Winter-whales, a pod of orcas in winterlight. ©Marten Bril.

Winter activities in Andenes

Experience the arctic in wintertime

Our activity in Andenes during winter

We offer whale watching in Andenes also during wintertime. Due to less light, there are fewer departures. In addition we also have northern light trips and eagle safari. The whale exhibition in the Whale Center is also worth a visit. Some of the trips you can book directly, others you need to contact us on email.
Eagle outside of Andøy in Vesterålen. ©Marten Bril. From 1190
Eagle safari
Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature on a white-tailed eagle safari just outside of Andenes
  • 1.5h
  • 8+
  • Winter
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Northern light in Andenes, Vesterålen. ©Marten Bril. From 1650
Northern lights adventure by the sea
Experience the Northern Lights by the sea at Andenes Camping – the perfect spot away from light pollution.
  • 8+
  • 3.5h
  • Winter
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Sperm whale in winter off Andøy ©Marten Bril. From 1690
Winter whale watching at Andenes with RIB
Experience the winter whale watching off Andenes in RIB boats
  • 1.5-2.5h
  • 8+
  • Oct-April
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White Tail eagle at Andenes harbour. ©Marten Bril. From 400
Nature and culture walk in Andenes Harbour
Andenes harbour has a rich birdlife and coastal history! Join us on a walk in the harbour for both a nature and coastal culture encounter.
  • 8+
  • 2.5h
  • All year
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Walausstellung. From 150
Guided Tour Whale Exhibition
Our skilled guides give you an exciting tour of our new whale exhibition.
  • 1h
  • All year
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Practical information

Winter in Northern Norway is colorful and beautiful. It can also be unpredictable, bringing challenging weather conditions. We recommend that all our guests plan to spend a few days in the area so that they have the option to reschedule for another day if the weather prevents us from going out on a particular day. If the weather prevent us from going on a whale watching trip, we will provide other activities for you to choose between.

Sharing knowledge about whales and bird species is at the heart of our experience on our trips. Before departure, you will receive practical information about the vessel, the excursion, and, most importantly, onboard safety. This information will be provided in multiple languages, depending on the nationalities of the tourists on board. Your ticket includes a self-guided tour of our new Whale Exhibition, and evening lectures during the high season, where you can learn even more about whales.

Reception: Reception and check-in during winter, is in the Whale Center, Hamnegata 1C, Andenes. Check-in 45 minutes before departure. Here you also have the Whale Exhibition, the Whale Shop and toilets. After check-in you will receive an informative introduction regarding your trip as well as a safety briefing. When necessary, information is given in different languages. If you want to get to know some of our species before your trip, you can by clicking on these links: our whales or our birds.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE DURATION OF A TOUR
- Weather and sea conditions: If it is too windy, the waves makes it difficult to spot whale blows, listen for sperm whale clicks on the hydrophones and keep normal speed during transit. Dense fog will also make it difficult to spot the whales.
- Distance to shore: The further from the shore the whales are found, the longer the trip might take.
- Fewer whales in the area: If we have fewer whales in the area, it might take longer time to find then and the trip might be longer.

For information about safety and our guidelines, click here

CHECKLIST FOR YOUR TRIP:

  • Warm and comfortable shoes
  • (Water repellent) warm clothes
  • warm mittens and hat

WILDLIFE:
Remember, whales are wild animals! While we have a very high success rate for whale sightings, we cannot guarantee that the whales can be seen on every trip. BUT if the boat does not find any cetaceans you have the possibility to have a new trip for free on the first available tour, or any time in the future.