Many whales visit the coast of North Norway, one of the best places in the world to go on a whale safari. Experiencing the whale in its natural habitat is a magnificent experience.

In this guide, you will find all your advice about the best places for whale watching in Nothern Norway and the best tours. 

It is possible to watch different kinds of whales in several places in the ocean around Northern Norway. Some of the most common cetacean species observed in Norwegian waters include killer whales, porpoises, pilot whales and fin whales.

The most common species are killer whales (orcas) and mammals. They are here most of the winter.

The sea areas north of Tromsø are the whales’ hunting grounds. From November to January, the marine mammals migrate towards the coast, searching for herring.

Whale-watching tours in Tromsø

Whale safaris are among the most popular attractions and activities in Northern Norway. The perfect spots are Tromsø to start your tour because Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to watch whales.

In the winter months, Trosø is home to one of the largest cetacean colonies in the Arctic, attracted by the abundance of herring. 
 
Whales can be seen in Nothern Norway all year round, depending on the species and where you are along the coast. 

When to watch Whales

From Tromsø, you can go on a whale-watching in winter, generally from November to February.  There are the best chances to see giant mammals. 

Around Vesterålen at Lofoten, you can be almost sure to watch these ocean giants throughout the year because of the nutrient-rich waters here. Many operators claim a ninety-five per cent chance of a whale sighting.

During the summer, it's mainly Sperm whales to watch around Vesterålen.

The whales every year change places where they stay depending on the supply of fish. You perhaps have to go some hours out of Tromsø to discover the animals, which can be Humpback Whales and Killer Whales.

Ecotourism in focus

The tour operators have focused on sustainability and responsibility, and if you travel in small groups, it doesn't disturb the wildlife and impacts nature less.

The operators support the research and protection of whale colonies, and it's essential to behave responsibly towards the whales and the environment.

Whale-watching tour activities are now regulated in Norway and are conducted according to the strictest ethical and safety standards, so only a few specialized operators can offer it. 

The Sperm whale is the most common

The most common Whale to spot is the sperm whale, but you may also see humpbacks, pilot whales, minke whales, killer whales and dolphins if you are lucky. The possibility of watching killer whales is best in Tysfjord, the deepest in northern Norway, particularly between October and January.
 

Take on a whale safari

If you want to see whales in Norway, you can take a trip with a specialized whale-watching operator. These tours are usually offered from spring to autumn, when there is the best opportunity to see whales and other marine animals.

However, it is essential to remember that there is no guarantee of seeing whales on these tours, as it depends on many factors such as weather, sea conditions and the movements of the animals.

To get the best possibility to get close to the whales, we recommend you take one of the many whale safaris.

By joining a whale safari, you will also be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery, and sometimes, the whales will lounge on the surface of the water close to your boat while they rise in the air before descending to the ocean's depths.

Remember to bring your binoculars and camera.

See also:  Where to See Whales in the Nordic countries