Skjervøy, about 250 km north of Tromsø, has become a popular destination for whale watching safaris. People travel there each winter to get a close-up look at humpback whales and orcas while they feed on herring. Check out our whale watching tours from Tromsø. Observing these majestic marine mammals only a short distance from your boat is an unforgettable experience! But did you also know that you can also whale watch in Northern Norway during the summer months? From Lofoten or Andenes, on a Rigid Inflatable Boat or on a small cruise, the choice is yours!
Book here for summer 2026
14 hours
07:35
Svolvær
Join us on an Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær, and watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway.
8 - 9 hours
07:45
Tromsø
Get a unique perspective on the magnificent humpback and killer whales in the Arctic.
8 hours
08:40
Tromsø
We set off in search of Humpback whales and Orcas (Killer Whales) during the Polar Night near Tromsø on this 8-hour whale watching tour.
6 - 8 hours
09:00
Tromsø
Gabriele sets out on a whale watching from Tromsø in the morning, looking for humpback whales and killer whales. This guided cruise takes you out to the places where these graceful giants come in search of herring.
The best time to go on a whale watching tour from Tromsø is during winter.
The whale watching season usually lasts from early November to late January, when the whales migrate from fjord to fjord following the herring.
The herring migrates from its summer feeding grounds in the Barents Sea to its spawning area out in the Atlantic Ocean in February. From October-November to early February, the herring finds its way along the coast of Northern Norway.
In the winter of 2017, the herring migrated from the coast off Tromsø northwards towards Skjervøy in the Lyngenfjord region, and the whales followed in search of a feast!
The reasons for the herring’s migration have not been identified and it’s possible that they migrate somewhere else.
Consequently, it’s hard to predict exactly where and when we can see whales in this part of Northern Norway.
During a whale watching tour, distance and minimal noise are maintained to avoid disturbing the whales, in accordance with the official guidelines.
Whale watching is one of our most popular tours, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.
The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. They are easily recognisable by their distinctive black and white body and large dorsal fin (up to 2 m high for males!).
Orcas are smart and social. They live and hunt together in pods (family groups of up to 40 individuals), each pod sharing a sophisticated and unique culture (what to eat, where to find it and how to catch it…) that is passed down through generations. Orcas also have a variety of communicative and distinctive sounds.
These cetaceans are one of the world’s most powerful predators and are at the top of the ocean food chain.
They can speed up to 55 km/h and hunt all kinds of species such as fish, rays, seals, penguins, dolphins and even sharks or whales (hence their name of “killer whales”).
They can swallow up to 230 kilos of food a day! In Northern Norway, they use an impressive method to hunt herring.
After tracking the fish with their sonar, they generate bubbles and sounds to round up the shoal and hit them with their tails before devouring them.
Humpback whales are known for their complex songs, which can be heard up to 65 km away. They are also well known for breaching, although scientists are not sure if this behaviour is meant to clean pests from their skin or is simply for fun.
Humpbacks migrate every year between their feeding grounds in the cold waters of the poles and breeding grounds in the warm waters of the tropics. They can travel around 5,000 km on a regular basis between these two areas!
Humpback whales use a complex tactic to feed called “bubble netting”. A pod of 2 to 15 whales hunt together. They surround the fish and trap them inside a spiral of bubbles before swimming through to catch the fish in their open mouths.
They then filter the water out through their baleen plates, which act as a sieve to keep the fish in their mouths. This way, a single whale can eat up to 500 kg of herring in a day!
Sometimes humpbacks also steal the herring gathered up by the killer whales.
The best time depends on where you travel. In Northern Norway, whale watching season runs during winter in Tromsø, typically from November to January, when orcas and humpback whales follow herring into the fjords. In summer, areas like Svolvær in Lofoten offer opportunities to spot different species under the midnight sun.
Based on our guests reviews
We chose BestArctic to help us book our excursions while we were in Norway and couldn’t recommend them more! The website is very informational and easy to book. And if you have any questions, the team in the Tromso office was super friendly and helpful!
Based on our guests reviews
great trip, had a wonderful time. The company was great, gave us an excellent explanation on policy and procedures. My daughter accompanied on the trip and she had a blast.
Based on our guests reviews
We were very lucky to have seen several orca families at the same time, over 1 hour they circled our boat almost again and again and we were close to them, everything was explained very well and and you immediately noticed the true love for the animals
Based on our guests reviews
We did the "Whale Tour," an amazing experience. [...] The cruise was magnificent [...] The scenery was simply breathtaking, and we managed to see several sperm whales and orcas—it was incredible! The crew on the boat was friendly! We learned a lot about whales; it was really interesting.
Based on our guests reviews
A great experience, professional team and service. We watched whales. The tour guide [...] majored in marine mammals and provided us with a professional introduction, allowing us to learn more about marine animals during the tour.
If you’re planning a winter adventure in Tromsø, in Northern Norway, you may be wondering: “Do I have enough daylight in Tromsø, in December, to proper whale watch?” The short answer is yes, you do! December in Tromsø falls right in the middle of the polar night, a period when the sun does not rise […]
Whale watching tours departing from Tromsø during winter is a breathtaking experience that draws visitors from around the world. From November to January, you have the chance to witness majestic orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat as they follow herring migrations into the fjords. This unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up […]
Embarking on a whale watching adventure during the summer in Norway offers an unparalleled experience, especially in prime locations like Andenes in Northern Norway. With the opportunity to spot species such as sperm whales and orcas in their natural habitat, Norway’s summer months present a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Additionally, responsible […]
What kind of whales can you see on a whale watching tour in Tromsø? You can spot mainly humpback whales and orcas (killer whales), together with many seagulls around, all waiting for their opportunity to get their catch of the day. Other maritime animals such as harbour porpoises or fin whales, white-tailed eagles, seals […]
Generally, in the winter months of November to January, whales can be spotted in the fjords in Troms (orcas and humpback whales mainly).
Whale watching is one of the most popular tours departing from Tromsø and heading to the coastal area where whales have been spotted.
Book as soon as possible as this is one of our best sellers. Don’t miss the chance to see these beautiful huge marine mammals.
