Photo by Photo by Ismaele Tortella | Visit Norway
Whale watching in Norway
For many people, seeing a whale up close can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But if you're traveling in Norway, you may get to witness this majestic sight multiple times when on a whale watching safari. From the many species of whales you can encounter to the different seasons and places that are ideal for whale watching, below you'll find all the reasons why this exciting activity should definitely be on your bucket list.
Tours with Arctic whale watching
Coastal cruises with whale viewing opportunities
You can spot whales all year long
Whereas most whale watching destinations have a 3-4 month window when the gentle giants of the ocean are making their appearance, Norway will spoil you with sightings all year long. From late October to mid-January, when the official whale season starts, you're practically guaranteed a sighting — but certain whales, like the humpbacks, can be spotted even in late March. And as for the summer, it's time for the orcas and the porpoises to break the waters' surface near the Lofoten islands, from May to September.
This extended season means you can plan your whale watching adventure around other activities you want to experience in Norway. Winter visitors can combine whale safaris with northern lights viewing and snow activities, while summer travelers enjoy the midnight sun alongside their marine wildlife encounters.
Photo by Ismaele Tortella | Visit Norway
You can see different whale species
Thanks to the nutrient-rich oceans, the migrating marine life (particularly herring), and the warmer currents of the Gulf Stream that prevent several fjords and seas in Norway from freezing over in winter, several whale species can be spotted here.
The rare — and sadly, threatened — sperm whales, many of them twenty meters long, make appearances all year round in Tromsø and off the coast of Vesterålen. Humpback whales migrate to Arctic Norway and around the Lofoten islands every summer, their distinctive tail flukes breaking the surface as they dive.
Less commonly sighted but known to make an appearance are orcas, fin and minke whales from October to January around Andenes, porpoises close to the Lofoten islands, and even the blue whale (the biggest whale on earth) in Svalbard.
Understanding whale behaviour
Each species has distinct behaviors that make sightings memorable. Sperm whales are deep divers, often disappearing for 45 minutes or more before surfacing with explosive blows that can be seen from kilometers away. Humpback whales are more surface-active, sometimes breaching fully out of the water or slapping their massive tails. Orcas travel in family pods, their distinctive black and white patterns making them easy to identify even from a distance.
Humpback baby whale in Arctic waters.
Whale watching in Tromsø. Brim Explorer
Killer whale in Tromsø. Photo by Lana Tannir | Brim Explorer
There are so many places that are perfect for whale watching
Northern and Arctic Norway are great hotspots, with several locations gathering whale populations every year. The top place to go whale watching is arguably the Vesterålen archipelago, just north of the Lofoten islands. There, and particularly near the village of Andenes, you will have the best chance of encountering these majestic marine beings all year long — the sperm whales in particular love hanging around the Bleik Canyon, where the continental shelf drops dramatically just offshore.
In the wintertime, you can go to the Lofoten islands to spot whales (and explore the dramatic archipelago while you're at it), or head further north to Tromsø and Alta, where you can encounter orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales in the cold waters of the fjords. The herring migration draws massive numbers of whales to these northern waters during winter months, creating some of the most reliable whale watching conditions anywhere in the world.
Choosing your whale watching base
Tromsø serves as an excellent base for winter whale watching, with several operators offering daily departures from late autumn through winter. The city's location at 69°N puts you right in the migration path, and you can easily combine whale watching with other Arctic activities.
Andenes in Vesterålen offers year-round sperm whale sightings thanks to the deep Bleik Canyon just offshore. The dramatic meeting of shelf and deep ocean creates feeding grounds that whales return to consistently.
Lofoten Islands provide spectacular scenery as a backdrop to your whale watching, with jagged peaks rising directly from the sea. Summer visitors can spot orcas and porpoises while enjoying the midnight sun.
Alta offers a more intimate whale watching experience in a remote setting, with smaller groups and quieter waters.
Photo by Brim Explorer
It’s a safe activity, and fun for the whole family!
If you're new to whale watching, it might sound intimidating at first — after all, whales are extremely large mammals, and you will encounter them out in the wild. But don't worry: Norway has a long history of whale watching, as it also interests locals.
While on board a boat, a RIB boat, or a silent cruise ship, the experts will let you know how to behave and will ensure that the vessel maintains proper distance so that the whales are not disturbed. Norwegian whale watching operators follow strict guidelines to protect marine mammals while giving passengers excellent viewing opportunities.
While you should always make sure to check with the company that organizes your safari whether there are any age restrictions, whale watching is a perfectly safe and extremely fun activity to do with your little ones. Most tours have minimum ages between 4-7 years, and modern vessels are equipped with warm cabins, restrooms, and safety equipment.
What to expect on a whale watching safari
Most whale watching trips last between 3-6 hours, depending on the operator and location. You'll typically start with a safety briefing and information about the whales you might encounter. Experienced crew members watch for signs of whale activity — blows (the spray from breathing), tail flukes, or disturbances in the water.
When whales are spotted, the captain positions the boat at a respectful distance while you observe. Whales often approach boats out of curiosity, but it's important to let them set the pace of interaction. Many operators provide hot drinks and warm clothing, and some offer hydrophones so you can hear whale vocalizations underwater.
Preparing for your whale watching adventure
Dress warmly: Even in summer, it's much colder on the water than on land. Dress in layers with a warm outer shell, and bring gloves and a warm hat. Many operators provide insulated suits for winter trips.
Bring motion sickness medication: If you're prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before departure. The open ocean can be rough, particularly in winter.
Camera tips: A camera with a good zoom lens helps capture distant whales. Keep batteries warm in an inside pocket — cold drains them quickly. Remember that the best moments often come when you put the camera down and simply watch.
Be patient: While Norway offers some of the world's most reliable whale watching, these are wild animals. Some days you'll see dozens of whales, other days just a few. Every sighting is special.
Trips you might like
Our newest articles and stories