Height
130cm
Minimum
4
Duration
12 hr.
Level
Medium
Description
Experience the magic of Norway’s Arctic fjords on a thrilling and adventurous whale-watching tour!
From October to January, the herring migration draws an abundance of majestic whale species to the fjords of Skjervøy — and you can be right there with them. Aboard a RIB boat is a unique adventure that combines the thrill of close wildlife encounters with the serene beauty of Norway's fjords. This is an incredible experience to grab an unforgettable glimpse into the natural wonders of the Arctic.
Wild, thrilling and unforgettable — the Arctic at its best.
Tour highlights:
- Get up close and personal with Arctic marine life
- Chances to spot orcas, humpback whales, fin whales and much more wildlife
- Speed through the beautiful scenery of Arctic fjords on a 12-seater RIB boat
- Experienced skipper
- Warm up after with a hot drink & light lunch after the tour
Practical information
- 15.10 - 31.01: Daily departure at 05:30.
- Meeting point: Prostneset bus terminal. Samuel Arnesens gate 5, 9008 Tromsø.
- Meeting time: 15 minutes before departure.
- Duration: 12 hours.
- A minimum of 4 people for the trip to run.
- Minimum height for participation: 130 cm.
- Not suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women.
What is included?
- 4-hour bus tour from Tromsø to Skjervøy, provided by Best Arctic
- Experienced captain/guide
- Insulated flotation suit
- Life jacket
- Boots and mittens
- Goggles
- Hot drink
- Sandwiches and biscuits
Itinerary
05:30–09:30: Scenic drive to Skjervøy
The bus departs at 5.30am, please ensure you are there 15 minutes prior to departure.
Relax and take in the breathtaking winter landscapes of Northern Norway as you travel through snowy mountains, icy fjords, and fishing villages. We recommend to bring breakfast for your journey.
09:30–10:00: Welcome and safety briefing.
Meet your skipper, receive a pre-departure briefing, and get ready for your RIB boat adventure. Thermal suits and safety equipment will be provided.
10:00–13:00: Whale Safari
Sail through the dramatic fjords in search of humpback whales, killer whales, fin whales and other Arctic wildlife species!
1:00 PM–1:30 PM: Warm up and refreshments
Return to shore for a hot drink and a light lunch before boarding the bus back to Tromsø.
13:30–17:30: Return trip
Enjoy the winter twilight view on the way back.
17.30: Arrival in Tromsø
The tour ends in central Tromsø.
What can you expect on the day?
The tour day starts early with a scenic 4-hour drive to Skjervøy, followed by 3 exciting hours at sea to experience the whales in an Arctic setting, before we return to Tromsø in the early evening.
Upon arrival in Skjervøy, your experienced captain/guide will give you the necessary safety equipment before you go onboard in the open RIB boat that takes you through the stunning fjords of Northern Norway, observing wildlife and capturing unforgettable moments. Back on land, warm your hands around a hot drink and get ready for a comfortable drive back to Tromsø, where you will be served snacks along the way. The bus will arrive in Tromsø at approximately 17:30.
Please note: With his extensive experience and local knowledge, our captain/guide will do his utmost to find whales and marine life during the trip, however these are wild animals and therefore we cannot guarantee that you will observe whales! Our focus is on ethical interaction with wildlife and animal welfare. We will conduct our trips in line with these values and will not disrupt natural behavior or disturb wild animals for tourism purposes.
What wildlife is possible to see during the trip?
The most common observations are humpback whales, killer whales and fin whales, but it may be possible to spot porpoises, seals and even sperm whales. Skjervøy is also home to many different bird species, keep an eye out for sea eagles!
Is a RIB boat the right adventure for me?
A RIB boat sails at high speed and is exposed to the sea and weather conditions, giving you the full Arctic experience. The weather here in the Arctic is unpredictable and can change quickly. It can be very cold, windy and wet onboard, and it is often wavy and bumpy. There is a possibility that you will be "hit" by seawater during the trip.
That said, the RIB boat has a maximum capacity of 12 participants, which makes for a more personal and exciting experience. It also allows for closer proximity to the whales without causing any disturbance. We can turn off the engines and observe in silence whenever possible.
What should I wear?
Although we provide the necessary safety equipment for arctic conditions, it is important that you dress as warmly as possible with lots of good layers. It can get extremely cold at sea, and layering is a good way to stay as warm as possible.
Ideally you should wear a base layer (merino wool or similar). Then a mid layer, to act as insulation to retain body heat and protect against the cold, and then an outer layer to protect you from wind/snow. Our tour offers thermal suits as the outer layer, but it is important to dress warmly underneath, and usually your jacket is also worn underneath.
The type of materials you use also plays a role, and wool is generally a good material for insulation. Cotton and denim have no insulating properties, so avoid these. The warmer you keep your core muscles, the warmer your extremities will be, but hats, gloves, and scarves are important.
Technical information
Weather conditions vary and the arctic weather can be rough. The RIB boat is exposed to this, and it can be very windy and wet on board. It can be wavy and bumpy. Personal belongings are kept on board at your own risk, please ensure that they are protected.
No access to toilets while on boat. Dietary requirements available on request in advance. It is a long day and we advise guests to bring additional snacks and drinks with them and prepare a breakfast to take on the journey with them. It can get extremely cold so please wrap up as warm as possible with many layers and appropriate winter clothing underneath your thermal suit. Due to the size of the boat, please bring only essential items with you and we recommend using a waterproof bag. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
You might also be interested in
NOK 2,250
130cm
4 hr.
Medium
Experience whales, killer whales and the wild Arctic landscape up close – all in one unforgettable day.
NOK 300
0+
0.5 hr.
RIB
We offer boat-shuttle between the two fishing villages Nyksund and Stø. We also go to Myre and Øksnes Vestbygd.
NOK 995
8+
2.5 hr.
Easy
Experience the Trollfjord by RIB. A trip that offers birdlife, history, steep mountain walls and a world-famous fjord.