For over a decade, whale watching in Tromso has become one of the most spectacular winter experiences. From late October to early February, the fjords around Tromsø are a hotspot for large pods of orcas and humpback whales as they follow the herring migration. The first whales arrived in the area during the winter of 2011/2012, and even though their migration routes have shifted closer to Skjervøy in recent years, Tromsø remains a prime winter whale-watching destination.
Do you want to see or photograph whales in their natural habitat and do it ethically?
👉 In this article, we’ll walk you through the best whale-watching tours in Tromsø that prioritize the animals’ well-being while offering an incredible experience.
👉 You’ll get an overview of the whale species you’ll likely encounter, from the orcas and humpbacks that follow the herring migration in winter to tips on what to expect outside the main winter season.
👉 I’ll also pull back the curtain on the whale-watching industry in Norway, which is surprisingly unregulated, and explain why snorkeling with orcas is something we approach with caution.
I’m not an expert on whales or the whale-watching industry in Tromsø—there are people far more qualified than me (even though I have a degree in Environmental Science).
But here’s what I can offer: We try to stay up-to-date on the developments in the Tromsø travel scene, chatting with friends who work in whale-watching companies, reading local news articles, and doing deep research on Science Direct whenever needed.
That said, I’m always open to learning more. If you have more experience in this field, notice any errors in the article, or feel that a company I’ve recommended shouldn’t be here (or vice versa), I’d love to hear from you.
Constructive feedback is always appreciated!
Normally, I would put these tips at the end of the article, but I know most people who click on this article have an attention span of about 60 seconds, so here comes the necessary info right away:
✅ Pick the Right Dates
Whale watching season runs from late October to the end of January or the beginning of February. The whales follow the herring migration, and these months give you the only chance to join a whale safari in Tromso.
✅ Book an Ethical Tour
Plenty of companies offer whale-watching tours in Tromsø and Skjervøy, but it’s important to note that Norway has no official regulations regarding whale watching, only voluntary guidelines.
These guidelines encourage ethical behavior like maintaining distance from the whales and avoiding disturbing them. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve recommended companies with eco-certifications or a reputation for running responsible tours.
Here are our suggestions for tours starting in Tromsø:
✅ Think Twice About Snorkeling with Orcas
I get it—snorkeling with orcas sounds like a bucket-list dream. But consider the chaotic and unregulated nature of these tours right now. It’s not just about your safety but the welfare of the whales, too.
If you’re set on doing this, do your research—read all the reviews, and if you must, go for a longer, multi-day trip with a reputable company instead of the cheapest one-day option. Day trips can be rushed, and some operators cut corners regarding safety and guest experience.
✅ Dress Properly
If you’re going on a RIB tour, they’ll give you a thermal suit, but don’t skimp on extra layers underneath.
For the more relaxed BRIM Explorer trips, you can hang out in their warm lounge with panoramic views, but once you hit the feeding grounds, you’ll want to head outside. Don’t let the cold ruin the moment—layer up!
Check out our winter packing guide (it’s for Lofoten but works just as well for Tromsø).
✅ Book Ahead
Tours fill up quickly, especially the RIB tours, which only have 12 spots. Even BRIM, which accommodates more people, can get sold out. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out!
✅ Bring Seasickness Tablets
BRIM Explorer is pretty stable and you’re mostly in the fjords, but if you’re prone to seasickness, don’t risk it—grab some tablets. If you forgot, head to a Norwegian pharmacy and look for brands like Marzine or Postafen.
✅ Photography Tips
If you’re into wildlife photography, you’ll want a longer lens—something like 70-200mm or even longer with a low aperture. You’re working in low light (polar night), and the whales move fast, so you’ll need high ISO and as wide an aperture as possible. It’s tricky, but worth it!
With these tips, your whale-watching in Tromsø will be unforgettable, and you’ll be doing it responsibly.
The real key to why orcas and humpback whales head to the fjords around Tromsø and Skjervøy during the winter is not the whales themselves but the Atlantic herring.
The herring don’t stick to a strict schedule—some years, they show up in early November, and other times, as early as the last weeks of October. They might leave by the end of January or sometimes stick around until the first week or so of February.
Wherever the herring go, the whales follow because these fish are their main food source. Watching them hunt is amazing as the whales work together to corral and feast on the herring, creating an unforgettable experience.
Most whale safari tours in Tromsø and Skjervøy schedule their season from late October to the end of January since that’s usually when the herring are around. Even though the timing can vary by a few days, this is generally your best chance to see whales in Tromsø.
You should, however, keep in mind that just as unexpectedly as this amazing winter migration of whales catapulted Tromsø onto the bucket list of whale watchers, it could just as easily end.
We’ve seen before that the herring changed their migration patterns, which could happen again.
So, every winter, there’s a lot of finger-crossing before the season and joy when the whales appear, especially since Tromsø has built a large tourist industry around whale watching.
