Departures
All departuresPrices
From NOK 2095
All prices
Duration
7 – 8 hoursDeparture point
Nerstrandakaia dock – TromsøWhat to expect:
- Look for orcas and humpback whales around Skjervøy
- Reach the whale watching grounds efficiently with our fast catamaran
- Learn about whales, local wildlife and landscapes from an expert guide
- Enjoy Arctic fjords, snowy mountains and beautiful winter light
- Warm up in the heated lounge with panoramic windows
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Responsible whale watching with respect for the whales
- Get a free second tour if you don’t see whales
Why whales come to Skjervøy
Each winter, large herring shoals move into the fjords north of Tromsø. Orcas and humpback whales follow the herring into these waters, making the area around Skjervøy an important feeding ground for these majestic animals.
Orcas and humpback whales are the main species we look for, but they are not the only wildlife you may encounter. Fin whales, minke whales and porpoises can also be spotted, while white-tailed eagles and other seabirds are often seen along the way.
From Tromsø to the whale watching grounds
We leave Tromsø early in the morning and head north towards Skjervøy. Our modern catamaran gets us efficiently to the whale watching grounds, giving you more time in the areas where the whales gather. Settle into a comfortable seat, grab a cup of complimentary coffee or tea and enjoy the views along the way.
The journey takes you through fjords and past snow-covered mountains, with the spectacular Lyngen Alps appearing along the route. This far north of the Arctic Circle, the low winter sun colors the sky and mountains with shades of pink and orange around midday. By the time we reach the whales, we are out on the water during the brightest part of the Arctic winter day.
A comfortable day at sea
Whale watching in Northern Norway means spending many hours on the water, so comfort matters. Our modern and stable catamaran is designed for comfortable sightseeing. The heated lounge has large panoramic windows, allowing you to stay warm while keeping an eye on the sea and the landscape outside.
When whales are spotted, head out to the spacious viewing decks for a closer look. Feel free to move between the indoor lounge and the outdoor decks as you like throughout the cruise.
Coffee and tea are included. Our onboard café offers locally baked treats, snacks, drinks and Norwegian waffles served with jam. You can also buy a warm serving of lapskaus, a traditional Norwegian stew that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Responsible whale watching
Whales are wild animals, and every encounter is unique. Some days they may swim right alongside the boat, while on other days they choose to keep their distance. By following Visit Tromsø’s guidelines and our own approach to responsible whale watching, we make sure every encounter happens on the animals’ terms.
Our quiet catamaran keeps noise levels to a minimum throughout the journey. When whales are near, we put the engines in neutral and avoid unnecessary engine noise. We let the whales move freely and only continue once they have moved away.
Responsible operation also means reducing our impact beyond the whale encounters themselves. Our fuel-efficient engines help reduce fuel consumption and emissions on the journey, as part of Rødne’s ongoing work to make our operations more environmentally friendly.
Whale watching with an expert guide
A local guide is on board throughout the cruise, sharing knowledge about the whales, their behavior and migration, as well as the Arctic landscape around you.
The crew is on the lookout for whales throughout the journey, while the guide explains why the whales come to these fjords, how they feed and how to recognize different whale species.
What happens if we don’t see whales?
Whale sightings can never be guaranteed. Their location, behavior and the conditions at sea can change from day to day. Our crew will do everything they can to give you the best possible chance of seeing orcas or humpback whales.
If you don’t see whales on your first trip, we offer you a free ticket for our next available whale watching departure in the same season, subject to availability.
70 years on Norwegian fjords
In 2026, Rødne celebrates 70 years as a family-owned Norwegian boat company. Founded in 1956, Rødne is today Norway’s largest family-owned high-speed boat company, with generations of experience operating passenger boats in Norwegian waters.
That experience matters when you’re spending a full day at sea. Our crews know these waters, changing weather conditions and what it takes to operate passenger boats safely, comfortably and reliably.
To get a personal glimpse into what a day with us is like, read our full guest story: A Day at Sea in Tromsø.
