Urban experiences meet raw Arctic nature
Sustainable Whale Watching from Tromsø
1995 NOK
per person
Join a whale watching cruise from Tromsø to the Arctic fjords of Northern Norway, with local guides, panoramic lounges and spacious outdoor viewing decks.
General information
This tour is operated by Rødne Fjord Cruise.
Join a whale watching cruise from Tromsø towards the fjords around Skjervøy, where orcas and humpback whales gather during winter as they follow the herring. The exact route and duration depend on where the whales are located and the conditions on the day.
The tour is operated by a modern, stable catamaran designed for sightseeing in Arctic conditions. You can look for whales from the spacious outdoor decks or stay warm inside the heated lounge with panoramic windows while enjoying views of the fjords and mountains along the way.
During the cruise, an English-speaking local guide shares information about the whales, their migration and other Arctic wildlife. The crew keeps watch for whale activity throughout the journey and lets guests know when whales are spotted. Humpback whales and orcas are the most common species, while fin whales, minke whales and porpoises may also be seen.
Coffee or tea is included. The onboard café offers snacks, warm waffles, locally baked goods and hot and cold drinks for purchase. Free Wi-Fi and charging points are also available on board.
Rødne Fjord Cruise is Eco-Lighthouse certified and follows Visit Tromsø’s guidelines for responsible whale watching. The crew keeps a respectful distance, reduces noise around the whales and allows the animals to approach the boat on their own terms.
Whales are wild animals, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales are spotted during the cruise, Rødne’s Second Chance Guarantee gives you a free ticket for the next available whale watching cruise within the same season, subject to availability. Refunds are not provided if you are unable to use the second ticket.
Minimum age: No minimum age
Included:
• Whale watching cruise by catamaran
• English-speaking local guide
• Coffee or tea
• Second Chance Guarantee if no whales are spotted
• Free Wi-Fi
Please bring: Warm clothing suitable for Arctic winter conditions. Dress in layers and bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves or mittens and warm footwear.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Meeting time and place: 8:10 AM (08:10) at Nerstrandkaia, by Nerstranda Shopping Centre in Tromsø.
Departure time: 8:30 AM (08:30).
Duration: Approximately 7–8 hours. Arrival back in Tromsø is around 4:30 PM (16:30). The duration may vary depending on the whales’ location. There is no disembarkation during the cruise.
Important information:
• Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed
• If no whales are spotted, the Second Chance Guarantee provides a free ticket for the next available whale watching cruise within the same season, subject to availability
• Most departures are operated aboard MS Rygerdronningen. During periods of high demand, an additional 9:00 AM (09:00) departure may be operated aboard MS Rygertroll
• Weather conditions can affect the route. If Rødne cannot reach the whale feeding grounds, they may operate a shorter Arctic fjord cruise closer to shore, with a 50% refund of the original ticket price
• Boarding can be challenging for wheelchair users due to changing tide levels. Wheelchair users must be able to walk on and off the boat and use stairs
• Pets are not permitted
Prices from
1995 NOK per person
- Prices may vary throughout the season.
- Adult 1995 NOK
- Child 4–15 years 998 NOK
- Infant 0–3 years 0 NOK
Facilities
- Family-friendly
- Guide
- English
- Boat (more than 12 passengers)
- Groups
- Very easy
- Norwegian
- Family-friendly
- Toilet on board the boat
- Morning (05:00–11:59)
- Disability-friendly
- Environmentally certified
- 5-8 hours
- Eco-Lighthouse
- Green Travel
About Rødne Fjord Cruise
The Arctic winter is magical.
Humpback whales burst out of the sea in the blue twilight. Orcas, often called killer whales, glide through the icy waters. The mystical Northern Lights dance across the night sky.
Feel like an Arctic explorer aboard our spacious and modern catamarans, which are perfect for comfortable cruises in the far north. The twin-hull design provides a stable ride, even in rough seas. Enjoy the cruise from the comfort of our luxurious cabin with panoramic windows, then venture onto our spacious outdoor decks for a closer look. Our expert local guides will keep you informed in both Norwegian and English.
During the Polar Night, we offer daytime cruises in search of humpback whales and orcas. In the evening, you can join us as we search for the spectacular Northern Lights aboard our high-speed ferry, which quickly and comfortably takes us away from the light pollution of Tromsø.
Sightings of whales and the Northern Lights are natural phenomena and cannot be guaranteed. What we can guarantee is that if you do not see them on one cruise, we will give you a free ticket for the next available cruise.
Rødne has more than 60 years of experience showcasing Norway’s stunning fjords. In fact, we are Norway’s largest family-owned express ferry company.
Rødne operates with the utmost respect for our beloved fjords. We are proud to be certified as an environmentally responsible tour operator under the strict criteria of Norway’s Eco-Lighthouse Foundation.
Memberships and certifications