Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide

A whale-watching adventure in northern Norway offers the chance to see killer whales and humpback whales up close aboard a RIB boat. This 3-hour tour departs from Skjervøy, a small village in Innlandet County, known for its prime Arctic waters and abundant whale activity between mid-October and February. The tour is led by a local company, Reisafjord Xperience AS, with a boat driver and guide providing expert commentary throughout the trip.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the opportunity to observe whales in their natural environment, with protections in place for their safety and well-being. Travelers are provided with warm outerwear, goggles, hats, termo shoes, and life jackets to stay comfortable in the chilly waters. The timing and seasonal nature mean that the adventure is best suited to those visiting during the whale migration period, aiming for a thrilling and educational encounter with these marine giants.

While the tour offers many highlights, it is worth considering the weather conditions—the waters can be cold and waves high—and dress accordingly. This excursion provides a focused, small-group experience that balances adventure, education, and respect for nature. It’s an ideal choice for those eager to witness Norway’s Arctic marine life in an intimate, safe setting.

Key Points

• 3-hour whale-watching tour departing from Skjervøy in Norway
• See killer whales and humpback whales in their natural Arctic habitat
• Guided by local experts who provide commentary on whale species and behavior
• Weather gear included: outerwear, goggles, boots, and life jackets
• Operates seasonally from mid-October to February
• Small group size with a professional boat driver/guide ensures personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point at Strandveien 96 in Skjervøy

This tour begins at Strandveien 96, specifically behind the old white building at the harbor, downside Ekstra, the grocery store. The meeting point is easy to find using the provided coordinates (70.02948760986328, 20.968090057373047). The location offers a straightforward access point for travelers arriving by bus or car.

Travelers who choose the bus option from Tromsø with Arctic Route will find the daily trips convenient, with departure from Tromsø and arrival in Skjervøy ready to connect with this whale-watching experience. The transfer adds flexibility for those not staying directly in Skjervøy.

The RIB Boat Adventure Outside Skjervøy

The core of this tour is the thrilling RIB boat ride, which takes you into the Arctic waters around Skjervøy. The small, powerful boat allows for close navigation, giving a feeling of intimacy with the marine environment. Its stability and speed provide a dynamic platform for whale spotting, even amidst waves.

Throughout the 3-hour trip, the boat moves carefully to respect whale habitats while maximizing viewing opportunities. The local boat driver/guide expertly navigates the waters, leveraging knowledge of whale behaviors to find groups of killer whales and humpbacks. The small group size ensures most passengers enjoy unobstructed views and personalized commentary.

Seeing Killer Whales and Humpback Whales Up Close

The main highlights of the tour are the killer whales, also known as orcas, which gather socially and are distinguished by their black bodies with white spots. These whales often communicate with whistling and pulse sounds, which are audible to humans, adding an extra layer of fascination.

Humpback whales, often seen alone or in small groups, perform spectacular jumps and tail fin displays. Their whale songs create a haunting soundtrack to the experience, and each whale’s tail fin is unique, making each sighting special.

The seasonal timing means the whales are most active from mid-October to February, which coincides with their feeding season in Arctic waters. During this period, feeding behaviors like orcas working as a team to catch fish are often observed, adding to the excitement.

The Comfort and Safety Gear Provided

Given the cold waters and rougher seas, the tour includes full gear to ensure comfort and safety. Travelers receive warm outerwear suited for the Arctic climate, goggles to protect against spray, waterproof boots, and life jackets.

Though the provided suits help, it’s advisable to dress warmly and consider bringing gloves or neck gaiters if not explicitly supplied, especially on windier days. The gear ensures warmth during the rough boat ride and promotes safety while viewing whales in their habitat.

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The Itinerary and Duration

The tour lasts approximately three hours, from departure at Strandveien 96 to return to the same location. It involves a single main activity: the boat ride into the Arctic waters for whale sightings.

The timing of the tour depends on availability, with various start times throughout the day, which can be checked during booking. The duration is designed to maximize whale sightings while giving passengers time to enjoy the scenery on the water.

The Experience in All Seasons

This tour operates seasonally from mid-October through February, aligning with the whale feeding season in northern Norway. Whether in early or late winter, the conditions can vary, so dress accordingly for potential wind or sea spray.

Reviews indicate that even in less-than-ideal weather, guides are skilled at finding whales, and the equipment provided helps passengers stay warm. The small group format enhances the experience, even during unpredictable weather.

The Guide’s Expertise and Interaction

The local guide is praised for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendly demeanor. Reviews highlight guides who share interesting facts about whales, explain whale communication, and answer questions during the trip.

Guides like Viktor are noted for their warm welcome, attention to safety, and ability to locate whales even under challenging conditions. Many reviews mention how guides extend the trip to maximize whale encounters, especially when whales are active and close.

Practical Tips for a Successful Trip

To make the most of this tour, dress warmly, especially with gloves and neck protection if you tend to feel the cold. Arrive a little early at Strandveien 96, and follow the signage to the meeting point.

The gear provided is effective, but bringing extra warm layers can improve comfort. Also, use waterproof bags if carrying cameras or phones, as spray is common during the ride.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

Compared to other whale-watching options, this tour’s small, powerful RIB boat offers closer encounters with whales and a more dynamic ride. The local expertise adds value, ensuring high success rates at whale sightings.

Other options may include heated cabins or longer trips, but this tour’s focus on an intimate, fast-paced adventure makes it stand out. It appeals particularly to those who appreciate the thrill of a smaller boat and the chance to see whales in their natural setting.

Final Thoughts on the Skjervøy Whale Watching Tour

This 3-hour excursion delivers remarkable opportunities to see killer whales and humpbacks in their Arctic environment. The expert local guides, well-organized logistics, and gear inclusions make it a reliable, enjoyable choice.

While weather conditions can influence the experience, the seasonal timing and professional approach help ensure memorable sightings. The small-group format and close boat proximity foster an intimate connection with nature that many travelers find rewarding.

This tour suits adventurers and whale enthusiasts eager for a personalized, educational experience in Norway’s Arctic waters. It’s a solid pick for those valuing expert guidance, safety gear, and close-up encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the whale-watching tour operate?
The tour runs seasonally from mid-October to February to align with whale feeding times.

What is included in the gear provided?
Guests receive outerwear, goggles, hats, termo shoes, and life jackets to stay warm and safe during the trip.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting and ending at Strandveien 96 in Skjervøy.

What species of whales will I see?
The tour focuses on killer whales (orcas) and humpback whales, with possible sightings of fin whales as well.

Is there transportation from Tromsø?
Yes, bus tickets can be booked with Arctic Route, which offers daily trips between Tromsø and Skjervøy.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, with extra layers, gloves, and neck protection recommended, as the waters are cold and conditions can be windy.

Are the tours suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The data does not specify, but given the short duration (3 hours) and small RIB boat, it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat rides and cold weather.

What makes this tour different from others?
The small, fast RIB boat allows for closer whale encounters, guided by local experts with high success rates in whale sightings.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance; bookings are flexible with reserve now, pay later options.

How are whale sightings guaranteed?
While sightings depend on whale activity and weather, the experienced guides are skilled at locating whales, and many reviews highlight successful encounters.

Is there any food or drink included?
The reviews mention hot chocolate and cookies served at the end, but the main experience is the boat ride with no meal included during the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby