Winter Whale Watching – Arctic Cruise from Tromsø

General information

his tour is operated by Arctic Whale Tours.

Join a winter whale watching cruise from Tromsø and explore the beautiful Arctic fjords in search of orcas and humpback whales. Travel aboard MS Alba, enjoy the winter scenery and learn about the whales that visit Northern Norway each year.

The journey begins in Tromsø, where you board MS Alba before heading north towards the areas where whales gather to feed on herring during winter. Along the way, enjoy views of snow-covered mountains, coastal communities and the changing Arctic light.

Your experienced guides share fascinating insights into the whales, their behaviour and the Arctic marine environment. Orcas and humpback whales are the species most commonly spotted during winter, but you may also encounter fin whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Arctic Whale Tours follows responsible whale-watching guidelines to minimise disturbance to the animals. When whales are spotted, the crew maintains a respectful distance, allowing you to observe them in their natural environment.

MS Alba is a Norwegian-built catamaran from 1975, equipped with modern engines and a hydrophone system for listening to whales underwater. The vessel has a heated lounge with panoramic windows, outdoor viewing decks and toilets, allowing you to enjoy the scenery both indoors and outside.

Coffee, tea and biscuits are included during the cruise. As this is a full-day experience, we recommend bringing a packed lunch and additional snacks.

Minimum age: 1 year. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Included:
• Full-day guided whale watching cruise aboard MS Alba
• Experienced guides and crew
• Coffee, tea and biscuits
• Heated indoor lounge with panoramic windows
• Outdoor viewing decks
• Toilets on board
• Safety equipment
• Whale Pass, subject to the operator's conditions

Food and drinks: Coffee, tea and biscuits are included. Meals are not included, so we recommend bringing a packed lunch or additional snacks.

Please bring: Warm clothing in several layers, windproof and waterproof outerwear, a hat, gloves and insulated winter boots with good grip. We also recommend bringing a packed lunch, a camera and a power bank. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking suitable medication before departure.

Number of participants: Min. 20 – Max. 90 guests

Level of difficulty: Easy. The vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Guests with reduced mobility should contact the operator before booking.

Meeting time and place: Check-in starts at 8:00 AM (08:00), directly at MS Alba, Fr Nansens plass 1, 9008 Tromsø. The boat is docked near the Circle K petrol station, close to the Tromsø Bridge, on the opposite side of the harbour from Vervet. There is no indoor check-in desk. Please proceed directly to the boat and have your booking confirmation or QR code ready for check-in.

Departure time: 8:30 AM (08:30)

Duration: Approximately 8 hours (±1 hour), depending on weather, sea conditions and whale locations.

Important information:
• Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• If no whales or dolphins are spotted during the cruise, you will receive a Whale Pass, allowing you to rebook the tour once for free, subject to availability and the operator's conditions. The pass is valid for the same or following season, applies to the same participants and cannot be exchanged for cash.
• The route and duration may change depending on weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
• A minimum of 20 participants is required for the tour to operate.
• The tour may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, sea conditions or safety concerns.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Prices from

2050 NOK per person

• - Adult 16+ NOK 2050
• - Infant 1–2 NOK 0
• - Child 3–10 NOK 975
• - Youth 11–15 NOK 1550
• - Student with ID NOK 1850
• - Senior NOK 1850