Brim Explorer · Tromsø harbour, Kaigata 6
Brim Explorer's purpose-built catamarans sail from Kaigata 6 in central Tromsø up to the whale area, then switch to battery power so you hear the blows instead of the engine. Pick it for the boat: three outdoor decks, warm saloons and a crew that treats the whales gently.
Brim Explorer builds its own hybrid-electric catamarans and runs four of them out of Tromsø in winter. The boats run on their engines up to the fjords near Skjervøy, then switch to the battery around the whales to cut the noise. There are two heated saloons with panoramic windows, three outdoor decks with space at the rail, a cafe, free tap water and Wi-Fi. The Viator listing says the boat is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Brim is honest about the time: about 3 to 3.5 hours of sailing each way and 1 to 1.5 hours around the feeding grounds, on a 7 to 9 hour day. One guest summed it up: "It is a long way to reach the whales, but we still had around an hour watching them." In the 2025/26 season, Brim's own season page listed departures at 07:45, 08:00 and 08:15, back around 17:00 to 17:30, with the best viewing from November to early January.
Direct prices for 2025/26 were NOK 1,990 for adults (NOK 2,189 from 19 December to 4 January) and NOK 995 for children aged 3 to 11. On Viator it's from $213, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before (direct bookings need 48 hours). Food from the cafe costs extra. If the boats find no whales two days running, Brim pauses the tours and offers a new date or a refund, which is fairer than sailing on regardless late in January.
Check-in is mandatory: enter your name and booking reference on Brim's portal (portal.brimexplorer.com).
Meet at the pier beside Skarven Kro, Kaigata 6. Brim runs four boats, each marked with its departure time: board the one on your ticket.
Talks from the crew on the fjords, the herring and the whale species. Cards and coffee in the saloon.
The boat switches to electric drive and the decks fill. The captain moves with the pods.
Back around 17:00 to 17:30, often in full darkness, with the aurora sometimes overhead.
★★★★★Once we arrived there a couple of other boats just sitting there waiting. Our captain passed them by and sure enough 10 minutes later we found a pod of Orcas. They were moving around quite a bit, but the Captain always seemed to be one step ahead of them so we basically had a solid hour of constant sightings.
★★★★★The boat is very comfortable - I am nervous on boats but felt very safe. The ethical approach to whale watching is very important - we were able to approach whales silently and did not disturb them. [...] Highly recommend
★★★★★I was worried about it being rough but only a little choppy for about 20 minutes when in open water. I took sea sickness tablets and was fine. We saw humpbacks and orcas. A real bucket list experience.
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Brim says about 1 to 1.5 hours around the feeding grounds, after 3 to 3.5 hours of sailing. Guests typically report about an hour of sightings.
Near the whales it runs on battery power, so the engine noise drops sharply. On the long run north it uses its diesel engines.
From the pier beside Skarven Kro restaurant at Kaigata 6 in central Tromsø. Arrive 15 minutes early and board the boat marked with your departure time.
Yes. The cafe sells snacks, light food and hot and cold drinks. Tap water is free.
Ready to book
A purpose-built hybrid boat that runs on battery near the whales, with three outdoor decks and a cafe. Back by late afternoon.
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