Arctic Explorers · Skjervøy
Arctic Explorers takes a busload of up to 36 guests from the Prostneset terminal to Skjervøy and splits them into 12-seat RIBs for up to three hours with the orcas and humpbacks. Pick it if you want the RIB day with a food stop included and a vegetarian option on request.
Arctic Explorers runs the same shape of day as the other Skjervøy RIB trips: an early coach from Tromsø, a suit-up on the quay, then a fast open boat. The coach meets at the bus terminal under the big grey Prostneset building next to Clarion The Edge, at 05:10 for a 05:15 start. Up to 36 travellers ride the bus and split into RIBs of no more than 12.
On the water you get up to 2.5 hours by Visit Tromsø's listing, up to 3 by Viator's. You get a thermal flotation suit, Arctic boots, mittens and ski goggles, and food at the end: Viator lists lunch, Visit Tromsø a baguette with tea, coffee and biscuits. Guests describe a sandwich and a hot drink. Tell them about dietary needs when you book; there's a vegetarian option.
It's the priciest RIB day here at $396 on Viator, and it has fewer reviews (130, rated 4.6) than the bigger RIB sellers. Reviews are warm about the guides and the time close to the pods. The usual RIB rules apply: minimum height 140 cm, not recommended for back problems or pregnancy, and children must come with an adult.
Bus terminal, Samuel Arnesens gate 5, under the large grey harbour terminal next to Clarion The Edge. Departure 05:15.
Comfortable enough to sleep, guests say.
Flotation suit, boots, mittens and goggles, and a safety talk.
Out to the pods in boats of 12, close to the water.
A sandwich and hot drink, then about 4 hours back to Tromsø.
★★★★★The drive to Skjervoy was long, but the coach was comfy enough to sleep on. The guides were so helpful and had all the equipment you need to stay warm and mostly dry. We were lucky enough to see Orcas and Humpbacks at feeding time. It was magical! We had whales come right up to our boats and we spent a lot of time being up close with them!
★★★★★Felt surreal.. RIB so much fun, Guide awesome, Spectacular scenery but best of all seeing pods of Orcas at water level close enough to hear the water spouting out of their blow holes. Was like being in a documentary.. Amazing
★★★★★Our guide Honza was so knowledgeable and very nice and welcoming. We saw a huge amount of Orca and Humpback Whales and it really was a dream come true! The weather was changeable but it made it all the more of an adventure and we got a real taste of arctic life!
Read next:
Up to 2.5 hours according to Visit Tromsø, up to 3 hours by the Viator itinerary. The whole day is about 12 hours.
The bus terminal at Prostneset, Samuel Arnesens gate 5, under the large grey harbour terminal building next to Clarion The Edge. Be there by 05:10.
Yes: a sandwich or baguette with hot drinks after the boat. A vegetarian option is available if you ask when you book.
Up to 36 on the bus, split into RIBs of no more than 12.
Ready to book
A RIB day at Skjervøy with the bus, the warm gear and lunch included.
Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching TourThe highest-rated big seller: a 05:00 bus to Skjervøy, then about 3 hours on an open RIB at water level. Ages 14+.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $334
Whale Safari by RIB, from Tromsø or SkjervøyRated 5.0: a 12-seat RIB at Skjervøy, about 3 hours at sea, with or without the bus from Tromsø.★ 5.0 · 4 to 12 hours · from $256
Orca & Whale Watching on a Heated BoatThe Skjervøy day without the suit: a covered boat with a heated cabin and open terrace, 3 to 3.5 hours on the water.★ 4.7 · 12 hours · from $381