Whale Safari Tromsø – Unforgettable Winter Whale Watching Adventures

Tromsø, located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Norway’s most exciting and accessible destinations for a whale safari. Every winter, from November to January, this Arctic town becomes the gateway to spectacular ocean encounters. A Tromsø whale safari with Arctic Whale Tours takes you into the deep fjords of Northern Norway at the very best time to witness humpback whales and orcas gathering to feast on Atlantic herring. Join us and discover why Tromsø is one of the world’s top spots for responsible and sustainable whale watching.

Winter Whale Safari in Tromsø – November to January

From mid-November to late January, we depart daily at 08:30 from Tromsø Harbour for a full-day Arctic adventure. Check-in begins at 08:00–08:15, so you’ll have time to settle in before departure. Our experienced, multilingual guides will accompany you every step of the way, sharing their knowledge of the local wildlife and environment.

Each Tromsø whale safari lasts approximately 6–7 hours, including about 2.5 hours sailing to the feeding grounds. Relax and warm up inside with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a hot soup, or step onto the spacious deck for unobstructed views as we cruise toward the whales.

Our booking and cancellation policy is simple and transparent: we offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Any cancellation made less than 24 hours before departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Please note that we require a minimum of 10 passengers to run each tour; if there are fewer than 10 people booked, we may need to cancel the tour. In this case, you’ll receive a full refund or be offered to rebook for another available date.

You can read more about our winter whale safari from Tromsø here.

Why Choose a Whale Safari from Tromsø?

Tromsø is known for its close proximity to some of the most important feeding areas in the Arctic. Unlike other whale watching spots that require long travel times, a whale tour from Tromsø brings you to whales’ habitat in just a few hours. This means more time spent with these majestic animals and less time at sea, making Tromsø one of the most rewarding and easily accessible places for whale watching.

Our team follows strict ethical whale watching guidelines, created in collaboration with The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. Every tour is conducted with respect for the whales — approaching slowly, maintaining a safe distance, and allowing the whales to control the encounter.

Each winter, herring migrate into the sheltered fjords of Northern Norway, attracting large pods of orcas and humpback whales. This natural event is one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena you can witness. Tromsø’s unique geography — nestled among these fjords with deep nutrient-rich waters — makes it an ideal starting point for a successful and unforgettable whale watching safari.

Meet the Giants of the Arctic Ocean

The rich ecosystem of the Arctic fjords supports a diverse array of marine life. On a typical Tromsø whale safari, we often encounter:

• Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), famous for their powerful breaches and tail slaps
  
• Killer whales (orca), swimming in tight family groups as they hunt herring
  
• Other cetaceans like fin whales, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises which also frequent the area

And it’s not just whales you can see! Northern Norway is also home to a rich birdlife including white-tailed eagles, common eiders, little auks, and kittiwakes, making every trip an unforgettable wildlife safari. Every tour is unique and unpredictable — exactly as true Arctic adventures should be — and our success rate is at an impressive 99%!

Whale Pass — See Whales or Come Back for Free!

Your experience matters to us. In the unlikely event that you don’t see any whales on your trip, you’ll receive a Whale Pass allowing you to join another safari free of charge — either winter or summer. Simply contact our team after your trip and we’ll help you rebook, subject to availability.

Ethical & Sustainable Whale Watching in the Arctic

Your whale safari from Tromsø is conducted with utmost respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. Our captains follow established whale watching guidelines in close collaboration with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) to minimize disturbance. Every tour is run at slow speeds with a focus on minimal impact and maximum enjoyment.

Our guidelines ensure we always approach whales cautiously — reducing speed 300–400 metres away, keeping at least 50–100 metres’ distance, and allowing the whales to control the interaction. If they seem stressed or wish to leave, we do not pursue. This responsible practice supports the whales’ well-being and preserves these Arctic waters for future generations.

Travel & Accommodation in Tromsø

Tromsø is easily accessible by plane, as the city has its own airport with daily connections to Oslo and other Norwegian cities. The town is beautiful, lively and welcoming in winter, with accommodation options like hotels, cozy cabins, and guesthouses  — all close to the harbor. Whether you plan a short visit or a longer Arctic adventure, you’ll find plenty of great places to stay.  

If you plan to explore Northern Norway further, you can also reach Tromsø by bus or Arctic ferry routes, making it a perfect stop as part of a larger Arctic adventure. Many visitors choose to combine their whale safari with other local activities like Northern Lights chasing, dog sledding, or cultural visits to the Sami people for a richer Arctic experience.

Practical Information & Travel Tips

Our spacious vessel offers heated indoor seating and an expansive observation deck so you can enjoy every moment in comfort — rain, shine, or snow. Onboard, we provide:

• Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate) & biscuits
  
• A hot soup made with local ingredients
  
• Knowledgeable guides who ensure you have a fun, educational, and safe experience

Remember to dress warmly — we are 350 km north of the Arctic Circle in winter. Dogs are also warmly welcomed on board at no extra cost.

Departures & Flexibility

• Morning departures at 08.30, from mid-November to late January
  
• Tours typically last 6–7 hours, depending on conditions
  
• Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to departure
  
• Capacity varies depending on vessel; please contact us in advance if you are booking for large groups
  
• Please note that departures may change last minute due to weather or sea conditions — in this case, you will receive a full refund or alternative booking option

What to Bring

• Warm winter clothes: hat, gloves, thermals, winter shoes
  
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  
• Binoculars if you wish
  
• Water, snacks, and any medication like seasickness tablets
  
• A sense of adventure — we’ll take care of the rest!

Book Your Whale Safari from Tromsø Today!

Join Arctic Whale Tours for a Tromsø whale safari you’ll never forget. Our experienced crew, warm Arctic hospitality, and Whale Pass guarantee make this one of the most memorable wildlife experiences you can have. Book online now and secure your place for a front-row view of these majestic whales!

Have any questions? Feel free to contact us!