Tromsø Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour from Skjervøy

Driving four hours north to chase orcas and humpbacks in Arctic waters

You're picked up before dawn, driven four hours to Skjervøy, suited up in warm gear, and taken out on a RIB boat to watch orcas and humpback whales in their winter habitat. The tour includes all transport from Tromsø, meals, equipment and an English-speaking guide, returning you by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Board red bus at 05:20 AM
• Drive 4 hours to Skjervøy
• Receive warm flotation suits
• Whale watching on RIB boats
• Enjoy sandwiches, tea, and coffee
• Drive back to Tromso
• Arrive in Tromso at 17:30

The Experience

You're stepping onto a red bus at 5:20am behind the Magic Ice Bar on Samuel Arnesens gate, and the drive to Skjervøy starts right then. Four hours north through Norwegian landscape, the road climbing and the light already shifting even though it's still early. The bus is warm. You get sandwiches and coffee on board, and by the time you arrive, the crew has already fitted you with a warm flotation suit, boots and mittens — everything you need for what comes next.

The RIB boat cuts through the water fast and low, and that's when the whale watching actually begins. Orcas and humpback whales have been moving into Skjervøy waters in recent years, and your English-speaking skipper knows where to look. The boat slows when something surfaces, and you're close enough to see the water pour off the back. It's not a gentle experience — the boat pitches, the cold air hits your face, and you're very much aware you're in the Arctic. That's also why the suits matter.

After the boat returns, there's more tea and coffee while you drive back to Tromsø, arriving around 5:30pm. The whole day is twelve hours door-to-door, but most of it is transport and the actual whale watching is maybe two to three hours on the water. It's a long commitment for what might be a few minutes of sighting, or it might be an hour of them. Your guide will tell you what's been spotted that week and what the odds are looking like.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport between Tromsø and Skjervøy.
• warm flotation suit, boots and mittens.
• RIB boat whale watching excursion.
• sandwiches, tea and coffee.
• English-speaking skipper and guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Green Gold of Norway AS

Is this one for you?Book this if you're willing to commit a full day and an early start for a genuine chance at Arctic whales — the long drive and early pickup are what put you in the water when the whales are actually there.

Traveler reviews

4.41★★★★★★★★★★

102 verified traveler reviews

5 ★75

4 ★12

3 ★5

2 ★2

1 ★8

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What time does the tour start and where do I meet the bus?

Pickup is 5:20am at the red bus standing behind the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø (ground floor), Samuel Arnesens gate 5. You return to Tromsø around 5:30pm.

How long is the drive to Skjervøy?

The drive is four hours each way. You'll have sandwiches and coffee on the bus during the journey.

What whales might I see?

Orcas and humpback whales have been arriving in Skjervøy waters in recent years. Sightings depend on the week and conditions; your guide will advise on current odds.

What's included in the tour?

Round-trip transport from Tromsø, warm flotation suit with boots and mittens, RIB boat excursion, sandwiches, tea, coffee and an English-speaking skipper.

Is this suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for children under 10 years old or those under 140cm in height. Infants can travel but must sit on an adult's lap.

How rough is the RIB boat ride?

RIB boats are fast and low to the water, so you'll feel the motion and spray. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.