Ready to meet the whales?
Book your whale watching tour and get ready for a full day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whale sightings in Tromsø depend on several natural factors — mainly the season, weather, and herring migration. The whales follow the herring into the fjords from late October to mid-January, which is the best time to join a whale watching tour.
Calm seas and good visibility make spotting whales easier, but don’t worry our experienced crew knows where to look, even in Arctic conditions. Some days the whales are playful and close, other days they may stay further out. That’s part of the magic of seeing wildlife in its natural element.
The most common whales are Humpbacks and Orcas, but occasionally Fin whales, Minke whales, and porpoises can also be spotted.
Our catamaran is stable, even in rough seas, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medication beforehand.
Dress warmly in layers, including a windproof and waterproof jacket. Hats, gloves, and warm footwear are essential. Our indoor lounge is heated, but you’ll need warm clothes when watching the whales from our viewing decks.
We have a high success rate, but whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, if you don’t see whales, we offer a free voucher for second trip within the same season.
Yes — weather plays an important role in whale watching conditions in Tromsø. Arctic weather can change quickly, and local conditions vary greatly. Calm seas and good visibility make sightings easier, but rough weather may limit how far we can go and affect your experience.
Our experienced crew always monitors conditions and will adjust the route to give you the best possible chance of seeing whales safely. If the weather makes the tour impossible to operate, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
If the weather prevents the tour from reaching the whales’ feeding grounds, we offer a shorter Arctic fjord cruise closer to shore whenever possible. Guests on this alternative route will receive a 50% refund of their original ticket price.
The whale watching tour is guided in English. Our 08:30 departure also has a German-speaking guide, while the 09:00 departure has an Italian-speaking guide on board.
Coffee and tea are included. Snacks, drinks and Norwegian lapskaus, a traditional stew, are available to purchase from the onboard café.
Yes. Children are welcome on the whale watching cruise. The trip lasts 7–8 hours and takes place during the Arctic winter, so children should be comfortable spending a full day at sea and be dressed appropriately for cold weather.
The whale watching tour departs from the Nerstranda quay behind the Nerstranda shopping center, centrally located in Tromsø. Please go directly to the quay for departure.
Practical information
- October 23 – January 31: Daily at 08:30
- Meet up: at 08:10 (at the pier by the Nerstranda shopping center)
Departure: at 08:30
Arrival Tromsø: at 16:30 - Most departures of this tour are operated by MS Rygerdronningen. During the main season and in case of high demand, we set up an extra boat departure at 09:00 with MS Rygertroll.
Adults: NOK 2095
Children (age 4–15): NOK 1050.
December 13 – January 4
Adults: NOK 2370
Children (age 4–15): NOK 1180
Children Free under the age of four.
7 – 8 hour round trip with modern catamaran. No disembarkation during the trip. The duration of the cruise can vary depending on the whales’ location.
Meet up at 08:10 at the pier by the Nerstranda shopping center.
All our boats have toilets, access to changing tables, sun decks and spacious lounges. Kiosk offering fresh baked goods from our local bakery, snacks and refreshments. Free Wi-Fi on board.
October – January
Due to frequent changes from high to low tide in Tromsø, it is more challenging for boarding and disembarkation for wheelchair users. This requires that the wheelchair user have the mobility to walk on and off the boat, and up and down stairs. This also applies for baby carriges. Attendants travel free with documentation. Choose the number of attendants in the booking. Do not hesitate to send us an e-mail at mail@rodne.no if you have any questions.
No pets allowed.
For a guaranteed ticket, book at rodne.no. Also available for purchase at the boat or at the Tourist Information.
Guiding with local guide in English.
Warm and comfortable clothes for being out in the Polar Night: warm jacket, hat and gloves/mittens.
Explore more: Your guide to whales & Tromsø
Explore our collection of articles covering everything from fascinating facts about Arctic whales and our commitment to responsible whale watching, to personal accounts and a complete guide on the best winter activities in Tromsø.
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