Whale Tour Andenes – Unforgettable Whale Watching in the Arctic

Andenes, situated at the northern tip of Andøya in Vesterålen, Norway, is one of Europe’s most spectacular places for a whale tour. With its short distance to the deep Bleik Canyon and abundant marine life, a whale tour in Andenes offers a one-of-a-kind Arctic adventure you’ll never forget.

Summer Whale Tours from Andenes – May to September

From May 15th to August 31st, Arctic Whale Tours offers daily departures for our family-friendly half-day whale safaris. Join a 3–5-hour trip, perfect for couples, families, and travelers looking to experience Arctic wildlife. Our experienced, multilingual guides will lead you on a responsible and exciting safari that explores the rich underwater canyon just off the coast of Andenes.

Read more about the summer whale safari in Andenes here.

Why Choose a Whale Tour in Andenes?

Andenes is famous for its close proximity to the continental shelf and Bleik Canyon — one of Europe’s most important feeding grounds for sperm whales. Unlike other whale watching spots that require long travel times, a whale tour from Andenes brings you to whales’ habitat after just a short boat ride. This gives you more time to spend with these majestic animals.

These nutrient-rich depths support a diverse array of marine life. On our tours, we regularly encounter species like sperm whales, killer whales (orca), humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, long-finned pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, and even playful harbour porpoises. Every tour is unique and unpredictable — exactly as true Arctic adventures should be.

Whale Pass – See Whales or Join Again for Free

At Arctic Whale Tours, we’re so confident you’ll see whales that we offer a Whale Pass. In the unlikely event that you don’t see any whales or dolphins on your trip, you’ll be invited to join another safari free of charge. This commitment reflects our passion for sharing these experiences responsibly and making sure every guest leaves satisfied.

What’s Included on Your Whale Tour?

Your half-day tour is about more than whales:

• Warm drinks, biscuits, and hot soup
  
• Knowledgeable guides who are dedicated to responsible wildlife viewing
  
• Spacious catamaran-style boats with heated indoor seating and large observation decks
  
• Opportunities to see Arctic birds like puffins, sea eagles, and guillemots
  
• A chance to spot dolphins and porpoises swimming alongside the boat
  
• Safe and responsible encounters with whales and other wildlife
  
• Dogs are warmly welcomed on board at no extra cost.

The Whale-Watching Vessels

Our tours take place aboard traditional vessels, including historic rescue boats and modern catamarans. Their spacious decks offer an ideal setting for whale watching, and with a capacity of up to 60 guests, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the views of the Arctic ocean and its marine wildlife.

Ethical & Sustainable Whale Watching

Your whale tour from Andenes 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 and ensure every encounter is safe for both guests and wildlife. Our captains approach whales carefully, keeping a safe distance of at least 50–100 meters and making sure whales always have an easy escape route, ensuring the whales feel safe and unbothered.

Every tour is run at slow speeds with a focus on minimal impact and maximum enjoyment. We reduce speed well before reaching the whales, avoid sudden movements, and never block their path — creating an experience that’s enjoyable and non-intrusive. If whales seem distressed, we leave the area. Our commitment to these guidelines protects these animals for future generations and means you can watch them knowing they are treated with respect.

Practical Information

Andenes is easily accessible by car, bus, and plane. It lies only 1.5 hours from Sortland, 3 hours from Svolvær, and 3.5 hours from Evenes Airport. The village offers hotels, cozy seaside cabins, and camping options — making it a perfect base for your Arctic adventure.

Andenes can also be reached by ferry from Gryllefjord on Senja or via the Arctic Route bus connections. Once you arrive in town, you’ll find our Arctic Whale Tours office located at the red harbor warehouse at Hamnegata, 8480 Andenes Harbour.

Departures:

• Daily from mid-May to August 31st
  
• Tours typically last 3–5 hours, depending on weather conditions, whale activity, and other unforeseen circumstances
  
• Check-in begins 1 hour prior to departure at our harbor-side reception in Andenes
  
• Maximum capacity per tour varies by vessel — please contact us in advance if you are booking for groups

What to Bring:

• Dress warmly and bring waterproof gear, hat, gloves, sunglasses, camera, extra batteries, and binoculars
  
• Pack a water bottle and any snacks you may like
  
• Bring a sense of adventure — it’s an open ocean safari and every trip is different!

Safety & Flexibility:

Our experienced crew continually monitor weather and sea conditions to ensure your safety. Should we need to cancel a tour before departure due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to rebook at a later date.

Book Your Whale Tour in Andenes Today!

Make your next trip unforgettable with a whale tour in Andenes — one of the world’s best spots for responsible and immersive whale watching. Our experienced crew, warm Arctic hospitality, and Whale Pass guarantee will make this a trip you’ll treasure forever. Book online now and secure your place on one of our daily departures! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.