10 Whale Watching Tours in Tromsø to Build a Day Around

1.Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,217 reviews · from $195Our pick

Spend up to nine hours sailing from Tromsø toward Skjervøy, where herring attract orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, and sperm whales. Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric catamaran offers heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and outdoor decks. Guides such as Connor, Bee, Adrian, and Ivan add lively whale facts while you search the fjords.

“Honestly everything was wonderful. I was on the bus up part of the journey, don't worry about which side you sit on - its all incredible. Look out for porpoises in the fjords as you go up. The bus is comfy and has USB/USBC chargers & WiFi and some water and a cereal bar for you. once you get to the boat they get you on quickly and within 15 minutes we were watching Orcas and Fin whales..I honestly couldn't believe it. They were incredible. The boat are really respectful of their habitat and slowdown/stop within certain distances to allow the Whales to make their own minds on how close…”

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2.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,937 reviews · 6 hours · from $207

Cruise from Tromsø to the Skjervøy area aboard the warm, fast MS Gabriele, looking for orcas and humpback whales with guides such as Lorenzo and Raul. You can watch through large windows or from three outdoor decks. The 6 to 8 hour trip includes Arctic scenery, whale talks, a bar, and a second-chance whale ticket.

“Amazing trip , very comfy , worth every penny , we had an 11 month old with us and staff were so helpful , would highly Recomend.”

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3.All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,221 reviews · from $186

Set out from Tromsø at 8 AM with Polar Adventures for an 8-hour whale safari to Skjervøy. You’ll ride in a heated boat, watch for orcas and humpbacks, and hear lively commentary from guides such as Juan, Holly, Raul, and Pedro, depending on the departure. Thermal suits, lunch, snacks, hot drinks, toilets, and USB charging are included.

“Amazing! Tips: if you have sea sick before, please take medicine in advance!”

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4.Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,017 reviews · 7 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $214

Cruise from Tromsø toward Skjervøy aboard Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric boat, watching for humpback whales and orcas near the herring grounds. Expect 7 to 9 hours on the water, warm indoor seating, outdoor decks, onboard talks, paid snacks and drinks, and a genuine chance of seeing no whales. The season runs from late October through January.

“Several different boats leave, suggest earlier one as it takes 1.5 hours of travel to get out which gives time for it to get lighter out. Also get on the boat early, we got there 15 minutes before and the boat was already mostly full and we had to hunt for spots. Most people brought snacks/water and some brought cards and games for the trip. Going they explained the route, why we were going there, and how to look for the whales and what to expect for their behavior, among other things. Coming back they also talked about more of the history, the definition of the arctic circle, and some…”

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5.Tromso Snowshoeing – Valley, Fjord Views, Wildlife, Meal & Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Leave central Tromsø for a four-and-a-half-hour Arctic outing with Wandering Owl. Walk or snowshoe a weather-chosen route, looking for reindeer and moose before lunch with fjord and mountain views. Guides such as Max, Isaac, Gerard, Anna, and Ellie also take photos. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available.

“We had a great and memorable hiking experience with our tour guide Ganni. He is very considerate, helpful and quite knowledgeable, making the trip enjoyable and educational. We definitely give two thumbs up for him and our experience.”

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6.Winter Sea Kayaking Tour with Wildlife Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 333 reviews · from $191

Join Sommarøy Adventure Tromsø AS for a five-hour winter kayaking trip from Tromsø. Guides such as Rune and Eamonn lead small groups of up to 12 through snowy fjords, islands, and calm coastal waters. Drysuits, boots, gloves, city transfers, hot drinks, and snacks are included. Wildlife sightings may include seals, otters, eiders, and sea eagles.

“It was really an enjoyable and unforgettable excursion. Our guide made us feel safe and provided great tips to improve our kayaking. We covered a lot of distance, saw beautiful scenery, made pleasant conversation, and even a seal. :) I would definitely do it again and recommend it!”

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7.Fjord, Mountain and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 229 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $123Best value

Travel from Tromsø’s historic centre through Kvaløysletta, Kaldfjord, Ersfjord, Blåmannsvika, Skjellsvika, and Grøtfjord. Guides such as Abdul, Andreia, and Mansoor stop often for photos and may find reindeer, seals, or frozen water. Hot chocolate, cake, and thermal suits are included.

“Amazing experience. Smooth pickup and drop off. Good stops and enough time at each stops. Highly recommended.”

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8.Arctic Wildlife & Fjord Sightseeing Tour by Car

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 224 reviews · 6 hours · from $220

Travel from Tromsø to Kvaløya and Sommarøy in a small group of up to eight, guided by a local English or Norwegian-speaking driver such as Adrian, Erik, Fabian, or Stefan. Expect fjords, beaches, fishing villages, frequent photo stops, possible reindeer and sea eagles, and lunch at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel.

“We were super lucky, as it was just us two in the van, so we felt like VIP’s. The guide and driver Eirik was amazing and so lovely and put up with us chatting at him for hours. He showed us some amazing views, even during a snow blizzard. The coffee and lunch stops were also fab. He was very attentive, knowledgable, accommodating and friendly. Thanks for an awesome day!”

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9.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 161 reviews · from $194

Join Cruise Service in Tromsø for a 6 to 8 hour whale safari aboard the warm catamaran MS Keiser Wilhelm. Guides, including Mario, explain whale behavior and the Arctic setting in English. Look for orcas and humpbacks near herring grounds, with indoor seating, an open deck, and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

“The trip was amazing, saw whale and orcas.the crew was really good and informative. There was just some noise in the cabin which could be improved.”

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10.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 136 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $251

Travel from Tromsø to Skjervøy, suit up in a flotation suit, boots, mittens, and goggles, then spend 2.5 to 3 hours on a small RIB looking for orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales. Guides including Ina, Ivar, Ini, and Iver keep the boat safe and the wildlife undisturbed. The long bus ride is part of the day.

“It’s totally worthy and the guide is professional and kind to us. This experience is amazing”

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