We’ve always been skeptical about tours and experiences involving animals, so it wasn’t until 2020 that we decided to go on a whale safari. We joined our friend, a veterinarian, and her friend, a researcher from the University of Tromsø, on his sailboat.
It was the best possible experience, and we fondly remember that trip. Since then, we’ve gone on whale safaris several times, joining almost exquisitely the silent whale-watching tours with BRIM Explorer.
We loved the tours with Brim on their hybrid-electric boat. However, while on tour with BRIM, we’ve also witnessed some alarming behavior from other tour providers.
Therefore, we suggest a few companies in this article that we believe provide excellent services and genuinely prioritize animal welfare.
We’ll also share more about what we’ve witnessed regarding the snorkeling trips so you can weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether to book such an experience.
Plenty of companies in Tromsø and around Skjervøy offer whale-watching safaris, but not all of them are, how to put it nicely, professional. Some offer safe and eco-friendly tours, while others… well, let’s just say they shouldn’t be out on the water.
Some tour operators are not even properly registered, and their guides are not adequately trained, which is a big red flag.
You’re always advised to do your homework and choose a reputable, certified operator who takes safety seriously and respects wildlife.
But honestly—what does that even mean in practice? How are you, as a tourist, supposed to check these things? Where exactly should you find the information?
No one can outright say, “Don’t go with this company,” because doing so can lead to legal trouble. But wouldn’t it be more helpful to turn that around and say, “Here’s a list of registered and qualified companies?”
That way, instead of vague recommendations, you’d have a clear idea of who to trust for a safe and responsible whale-watching experience.
Tourists shouldn’t be the ones responsible for figuring out which companies are playing by the rules. That should be the government’s job—to issue clear whale-watching regulations, especially regarding animal welfare.
The companies themselves should be required to follow these rules, ensuring ethical and safe practices for both the whales and the visitors. However, that’s not the reality right now.
As we’ll explore later in the article, there are no actual laws in Norway that regulate whale watching from an animal welfare perspective. So, at the moment, it’s really up to the individual tour companies to decide whether they follow guidelines or not.
This makes it tricky for tourists to know who’s acting responsibly and who isn’t.
When booking a whale-watching tour, it’s important to consider more than just how the company treats the whales. A big part of ethical tourism also involves supporting businesses that contribute to the local economy.
Some foreign operators offer tours without paying taxes in Norway, which can hurt local businesses playing by the rules. So, choosing a Norwegian-registered company means you’re helping the local community while enjoying an eco-friendly adventure.
Something to keep in mind!
Since I know many of you clicked on this article to find out which tour to join, I’ll cut to the chase.
While Tromsø is often considered the go-to place for whale watching, in the last few years, the whale-watching area has moved closer to the island of Skjervøy, which is about a 3.5-hour drive (one way) from Tromsø.
Because of that, different companies have different ways of getting you there.
Some companies, like Brim Explorer, use larger boats and sail all the way from Tromsø to Skjervøy—perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed, scenic experience.
On the other hand, companies like Green Gold of Norway offer a mix of transportation: they’ll get you on a bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy, where you’ll board a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) for an up-close, more adventurous safari. After the tour, you’ll hop back on the bus to return to Tromsø.
If comfort is your priority, big boats like BRIM Explorer’s hybrid electric catamaran are the way to go.
They’re cozy and warm, with onboard amenities like toilets, a bar that serves light food and drinks, and a big observation deck for soaking in the views.
Plus, you get knowledgeable guides who talk about the whales and share fascinating stories about Tromsø and the fjords along the way.
Some might say the trip feels long because a good chunk of it is spent sailing to the whale-watching spot, where you’ll spend maybe 30 minutes to an hour around the whales.
But honestly, I see that as a plus—you get a whale-watching and fjord cruise all in one, which makes it more than just a quick stop to see the whales.
RIB boats are your best bet if you’re looking for a thrill. With only 12 people on board, it’s a fast, adrenaline-filled adventure that gets you closer to the whales.
You might even get better photo opportunities since you’re lower to the water.
That said, RIB boats can be rough, so they’re not for everyone—small kids, pregnant women, elderly people, and anyone with back issues or small bladder might want to skip this one.
There’s also no toilet on board, and it can get pretty cold out there.
❗Also, if you book an RIB tour from Tromsø, remember that it includes a 7-hour round trip by bus to and from Skjervøy.
Brim Explorer is hands down one of the best options for whale watching in Tromsø. They’ve got this super modern hybrid electric catamaran with panoramic windows that switches to electric power when they’re near the whales, so it’s quiet and eco-friendly.
We’ve been on their tours several times—whether it’s fjord sightseeing or whale safaris—and we can’t recommend them enough. It’s a great way to see the Arctic wildlife and landscapes in comfort, with the bonus of being kind to the environment.
Brim Explorer takes sustainability seriously. It has an Eco-Lighthouse Certification, meaning it meets high standards for eco-friendly energy, waste, and transport practices. Its hybrid electric catamaran with a silent electric engine keeps things quiet and reduces emissions around the whales.
