Whale Safari Skjervøy – An Arctic Adventure of a Lifetime

Every winter, the quiet fjords of Northern Norway come alive with the sounds of whales. Skjervøy, a small island north of Tromsø, has become one of the best places in the world to experience a true whale safari. From November to January, the fjords fill with herring – and with them come orcas and humpback whales. For anyone dreaming of meeting these giants of the sea, a whale safari in Skjervøy with Arctic Whale Tours is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Discover the Magic of a Whale Safari in Skjervøy

A whale safari in Skjervøy is unlike any other wildlife experience. Here, majestic whales gather in large numbers during the short Arctic winter, creating incredible opportunities for close encounters.

The dramatic setting – snow-covered mountains, icy fjords, and the crisp polar air – makes the experience even more unforgettable. And with the polar night casting deep blue light across the landscape, or even the northern lights dancing overhead, your whale safari becomes more than a trip: it’s a memory for life.

The Whales of Skjervøy

The highlight of any safari here is the chance to see orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales as they follow the herring migration. On a good day, you may see pods of orcas working together to hunt, or humpbacks diving with their enormous tails breaking the surface.

Typical behaviors often observed include:

• Breaching – whales leaping out of the water.
  
  
• Tail slapping – powerful strikes on the surface.
  
  
• Feeding displays – orcas circling herring shoals and humpbacks bubble-net feeding.

Alongside whales, you may also spot dolphins, pilot whales, sea eagles, and countless seabirds – making every safari a rich Arctic wildlife encounter.

Join Arctic Whale Tours for a Whale Safari

With years of experience, Arctic Whale Tours offers safe, ethical, and memorable whale safaris in Skjervøy.

MS Hagbart Waage – A Ship with History

Your journey takes place on MS Hagbart Waage, originally a Norwegian rescue vessel active between 1968 and 1988. During her service, she saved 11 lives and assisted nearly 400 vessels in distress. Today, she has been upgraded with modern stabilizers, heated indoor lounges, and spacious outdoor decks – blending history, safety, and comfort for guests.

Free snacks and hot drinks 

Onboard, you can relax with free coffee, tea, and biscuits while enjoying your Arctic experience.

Whale Pass – See Whales or Come Back Free

To make sure no guest leaves disappointed, Arctic Whale Tours proudly offers the Whale Pass: if no whales are spotted during your tour, you can rebook another trip free of charge within 12 months.

What to Expect on the Whale Safari

A typical whale safari in Skjervøy lasts 2–3 hours, making it short, focused, and full of action.

• 09:30 – Check-in at Skjervøy Harbour
  
  
• 10:15 – Boarding MS Hagbart Waage
  
  
• 10:30 – Departure into the fjords
  
  
• 10:45–12:30 – Whale safari: search for orcas, humpbacks, and other Arctic wildlife
  
  
• 12:30–13:00 – Return to harbour

What makes the experience special is not only the whales, but also the crew. Arctic Whale Tours’ multilingual guides – speaking English, Norwegian, German, French, and more – share fascinating knowledge about whale behavior, the Arctic ecosystem, and local traditions, making the journey both educational and inspiring.

Practical Information

• Departure point: Skjervøy Harbour, Havnegata 18
  
  
• Check-in: 09:30 directly at the boat
  
  
• Departure: 10:30
  
  
• Duration: 2–3 hours
  
  
• Season: November – January
  
  
• Capacity: 20–64 passengers
  
  
• Minimum age: 1 year old; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
  
  
• Dogs: Welcome on deck (due to allergies, not indoors)

You can read more about our Skjervøy Winter Whale Safari here. 

Getting to Skjervøy

Thanks to a partnership with Best Arctic, you can easily join a whale safari in Skjervøy even if you are based in Tromsø. Buses depart Tromsø early in the morning, arrive in time for the tour, and return in the afternoon. This makes it possible to enjoy a full Arctic whale safari as a day trip.

Responsible Whale Watching

Arctic Whale Tours is committed to sustainability and follows strict whale watching guidelines. Boats approach slowly, maintain safe distances, and minimize noise, ensuring respectful encounters that do not disturb the whales.

By choosing Arctic Whale Tours, you support responsible tourism that protects the Arctic ecosystem and its wildlife.

Preparing for Your Arctic Whale Safari

The Arctic winter can be cold, so dressing properly is essential. Bring:

• Windproof and waterproof outerwear
  
  
• Thermal base layers (wool or fleece)
  
  
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
  
  
• Insulated winter boots with good grip
  
  
• Camera or smartphone (with spare batteries)
  
  
• Seasickness tablets if needed

Safety and Booking with Confidence

Your safety always comes first. The experienced crew constantly monitors weather and sea conditions, and tours only depart when it is safe.

Cancellation policy:

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

This means you can book your whale safari with confidence and peace of mind.

Book Your Whale Safari in Skjervøy Today

The whale season in Skjervøy is short, running from November to January. With limited seats and high demand, tours often sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to experience orcas, humpbacks, and Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Join Arctic Whale Tours for a whale safari in Skjervøy – and take home memories that will last a lifetime. Book now!