Seal Meeting

By Polaria
A seal in the swimming pool
Polaria
A guide with a guest meeting the seal
Polaria
Two guests playing with the seal
Polaria
Two guests observing a seal
Polaria
Prices from

2000 NOK

per person

Book an exclusive Seal Encounter at Polaria in Tromsø.

General information

This activity is operated by Polaria.

Seal feeding and training are among Polaria’s most popular experiences. When you book a Seal Encounter, you get the chance to come close to one of the seals and take part in the training session.

You will also be guided around the seal pools, where we introduce the different seal species at Polaria and explain how seal training works. The training is important for stimulating and activating the animals, as well as reinforcing positive behaviour. The Seal Encounter is a unique opportunity to learn more about our seals, experience Arctic marine mammals up close and take a SELfie.

Polaria is home to three different seal species. Our bearded seals Bella, Mai San and Vlad belong to a true Arctic species. Bella and Mai San arrived from Svalbard in 2003, while Vlad came from Océanopolis Aquarium in France in 2024. They share the facility with the harbour seals Loffen and Lyra, who were born at Lofotakvariet in 2010, their son Leo, who was born at Polaria in 2023, and the ringed seal Junior, who arrived together with Vlad.

After the Seal Encounter, you are welcome to explore Polaria on your own. Sit back and enjoy spectacular films in the Panoramic Cinema, learn more about the vulnerable Arctic through research-based exhibitions, and discover the many species in Polaria’s Arctic aquarium.

On your way out, make sure to stop by the gift shop, which offers a wide selection of high-quality local and Nordic products.

Please note: Entrance to Polaria is not included and must be purchased separately. The Seal Encounter must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

Minimum age to participate: 10 years

Included: Guided tour of the seal pools, introduction to the seal you will meet, introduction to seal training, seal encounter during feeding, photos, videos and close-up selfies

Please bring: Mobile phone

Number of participants: 2

Level of difficulty: Easy. Not accessible for wheelchair users

Start time and place: Daily at 13:30 (1:30 PM), Polaria, Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø

Duration: 30 minutes

Prices from

2000 NOK per person

  • One person NOK 2000
  • Two people NOK 3600

Facilities

  • Short tours
  • Family-friendly
  • Suitable for guests with allergies
  • English
  • Afternoon (12:00–16:59)
  • Norwegian
  • Easy
  • Environmentally certified business
  • Eco-Lighthouse
  • Private tour
  • Green Travel

About Polaria

Polaria is the world’s northernmost aquarium and an Arctic experience centre in Tromsø, with seals, marine life, research and interactive exhibitions.


Polaria is a non-profit foundation connecting research, nature and people. Our purpose is to share knowledge about the Arctic, the marine environment and climate change. Our exhibitions are developed in collaboration with researchers at the Fram Centre and UiT.



We are home to seven seals representing three species: bearded seals, harbour seals and a ringed seal. Polaria is also the only place in the world where you can meet bearded seals up close.



The seals take part in daily training and feeding sessions. Training helps stimulate them physically and mentally and includes veterinary exercises that make it easier to monitor their health. Visitors can watch the training and feeding every day at 10:30 AM (10:30), 12:30 PM (12:30) and 3:30 PM (15:30).



The aquarium features fish, shellfish and other marine life from northern waters. Our interactive exhibitions explore how climate change and human activity affect life in the Arctic, including underwater sound, Arctic food webs and research into the marine environment.



Our panoramic theatre shows three films on a 21-metre-wide screen: one about the Northern Lights around Tromsø, one from Svalbard and one taking visitors behind the scenes at Polaria. The films are shown several times each day and are included in the entrance ticket.



Polaria has also expanded its seal pool, which is now three times larger than before. Large panoramic windows, natural daylight and an outdoor pool create more space for the seals and new viewing opportunities for visitors.



In addition to a regular visit, we offer bookable experiences such as guided tours, seal encounters and behind-the-scenes experiences.



Opening hours




  • Daily: 10 AM (10:00) - 5 PM (17:00)




  • 24 December: 10 AM (10:00) - 4 PM (16:00)



Accessibility




  • Polaria is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps and a lift. One wheelchair is available to borrow free of charge, pushchairs can be used throughout the centre, and an accessible toilet with a changing table is available.


Visit Tromsø
Phone: +47 776 10 000
Email: [email protected]
Polaria
Phone: +47 911 20 057
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://polaria.no/en/
Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9007 Tromsø

Memberships and certifications

Green Travel