Silent Whale Watching by Hybrid-Electric Boat from Tromsø

Approach whales on silent electric power, close enough to watch them feed

A whale watching tour from Tromsø aboard a hybrid-electric boat that switches to silent electric propulsion as it nears feeding whales in the herring-rich fjords between late October and January. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide, WiFi and a café. The journey takes 7 to 9 hours depending on whale location, and includes 1 to 2 hours spent watching them. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. The tour is bookable up to 2 hours before departure and suitable for all fitness levels. Wheelchair-accessible transport and specialized infant seats are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour from Tromsø

• Depart Tromsø in the morning
• Pass Lyngstuva lighthouse
• Reach Skjervøy whale feeding area
• Search for humpbacks and orcas
• Spend 1-2 hours watching whales
• Sail past Arctic Cathedral returning
• Return to Tromsø

The experience

The boat leaves Tromsø in the morning and heads north toward Skjervøy, passing the Lyngstuva lighthouse at the peak of Lyngen Alps on the way. It can take up to 3.5 hours to reach the whales' feeding grounds, but the hybrid engine gets you there efficiently while the panoramic lounges and two decks let you watch the frozen landscape unfold without stepping into the cold. Once the boat nears the whales, the engine switches to silent electric power. The reason you can get close without scattering them.

When the whales are found, you spend between 1 and 2 hours watching them feed on herring in the fjord. The captain and guide work to locate them and position the boat so you can observe their behavior. There's no guarantee of a sighting, but the crew knows these waters and the migration patterns that bring humpbacks, fin whales, sperm whales and orca to this area each winter. On the return to Tromsø, you pass the Arctic Cathedral at the end of the Tromsø bridge.

WiFi and a café with food and drinks for purchase are on board, along with restrooms and heated indoor seating. The tour is wheelchair accessible and bookable up to 2 hours before it departs. Because the whales migrate and are only in the Tromsø area between late October and the end of January, the season is short and the timing matters.

What’s included

• Boat cruise with panoramic windows and heated indoor seating.
• live guide in English.
• WiFi on board.
• café with food and drinks for purchase.
• restrooms on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 07:45, 08:00 and 09:00Last departure this season: 7 Feb 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 98 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet 15 minutes before departure at the pier to the side of Skarven Kro Restaurant in Tromsø (Kaigata 6).”

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Brim Explorer

Is this one for you?Watch whales feed undisturbed in Arctic fjords: our silent electric motor lets you observe them up close while they stay in the area, something diesel boats can't achieve.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

How long does the whale watching tour from Tromsø actually take?

The tour runs 7 to 9 hours total, depending on how far the whales have traveled that day. Travel to the feeding grounds can take up to 3.5 hours, and you spend 1 to 2 hours watching the whales once they're located.

What whales might I see on this tour?

Humpbacks, fin whales, sperm whales and orca feed in the herring-rich fjords around Tromsø during the winter season. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the captain and guide navigate to where the whales are most likely to be found.

Why does the boat switch to electric power?

The hybrid-electric boat uses its diesel engine to reach the feeding grounds efficiently, then switches to silent electric propulsion as it approaches the whales. The electric motor produces no noise, so you can get much closer to them without disturbing their feeding.

When can I book this tour, and when do the whales arrive?

The tour is bookable up to 2 hours before departure. Whales migrate to the Tromsø area only between late October and the end of January, so the season is limited to those months.

What's included on the boat during the journey?

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, heated panoramic lounges on two decks, WiFi, restrooms and a café where you can purchase food and drinks. The boat is wheelchair accessible and has specialized infant seats available.