Whale Watching from Skjervøy on a Refitted Rescue Boat

By Arctic Whale Tours
An orca in the sea
Arctic Whale Tours
An orca in the sea
Arctic Whale Tours
A person taking pictures
Arctic Whale Tours
Tail of a whale
Arctic Whale Tours
A boat by the dock
Arctic Whale Tours
Prices from

1600 NOK

per person

Every winter, the fjords around Skjervøy become a gathering place for humpback whales and orcas following the great herring migration.

General information

This rich feeding ground offers some of the most spectacular whale encounters in Northern Norway.

Your journey begins at Skjervøy Harbour, where you will step aboard RS 78 Hagbart Waage — a traditional Norwegian rescue vessel built for life at sea and later refitted for passenger comfort. With its heated indoor lounge and wide outdoor decks, the boat combines maritime history with a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

As the tour departs, you will glide through Arctic fjords surrounded by snow-covered mountains and crisp winter light. Out on deck, you may spot whales surfacing, diving, or swimming together in pods while seabirds circle overhead. Inside, you can warm up with hot coffee, tea, and biscuits, while our expert guides share stories about the whales, the herring migration, and the local traditions of this Arctic fishing community.

And if the whales are shy that day — don’t worry. With our Whale Pass, you are invited to return for another trip free of charge if no whales, dolphins, or porpoises are sighted on your tour.* It is our way of standing by the incredible wildlife experiences Skjervøy is known for.

In just 2–3 hours, this focused whale safari gives you an authentic taste of Arctic nature, seafaring heritage, and close encounters with wildlife — all in one unforgettable winter adventure.

*Rebooking subject to availability. Whale Pass is non-transferable and has no cash value.

Please note that this tour does not include transport to Skjervøy.

Included: Guided whale watching tour, expert wildlife guide, coffee/tea, biscuits, safety equipment, Whale Pass (See Whales or Come Back for Free)

Please bring: Warm layered winter clothing, hat, gloves, scarf, insulated boots

Number of participants: Min. 20 – Max. 60

Level of difficulty: Easy

Departure time and place: 10:30 AM (10:30) from Skjervøy Harbour, Havnegata 18, 9189 Skjervøy

Duration: 2–3 hours

Prices from

1600 NOK per person

- Adult NOK 1600

- Infant 0-2 NOK 0

- Child 3-10 NOK 800

- Teenager 11-15 NOK 1100

- Student NOK 1400

- Senior NOK 1400

Facilities

  • Student price
  • Short trips
  • Dog-friendly
  • Suitable for children and families
  • English
  • Boat (over 12 persons)
  • Norwegian
  • Adapted for mobility impairment
  • Toilet on boat
  • Easy
  • Child 0+
  • Child 4+
  • Child 6+
  • Child 12+
  • 3-5 hours

About Arctic Whale Tours

We take you to the whales quickly and smoothly from Tromsø. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains, fjords and colours of the polar night while we make our way towards the feeding grounds of killer whales (Orcinus orca) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).


We strive to provide our guests an unforgettable, safe, informative and inspirational day out at sea, while giving wildlife the respect and space they deserve and require.



You will be taken care of by our friendly and experienced guides, who have many years of first-hand knowledge of the nature and wildlife of Northern Norway. Our guides will be looking out for other wildlife as well, including other cetacean species such as harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), and birdlife such as all common seagull species, little auk (Alle alle), common eider (Somateria mollissima), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) and the majestic white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). 



We have tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits available throughout the whole day, and an option to have a light warm soup lunch on the way back to Tromsø. Soft drinks, wine and beer are available for purchase. 



Whale Guarantee

Our safari success rate is around 95 %, but occasionally, it happens that we fail to spot any whales (we are dealing with nature, after all). For such rare days, we have a whale guarantee: If we do not see whales, guests who are interested can join another safari free of charge (winter or summer season).


Arctic Whale Tours
Phone: +47 403 05 298
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.arcticwhaletours.com
Skippergata 6D, 9008 Tromsø