Norwegian Travel offers whale safaris on a high-speed catamaran that departs from Tromsø. Like Brim Explorer, it features a panoramic view and a comfortable, warm lounges for a relaxing experience, though the ship isn’t hybrid.
A great bonus is their whale guarantee—if you don’t spot whales on your tour, you can book a second tour for free (subject to availability). Norwegian Travel is also Eco-Lighthouse certified, ensuring they follow environmentally responsible practices.
Green Gold of Norway is a small adventure tour company based in Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps. They have built a solid reputation for being professional and highly committed to ethical and responsible tourism practices.
While we haven’t personally taken a tour with them, we absolutely love the photos and educational posts shared by Krisztina Balotay, an expert guide and a talented wildlife photographer.
Explore 70 Degrees is a great choice for whale watching with RIB. Based in Skjervøy, they’re all about small groups, with RIB boat tours that take up to 12 people, so you get that up-close-and-personal experience.
If you’re looking for a professional and ethical whale safari, Dervola Adventure is an excellent option.
Unlike open RIB boats, they use a more comfortable Askeladden P92 SUV, which fits up to 12 people. This means you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the Arctic scenery while staying warm and dry in a cozy cabin.
With Dervola Adventure, you can expect a respectful, authentic experience where the whales and the natural environment are treated with the care they deserve.
If you’re staying in Lyngen, you don’t need to travel all the way back to Tromsø. You can join Lyngen Experience from Nord-Lenangen or Reisafjord Experience, which runs tours from Sørkjosen.
🐋 Size: Male 6-9 meters and up to 8 tonnes, female 5-8 meters and approximately 4 tonnes.
🐋 Lifespan: Male approx 45 years, female up to 90 years.
Orcas are incredibly social, intelligent and magnificent creatures, living in tight-knit family groups often led by a grandmother figure. Most families specialize in certain prey, and here in the North Atlantic, many orcas feed on herring, though some specialize in hunting seals.
They’re known for their ability to take down much larger whales too, which is how they got their name “killer whales”—originally “whale killers,” named by sailors.
In Norway, orcas typically follow the herring migration. They show up around Tromsø in late October or early November, sticking around until the herring swim south along the continental shelf.
You can still spot them along the western coast of Norway in February and March before they head out to the Norwegian Sea, where they spread out with the herring.
🐋 Size: Adult humpback whales typically range from 12 to 16 meters (39 to 52 feet) in length.
🐋 Lifespan: Humpback whales can live up to around 80 to 90 years, although the average lifespan is closer to 50 years.
Humpback whales are one of the most popular species for whale safaris because they’re social, playful, and known for their spectacular jumps.
They often seek contact with boats and people, making them a real highlight of any trip.
🐋 Size: Fin whales typically range from 18 to 22 meters (59 to 72 feet).
🐋 Lifespan: Fin whales can live up to around 80 to 90 years.
Fin whales are mainly found along the edge of the continental shelf, from the coast of northern Norway to Svalbard, but they can also be seen during the winter whale season as they follow the herring.
Their enormous blow is easy to spot from a distance, but getting close to them can be challenging since they can swim at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h.
Unlike humpbacks or orcas, fin whales don’t lift their tails or breach often, so the sightings aren’t as dramatic. However, seeing these majestic animals is unforgettable due to their sheer size.
🐋 Size: Male sperm whales can reach up to 16 to 20.5 meters (52 to 67 feet), while females are smaller, typically between 8.5 to 12 meters (28 to 39 feet).
🐋 Lifespan: Sperm whales can live up to around 70 years, though some may live longer.
Sperm whales, the largest toothed predators, are well-known thanks to the book Moby Dick. Their name comes from spermaceti, a waxy substance in their heads that helps with buoyancy.
These whales are deep divers, often reaching depths of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) to hunt giant squid! One of the best places to spot them is Andenes in Vesterålen.
🐋 Size: Male long-finned pilot whales can grow up to 6.5 meters (21 feet), while females are smaller, around 5 to 5.5 meters (16 to 18 feet).
🐋 Lifespan: Long-finned pilot whales can live up to 45 to 60 years, with females often living longer than males.
Long-finned pilot whales are highly social animals, living in pods of up to 100 members. Sadly, they are prone to mass strandings, where whole pods beach themselves.
While scientists aren’t entirely sure why this happens, it’s thought their strong social bonds might cause them to follow sick or disoriented individuals onto shore.
Pilot whales are only observed sporadically in northern Norway during the herring season.
🐋 Size: Harbour porpoises typically grow to around 1.4 to 1.9 meters (4.6 to 6.2 feet).
🐋 Lifespan: They usually live up to 15 to 20 years.
Harbor porpoises are smaller cetaceans compared to other whales and porpoises. During the herring season in northern Norway, they’re usually nowhere to be seen, likely because they’re prey for orcas.
