours. Our crew follows strict whale watching guidelines, ensuring safe and respectful encounters with killer whales. Boats operate at slow speeds, keep safe distances, and minimize noise to avoid disturbing the animals.

By choosing Arctic Whale Tours, you are supporting sustainable tourism that prioritizes the well-being of the whales and the preservation of their Arctic environment.

What to Bring on Your Whale Tour

• Warm, windproof, and waterproof outerwear
  
  
• Thermal base layers
  
  
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
  
  
• Sturdy winter boots with good grip
  
  
• Camera or smartphone (with extra batteries)
  
  
• Seasickness tablets if needed

Whale Watching with Safety and Flexibility

Safety is always the top priority. Tours only operate under safe weather and sea conditions, and our experienced crew continuously monitors forecasts.

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
  
  
• Full refund or rebooking if Arctic Whale Tours must cancel due to weather or operational reasons

You can book with confidence, knowing your adventure is both safe and flexible.

Book Your Whale Tour in Skjervøy and meet the Killer Whale

The season is short, the seats are limited, and the orcas are waiting. From November to January, Skjervøy offers one of the best opportunities in the world to see killer whales in action – hunting, breaching, and living freely in their Arctic home.

Join Arctic Whale Tours for a killer whale tour in Skjervøy and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book now!