Whale Watching from Tromsø – Orcas & Humpbacks

General information

This tour is operated by Rødne Fjord Cruise.

Every winter, large shoals of herring move into the fjords around Skjervøy, north of Tromsø, and orcas and humpback whales follow them to feed. We leave Tromsø early in the morning and head north on a fast catamaran, so you spend less time getting there and more time where the whales gather. Along the way, the Lyngen Alps rise above the fjords, and around midday the low Arctic sun colours the sky and snow-covered mountains in shades of pink and orange.

The catamaran is stable and built for long days of sightseeing. Stay warm in the heated lounge with large panoramic windows, and head out to the spacious viewing decks when whales are spotted. You are free to move between the lounge and the decks throughout the cruise.

A local guide is on board all day, explaining why the whales come to these fjords, how they feed and how to tell the different species apart. The crew keeps watch and lets you know when whales are nearby. Orcas and humpback whales are the most common, while fin whales, minke whales and porpoises are sometimes seen too. White-tailed eagles are often spotted along the way.

Coffee and tea are included. The onboard café sells locally baked treats, snacks, drinks, Norwegian waffles with jam and warm lapskaus, a traditional Norwegian stew that's perfect on a cold winter day.

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.

We follow Visit Tromsø's guidelines for responsible whale watching. When whales are near, we put the engines in neutral and let the animals move freely, so every encounter happens on their terms. The daily 8:30 AM (08:30) departure sails with MS Rygerdronningen, a quiet catamaran with fuel-efficient engines that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Rødne is Eco-Lighthouse certified.

Founded in 1956, Rødne is a family-owned Norwegian boat company celebrating 70 years on the water in 2026.

Included:

• Responsible whale watching cruise by fast catamaran
• Local guide
• Complimentary 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.

Minimum age: No minimum age

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. 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.

• During periods of high demand, an additional 9 AM (09:00) departure may be operated aboard a second vessel.

• 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

2095 NOK per person

• - Prices may vary throughout the season.
• - Adults NOK 2,095
• - Children aged 4–15 NOK 1,050
• - Children aged 0–3 free
• - 13 December–4 January (high season):
• - Adults NOK 2,370
• - Children aged 4–15 NOK 1,180
• - Children aged 0–3 free