They aren’t big on playful behavior and tend to keep their distance from humans. Unfortunately, many are caught in fishing nets, especially gillnets, and thousands drown each year in Norway.
🐋 Size: Minke whales typically grow between 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet).
🐋 Lifespan: Minke whales can live up to around 50 years.
Minke whales are one of the most common whale species in Norway, though they’re more frequently spotted in the summer than in winter.
They can be tricky to observe because their blow isn’t very visible, and they only surface briefly. Orcas occasionally hunt them, so minke whales are unlikely to be seen during the herring season when orcas dominate the waters.
Interestingly, minke whales are the only species still commercially hunted in Norway, and if you see whale meat on the menu in Tromsø or other parts of northern Norway, it’s minke whales.
In most other countries, like New Zealand, Canada, or Iceland, direct interaction with orcas in the wild, like swimming or snorkeling, is either illegal or strongly discouraged due to concerns for both human safety and animal welfare.
So, in short, Norway is the primary and most accessible location for tourists looking to swim or snorkel with orcas.
Now, is it ok or not? Should snorkeling with orcas be allowed? Is it safe for the animals and people?
When people first hear about snorkeling with orcas in northern Norway, their primary concern is the safety of being in the water with such powerful apex predators.
While it’s understandable, the truth is, at the moment, the orcas themselves are not the biggest threat to your safety.
Orcas, despite their name, aren’t known to harm humans in the wild, and there have been no recorded fatal orca attacks during snorkeling tours.
While I do not want to disregard the possible dangers of close encounters with cetaceans, more dangers currently come from environmental conditions, inexperienced participants, and unregulated tour operations.
❗You’ll snorkel in freezing Arctic waters during the polar night, often with limited visibility. These cold and dark conditions are physically challenging, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those not used to cold-water activities.
❗Additionally, the crowded conditions on the water can be chaotic. Accidents are a real possibility, with many boats jockeying for positions and operators sometimes rushing to get people in and out of the water near propellers.
❗Some operators also fail to provide adequate safety briefings, putting participants at greater risk.
During their orca snorkeling tour, I had a dangerous experience with [Company Name]. They put snorkelers at significant risk by not providing fins crucial in cold and dark water conditions. You only have about a 20% chance of actually seeing the orcas, and the best way to increase your chances is through a liveaboard, which can be very expensive. This isn’t something you can do on the cheap.
More concerning is the apparent lack of care for the orcas or the guests. In November, I was injured during one of their tours. I was hit by a RIB boat while snorkeling. At the time, I didn’t feel the full extent of the pain due to the shock and adrenaline, but the incident could have been fatal. The captain seemed overwhelmed, unable to properly manage a large group of tourists, many of whom were not experienced divers or water sports professionals. I only survived because of my training as a diver. I was struck by the boat because another company was speeding to chase the orcas. I went under the boat, and the risk of being hit by the propeller was terrifying.
[Company Name] didn’t provide proper medical care, including necessary X-rays, nor did they transfer me to a hospital equipped to handle such injuries. I’ve since suffered from migraines, neck pain, and shoulder issues. This company isn’t equipped to handle such activities safely. Their captains may be experienced fishermen, but they don’t understand ocean safety, and their boats don’t even display proper dive flags to indicate that people are in the water.
I’ve spoken with other operators in Norway, and they agree that what happened should never happen again. Please stay safe—either choose a more responsible operator or enjoy viewing the orcas from a regular boat instead.
If you want to learn more about the safety and ethical concerns surrounding swimming with orcas, I highly recommend checking out this article: Norway’s Orca Tourism: Chaos in the Fjords. It covers the issues of unregulated tour operators, chaotic conditions, and the impact on both the whales and tourists, giving a thorough insight into what’s happening in the fjords.
Swimming with orcas can disturb and stress them, especially when tours aren’t adequately regulated. Orcas are highly intelligent and social animals, but at the end of the day, they’re still wild.
When too many boats and snorkelers crowd the same pod, it disrupts their feeding routines. Orcas are in the fjords for one main reason—herring—and having a bunch of people in the water or boats pushing too close can throw them off, causing stress during a crucial feeding period.
In Norway, no specific national governmental laws directly regulate whale-watching or snorkeling with orcas at a national level.
Instead, the industry largely follows guidelines developed by organizations such as Ocean Sounds, Visit Tromsø, or NorWhale.
🐋 Ocean Sounds – A non-profit focused on marine mammal conservation, developed the first guidelines.
🐋 Visit Tromsø —The destination management organization for the Tromsø area followed up with its own set of guidelines.
🐋 NorWhale—This one’s a bit more recent. It was developed by a network of whale-watching operators and destination companies initiated by the Arctic-365 consortium.
So, as you see, there are some general GUIDELINES (NOT LAWS!) in place to protect both the whales and the people hoping to catch a glimpse of them.
These rules say boats should stay at least 50-100 meters away from the whales, move slowly, and avoid any sudden changes in direction to prevent the whales from becoming stressed.
