Whale Watching RIB Safari from Skjervoy: Arctic Orcas & Humpbacks

The RIB stays out as long as the whales are there.

A small-group whale-watching RIB safari departing from Skjervoy in Arctic Norway, where you cruise in open speedboats to find orcas, humpbacks and fin whales in their natural habitat. Groups stay under 12 guests. The operator provides flotation suits, Arctic boots and a live English-speaking guide. You arrange your own transfer to Skjervoy harbor or book transport from Tromso separately. The safari runs 12 hours and includes lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching RIB safari from Skjervoy

• Meet bus driver at pick-up
• Travel to Skjervoy
• Meet skipper in Skjervoy
• Board RIB boat
• Whale watching safari

The experience

Twelve hours is the full day, but the boat does not watch the clock. It goes where the whales are and stays out as long as needed to give you the best shot at seeing them. You board a fast, open RIB (rigid inflatable boat) designed to get close to Arctic giants without the bulk of a cruise ship. The operator has run these safaris for years and holds 60,000+ completed trips and 2,500+ five-star reviews, which matters when you are betting a full day on spotting wildlife.

The flotation suit, Arctic boots, mittens, ski goggles and warm socks come with you. The gear is rated for minus 50, which is not theoretical in this part of Norway. Lunch is included. A live guide speaks English throughout and knows where the orcas, humpbacks and fin whales move with the season. Groups max out at 12, so you are not crammed onto a vessel with fifty other people.

You arrange your own way to Skjervoy harbor, or you can book a separate transfer from Tromso if you prefer not to drive. The skipper meets you in Skjervoy. The bus driver meets you at your Tromso pickup point if you choose the transport option. Public transportation runs to the area if you want to explore the Arctic village before or after the safari.

What’s included

• Flotation suit, flotation vest, Arctic boots rated for minus 50, mittens, ski goggles and warm socks.
• lunch.
• live English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:15Last departure this season: 31 Jan 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 67 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 36

Live guideEnglish

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arctic Explorers

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and the whale movements without translation. Book this if you can arrange your own way to Skjervoy or are comfortable with the separate transfer option. The safari itself is built for anyone 18 and up with no special fitness demands, and the gear handles the cold.

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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 24 h before the start.

What whales might I see on this RIB safari from Skjervoy?

Orcas and humpbacks are the main sightings, with fin whales appearing sometimes depending on the season and where the pods are moving. The guide knows the waters and takes the boat where the whales are most likely to be that day.

How cold is it on an open RIB in Arctic Norway, and will the gear keep me warm?

The flotation suit, boots rated for minus 50, mittens, goggles and warm socks are designed to handle Arctic conditions. The gear is provided and is the standard protection for open-boat whale watching in this region.

Do I have to arrange my own transfer from Tromso to Skjervoy, or can the operator handle it?

This safari does not include transfer from Tromso. You arrange your own way to Skjervoy harbor. The operator offers a separate Whale Watching RIB Safari with Transfer if you prefer transport included.

How many people go on each RIB, and is there a guide?

Groups stay under 12 guests per boat, which keeps the experience intimate and gives everyone a good view. A live guide who speaks English is with your group throughout the safari.

What is included in the 12-hour safari besides the boat and the guide?

Flotation suit, flotation vest, Arctic boots, mittens, ski goggles and warm socks; lunch; and all fees and taxes are included. You bring your own transfer to Skjervoy harbor.