Many whales visit the coast of North Norway, one of the best places in the world to go on a whale safari.

It is possible to watch different kinds of whales in several places in the ocean around North Norway.

Around Vesterålen, 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 months, it's mainly Sperm whales to watch around Vesterålen.

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 in Tromsø

From Tromsø, you can go on a whale watching tour in winter, generally from November to February.

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 you are travelling in small groups, and then it doesn't disturb the wildlife and impacts nature less.

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.
 

Discover the whales on a whale safari

To get the best possibility to get close to the whales, we recommend you to 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.

Keiko from the film "Free Willy" lived here

Norway is possibly the best place for a whale to stay - proof of this is the world-famous, friendly orca that lived here after the whale finished the movie. The whale stayed here in the fjords until it died in 2003.