Currently, Norway lacks national governmental laws directly regulating whale watching or snorkeling with orcas.
While there is a law regarding the proximity of whale-watching boats to commercial fishing trawlers, this doesn’t extend to protecting the whales themselves.
Because these guidelines are not legally enforced, tour operators are free to follow them at their discretion. Unfortunately, this leads to some operators chasing whales, cutting off their swimming routes, and overcrowding pods, which increases stress on the whales.
The scientific community generally advises against direct human interaction with wild animals like orcas because it could disrupt their natural behavior, cause stress, and impact their health.
While orcas are highly intelligent and social creatures, in-water activities like snorkeling can interfere with their feeding, migration, and social patterns.
Organizations like Ocean Sounds and Visit Tromsø have strongly opposed all in-water activities with orcas, while NorWhale allows regulated snorkeling during winter but advises against it with other species or at other times.
However, even regulated encounters remain controversial, with many researchers advocating for minimal interference with these apex predators to protect their well-being and ensure ethical wildlife tourism.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations (MMR), under the Fisheries Act, mandate approach distances for different species of whales. As of 2018, boats must stay at least 100 metres away from most whale species, with stricter distances for species like killer whales (200 metres in British Columbia).
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Under the revised regulations, swimming with whales is prohibited. Previously offered commercial “swim with whales” tours were made illegal to protect both whales and human safety.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: Regulated by the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations, with mandatory approach distances. Boats must stay at least 50 meters away from whales, or 200 meters for any group of three or more whales.
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Swimming with whales is regulated, but not prohibited. Tour operators offering swim-with-dolphins and whales experiences must obtain special permits. Strict guidelines ensure minimal disturbance, and swimming is generally only allowed with smaller species like dolphins or pilot whales.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: Australia enforces strict rules under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Approach distances vary between 50-300 metres depending on species and location.
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Swimming with whales is prohibited in most regions, especially with species like humpbacks. However, exceptions are made in specific areas like Queensland, where regulated swimming with dwarf minke whales is permitted under tight controls.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: The USA regulates whale watching under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA). Minimum approach distances are 100 yards, with stricter rules for certain species, like orcas in Washington state (200 yards).
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Swimming with whales is generally prohibited. Specific areas, like Hawaii, enforce laws that prevent swimming with humpback whales to avoid disturbing their behaviors during sensitive periods like mating and calving.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: Chile’s Whale Watching Law sets strict guidelines for whale-watching tourism, focusing on distances, behavior, and minimizing human interaction to protect marine mammals.
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Swimming with whales is not commonly permitted. Chile emphasizes whale protection and has marine sanctuaries where interaction is highly restricted to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife.
🐋 Whale Watching Laws: Unlike the countries listed, Norway does not have national governmental laws specifically regulating whale watching or snorkeling with whales from an animal welfare perspective. There are voluntary guidelines, such as those developed by NorWhale, Ocean Sounds, and Visit Tromsø, which include recommendations on keeping distances and minimizing disturbances.
However, these guidelines are not legally enforced, meaning compliance depends on the tour operators. This lack of regulation allows some operators to engage in unsafe or unethical practices, such as chasing whales or crowding pods.
🤿 Swimming with Whales: Snorkeling with orcas is allowed in Norway during the winter months, though NorWhale has guidelines regulating these activities. However, no strict national laws ban or specifically regulate swimming with whales. This contrasts with other countries, where such activities are prohibited or tightly regulated.
Between May and September, you can spot blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, minkes, and even belugas around Svalbard, with most day trips departing from Longyearbyen.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, you might even see High Arctic species like narwhals, belugas, and bowhead whales on extended multiday expeditions from Longyearbyen.
Apart from Svalbard, the Vesterålen region—specifically Andenes and Stø—is the only place in mainland Norway where you can go on commercial whale-watching trips during the summer season.
These locations are near the continental shelf, where the ocean floor drops off quickly, creating ideal conditions for deep-diving whales like sperm whales to hunt for squid.
During summer, sperm whales are the main attraction, though you might also see minke whales, pilot whales, and occasionally humpbacks. Because the deep waters are close to shore, it doesn’t take long for the boats to reach prime whale-watching spots.
Whale watching in Norway is an incredible way to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. In winter, whales head into the northern fjords around Tromsø and Skjervøy, chasing herring.
Meanwhile, Vesterålen offers year-round whale watching, with Andenes being a top spot due to its proximity to the continental shelf.
But, alongside all the whale watching, there’s also something you might not expect—a whale hunting season. From April to September, Norway is one of the few countries that still hunts whales commercially, focusing mainly on minke whales.
Whaling has a long history in Norway, dating back to the Viking Age, when whales were hunted for their meat, blubber, and bones. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Norway developed into one of the world’s leading whaling nations.
Modern whaling began in the mid-1800s with the invention of the explosive harpoon, allowing for more efficient hunting of large whales.
