Silent Whale Watching

Brim Explorer and whales in Arctic winter colours
Orcas outside of Skjervøy north of Tromsø
Whale diving outside of Skjervøy north of Tromsø
Orcas outside of Skjervøy north of Tromsø
Girl photographing from Brim Explorer
The boat in the sea

Join an eight- to nine-hour whale-watching cruise from Tromsø aboard a purpose built hybrid electric ship. Travel to the whales’ feeding grounds and observe them with minimal noise and disturbance.

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General information

This tour is operated by Brim Explorer.

Daily whale-watching cruises from Tromsø

Depart from Tromsø in the Arctic morning and set course for the whales’ feeding grounds. Along the way, enjoy views of fjords, snow-covered mountains and winter landscapes from the ship’s warm indoor lounges or spacious outdoor decks.

The journey is timed to make the most of the limited daylight during the Polar Night season, giving you as much time as possible to look for whales.

Searching for whales

The destination depends on the location of the whales and may vary throughout the season. The captain and guides use their knowledge and experience to search for signs of whale activity.

While travelling to the feeding grounds, the guides share information about whale behaviour, migration and feeding, as well as stories about Arctic nature, history and coastal culture.

You may see orcas, humpback whales, fin whales or other marine wildlife. However, whales are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Whale watching with minimal disturbance

When whales are located, the vessel switches to its electric motor to reduce noise and vibration. This allows the crew to approach the whale-watching area quietly and helps minimise disturbance to the animals.

The vessel keeps a respectful distance and allows the whales to move and feed without being chased or disturbed.

Approximately 10% of the full cruise is normally completed using the electric motor. The exact amount depends on the location of the whales and the conditions on the day.

Designed for Arctic whale watching

The hybrid-electric vessel is purpose-built for sightseeing and whale watching in Arctic conditions. It has warm indoor lounges with panoramic windows and several spacious outdoor viewing decks.

Food and drinks can be purchased from the café and fully licensed bar on board.

Please note:

• Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• The duration depends on the location of the whales and is normally between eight and nine hours.
• The vessel generally returns to Tromsø between 5:00 PM (17:00) and 5:30 PM (17:30).
• The journey can be rough at times. We recommend bringing seasickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness.
• If weather conditions prevent the whale-watching cruise from operating as planned, the tour may be changed to an Arctic Fjord Cruise.
• Approximately 10% of the tour is normally completed using the electric motor.
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
• Dogs and cats are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead. Owners must show consideration for the other guests.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
• If you require assistance due to reduced mobility or impaired vision or hearing, please contact Brim Explorer at [email protected] before the tour.

Minimum age to participate: None

Included:

• Cruise to the area where the whales are feeding
• Use of the electric motor around the whales
• Responsible whale-watching practices designed to minimise disturbance
• English-speaking guides
• Warm indoor lounges with panoramic windows
• Spacious outdoor viewing decks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Toilets

Facilities on board:

• Café with food and drinks available for purchase
• Fully licensed bar
• Warm indoor lounges
• Panoramic windows
• Outdoor viewing decks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Toilets

Please bring:

• Warm clothing suitable for Arctic winter conditions
• Warm wool layers
• A windproof and waterproof jacket
• A warm hat
• Mittens or gloves
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness
• A camera and binoculars, if desired

Number of participants: Min. 8 – Max. 140

Departure times: 7:30 AM (07:30), 7:45 AM (07:45) and 8:00 AM (08:00)

Meeting time and place: Please meet at least 15 minutes before departure at the pier beside Skarven Kro Restaurant, Kaigata 6, Tromsø. Look for the vessel displaying your departure time

Estimated return: Between 5:00 PM (17:00) and 5:30 PM (17:30)

Duration: 8–9 hours

Prices from

1990 NOK per person

  • Adult 18+ NOK 1990
  • Student NOK 1492
  • Youth 12–17 years NOK 1492
  • Child 3–11 years NOK 995
  • Infant 0–2 years NOK 0
  • Christmas prices 11 December 2026–10 January 2027:
  • Adult 18+ NOK 2189
  • Student NOK 1642
  • Youth 12–17 years NOK 1642
  • Child 3–11 years NOK 1095
  • Infant 0–2 years NOK 0

Facilities

  • Student price
  • Dog-friendly
  • Suitable for children and families
  • Guide
  • English
  • Boat (over 12 persons)
  • Vegetarian
  • Family friendly
  • Toilet on boat
  • Easy
  • Disability-friendly
  • Eco certified
  • Vegan
  • Eco-Lighthouse
  • 8+ hours
  • Green travel

About Brim Explorer

Northern Norway’s coast – impressive, isolated and vulnerable. Stretching to the top of the world, this Arctic wilderness is an oasis for exploration and discovery. Our pioneering hybrid-electric catamaran brings a new dimension to your Arctic adventure.


With environmentally conscious design driven by the latest sustainable technology, you silently carve through crystal clear waters. The sound of silence is a majestic experience, especially at sea where the absence of disturbing engine noise allows us to get even closer to nature. An underwater drone and hydrophone bring you pictures and sounds from below the surface and give you a unique insight to this deep blue world.



During the winter season we offer silent whale watching or wildlife cruises during the day, depending on the season, and evening cruises where you can combine the spectacular northern lights with an exclusive five course tasting menu. The menu is based on local produce and traditions with a modern twist. There’s also a full vegetarian menu. During the day you can purchase a selection of food and drink on board.



We welcome families on our ships and offer activities for children, a children’s menu tailored to younger pallets and a nursery for infants.



Our ship is built with universal design, enabelling guests with disabilities to participate. Guests arriving in a wheelchair will have access to the main deck where you can move both indoor and outdoor on deck and find accessible toilet facilities, the restaurant and information screens.



Our passion for the ocean and the environment is the backbone of our operation. We collaborate with Zing Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit environmental organization working to conserve and improve the ocean´s health and prevent marine pollution. As well as providing sustainable travel, we aim to give 1% of our profits to ocean conservation efforts, starting 2019.


Visit Tromsø
Phone: +47 776 10 000
Email: [email protected]
Brim Explorer
Phone: +47 776 51 100
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://brimexplorer.com/
Kaigata 6, Tromsø 9008

Memberships and certifications

Green Travel