Orcas with Andenes in the background.

Safety and guidelines

Practical information

We are in the Arctic. It is not as cold as you might think in winter and not as warm as you may hope for in summer. The wind on the day of your trip is the biggest factor in determining the real temperature, especially at sea. This means you should prepare for a little bit of everything—any time of the year! On this page, you will find everything you need to know to be best prepared for your trip.

Floatation suits & life vests: For our RIB boat trips, we provide water-repellent, warm flotation suits and life vests. What you should wear under the flotation suits depends on the weather. During winter, outdoor clothing may be recommended as an extra layer, while on a perfect summer day, a t-shirt might be enough. Gloves, mittens, and a hat are recommended year-round. During winter, we also provide warm suits for passengers on the large boat. It is recommended to dress in layers and use wool.

We follow recognized guidelines for whale and bird watching. Further down on this page, you can read more about these guidelines, as well as information on NorWhale and the handbook  on whale and dolphin watching.

Dos: ✅

  • warm clothes, several layers (best: wool) 
  • Warm, waterproof shoes
  • Warm waterproof gloves/mittens
  • Clothes to change
  • thermos with warm water & small waterproof bag

Don'ts: ❌

  • Sneakers
  • No gloves / thin gloves
  • Only swimwear
  • Unprotected camera/gear

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my camera?
Yes! Just make sure to cover it while driving to protect it from splashes. Pictures can also be purchased, ask at the Whale Shop.
What clothes should I wear?
Always bring warm base layers and a windproof jacket. Wear good shoes. Gloves, mittens, and a hat are recommended year-round. Dress in layers.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed only on the large boat, not on the RIB boats.
What if we don't see whales?
You will receive a free trip on the next available tour or on your next visit. Please book via email and specify which trip you have been on. You can get a voucher in your name—ask at the reception
What if I have a medical condition?
Please inform us or ask us directly before booking your trip.
What is the minimum age?
• In Andenes: 8 years for RIB boats. No age limit on the large boat. • In Skjervøy: 8 years for RIB boats and the large boat. 14 years for snorkeling, accompanied by an adult.
Sperm whale dive at Andøy, Vesterålen. ©Marten Bril.
Sea sickness and other medical concerns

Seasickness depends on the conditions on sea and also on how you feel on the day. The larger boat moves more than the RIB boats and tends to get more people seasick. Do not avoid eating before going to sea. An empty stomach can increase your chance of feeling sick. Remember that while driving it is very rare to feel sick. It is while lying still that we can have problems with our balance. Do not let this affect your experience before going out as in most cases you are not going to feel a thing. Should the feeling anyway occur try to find a point of focus and do not close your eyes as that can affect your balance system even more.

Should you suffer from any condition that you think might concern us we ask that you inform us of the situation. This could be heart conditions, diabetes and problems with your back or hips. Should you be pregnant we also ask that you inform us up front. This has to do with where we place you on the boat. Remember that the front seats on the RIB boats are the ones most exposed to the movements on the boat. In the large boat it feels more stable in the lower part of the boat.

Listing our responsible whale watching below:

EXPERIENCED CREW
Our captains have years of experience in evaluating the whales’ behaviour and maneuvering the boats in order to minimize animal disturbance.
REDUCING SOUND POLLUTION
We reduce noise pollution and whale disturbance by using hydrophones (underwater microphones) to locate the whales before they surface. In addition, we have equipped our vessels with better, quieter propellers to further reduce noise pollution.
RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR
It is important to us to behave responsibly towards the whales and the marine environment. This is an on-going process in which we regularly evaluate measures to make our operations even more environmentally friendly.
REDUCING AIR AND SEA POLLUTION
By using hydrophones, we reduce pollution to air and sea since we can follow the whale and position the boat before it surfaces. This reduces the need for using engine power and the result is reduced exhaust pollution. We also have a policy to not run our boats at full speed. This reduces fuel consumption and exhaust gases.
FOLLOWING WHALE WATCHING GUIDLINES
Animal welfare is important for us and we follow national and international regulations and guidlines regarding whale watching behaviour. In addition, we have internal company rules and training for even more rules on how to behave around whales.