In the mid-20th century, whale populations began to decline due to overhunting, and international concerns about the sustainability of whale populations grew.
Norway continued whaling but faced increasing international pressure to reduce catches, especially as global awareness about whale conservation increased.
This led to several key steps in the phase-out of whaling for larger whale species:
Norway signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which restricted the trade of endangered species. Under CITES, species are listed in three appendices, with Appendix I offering the highest level of protection.
Whale species listed under Appendix I (species threatened with extinction) included Blue whales, Fin whales, Sei whales, Humpback whales, and Sperm whales. The trade in minke whale products was still permitted under certain restrictions.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC), established in 1946, is the global body responsible for whales’ conservation and whaling regulation.
By the early 1980s, many whale species had been pushed to the brink of extinction due to overhunting, leading the IWC to vote for a global moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982.
The moratorium came into effect in 1986 and applied to all whale species, effectively banning commercial whaling worldwide.
Norway formally objected to the moratorium and resumed commercial minke whaling in 1993 under its own national regulations. Norway continues to set its own quotas for minke whale hunts, claiming the practice is sustainable and scientifically managed.
Iceland initially objected to the moratorium but later withdrew from the IWC in 1992. In June 2023, the Icelandic government temporarily suspended whaling for several months due to concerns over animal welfare violations, following reports that some whales suffered immensely after being harpooned.
Iceland’s last active whaling company, Hvalur, received a one-year license in 2024 to hunt up to 128 fin whales. However, as economic and ethical pressures continue to mount, there’s speculation that this may be the final whaling season.
Japan continued whaling under the guise of “scientific research,” exploiting a loophole in the IWC regulations. Japan argued that its hunts were for scientific purposes, but the meat from these hunts often ended up in markets.
In 2019, Japan officially withdrew from the IWC and resumed commercial whaling.
Despite the global moratorium on whaling, Norway continues to allow commercial hunting of minke whales. There are several reasons/excuses that the Norwegian state uses to justify the whaling of minke whales.
🐋 Cultural Tradition
Whaling is deeply rooted in Norway’s coastal culture, particularly in the north, where it has provided a source of food and livelihood for centuries. Many Norwegians see minke whale hunting as an important part of their heritage.
🐋 Sustainable Quotas
Norway argues that the minke whale population in the North Atlantic is stable and that hunting quotas are based on scientific data to ensure sustainability. The government sets annual quotas, which it claims align with maintaining healthy populations.
🐋 Niche Market and International Exports
Despite declining demand for whale meat, it remains a niche market, particularly in northern regions and among tourists. Whale meat is still served in restaurants and sold in markets, and government subsidies continue to support the industry. Norway has also exported minke whale meat to Japan, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
As of 2024, Norway remains one of the few countries that continues commercial whaling, focusing primarily on minke whales.
These hunts occur between April and September, mostly in the Norwegian Economic Zone and around Svalbard and Jan Mayen.
The quota is set each year, and it’s usually between 500 and 1,000 whales, though the actual number caught is often lower. The Norwegian government has set a quota for the hunting season, allowing the killing of up to 1,157 minke whales (2024).
The year’s whaling season has now ended, and figures from the Norwegian Fishermen’s Sales Organization (Norges Råfisklag) show that 414 minke whales were caught. This year’s season is the worst ever. In 2019, 429 animals were caught, which was the worst at that time.
The current estimate for the Northeast Atlantic minke whale population, which Norway mainly targets, is around 89,000 individuals based on data collected between 2008 and 2013. The species is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, meaning it’s not considered endangered, which Norway uses to justify its hunts.
However, whaling remains controversial both within and outside Norway. While whale meat consumption has declined domestically, with only about 2% of Norwegians eating it regularly, the practice persists, partly supported by government subsidies.
Much of the whale meat is marketed to tourists, who support the industry by purchasing whale products.
When you’re out on a whale safari in northern Norway, the experience is directly linked to herring migration—whales follow the herring, their main food source.
But here’s the catch: the migration route of the herring has shifted several times over the years, directly impacting where whales can be seen.
Norwegian spring-spawning herring has been the biggest fish stock in the North Atlantic for ages, and it’s been a major source of food for Norway, Russia, Iceland, and other European countries. Herring fishing has been vital to these economies for centuries, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was processed and traded all over Europe.
But things changed in the 1950s and 1960s. With new tech like bigger boats and better gear, fishing took off like never before. Catch levels shot through the roof, which sounds great, right? Except that by the early ’60s, this massive overfishing led to the collapse of the herring stock—it almost disappeared by the late ’60s.
The collapse of herring stocks in the ’60s is one of the biggest examples of overfishing in the North Atlantic. The situation was so bad that the herring took over two decades to recover. It only bounced back after strict fishing regulations and international agreements were put in place to better manage the migratory stock.
Fast forward to recent years, and climate change plays a bigger role. As ocean temperatures rise, herring seek out cooler waters, causing their migration routes to move northward. This has resulted in herring, and the whales that follow them, overwintering further and further north.
