Whale Safari – An Unforgettable Arctic Adventure

A whale safari in the Arctic is one of the most memorable and breathtaking experiences you can have in Norway. Whether you travel in summer or winter, joining a whale safari with Arctic Whale Tours will take you into some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular marine environments — where whales, seabirds, and incredible Arctic landscapes await.

Whale Safaris in Northern Norway – Magical Wildlife Experiences

Whale safaris in Northern Norway offer one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the planet. Throughout the year, these pristine Arctic waters attract a remarkable variety of whales, dolphins, and seabirds, creating unique opportunities for visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close in their natural environment. Whether it’s the summer months with long, bright days or the deep blue polar nights of winter, each season reveals its own magic — from sperm whales and orcas to humpbacks feasting on herring.

With dramatic fjords, rich marine ecosystems, and experienced local guides, Northern Norway is a premier destination for responsible whale watching. A well-organized whale safari here is not just a tour; it’s an unforgettable Arctic adventure that deepens your understanding of ocean life while ensuring that wildlife and nature remain protected for future generations.

Experience the Magic of an Arctic Whale Safari

Arctic Whale Tours offers a range of whale safaris throughout the year across four iconic Northern Norway locations: Stø, Andenes, Skjervøy and Tromsø. Every tour is carefully designed to give you an up-close encounter with whales in their natural habitat. You’ll be guided by passionate, multilingual naturalists who share their deep local knowledge of the area’s wildlife and history, making every trip an educational and engaging experience.

Historic Fishing Villages and Easy Access to the Whales

• Stø is a traditional and historic fishing village located in Vesterålen, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Harstad, Svolvær, and Evenes. Here, seasonal fisheries have taken place for centuries — this local tradition enriches your visit with a genuine Arctic coastal atmosphere. Nearby Anda Island is home to thousands of seabirds like puffins and white-tailed eagles.
• Andenes, perched at the northern tip of Andøya, is easy to reach by car or bus from Sortland (1.5 hours), Svolvær (3 hours), and Evenes Airport (3.5 hours). Direct flights to Andenes are also available from Tromsø and Oslo — and its close proximity to areas like Bleik Canyon offers some of the most accessible deep-sea whale watching in Europe. Andenes, simularly to Stø, has been an active fishing village since the Iron Age and became famous for whales as early as 1988 when the first commercial whale safaris began.
• Tromsø, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” is well connected by domestic and international flights, Arctic Route buses, and coastal ferries, making winter whale safaris from here smooth, convenient and unforgettable.

Whale Safaris for Every Season and Traveler

Summer Whale Safari from Stø

Between June and August, you can join a full-day whale safari in Stø, located in beautiful Vesterålen. This tour is a perfect blend of whale watching, bird cliffs visits, and local culture. You’ll sail towards nutrient-rich areas like Bleik Canyon, one of Europe’s most important feeding grounds for sperm whales, orcas, pilot whales, and humpbacks. Along the way, you’ll also see thousands of seabirds like puffins, guillemots, white-tailed eagles, and other Arctic wildlife. Every trip includes a hot soup, as well as tea, coffee, biscuits, and the comfortable warmth of the vessel’s heated lounge..

Summer safaris in Stø typically last 6–8 hours and can take up to 65 passengers. Dogs are also welcome on board at no extra cost, though they must remain outside on deck for other guests’ comfort. You can read more about our whale safari from Stø here.

Spring/Summer Whale Safari from Andenes

From May to September, shorter 3–5-hour trips depart from the picturesque village of Andenes. This family-friendly whale safari is a great choice for travelers with less time, allowing you to experience whales up close just a short sail away from the Andenes coast. The highlight of the tour is when we reach nutrient-rich areas, like Bleik Canyon for example — an underwater landscape that draws sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, and minke whales all summer long.

Summer safaris in Andenes can host up to 60 passengers and depart up to twice daily every summer, with dogs also warmly welcomed onboard (outside only). The village of Andenes offers a good selection of hotels, rorbu-style cabins, and camping options nearby, and is located about 1.5 hours’ drive from Sortland, 3 hours from Svolvær, and 3.5 hours from Evenes Airport. Direct flights to Andenes are also available from Tromsø and Oslo, making travel logistics simple and straightforward. You can read more about the whale safari in Andenes here.

Winter Whale Safari from Tromsø

In the winter months of November through January, you can embark on a truly unforgettable whale safari from Tromsø. Head out into the fjords at the heart of Norway’s herring migration, where orcas and humpback whales gather in great numbers to hunt. Experience the eerie beauty of the Arctic polar night as you cruise in heated comfort, sipping hot drinks and soups. Every winter trip includes experienced guides who help you spot whales and other wildlife like white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, as well as sea eagles and little auks.

