Whale watching in Alta: Small group Arctic fjord tour

Three hours on the water hunting orcas and humpbacks in the Arctic fjords

A small group whale watching tour in Alta runs 4.5 hours total, including pickup and minibus transfer to the Altafjord, where you board a boat to search for orcas, humpback whales and Arctic dolphins during their winter herring-feeding season. A local guide in English or Norwegian leads the tour, and you can borrow warm outdoor clothes at the office before departure. Hot chocolate and snacks are served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching tour in Altafjord

• Pick up and meet guide
• Receive briefing and borrow warm clothes
• Boat tour searching for whales
• Return to office and change clothes
• Drive back to pick up location

The experience

The tour starts at your pickup point in Alta, where the guide meets you and takes the group to the office to explain the day's plan and share local history about why whales migrate into the Altafjord. You can borrow extra warm clothes here and leave your belongings behind. From there, a minibus transfers you to one of three harbours in the Altafjord: the starting point changes based on where the whales are feeding that day.

Once on the boat, you spend approximately three hours sailing the fjord while the guide talks through the landscape, local wildlife and the types of whales you might encounter. November through January is peak season: orcas, humpback whales and other species gather here for their herring feast, and the guide will help you spot and photograph them. When the whales dive or the weather turns, you can stay inside the warm cabin with hot chocolate and snacks rather than staying exposed on deck.

After the boat returns, you change out of the borrowed clothes at the office and the minibus takes you back to your original pickup location. The entire experience, from pickup to drop-off, takes approximately 4.5 hours.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Norwegian.
• pickup and drop-off from your location in Alta.
• minibus transfer to the Altafjord.
• approximately three hours on the boat.
• hot chocolate and snacks on board.
• use of warm outdoor clothes at the office.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to ThursdayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 10 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Alta Adventure

Is this one for you?The tour takes 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off, which leaves most of your day free for other activities in Alta. A minimum age of 13 applies, and moderate physical fitness is needed for boarding the boat and moving around the vessel.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

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.

When is the best time to see whales in Alta?

November through January is when orcas, humpback whales and other whale species gather in the Altafjord for their herring-feeding season, making it the peak window for sightings.

What happens if the weather is bad during the tour?

The boat is equipped with a warm cabin where you can stay inside during rough conditions or when whales are diving, with hot chocolate and snacks available.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat starts from one of three harbours in the Altafjord. The guide will transfer you by minibus from your pickup point to whichever harbour the whales are closest to that day.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear warm layers, but you can borrow additional outdoor clothes at the office before the tour starts. Leave your personal belongings at the office during the boat trip.

Do I need to be picked up from my hotel?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your location in Alta are included. If you arrive by cruise ship, choose Alta Havn (Alta Harbour) as your pickup point and the guide will meet you at the parking area with a black minibus.