Arctic Whale Tours · Tromsø harbour, Vervet
MS Alba is a refitted 26-metre catamaran from 1975 that leaves from under the Tromsø Bridge at 08:30 with a multilingual wildlife guide on board. Pick it for the guiding and the restraint around the whales; bring your own lunch.
Arctic Whale Tours used to sail from Skjervøy; it now runs its safari from Tromsø. Its boat, MS Alba, is a Norwegian-built catamaran from 1975, refitted with new low-noise engines and a hydrophone, with a heated lounge, panoramic windows and outdoor decks. The company sells it as "responsible" whale watching, and reviews back that up: guests describe the boat keeping its distance and leaving pods alone when they were resting.
It's about 2.5 hours to the whale area, according to one guest, on a day of 8 hours give or take one; that leaves about 2 hours among the whales. Departure is 08:30 from the Vervet area at Skansegata 7, back around 16:30. Visit Tromsø lists direct prices of NOK 1,845 for adults and NOK 878 for children aged 3 to 10; GetYourGuide sells it from $225.
Food is not included. You get coffee, tea, hot water and biscuits; soft drinks cost extra, and there's a microwave for your own lunch. The upper deck can ice over, and January reviews describe a rough, seasick crossing on some days. If no whales or dolphins are seen, the Whale Pass gives you a free rebooking on a later safari, subject to space (the operator says in the same or the following season).
There's no office: board directly at MS Alba under the Tromsø Bridge, beside The Dock 69°39' by Scandic. Crew wear Arctic Whale Tours jackets.
About 2.5 hours to the feeding grounds, with talks on whale behaviour and Arctic ecology.
The guide reads the pods' behaviour, and the boat leaves them be when they rest.
Return through the fjords, often in darkness, with an aurora chance in the polar night.
★★★★★We sailed on a compact boat to the whale area in about 2.5 hours. The guides were friendly and helpful. We saw dozens of killer whales around us and several humpbacks. The boat kept a safe distance from the animals, even though they sometimes came to swim alongside us out of curiosity.
★★★★★Although the Whales were not super active, we got to see Orca, Humpback and Fin Whales! The crew worked hard to find the best spots. Our trip was during Polar Night, so the views and colours of the sky were incredible. We were even lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on the return journey!
★★★★★We saw several orcas and humpback whales feeding, as well as white-tailed eagles and other birds. [...] What really stood out to us too was the company's deep respect for the animals and their ethical approach to whale watching, it made the experience even more meaningful.
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No. Hot drinks and biscuits are included; meals aren't. Bring a packed lunch.
From the dock under the Tromsø Bridge in the Vervet area (Skansegata 7), beside The Dock 69°39' by Scandic. Check-in is at the boat from 07:45.
If no whales or dolphins are seen, you get a free rebooking on another Arctic Whale Tours safari, subject to space. It has no cash value.
Yes, from age 1. Children under 16 must be with an adult, and there are child prices.
Ready to book
A guide-led cruise with a wildlife guide and a Whale Pass for a free second trip. Bring your own lunch.
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