Whale Watching in Norway: Guide to an Unforgettable Whale Safari
Whale Watching in Norway: Best Times, Places, and How to Experience It
Whale watching and whale safaris have become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, and for good reason. It’s magical to experience these majestic mammals up close, while there is also abundant Arctic wildlife off the northern coast. Are you lucky enough to encounter a whale on your safari? Take a look at our guide to increase your chances!
Helpful Tips for Whale Safaris
- The whale safari winter season is from mid-January to April, while the summer season extends from May to November.
- On a whale safari, you will find that the captain is equipped with headphones. These are connected to a hydrophone, which helps the captain listen for sperm whales.
- There is the greatest chance of seeing whales in Vesterålen, where some operators also offer a whale guarantee: so you are guaranteed to see a whale!
- Be patient: both the captain and crew will keep their eyes and ears open for whales. Feel free to talk to the crew, who have a lot of knowledge about whales and what you should look for on the safari.
- If you tend to get seasick or think you might feel nauseous on the trip, you should take medicine 1-2 hours before setting out. Also bring salty snacks, as this helps against nausea.
- Dress warmly! It is harsh weather out at sea, and even though many operators provide you with a good winter suit, it is important to have good clothing under the suit.
- Respect the sea and the animals. Do not try to attract whales by making sounds or throwing food into the sea. This is prohibited.
Whales in Norwegian Waters
There are actually many different types of whales in Norway, including:
- Blue Whale
- Fin Whale
- Humpback Whale
- Minke Whale
- Sperm Whale
- Beaked Whales
- Porpoise Orca
- Pilot Whale
- White-beaked Dolphin
- White-sided Dolphin
The most common whale species to spot on a whale safari are sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales. It is only in Svalbard that you might be lucky enough to see the world’s largest animal, the blue whale.
The Magical Archipelago of Vesterålen
The only place you can go on a whale safari year-round is in Northern Norway. It is possible to encounter sperm whales at any time, while orcas and humpback whales prefer the coast off Vesterålen during the winter. If you dream of meeting one of the ocean’s giants, Vesterålen is the best place to go. Vesterålen is an island district far north in Nordland county, northeast of the Lofoten Islands. The area consists of the islands of Andøya, Langøya, Hadseløya, the west side of Hinnøya, and the north side of Austvågøya, as well as many uninhabited smaller islands.
Best Chance of Seeing Whales
Vesterålen boasts the highest likelihood of seeing whales in Norway. Remember, however, that you are on safari and are visiting the animals’ kingdom, which means it is up to the whales whether they want to show themselves or not. In other words, no one can ever be sure what the day will bring, but you have a very good starting point if you choose to go on a whale safari in Vesterålen. Once you are out on a whale safari, there are also many other exciting things to notice. The ocean gap outside Vesterålen is beautiful, and you will have a fantastic view of the northern fjord landscape and other wildlife along the coast.
Vessels with Whale Guarantee
There is a wide range of whale safaris in Vesterålen. You can choose whether you want to board a RIB to feel the adrenaline rush as you move out to sea, or if you prefer larger vessels. In recent years, more sustainable options have also appeared in the form of quiet electric hybrid boats. Regardless of what kind of vessel entices you to join a whale safari, it is wise to choose an operator that offers a 100% whale guarantee. This means that you are guaranteed to see at least one mighty giant at sea: and if you don’t see a single whale on the trip, you get a free trip on the next available departure. This way, you can head home after your vacation with memories of the giant creatures that live off the Norwegian coast.
More than Just a Safari
Whale Safari AS was the first company to start whale safaris over 30 years ago, and is the largest organizer of whale safaris in Vesterålen. They have their own whale guarantee, and the tours are conducted by experienced guides with a lot of knowledge about whales. In addition to being a major operator for whale safaris, Whale Safari AS also conducts research on sperm whales, minke whales, and orcas, and focuses on the environment and sustainability. They also have their own Whale Center with a museum included in the ticket. The new whale museum in Vesterålen, called The Whale, is still under construction, so in the meantime, it may be worthwhile to book a trip through Whale Safari AS to get background information and take a deeper dive into the world of whales through their Whale Center.
Alta
Even though Vesterålen has long been a hotspot for whale watching, the whales have moved further north in recent years. In Altafjord, there are now many whales during the winter season, making Alta a great starting point for joining a whale safari. There has been a lot of activity with whales in both Altafjord and Lyngenfjord in recent years, and it is now possible to sign up for whale safaris through several operators in Alta.
In Alta, there is the greatest chance of spotting humpback whales, but there is also a frequent presence of orcas. At the same time as you get to join in on an exciting whale watching, the tour guides will also make sure you see other wildlife in Finnmark, as well as exciting stories from Altafjord. Going on whale watching in Alta is a unique experience that is still a hidden gem, in addition to allowing you to enjoy the best that Finnmark has to offer.
Svalbard
In Svalbard, it is also possible to join a whale safari. The unique Arctic wildlife in Svalbard is an amazing experience in itself. If you are extra lucky, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest whale, namely the blue whale, when you are out on a whale safari. When summer is at its peak and the sun never sets in Svalbard, the whale season begins. Through June and July, the fjords around Longyearbyen are full of food for several whale species. You might be lucky to see both humpback whales, beluga whales, fin whales, and blue whales.
You are a Guest in the Whale’s Kingdom
The tourism sector in Norway is constantly growing, and much of the tourism attracts adventure-seeking visitors out into nature. This means that Norway has an important responsibility towards the environment, both at sea and on land. For all visitors, it is important to follow the principles of nature etiquette when moving through natural elements. Authorities have also established national guidelines for whale safaris to take care of the whales’ needs. This makes it possible to experience whale safaris for many years to come, as operators ensure not disturb the whales in their right element.
Remember that you are a visitor in the whale’s kingdom when you are whale watching, and that is why you must respect both the sea and the whales. They should not be disturbed, you should not lure them closer to the boat or under any circumstances try to touch them. If you are in doubt about something, you can ask the tour operator you have chosen to travel with. It is important that the whale is not stressed, both for people’s safety and the whale’s own comfort.
Good luck on your whale safari!
