Whale watching in Norway
The Norwegian coastline is one of the best places in the world for whale watching – making our ships top viewing platforms for seeing these majestic sea mammals in the wild.
Here in Norway, we’ve shared our seas with whales since time immemorial. Or perhaps that should be they’ve shared their seas with us.
A range of whale and dolphin species swim in these waters all year round, making Norway a top destination for whale-watching experiences. The types of whales you can see in Norway include sperm whales and orcas, as well as the iconic humpback whale.
Sailing the Norwegian coast every day of the year gives us an advantage for seeing whales – it’s even possible to see whales from the deck of Hurtigruten ships. When this happens, our crew are sure to let you know. The most common sightings are humpback whales, orcas and minke whales, with the gigantic blue whale occasionally seen near Svalbard. And while you’re on deck or gazing through your ship’s panoramic windows, keep a look out for other wildlife such as porpoises and puffins.
For near-guaranteed sightings of whales, you can also join a whale-watching tour. Smaller boats and highly experienced guides take you closer to the action, often seeking out locations where whales are frequently spotted.
Whether you witness a humpback’s fluke cresting the waves or see a pod of orcas hunting herring, any encounter with Norway’s whales and dolphins is unforgettable.
Where is the best place to go whale watching in Norway?
Vesterålen
An archipelago of 1,330 islands in Northern Norway, Vesterålen is only 10 kilometres from the continental shelf, where the water becomes exceptionally deep and the whales, such as humpback, minke and pilot whales, can dive and play. In fact, Vesterålen is one place in Norway where you’re virtually guaranteed to see whales all year round.
Andenes – a small village on the island of Andøya – is this region’s top whale-watching spot. It’s close to an underwater canyon called Bleiksdjupet, where sperm whales visit in large numbers to feast on giant squid in the nutrient-rich waters. We sail year-round to the Vesterålen archipelago on The Coastal Express, calling at Stokmarknes and Svolvær.
Tromsø
Set some 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is a hub for Arctic adventures, such as skiing and dog sledding, as well as Northern Lights viewing and whale watching tours. November to January is whale watching season in Tromsø, with humpbacks, orcas and minke whales being the most seen species.
The whales visit here every winter season to feed on migrating herring. Several local outfits in the city run whale-watching excursions with experienced guides who know the best locations to try and see whales. Our Arctic Circle Explorer voyage begins and ends in Tromsø, giving you plenty of time either side of your trip to go whale watching.
Alta
Closer to the North Pole than Central Europe, Alta is perfectly positioned for Arctic whale watching. Between November and January, humpback whales and orcas visit the waters by Alta to feast on migrating herring stock. This, alongside the frozen landscapes and the ethereal darkness of the Polar Night, make Alta one of the best regions for whale watching in Norway.
Back on land, visit the famous ice hotel, go dog sledding with trained huskies, or go chasing the Northern Lights – this is the ‘city of the Northern Lights’ after all. You can spend the night in Alta on our new Arctic Line itinerary, either sailing northbound from Copenhagen, or southbound from Tromsø.
Svalbard
Rugged landscapes and wild encounters await in Svalbard. This remote archipelago is located deep within the Arctic Circle and can only be reached via plane or ship, like on our Svalbard Line voyage. In the summer months, the Midnight Sun phenomenon provides endless daylight as the backdrop for your whale-watching endeavours.
Humpback, fin, bowhead and beluga whales have all been recorded in Svalbard’s waters. If you’re lucky, it’s even possible to see the biggest creature on earth – the blue whale. These underwater behemoths often feed in the deep ocean near the archipelago’s main island, Spitsbergen.
Which whales could I see in Norway?
Humpback whales
A musical whale with a fondness for making a splash – literally. They often slap their flippers and tail (called fluke) on the surface of the sea. They have grey backs and white bellies, and measure around 15 metres long. The best places to see humpback whales in Norway are Tromsø, Skjervøy and Vesterålen.
Sperm whales
The loudest animal in the world, sperm whales can make a sound up to 230 decibels (that’s noisier than a rocket launch). They reach up to 17 metres long, with their distinctly large, round heads making up about a third of that body length. The best place to see sperm whales in Norway is Andenes (Vesterålen).
Orcas
Although they’re also known as killer whales, orcas are actually dolphins. These top predators can reach up to 10 metres long and are exceptionally intelligent, with each pod believed to have its own ‘accent’. The best places for orca watching in Norway are Tromsø, Skjervøy and Vesterålen.
Minke whales
One of the smaller whales, growing up to 9 metres. But what they lack in size they make up for in speed. They’re also famously friendly and inquisitive, often approaching boats. Try to spot them by the white bands on their flippers.
You can see minke whales along the Norwegian coast but the best destinations are Vesterålen, Lofoten Islands and Svalbard.
Fin whales
Measuring up to 25 metres long, they’re the second-largest whale in the world, just behind the blue whale. They can communicate at frequencies inaudible to the human ear, with mating sounds that can travel over 30 kilometres.
Fin whales favour offshore feeding grounds, making Svalbard, Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands the best places to them.
Pilot whales
Like the orca, the pilot whale isn’t a whale at all – it’s a dolphin. A social creature that can live in pods with up to 100 others, pilot whales reach up to 6 metres in length and are known for their round, bulbous heads, and long flippers.
They tend to stay further offshore and sightings are less predictable, though the best places to see pilot whales in Norway are near Vesterålen and the Lofoten Islands.
When is the best time to go whale watching in Norway?
Whales are migratory mammals, so what you see will depend on the time of year. The winter whale-watching season in Norway runs from January to April, with the summer season from May to November. However, this said, some destinations – notably Vesterålen – almost guarantee sightings 12 months of the year.
| Species | Best place to see | Best time to see |
|---|---|---|
Humpback whale | Vesterålen and Tromsø | Year-round but more likely in winter |
Sperm whale | Andenes (Vesterålen) | Year-round but more likely in summer |
Fin whale | Svalbard | Summer |
Minke whale | Vesterålen | Summer |
Blue whale | Svalbard | Summer |
Orca | Vesterålen and Tromsø | Year-round but more likely in winter |
In summer, Midnight Sun brings 24 hours of non-stop daylight, meaning even more time to look for whales while admiring Arctic landscapes bathed in a golden glow.
But whale watching in winter also gives you the chance to see the Northern Lights, meaning you could tick off two bucket-list experiences in one cruise along Norway’s coast.
Is whale watching environmentally friendly?
Think of whale-watching tours as being a guest in someone’s home. Like any good guest, you’ll want to avoid disturbing or upsetting your host. Try to keep noise to a minimum and respect your host’s personal space.
Ideally, choose a tour on a hybrid-electric catamaran. The vessel switches into silent mode when it approaches any pods. For the whales, this means the boat minimises disruption and doesn't affect their listening or communication. And for you, it creates a sense of complete immersion in nature.
It’s worth noting that many whale species are endangered. However, whale-watching trips provide a strong incentive to protect and care for the pods as much as possible. And Vesterålen has been certified a ‘Sustainable Destination’, reflecting its efforts to reduce the negative effects of tourism.