Why responsible whale safari matters
Watching these wild animals responsibly is key to protecting their natural behavior and ensuring they continue to return to the Arctic fjords each year. Too much boat traffic, loud engines or getting too close can disturb the whales and drive them away from important feeding areas. At Rødne, we follow Visit Tromsø’s strict guidelines to make sure our tours are safe, educational and always on the whales’ terms.
How we watch whales responsibly
Our crews and guides are trained to read the whales’ behavior and act accordingly. On every tour, we:
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- Keep a respectful distance – letting the whales approach us if they choose
- Reduce noise – placing our engines in neutral around the whales
- Stop the propellers – to avoid any risk of injuring the whales
- Move alongside the whales – avoiding sudden turns or movements that could make them feel blocked or chased
- Never feed or attract whales – we never give food or use any methods to bring them closer to the boat
- Stay clear of herring schools – to avoid disturbing the whales while they feed
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By following these principles, we ensure our tours leave the whales undisturbed and allow everyone to enjoy observing them safely in their natural habitat.
Modern, eco-friendly boats designed for comfort
Our whale watching tours are operated with modern, seaworthy, and comfortable catamarans designed to minimize noise and emissions. The boats have spacious, heated cabins, panoramic windows and large outdoor decks for whale viewing. By upgrading to cleaner, fuel-efficient engines and using noise-reducing technology, we ensure a smooth and comfortable journey while keeping the whales undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Our commitment to sustainability
At Rødne Fjord Cruise, we want to contribute to a more environmentally friendly fjord cruise tourism and reduce our impact on the environment. Our goal is to give our guests a high-quality and sustainable fjord experience – all year round. Here are some of the ways we work towards more sustainable fjord tourism:
- New technology and cleaner engines – We invest in modern solutions to lower emissions and noise. By modernizing engine operations and purifying exhaust gases, we have reduced emissions of climate-damaging gases by up to 75% from our boats.
- Eco-Lighthouse certified – We are certified by the Eco-Lighthouse Foundation, which means we meet strict standards for waste reduction, energy use and emissions, and take an active part in the green transition in the tourism industry.
- Norwegian, family-owned company – Founded in 1956 on the small island of Sjernarøy in Western Norway. We create local jobs, use local suppliers whenever possible, and strengthen the communities we operate in along Norway’s coast.
- Respect is one of our core values – We make choices based on respect for nature, the environment as well as the local communities we operate in.
Caring for the whales
When you join a sustainable whale watching tour with Rødne Fjord Cruise, you choose an ethical whale safari from Tromsø focused on animal welfare. You can lean back and enjoy unforgettable moments with these incredible animals, knowing they stay safe and undisturbed in their natural habitat.
