Skua Nature Group · Skjervøy
Skua Nature puts you on the red Whale Route bus to Skjervøy, then on a new covered boat with a heated cabin and an open terrace for 3 to 3.5 hours among the whales. Pick it if you want the Skjervøy time on the water without sitting in a flotation suit in the wind.
Skua Nature runs a brand-new covered boat out of Skjervøy: a heated cabin with hot drinks and snacks, and an open observation terrace for photos. It's bigger and steadier than a RIB, and you don't need the special suits. The crew is a captain who also sails in Svalbard, a nature guide trained in animal behaviour, and wildlife photographers who give tips on board.
The day starts on the public Arctic Route bus, the red one marked "Whale Route Skjervøy", from the Prostneset bus terminal. Skua's own listing gives 05:20 from Tromsø, arrival in Skjervøy by 09:30, the bus back at 13:20 and Tromsø around 17:30. The boat trip is 3 to 3.5 hours. At $381 on GetYourGuide it's the priciest day trip here, mostly for the comfort.
Guests rate the captains' restraint: one reviewer felt the boat never chased the orcas, while the RIBs nearby got closer and seemed to stress them. The trade-off is height: you watch from a deck, not from water level. The bus is a public service and can be full, so arrive early. Children under 6 and pregnant travellers can't join, and no lunch is included.
Board the Arctic Route bus marked "Whale Route Skjervøy" at the bus platforms, Samuel Arnesens gate 5. Wi-Fi, USB and a toilet on board.
At the first Skjervøy stop a guide with a Skua flag joins the bus and rides to the second stop by Maritim Hotel and the Hurtigruten quay.
Safety briefing, then out to the feeding grounds. Stay in the cabin or out on the terrace with your camera.
Back on the Arctic Route bus, arriving in Tromsø around 17:30.
★★★★★I love orcas and I really felt like our boat wasnt chasing them at all - they had enough space to enjoy and just be themselves. Secondly there is a heated indoor space + an outdoor deck so you get the best of both worlds - super comfortable! Our captain and guides were amazing at spotting wildlife and very informative.
★★★★★We thoroughly enjoyed this amazing trip where we go to see lots of orcas and humpback whales and it was incredibly fun to try and spot them. [...] Having the inside part of the boat was also extremely good as I don't think I would survive in the open cold for that long a time like with the other rafts.
★★★★★Thank you to Captain James and the whole team for an amazing whale-watching experience today. Even with a bit of rough sea, everything was handled professionally. We not only saw humpback whales, but also witnessed orcas hunting
★★★★★Even at the end of whale saison we saw orcas, humpback and finn whales. It was really great! Loved it ! The bus was also very comfortable.
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No. The boat is covered and heated, so special suits aren't needed. Dress warmly for time on the open terrace.
3 to 3.5 hours on the water at Skjervøy. The whole day from Tromsø is about 12 hours.
The bus platforms at the Prostneset terminal (Samuel Arnesens gate 5). Look for the red Arctic Route bus marked "Whale Route Skjervøy".
From age 6. Pregnant travellers can't join.
Ready to book
A small covered boat at Skjervøy: close to the whales without the flotation suit, bus included.
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