Winter safaris in Tromsø typically last 6–7 hours with capacity for up to 60 passengers. Check-in begins 1 hour prior to departure at Tromsø Harbour. Tromsø is very well connected — it’s serviced by domestic and international flights, Arctic Route buses, and coastal ferries, making access easy even in the winter. Read more about the winter whale safari in Tromsø here.

Winter Whale Safari from Skjervøy

In addition to our Tromsø winter safaris, we also offer unforgettable whale safaris from Skjervøy — a charming fishing village north of Tromsø. From November to January, you’ll embark on a 3-hour tour aboard the comfortable, 22-meter catamaran Blasius II, which features heated indoor seating and spacious outdoor decks for perfect whale watching. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are served on board, and all tours include our WHALE PASS guarantee for a free rebooking if whales are not sighted. Convenient bus transfers from Tromsø to Skjervøy can also be booked in advance, making this an easy and accessible option for travelers wanting to experience Arctic whales up close. You can read more about the winter whale safaris here.

Why Choose Arctic Whale Tours?

WHALE PASS – See Whales or Join Again for Free

Your whale safari is backed by our exclusive WHALE PASS. On the very rare occasion that no whales are sighted, we’ll rebook you on another tour at no additional cost. With a nearly 99% success rate, we’re confident you’ll see whales — and with the WHALE PASS, you can explore these Arctic seas with absolute peace of mind.

Whale Watching Guidelines — Responsible and Respectful

Arctic Whale Tours follow strict guidelines set by WDCS (The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) to ensure the whales’ well-being is prioritized. We always give the whales space, approach carefully, and never attempt to swim with or disturb them. Our experienced crew and captains are trained to minimize our impact by:

• Approaching whales slowly
  
• Maintaining a respectful 50–100 meter distance
  
• Keeping noise to a minimum and avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction
  
• Monitoring whales for signs of distress — and leaving the area calmly if they appear disturbed

If whales approach us, we simply slow down or put the engines in neutral and let them control the encounter. Should whales show signs of distress, the crew will depart immediately. This ensures your safari is not only memorable but also responsible, and helps preserve the animals’ natural behavior and the fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Comfortable Boats & Friendly Crew

Your whale safari will take place aboard one of our traditional and spacious vessels, including historic rescue boats and modern catamarans — designed for both safety and enjoyment. With heated indoor seating, large outdoor viewing decks, and experienced, multilingual guides onboard — sharing insights in English, German, French, and more — you’ll enjoy every moment of your trip, regardless of the weather. Dogs are also welcome on board at no extra cost (please note that dogs must remain outside on deck for other guests’ comfort).

What to Bring

When preparing for your whale safari, we recommend warm layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and sunglasses — especially if you plan to spend time on deck. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the incredible sights. Hot drinks and soup are served onboard, and the cozy lounge offers plenty of shelter if the Arctic wind picks up.

We also recommend bringing a bottle of water, snacks, sunscreen, and sea-sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness — especially on the longer, full-day trips.

More Than Just Whales — A Rich Arctic Wildlife Expedition

Every trip is a journey into Arctic nature. Alongside majestic whales, you may also encounter rich Arctic wildlife such as Atlantic puffins, northern fulmars, northern gannets, harbour seals, white-tailed eagles and more. Many trips pass by the seabird cliffs of Anda Nature Reserve — a summer home to tens of thousands of puffins and one of Northern Norway’s largest seabird breeding colonies — or cruise close to rocky outcrops where seals often rest. Our guides will help you identify species and explain their role in the local ecosystem, making every safari an insightful adventure into Arctic nature.

How to Book Your Whale Safari

Arctic Whale Tours sails daily during the summer from Stø and Andenes and on select days during winter from Tromsø. Check-in normally begins either one hour or half an hour before departure, depending on which tour you choose. Our booking process is simple — visit our website, choose your destination and dates, and we’ll take care of the rest. If you’d like to reserve for a group or have any questions, our team is here to help.

Join Us on an Arctic Whale Safari today!

A whale safari with Arctic Whale Tours is more than just a boat trip — it’s an opportunity to encounter some of the ocean’s most majestic giants up close. Let us take you into the wild beauty of Northern Norway, where whales thrive and unforgettable memories are made. Book your next whale safari today and experience one of Europe’s most spectacular wildlife adventures!

Got questions? Don't hesitate to contact us!