Tromso Whale Watching RIB Safari & Transfer with Arctic Experts

How close can you actually get to an Arctic orca?

You get a full day of Arctic whale watching in a small RIB with a guide who knows where the animals are, thermal protection from the cold, lunch, and transport from your hotel to the boat and back. The fixed itinerary and small group size mean you're not gambling on a crowded tour or a rushed schedule. You're on the water as long as the whales are active and the conditions hold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and Skjervøy visit

• Drive from Tromso to Skjervøy
• Wear thermal suits and flotation gear
• Join small-group RIB whale watching safari
• Spot orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales
• Spend time exploring Skjervøy town

The experience

You're standing in Tromso with a free afternoon or morning, and someone mentions that orcas and humpback whales are out there right now, somewhere in the fjords. The question is whether you'll see them from a distance or from a RIB that moves fast enough to chase them. Arctic Explorers runs the whale watching operation that locals actually book, not because of marketing, but because they've logged 60,000+ guests and won nine Travelers' Choice Awards by going where the whales actually are and staying out long enough to find them. The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, which means you're not packed in with fifty others, and the RIB itself is built for speed and maneuverability in cold water, not comfort on a cruise ship.

The day starts with a scenic drive from Tromso to Skjervoy, which is not filler. You're moving through dramatic fjords and frozen landscapes with a guide who knows the Arctic and can point out what you're actually looking at instead of just driving. Skjervoy itself sits surrounded by mountains and water, and it's the departure point because the whales congregate in these waters. Once you're on the water, the guides read the conditions and the whale behavior in real time. Sometimes you get orcas, sometimes humpbacks, sometimes fin whales. The point is they don't cut the trip short just because the sighting happened early. They stay out as long as conditions allow, which is how a whale watching tour becomes something you actually remember instead of something you checked off.

You'll be wearing a premium thermal suit, Arctic boots, and flotation gear provided by the operator, so the cold is managed rather than endured. Lunch is included, and they ask about dietary requirements at booking, so vegetarian options exist if you need them. The whole experience (the drive, the time on water, the return to Tromso) is built around the idea that you came to see whales, not to spend the day arranging logistics. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which means you don't navigate the transfer yourself or negotiate with a taxi driver about where Skjervoy actually is.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tromso, the scenic drive to Skjervoy, the RIB whale watching experience with a guide, premium thermal suit and Arctic boots, flotation gear, lunch with a vegetarian option available upon request, and all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesDaily · 05:15 · season until 31 Jan 2027

Ages18 to 67 years · Under 18 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Bus Terminal, Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø (Under the large grey harbour terminal building next to Clarion Edge)”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Arctic Explorers

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Arctic whales without arranging the transfer, the boat, the thermal gear, or the timing yourself: the small group size and expert guides mean you're not gambling on a crowded tour or a rushed schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.55★★★★★★★★★★

130 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 24h before the start.

What whales might I see in Tromso?

Orcas and humpback whales are the most common sightings. Fin whales appear sometimes. Sightings depend on season and real-time whale movement, so nothing is guaranteed.

Is the thermal suit provided?

Yes. Premium thermal suits, Arctic boots, and flotation gear are all provided by Arctic Explorers.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is included. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at the time of booking.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes, children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to the movement of the RIB on open water.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tromso are included in the tour.

How many people will be on the RIB?

Maximum 12 guests per RIB, which keeps the group small and manageable.

Is this the same company that has 2,500+ five-star reviews?

Yes. Arctic Explorers is the operator, and they hold 2,500+ five-star TripAdvisor reviews and nine Travelers' Choice Awards.