Whale Watching Safari on High-Speed Catamaran
Step aboard our high-speed, modern catamarans MS Rygerdronningen or MS Rygertroll, and join an exhilarating journey to the heart of the whale's winter wonderland. As we venture through Northern Norway’s arctic fjords, you'll have the chance to witness the treasures of the far North: Humpback and Fin whales, Orcas, Harbor Porpoises, seabirds, and other Arctic wildlife. Thanks to the speed of our vessels, we're among the first to reach the whale sighting areas on every tour, maximizing your time with these magnificent creatures.
Each winter, from mid-October to the end of January, Humpback and Orcas (Killer Whales) migrate to the waters around Tromsø to feast on the Atlantic herring. As we cruise toward the feeding grounds of the whales, you’ll be treated to a scenic voyage with stunning views of the Lyngen Alps. Our knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the whales and the region’s history, making your experience both fun and educational.
Our Vessels:
MS Rygerdronningen
Standard departure at 08:30 / 8.30 am.
MS Rygerdronningen is a spacious, luxurious and environmentally friendly catamaran. The boat is stable, even in rough seas, and is fast. Her top speed of nearly 20 knots lets us reach the whales quickly.
MS Rygertroll
Extra departure at 09:00 / 9 am.
During the main season and on days of high demand, we set up an extra departure with MS Rygertroll, a slightly smaller catamaran that can travel even faster than MS Rygerdronningen.
Both boats have the same on-board facilities: several outdoor viewing decks, a spacious indoor lounge with panoramic windows, a kiosk offering warm soup, snacks and drinks, free WIFI, charging points and lavatories.
Both boats are conditionally wheelchair accessible. For detailed accessibility information, see our practical information below.
Didn’t get to see whales?
If you don't see any whales on your tour, you can book a second tour for free at our Norwegian Travel Shop (Top floor, Prostneset) in Tromsø. This is subject to available spaces and only applies for tours during winter season 2024/25.
Sustainable whale watching
We are dedicated to providing eco-conscious experiences and our tours are designed to respect marine life. We follow Visit Tromsøs guidelines for whale watching in Tromsø and adhere to the AECO guidelines for whale watching. We are also proud to be certified for environmentally responsible tourism under strict criteria set by the Eco-Lighthouse Foundation.
Location or meeting point
Important information
Meeting time and place
Meeting Time and Place 08:30 Departure:
Meet at 08:10, directly at the boat: MS Rygerdronningen - docked by the waterside behind Nerstranda Shopping Center, Strandgata 9, Tromsø
Meeting Time and Place 09:00 Departure:
Meet at 08:40, directly at the boat: MS Rygertroll - docked by the waterside behind Nerstranda Shopping Center, Strandgata 9, Tromsø
Duration
- 1st Departure: 08:30 – 16:30 (7-8 hours)
- 2nd Departure: 09:00 - 16:30 (7-8 hours)
Extra information:
- Please note that we do not always offer the second departure at 09:00.
- Travel time to reach the whale area is approximately 2 hours.
- The exact duration depends on the location of the whales.
Transport
Included
- Scenic transport by boat
- Safety instructions
- Life jacket and all necessary safety equipment
- English-speaking guide
- Info on local history, nature, and culture
- Short presentation about whales
- Hot coffee, water, tea
- Second chance guarantee – see tour description
- Free WiFi
Not included:
- Sea sickness medicine
- Food (Snacks available for purchase in the kiosk on board)
Good to know
- Please note that smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted at any time during this tour.
- Please note that the flying of drones is not allowed at any time during this tour.
- Keep in mind that the weather in the Arctic can be rough and you may become seasick. Take precautionary measures if this is a concern.
- We do not sell sea sickness medicine on board the boat, during the tour.
- We cannot guarantee whale sightings as we are depending on marine life in their natural habitat on this wildlife tour. Sighting might also be affected by difficult weather conditions.
- If you don't see any whales on your tour, you can book a second tour for free. (Subject to availability on the next tour)
- Pets are not allowed on this tour.
What to bring or wear
- Warm footwear
- Hat
- Scarf or buff
- Gloves
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
! If there is concern to get seasick, please take precautionary measures and bring your own seasickness tablets as we do not sell this on board the boat, during the tour.
Special Request
- Due to frequent changes from high to low tide, it is more challenging for boarding and disembarkation for wheelchair users. This requires that the wheelchair user has the mobility to walk on and off the boat, and up and down the stairs. Our crew will be helpful in getting both the passenger and wheelchair safely on board.
- This also applies for baby carriages.
- If you are traveling with a wheelchair or similar mobility aid, send us an email with your booking number, and we will inform our crew that you are coming.
- We urge travellers with mobility aids to meet up at the departure point in plenty of time before departure.
- Attendants travel free with documentation: to book please contact our customer service team: booking@norwegian.travel.
More experiences at this destination
Norwegian Travel is a premium brand aiming to offer high-quality experience-based tourism in selected unique destinations in Norway. From the fjords to the mountains. From the sandy beaches to the rough cliffs. From urban buzz to the massive stillness of the old mountains. We wish to inspire people to explore the treasures to be found in Norway. At our destinations you can explore amazing nature, good food and exciting activities all year round.
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