Alta Fjord Whale Safari: Spot sperm whales and orcas

Whales have started migrating into Alta Fjord, bringing them closer than they used to be.

A winter tour in Alta Fjord where you search for whales from a boat. The fjord draws sperm whales, killer whales (orcas), porpoises and hourglass dolphins as they follow schools of herring, capelin and mackerel. Life jacket, warm coverall, boots, woolen socks, mittens and headwear are provided. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served on board. Whale sightings depend on daily fish availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale safari in Alta Fjord

• Take seasickness medication if needed
• Venture out in Alta Fjord
• Search for whales and dolphins
• Observe playful young whales

The experience

You board in Alta and head out on the water to search for whales in the fjord. The boat moves through the winter landscape looking for signs of the creatures that follow migrating fish. Sperm whales and killer whales are the species most likely to appear, though porpoises and hourglass dolphins also move through these waters. Young whales tend to be curious and playful, which can mean closer sightings when they do show up, but presence depends entirely on where the fish are on any given day, so what you see shifts with the season and the catch.

It can be cold out on the fjord, and if you're prone to seasickness, take medication three hours before departure. Everything you need to stay warm is there (a full coverall, borrowed boots, socks, mittens and a hat) plus a life jacket. Hot tea and coffee come with biscuits to eat while you're out on the water.

What’s included

• Life jacket.
• warm coverall.
• borrowed boots, woolen socks, mittens and headwear.
• tea, coffee and biscuits.
• live guide in English or Norwegian.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Icecube of Aurora

Is this one for you?It suits travelers of any fitness level who want a winter outing on the fjord to look for whales and don't mind the cold.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales am I most likely to see in Alta Fjord?

Sperm whales and killer whales (orcas) are the most common species in the fjord during winter. Porpoises and hourglass dolphins also appear, and young whales are often curious and playful when they do surface. Sightings depend on the daily availability of fish like herring, capelin and mackerel, so what shows up varies unpredictably.

How cold is it on the water, and what do I wear?

A warm coverall is provided, along with boots, woolen socks, mittens and headwear you can borrow. You'll also wear a life jacket. The tour runs in winter, so dress warmly underneath and bring layers if you're sensitive to cold.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick easily?

If you're prone to seasickness, take medication for it three hours before departure.