In the 1990s, the whales used to overwinter in Tysfjord, about 250 km above the Arctic Circle. But over time, both herring and whales moved along the coast of Vesterålen and Senja to Tromsø and now to Skjervøy.
This change in herring migration is largely due to warming waters pushing herring out of their traditional habitats in search of cooler temperatures. As the herring shift north, the orcas and humpbacks that rely on them for food follow closely behind.
Each time the herring change course, it impacts whale migration and, by extension, tourist whale-watching opportunities.
Now, the big question is: How long will the herring and whales keep coming to Skjervøy?
With climate change continuing to warm the oceans, it’s uncertain whether Skjervøy will remain the ideal overwintering spot for herring and whales. As temperatures rise, the herring may move even further north, which could eventually shift whale migration to more remote areas.
🐋 Whale watching in Tromso and Skjervoy offers an incredible chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and other species in their natural habitat during the herring migration. The whale watching season in northern Norway is between late October/early November and January/early February.
🐋 The movement of whales is tightly connected to the migration of herring, which has shifted over the years due to a mix of overfishing and climate change. This has moved the whale-watching hotspots northward, raising questions about where they might migrate next.
🐋 There are plenty of whale safari operators out there, but not all of them play by the rules. It’s worth doing your homework to find ethical operators who respect the whales and follow the guidelines—because not all of them do.
🐋 Snorkeling with orcas sounds epic, but the real risk isn’t just the orcas themselves—it’s also the chaotic, unregulated tours that make it dangerous for both people and whales. Stricter regulations would be a game-changer for everyone involved, but for now, you’ll need to be extra careful when picking a tour and consider if you really want to take part in this.
In short, whale watching in Tromso/Skjervoy is an unforgettable experience, but make sure you do it in an ethical and responsible way.
Winter Whales Book by Audun Rikardsen: A book by a renowned researcher and photographer, available in English in many local souvenir shops.
Article: Climate change and the migratory pattern for Norwegian spring-spawning herring—implications for management by Elin H. Sissener and Trond Bjørndal.
Article: Norway’s Orca Tourism: https://oceansaroundus.com/norways-orca-tourism-chaos-in-the-fjords/
Article: Bertella, G. (2019). Close Encounters with Wild Cetaceans: Good Practices and Online Discussions of Critical Episodes. Tourism in Marine Environments, 14(4), 265-273. DOI: 10.3727/154427319X15719407307721
Article: Pagel, C. D., Waltert, M., Scheer, M., & Lück, M. (2021). “Swimming with wild orcas in Norway: Killer whale behaviours addressed towards snorkelers and divers in an unregulated whale watching market.” In: M. Lück, M. & C. Liu (Eds.)
The whale-watching season in northern Norway lasts from late October to early February when orcas and humpbacks follow the herring migration.
During the whale-watching season in Tromsø, which runs from late October to January/early February, you can typically see the following species of whales:
🐋 Orcas (Killer Whales) – The most frequently sighted species. They follow the herring migration into the fjords.
🐋 Humpback Whales – Also common during this period, humpbacks join the orcas in feeding on the herring.
🐋 Fin Whales – Though less frequently seen, they are occasionally spotted as they also follow the herring migration.
Whale sightings during the winter season in Tromsø are not guaranteed. While Tromsø and Skjervøy are excellent spots for whale watching from late October to January, the presence of whales depends on the herring migration. Some years might offer more frequent sightings, while other seasons could be quieter. Factors like weather and whale behavior also play a role.
However, Norwegian Travel is one of the few companies offering a whale guarantee. If you don’t spot whales on your tour, you can book a second tour for free (subject to availability), which adds a bit of peace of mind for those hoping for a sighting!
Plenty of companies offer whale-watching tours in Tromsø and Skjervøy, but it’s important to note that Norway has no official regulations regarding whale watching, only voluntary guidelines.
These guidelines encourage ethical behavior like maintaining distance from the whales and avoiding disturbing them. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve recommended companies with eco-certifications or a reputation for running responsible tours.
Here are our suggestions for tours starting in Tromsø:
🐋 “Silent” Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran (Brim Explorer)
🐋 Whale Watching by RIB boat (Green Gold of Norway)
🐋 Whale Watching Safari on High Speed Catamaran (Norwegian Travel)
The type of tour you choose will determine your specific gear:
🧣 Warm winter boots (we like Sorel winter shoes)
🧣 Softshell winter trousers (with woolen trousers underneath if it’s especially cold)
🧣 Woolen T-shirt, sweatshirt, and a fluffy down jacket to stay toasty when out in the elements.
Even though you’ll be indoors part of the time, the Arctic winds can be chilly, so it’s better to have plenty of layers to stay warm! If you do not know how to layer your clothes, check out our article here!
