Summer Whale Safari in Stø

Explore the Wild Coastline of Stø 

Join us on a full-day whale and bird safari from the picturesque fishing village of Stø in Vesterålen.  Running daily throughout summer, this tour takes you deep into the Arctic Ocean to encounter whales, puffins, seals, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

With experienced marine guides and a strong whale-sighting record, your adventure is backed by our Whale Pass: See whales or come back free.

Important Vessel Update for August 2026

All Stø departures from 1–31 August 2026 will operate aboard RS 78 Hagbart Waage instead of Blasius II.

The full-day wildlife experience, professional guiding and onboard meal remain part of the tour.

Key Details 

• ‍Season: June 1 – August 31 with daily departures ‍
• Departure Time: 10:00
• Check-in: Nno later than 09:15 ‍
• Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours, depending on weather, sea conditions and wildlife location ‍
• Capacity: Max. 60 guests ‍
• Vessel: Blasius II in June and July; RS 78 Hagbart Waage from 1–31 August 2026
• ‍Guides: Qualified, multilingual marine experts ‍
• Location: Stø, Vesterålen
• Accessibility: not wheelchair accessible

View the departure location in Google Maps here.

What’s Included 

1. Full-day guided whale, bird, and seal watching safari 
2. Visit to the waters around Anda Nature Reserve 
3. Warm soup served with bread
4. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and biscuits 
5. Access to outdoor viewing areas
6. Heated indoor cabin
7. Whale Pass if no whales or dolphins are observed
8. Dog-friendly (outdoor deck access only) 

Dogs are welcome on the outdoor deck only.

Please contact us regarding group bookings or individual accessibility requirements.

Your Safari Experience 

Departing from Stø, we travel into the deep offshore waters near the continental shelf—one of Northern Norway’s richest marine environments and an important feeding area for whales.

Throughout the journey, our experienced crew scans the open sea for wildlife. Species that may be encountered include:

• Sperm whales 
• Killer whales (orcas) 
• Pilot whales 
• Minke whales 
• Humpbacks and fin whales 
• White-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises 

Every safari is different. Wildlife moves freely through a vast natural environment, so there is no telling what each day may bring.

Meet the whales you might see.

Nature Beyond Whales 

The Stø safari is more than a whale-watching tour.

During the journey, enjoy warm soup while taking in views of dramatic cliffs, sheltered rocky outcrops, mountains and the open ocean.

We also sail towards the waters around Anda Island, home to one of Northern Norway’s most important seabird colonies. From the boat, you may see:

• Puffins during their nesting season
• White-tailed eagles
• Kittiwakes
• Razorbills
• Fulmars
• Harbour seals resting along the rocky shoreline

Anda Island is observed from the boat, and there is no landing on the island.

Whale Pass

See Whales or Come Back Free!

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. However, if no whales or dolphins are observed during your safari, you will receive a free rebooking for another available Arctic Whale Tours departure.

The Whale Pass is valid for the same registered participants, is non-transferable and is subject to availability.

Read our refund & rebooking policy here.

What to Bring 

Conditions at sea can be colder and windier than on land. We recommend bringing:

• Warm layered clothing, hat, gloves 
• Waterproof jacket and trousers 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen 
• Camera with extra batteries & memory card 
• Water bottle & light snacks if desired

Guests who are sensitive to motion should consider taking suitable seasickness medication before departure.

Rates 

Current prices for our Summer Whale and Bird Safari from Stø are shown live in the booking calendar.

Prices may vary depending on the travel date, ticket category, availability and booking channel. The final online price, including any applicable online booking fee, will always be displayed before payment.

Select your preferred date in the booking calendar to view current prices and availability.

Group Bookings

For group bookings of 10 or more guests, please contact us directly. We will be happy to assist with availability, booking options, and practical arrangements for your group.

For Travel Professionals

We collaborate with tour operators, travel agencies and destination management companies through special B2B rates and commission models.

Travel partners may contact us for confidential net rates, commission options and booking terms.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

No refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure or for no-shows.

Tours cancelled by Arctic Whale Tours due to weather, sea conditions, or unforeseen events will be fully refunded or rebooked.

View cancellation terms here.

About the Vessels

Blasius II

Our 22-metre catamaran offers excellent stability and comfort for Arctic conditions. With a wide viewing deck and heated indoor lounge, Blasius II is ideal for a full day at sea.

RS 78 Hagbart Waage — August 2026

RS 78 Hagbart Waage is a former Norwegian rescue vessel built for demanding coastal conditions. The vessel offers outdoor viewing areas and a heated indoor cabin.

Hagbart Waage will operate all Stø departures from 1–31 August 2026.

Responsible Whale Watching 

We follow responsible whale-watching practices designed to minimise disturbance to wildlife.

Our captains and guides approach every encounter carefully, allowing the animals to determine the distance and duration of the interaction whenever possible.

Read our whale watching guidelines.

Plan Your Visit 

• How to Get Here
• Where to Stay
• FAQs

Ready to Go? 

Book your place on the Summer Whale and Bird Safari from Stø and experience whales, seabirds and Vesterålen’s wild coastline on an unforgettable full-day Arctic adventure.