Experiences
Whale watching in Norway: sperm whales, orcas and humpbacks
A blow on the horizon, then a tail lifting from the sea. Where to see whales along the Norwegian coast, when to go and where to stay.
First you hear it. A deep breath across the water, from an animal the size of a bus. Then you see the blow, and everyone on deck points at once. When the sperm whale dives, its tail rises slowly above the surface before it disappears into the deep. It takes a few seconds, and you will never forget it.
Norway is one of the best countries in the world for whale watching. Along the northern coast you can see sperm whales all year and orcas and humpbacks in winter. Here are the places, the seasons and the hotels.
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Which whales can you see in Norway?
Sperm whales: the deep divers, which stay off Andøya all year round. Most often seen in summer.
Orcas: follow the herring into the fjords around Tromsø and Skjervøy from November to January.
Humpback whales: the acrobats, breaching and slapping their fins. Most common alongside the orcas in winter.
Minke whales and porpoises: can appear all along the coast, especially in summer.
Whale watching is a wildlife experience, and no tour can promise whales. Many operators still offer a free second trip if you see none.
Andøya: sperm whales all year
Off Andenes the seabed drops steeply to great depths, just a few kilometres from land. Sperm whales hunt squid here, which makes Andøya one of the few places in the world where you can see them almost all year. Tours leave from Andenes harbour, and summer brings the midnight sun over the sea.
Book the experience: See whale safaris from Andenes
Read more in our story about the whale kingdom of Andøya.
Andøya
An orca dorsal fin, seen from the boat.
Thon Hotel Andrikken
Andrikken is in the centre of Andenes, a short walk from the Polar Museum and the whale boats. Breakfast and parking are included, and the rooms are simple and modern.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Andrikken
Andenes Suite Hotel
Andenes Suite Hotel sits close to the whale centre in Andenes, with modern rooms and a gym. A good choice if you want a little more space after a long day at sea.
Book your stay: See rooms at Andenes Suite Hotel
Tromsø and Skjervøy: orcas and humpbacks in winter
When the herring moves into the fjords north of Tromsø in winter, the whales follow. From November to January whale safaris leave Tromsø, often with a long boat ride out towards Skjervøy and Kvænangen. The days are short, and the polar night paints the sky blue and pink.
Book the experience: See whale safaris from Tromsø
Tromsø
Tromsø is the base for winter whale safaris.
Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
Radisson Blu sits in the centre with views across the strait, a short walk from the quay where many whale boats leave. It has two restaurants and a gym, and guests praise the helpful staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel Tromsø
Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
Sommarøy lies at the far end of Kvaløya, an hour west of Tromsø, with white beaches and the open sea right outside. You stay close to the coast where the whales pass, and the hotel has its own restaurant.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommarøy Arctic Hotel
When is the best time for whale watching in Norway?
May to September: sperm whales off Andøya, light nights and calmer seas.
November to January: orcas and humpbacks north of Tromsø, combined with the northern lights.
October to April: sperm whales can still be seen from Andenes, but the weather matters more.
Bring warm clothes even in summer. It is cold out at sea, and many boats hand out thermal suits.
Whale watching in Norway FAQ
Where is the best whale watching in Norway?
Andenes on Andøya is best for sperm whales, with tours all year. For orcas and humpbacks, the fjords north of Tromsø are best from November to January.
When can you see orcas in Norway?
Orcas follow the herring into the fjords around Tromsø and Skjervøy from November to January. That is the best time to see them.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No, whales are wild animals. Many operators offer a free second trip if you see none, so check the terms when you book.
Will I get seasick on a whale safari?
It can happen, especially on the open sea off Andøya. Take seasickness tablets before the trip, stay on deck and look at the horizon.
Where should I stay for whale watching in Norway?
On Andøya, stay in Andenes, for example at Thon Hotel Andrikken or Andenes Suite Hotel, close to the boats. In winter, stay central in Tromsø, like the Radisson Blu, or by the sea on Sommarøy.