Yes, you can swim or snorkel with orcas in Norway, especially in Tromsø and Skjervøy during the winter, but let’s be real—just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
These tours might seem like a bucket-list dream, but the reality is more complicated. For starters, safety is a huge concern. You’re jumping into freezing Arctic waters during the polar night, with low visibility, and let’s not forget about the chaotic boat traffic. Some operators don’t even bother with proper safety measures, and you could end up in a dangerous situation.
If you’re set on doing this, do your research—read all the reviews, and if you must, go for a longer, multi-day trip with a reputable company instead of the cheapest one-day option. Day trips can be rushed, and some operators cut corners when it comes to safety and guest experience.
Then there’s the ethical side—how much are we disturbing these animals? Orcas are here to feed, not to entertain us. Constant boat traffic and people jumping into the water can seriously mess with their natural behaviors.
In short, while the idea of swimming with orcas might be tempting, ask yourself: is it worth the risk to you and the impact on the whales?
There’s so much to do in Tromsø between November and January aside from whale watching! If you’re looking for adventure or want to explore the breathtaking winter landscapes, here’s a variety of activities to check out.
You can easily book these through GetYourGuide for a hassle-free experience.
☃️ Northern Lights Tours
If you’re hoping to catch the Northern Lights, Tromsø is a great spot for it. You can join guided tours that take you out of the city to find clearer skies, increasing your chances of seeing the auroras in their full glory. In our article, you can read more info about why you should choose a Northern Lights tour and the differences between the tours.
Our tips:
👉 Arctic Photo Guide (Small Tours)
👉 Wandering Owl (Minibus Tours)
☃️ Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is a popular activity in Tromsø, and you can either sit back and enjoy the ride or try mushing. It’s one of those classic Arctic experiences, plus you get to spend time with some pretty adorable huskies.
Our tips:
👉 Tromsø: Self-Drive Husky Dog Sledding Adventure with Arctic Adventure Tours
👉 Husky Sled Self-Drive with Traditional Lunch with Tromsø Villmarkssenter
☃️ Reindeer Farm Visit and Sami Culture
For a slower-paced adventure with a cultural twist, consider visiting a Sami camp. You’ll get to meet the reindeer, feed them, and learn more about Sami traditions, all while enjoying a warm meal and some storytelling.
Our tip:
👉 Reindeer Feeding and Sami Cultural Experience with Tromso Lapland (Starting in October)
👉 Reindeer Feeding and Sami Cultural Tour with Tromso Arctic Reindeer (Starting in November)
☃️ Snowmobile Safaris
If you’re into speed and adventure, snowmobile safaris are an option. You’ll zoom across frozen landscapes and take in some incredible Arctic scenery. Some tours even combine this with Northern Lights hunting for a two-in-one experience.
Our tip:
👉 Lyngen Alps Guided Snowmobile Tour
☃️ Tromsø Ice Domes
Every winter, Tromsø Ice Domes are rebuilt from ice and snow. If you’re curious about ice architecture or want to see some impressive sculptures, visiting the ice domes could be interesting. There’s also an ice bar where you can grab a drink.
Our tip:
👉 From Tromsø: Ice Domes Snow Park and Wilderness Experience
☃️ Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
For those who prefer something a bit quieter, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing lets you explore the Arctic landscape at a slower pace. There are guided tours available if you want some help finding the best routes.
Our tips:
👉 Snowshoe Hiking with Wandering Owl
👉 Guided Husky Snowshoe Hike and Husky Camp Visit with Tromso Vilmarkssenteret
👉 Daytime Fjellheisen Snowshoe Hike and Cable Car Ride
☃️ Fjord Cruises
Taking a fjord cruise is a laid-back way to experience Tromsø’s fjords. You can enjoy the scenery and potentially spot wildlife like sea eagles or seals along the way. A relaxed option if you’re looking to soak up the landscape from the water.
Our tip:
👉 Arctic Fjord Cruise by Hybrid-Electric Catamaran with Brim Explorer
👉 King Crab Fishing and Fjord Sightseeing Boat Tour
☃️ Sightseeing Day Trips to Kvaløya or Senja
Day trips to islands like Kvaløya or Senja offer incredible natural beauty if you feel like getting out of the city. These trips are more of a sightseeing experience, with rugged coastlines, mountains, and fjords to explore.
Our tips:
👉 Winter Arctic Landscapes with Wandering Owl
👉 Senja and Kvaløya Arctic Day Trip with Lunch
👉 Lyngen Alps Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
☃️ Fishing Trips
If you’re curious about Arctic fishing, there are guided fishing trips where you can try your hand at catching something in the cold fjords. It’s an activity tied to Northern Norway’s fishing traditions, so it could be worth a shot if that’s your thing.
Our tip:
👉 Fjord Fishing Cruise with Hermes II
☃️ Arctic Floating
For something truly different, there’s Arctic floating. You’ll wear a dry suit and float in the cold fjords, staying warm while drifting in the water. It’s a surprisingly peaceful experience if you’re looking for something meditative and a bit out of the ordinary.
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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