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Whale watching in Norway gives the perfect chance to glimpse marine mammals in their natural habitat. In fact, Norway is an excellent location for whale watching, since there are several spots throughout the country where one can see cetaceans.
The primary area for watching whales such as humpbacks and orcas, as well as larger species including blue whales and sperm whales in Norway is Northern Norway. Visitors can sight various kinds of whales ranging from humpbacks and killer whales to the massive blue and sperm whales there.
Ultimately, you`ll need an understanding of the optimal times for whale watching and the top Norway tours focused on whale watching. As a result, this article covers:
- Prime time for whale watching tours in Norway
- Locations to see whales in Norway
- Top Norway whale spotting trips
- Different kinds of cetaceans located in Norway
When we visited Tromso, Norway, we partook in this excursion by boat searching for whales while traveling along the fjord and had an incredible experience, so we can wholeheartedly advise venturing out .
Table of Contents
Best time for whale watching in Norway
The best time for whale watching in Norway is dependent on the region visited, as well as the wildlife wanted to be seen, since different types of whales appear at differing times of the year. Generally, though, Norway whale watching season lasts from the end of October to the middle of January.
As for humpback whales, they tend to frequent the coast of Norway from October until the end of March. Whales known as Norway orcas visit the region from the end of October to the middle of January, while porpoises gather in Northern Norway during the summer months. Furthermore, you can see blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and belugas from May to September near the Svalbard Islands.
Some locations permit whale observing year-round. For example, several marine mammals can be seen off the coast of the Vesterålen Islands throughout the year, such as sperm whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises .
Where to see whales in Norway
Whether witnessing whales or orcas in Norway, the most suitable spots to view these marine mammals are along Northern Norway`s coast. Some places are home to cetaceans year-round, while others must be visited at specific times. Taking a Norway whale watching tour from these locations should heighten your chances of seeing the animals from up close.
Tromsø
We already have guidance on whale watching in Tromsø, which is one of the finest locations to go whale watching in Norway. Many excursions depart from this city, such as the whale safari we took, so you`ll have plenty of options to consider.
If you’re preparing a visit to Tromso and want to ensure you have a high probability of having a whale encounter, Tromso’s whale watching season lasts from November to early February. During that time frame, you might see humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, or even dolphins.
The Lofoten Islands
Visiting the Lofoten Islands should be part of your plans if you want to see whales while in Norway at any point during the year. Simply reserve a spot on this wildlife sightseeing boat ride and there is a good chance you will see some form of sea creature. That said, certain whale species can only be spotted at specific times.
Winter is the period for observing orca and humpback whales, while sperm whales and porpoises appear during the summer.
The Svalbard Islands
If you’re looking to do some beluga whale watching in Norway, the Svalbard Islands are the place to go. Belugas, fin whales, blue whales, humpback whales, and minke whales flock to the area from May to September, since the Isfjorden fjord is where they feed.
Many day trips leaving from the archipelago`s small town of Longyearbyen include this whale watching eco-tour. You can also book longer expeditions (7-10 days) departing Longyearbyen to see narwhals, bowhead whales, and belugas.
The Vesterålen Islands
Another location allowing whale watching in Norway year-round is the Vesterålen Islands. Specifically, the isle of Andøya, which is part of the Vesterålen archipelago, is dubbed the “Whale Kingdom of the North” since it’s such a premier whale watching spot in Norway.
Many Norway whale watching excursions leave from the small town of Andenes on Andøya or from the nearby village of Stø. Various whales can be seen off the coast of the islands throughout the year, including sperm whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises .
Best whale watching tours in Norway
With so many locations for observing whales in Norway to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to select a Norway tour focused on whale watching. To help narrow your search, I’ve compiled a list of the best Norway whale watching experiences, one for each location (Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard Islands, and the Vesterålen Islands).
1. The best whale watching in Norway (Tromso)
We had a few of the best whale watching in Norway when we took this fjord cruise and whale safari boat tour while we were in Tromso. We had the chance to see orcas, dolphins, and humpback whales and were stunned by how lovely these creatures are up close.
This catamaran cruise leaves from downtown Tromso and sails through the fjords, a hotspot for marine wildlife. Your guide will tell you all regarding the local fishing history and culture, and you’ll also get to watch some brief films on Arctic ecology and Norway’s whales.
Moreover, there is no need to worry about going hungry, as coffee, tea, and biscuits are all provided. You can even borrow winter thermal attire if you want to stay warm on the outdoor viewing deck.
If you’d prefer to snuggle indoors, you can stick to the boat’s indoor viewing area, where you’ll also have the ability to obtain some wonderful photos.
- Highlights: Whales, dolphins, orcas, porpoises
- Starting point: Kystens Hus., Tromso
- Duration: 7 hours
- Number of participants: 12/30/144 (depends on size of boat)
- Price: $148
2. The top Norwegian whale watching tour (Lofoten Islands)
An additional Norway whale viewing tour option to explore is this wildlife cruise through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the locale.
