Winter Whale Watching – Arctic Cruise from Tromsø

This tour is operated by Arctic Whale Tours.

The tour begins at Vervet Harbour in Tromsø, where you board MS Alba, a spacious Norwegian catamaran with a heated indoor lounge, panoramic windows and outdoor viewing decks.

From Tromsø, you will travel north through the Arctic fjords towards the areas where whales gather to feed during winter. Along the way, your guides will share knowledge about whales, Arctic wildlife and responsible whale watching.

Orcas and humpback whales are the species most commonly seen during the winter season. Fin whales, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds may also be spotted. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

When whales are located, the crew will take time to observe them calmly and respectfully. Arctic Whale Tours follows responsible whale-watching practices, including keeping an appropriate distance, avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction and never chasing or pressuring the animals.

During the journey, you can move between the heated indoor lounge and the outdoor viewing decks. Hot drinks and biscuits are available throughout the tour.

The route and duration depend on weather, sea conditions and the location of the whales. The tour normally lasts around 8 hours, but may be approximately one hour shorter or longer.

Minimum age to participate: 1 year. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Included:

• Full-day guided whale watching tour aboard MS Alba
• Experienced guides and crew
• Hot drinks
• Biscuits
• Heated indoor lounge
• Outdoor viewing decks with seating
• Safety equipment
• Whale Pass

Food and drinks: Hot drinks and biscuits are included. Meals are not included, so we recommend bringing a packed lunch or snacks for the day.

Please bring: Warm clothing suitable for Arctic winter conditions, preferably worn in several layers. Bring a warm hat, gloves, scarf or buff, waterproof and windproof outerwear and insulated winter boots with good grip. We also recommend bringing a packed lunch or snacks, a camera or phone and a power bank. If you are prone to seasickness, consider bringing appropriate medication.

Number of participants: Min. 20 – Max. 90

Level of difficulty: Easy. Please note that the vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the supplier before booking.

Departure time and place: 8:30 AM (08:30) from Tromsø Harbour, Vervet, Skansegata 7, 9008 Tromsø. The boat is located beneath the Tromsø Bridge, next to The Dock 69°39’ by Scandic. Boarding takes place directly at MS Alba, and there is no indoor check-in desk. Please arrive 20–30 minutes before departure.

Duration: Approximately 8 hours (±1 hour), depending on weather, sea conditions and the location of the whales.

Important information:

• Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. If no whales or dolphins are seen, you will receive a Whale Pass for one free rebooking on an available Arctic Whale Tours safari, subject to availability. The Whale Pass has no cash value.
• The route and duration may change depending on weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
• A minimum of 20 participants is required for the tour to operate.
• The tour may be cancelled or rescheduled for safety reasons or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In this case, you will be offered a refund or rebooking.
• Late arrival or no-show is non-refundable.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The vessel is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.