There are over 85 recognized cetacean species worldwide, and 10 of them can be found off Andøy in Vesterålen, northern Norway. Whales are divided into two groups: toothed whales and baleen whales. Toothed whales catch and hold prey with their teeth, while baleen whales filter small fish and crustaceans through keratin plates (baleen) in their mouths. Join us at the Whale Center and on our whale-watching tours to learn more about these incredible animals!
ORCA - KILLER WHALE
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and a highly social species. We typically see them in pods of around 10, though larger gatherings occur. Some Orcas are resident in Norwegian waters, meaning they are born, live, and die here.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: All year
SPERM WHALE
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale, recognizable by its off-center blowhole, which produces a distinctive, left-leaning blow. Its head makes up one-third of its body length and houses both the largest brain on Earth (9 kg!) and the organ that generates the loudest sound in the animal kingdom.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: All year
HUMPBACK WHALE
This iconic baleen whale is easily identified by its long pectoral fins, hump-shaped back, and wart-like growths on its jaws. Humpbacks are famous for breaching and using their flippers and tails to slap the water. Humpback whale songs can travel for hundreds of kilometers underwater, depending on ocean conditions.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Occasionally, all year
PILOT WHALE
A toothed whale known for its strong social bonds, pilot whales travel in groups of 15 to 40. The long-finned pilot whale, probably resident in Norwegian waters, often engages in spyhopping, lifting its head above water to observe its surroundings.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: All year
FIN WHALE
The second-largest whale after the blue whale, the fin whale can reach speeds of 47 km/h. Its blow is 6 to 10 meters (20 to 33 feet). It's tall, narrow, and column-shaped, making it visible from great distances. Some individuals live up to 130 years!
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Occasionally, all year
WHITE BEAKED DOLPHIN
Easily recognized by its short white beak, this fast-moving dolphin is playful and sometimes engages in aerial displays. They have been observed harassing whales to create waves for easier swimming!
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Mostly in summer
HARBOUR PORPOISE
The smallest cetacean in Norwegian waters, harbour porpoises are shy and usually seen in small groups. Their rounded head and triangular dorsal fin make them easy to identify. They surface briefly before disappearing again.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: All year
ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN
These dolphins have a striking white patch along their sides, transitioning into a yellow-brown blaze. Highly active, they frequently leap out of the water and interact closely with each other.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Occasionally, all year
RISSO’S DOLPHIN
One of the easiest species to identify due to their scarred, white-marked bodies, which accumulate with age. They are often seen in pods of 10 to 30 and have an unusually large dorsal fin, sometimes leading to misidentification as orcas. First observed off Andenes in 2017 and seen almost yearly since.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Summer
MINKE WHALE
The second smallest baleen whale, recognizable by its white bands on the pectoral fins. This is the only whale species legally hunted in Norway.
🟢 Seen in Andøy: Mostly in summer