The tour exits from Svolvaer and sails through the Øyhellsundet strait to the Trollfjord. This narrow waterway is solely accessible by boat, so you’ll be able to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. During the tour, you’ll also pass by Skrova, a whaling island with a quaint harbor and beautiful scenery.
Witness the gorgeous mountains and see sandy Norwegian coastlines, perhaps with a sunbathing seal on the shore. This cruise is led by an experienced wildlife specialist who will point out different species like eagles, seals, dolphins, and porpoises. If you go during the period of orca in Norway, you may spot some killer whales.
- Highlights: Øyhellsundet strait, Trollfjord, wildlife spotting, Skrova
- Starting point: Svolvaer
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of participants: 45
- Price: $108
3. The best Norway whale watching tour to see wildlife (Svalbard Islands)
Another Norwaywhalewatchingtour that I propose is this Svalbard whale cruise. You’ll voyage in an enclosed, heated boat and journey to Isfjorden, the second-longest fjord in Svalbard.
This location allows seeing various types of wild creatures like reindeer, arctic foxes, and scarce blue foxes. You’ll also get a beautiful perspective of Isfjorden’s natural scenery, containing glaciers. Keep an eye out for huge sheets of ice, perhaps with a polar bear or two on them.
The tour provides an excellent chance to see different whale species of Norway, like humpbacks, belugas, and blue whales. Your guide will also point out numerous bird varieties like rock ptarmigans, long-tailed ducks, fulmars, gulls, and puffins.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the finest whale safaris in Norway. Not only will you get to view amazing wildlife from a comfortable boat, but a warm meal is also included.
- Highlights: Glacial formations, wildlife observation, humpbacks, belugas, blue whales
- Starting point: Svalbard
- Duration: 5 hours
- Number of participants: 12
- Price: $225
4. The top orca watching in Norway tour (The Vesterålen Islands)
Experience some of the best whale watching for orcas by reserving a spot on an Andenes whale watching tour. In addition to orcas, you might also see pilot whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, or even fin whales depending on the season.
Your Norway whale watching tour from Andenes begins with exploring the whale museum contained in the ticket cost. Next, you`ll board the boat to embark on the journey.
As you observe whales of all varieties, you’ll be served biscuits and warm drinks. Additionally, if you sail on the MS Reine, you’ll be treated to warm soup with bread.
- Highlights: Various species of whales like pilot whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, and orcas may be seen.
- Starting point: Andenes
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Number of participants: 80
- Price: $132
Types of whales in Norway
While your guide will provide more details about the marine wildlife you may observe on your Norway whale watching tour, understanding what to anticipate can be helpful in advance.
There are many types of whales that can be seen in Norway, but if you’re whale watching in Tromso or around the Lofoten Islands, you’ll most likely see humpback whales and orcas. On the other hand, if you take a Norwegian whale watching tour around the Svalbard or Vesterålen Islands, you’ll probably see fin whales, pilot whales, or even dolphins.
Orcas in Norway
Orcas, or killer whales, are typically drawn to Norwegian coastal waters in late fall/winter owing to the bountiful quantity of herring present there. If you’re undertaking orca watching in Norway, you may observe killer whales that reach up to 26 feet in length and weigh as much as 11,000 pounds. Orcas can be readily identified by their distinguishing black-and-white markings.
Humpback whales in Norway
Humpback whales, similar to orcas, are drawn to the waters surrounding northern Norway by the herring that come there to spawn. These marine creatures can be seen in the coastal waters of Norway from late autumn to mid-winter; their round, bumpy heads and large size make them readily identifiable.
Visitors may even become dampened by water ejected from their breathing holes, which can project liquid up to 9 feet in the air!
Fin whales in Norway
Unfortunately, you won’t see fin whales on every Norway whale watching tour, but you may see them if you take go whale watching near the Vesterålen Islands. These migratory baleen whales can reach up to 90 feet in length and weigh up to 126 tons. However, they are difficult to find in Arctic waters, and they’re also endangered and hunted by orcas.
Pilot whales in Norway
The long-finned pilot whale is another marine creature you can see if you travel to the Svalbard Islands during the summer months.
Interestingly, pilot whales aren’t technically whales; they’re large dolphins with rounded heads and dorsal fins that are near the tops of their backs.
Sperm whales in Norway
Sperm whales tend to inhabit the area near Norway’s Vesterålen Islands. These incredibly massive whales are surpassed in dimensions only by the immense blue whale. They routinely dive over 3,000 feet beneath the surface in search of nutrition, and they can be distinguished by their large, square heads.
Dolphins in Norway
There`s a good chance you`ll see marine mammals if you go whale watching in Norway, since several species inhabit Northern Norway and enjoy swimming in the fjords. Some of the dolphin types you may observe include the Atlantic white-sided dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin.
Wherever you choose to visit whale watching in Norway, whether that be Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard Islands, or the Vesterålen Islands, you should have a good chance of seeing cetaceans in their natural habitat. Just remember to have your camera ready to capture the whales of Norway when you see them!
Hopefully, this article has aided you in planning an amazing Norway whale watching trip. At minimum, now you should be able to differentiate between a humpback whale and a pilot whale!
Enjoy documenting the marine creatures from your boat trip!
