Some frequently asked questions
Winter safari:
Harbour next to Scandic Ishavshotel, right in the centre of Tromsø.
Summer safari:
We are located in Stø, a small village in Øksnes municipality in Vesterålen. Stø is about 2.5 hour drive from Svolvær in Lofoten, and a 2.5 hour drive from Evenes Airport. The closest town with services (shops, bank etc) is Myre, about 15km from Stø.
Winter safari: A typical safari in winter is between 5 to 7 hours. It takes us about 2 hours to reach the area where the whales are typically feeding on herring. The length of the trip can vary -+ 2-3 hours due to weather conditions and/or location of the whales.
Summer safari: A typical trip is 6-8 hours long. It takes about 2-2.5 hours to get to Bleik Canyon, an area where we are likely to see sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). The length of the trip can vary -+ 2-3 hours due to weather conditions or location of the whales. Please be aware that this is a full day trip, and a full day out at sea.
Winter safari: The main whale species we see in winter are the killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are seen occasionally as well.
Summer safari: We head off to Bleik Canyon, an area known for sperm whales. Other whale species that are found in the area include killer whales, minke whales, humpback whales and harbour porpoises.
We also see a plethora of different bird species, including Atlantic puffins, fulmars, gannets, common guillemots, razorbills, and white-tailed eagles. Sometimes we see harbour seals resting on the rocks at Anda Nature Reserve.
Winter safari: Our boat Sylvkallen is a 17-metre monohull speed boat. It has indoor seating and a spacious deck.
Summer safari: Our boat Blasius II is a 22-metre, twin engine catamaran. It has indoor seating for 65 people, and a spacious deck.
Vast majority of our guests are fine with ocean-going conditions, but some people do get sea sick. In case you happen to suffer from sea sickness, our crew will take good care of you. We recommend you take sea sickness tablets prior to the trip if you have any doubt you might get sea sick. Any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Winter safari: Please dress in warm winter clothes (thermals, sweater, winter jacket, beanie, gloves, warm shoes). We are 350km north of the Arctic Circle. We have an indoor lounge on the boat, but the best place for watching the whales is out on the deck. We have tea, coffee and biscuits availble onboard, and serve a light lunch, but feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Summer safari: We are in the North Atlantic, and despite it being summer, the wind is always a bit chilly out at sea. Please wear warm clothes (thermals, wind proof jacket, a beanie, gloves). The indoor seating area is nice and warm, with hot tea and coffee available in case you need to warm up during the day.
If you want to bring your own snacks etc., please note that there are no shops in Stø. The Stø Bobilcamp has a café, but the nearest shops are in Myre (you will drive through Myre on your way to Stø).
We have a whale guarantee. In case we do not find any whales (includes all cetacean species), we offer you another safari free of charge (subject to availability, not redeemable for cash). Our success rate is 99%, and we do our utmost best to find whales!
When you book on our website, payment is made in full by credit card at the time of booking. This makes the morning of your trip hassle-free, as there are no payments to be made.
Email and phone bookings, and walk-ins, payment can be made at our office by card or cash (Norwegian kroner).
Summer safari only Dogs are warmly welcomed to come along with you on the safari! Please note however, that dogs must stay out on the deck for the whole duration of the trip due to allergy and hygiene reasons.
We collect killer whale ID and location data for the Norwegian Orca Survey.
Read more