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

Skjervøy and Alta

A whale eldorado in winter
©Marten Bril

Our activities in Skjervøy and Alta winter

From mid-October to the end of January, we operate whale watching tours from both Skjervøy and in Alta, following the seasonal migration of herring. During this period, orcas and humpback whales gather in these areas to feed on the overwintering herring—one of the largest fish stocks in the world. This creates a unique opportunity to experience these whales up close. We offer both whale watching tours with RIB boats and snorkeling with whales.
Humpback dive at Whale watching in Skjervøy. ©Marten Bril. From 2250 NOK
Winter whale watching with RIB in Skjervøy
Experience the spectacular whales close up as they are following the herring
  • 8+
  • 2.5h
  • Winter
Read more and book
Snorkeling with orcas at Skjervøy, Troms. ©Marten Bril. From 3350 NOK
Snorkeling with Orcas Skjervøy
You can join us in the area of Skjervøy from October until January to do whale watching or snorkel with orcas and humpback whales.
  • 15+
  • 2.5h
  • Winter
Read more and book
Orca. ©Ove Pedersen. From 3600 NOK
Snorkeling with Orcas Alta
You can join us in the area of Alta from October until January to do whale watching or snorkel with orcas and humpback whales.
  • 15+
  • 2.5h
  • Winter
Read more and book
Humpback ©Samy Vallèe. From 2250 NOK
Whale watching with RIB in Alta
Experience the spectacular whales close up as they are following the herring
  • 8+
  • 1.5-2.5h
  • Winter
Read more and book

Frequently asked questions for Alta and Skjervøy

With "Waiting list" - Am I guaranteed a place?
No. If anyone cancel and a spot becomes available, we email everyone on the waiting list. The first to book gets the spot. If you miss out, you remain on the list.
Do I pay to join the waiting list?
No! Joining the waiting list is completely free, even if the system appears to ask for payment. You only pay when booking a spot.
Can I get priority on the waiting list?
We understand how much this trip means to you! Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions, as everyone has the same chance through the waiting list.
What if we don't see whales?
Please remember these are wild animals and there is never a 100% guarantee - even if we do have very high sightings. In Skjervøy and Alta, limited winter capacity and departures mean we cannot offer a new trip or voucher.
What is the minimum age?
8 years for Whale watching. 15 years for snorkeling, accompanied by an adult.
  • ©Ove M Pedersen
  • ©Marten Bril
  • ©Marten Bril
  • ©Ove M Pedersen
  • ©Marten Bril
  • ©Marten Bril
  • ©Ove M Pedersen
  • ©Marten Bril
  • ©Ove M Pedersen

Practical information

SKJERVØY: Whale watching tours depart directly from Skjervøy harbor, next to Hotel Maritim, offering one of the shortest travel distances to the whales. Please arrive at Hotel Maritim Skjervøy at 8:30 for snorkeling and 8:45 for whale watching.

ALTA: Please arrive at Havneveien 10 at 8:30 for snorkeling and 8:45 for whale watching.

After check-in, you will receive an introduction to the whales and their habitat, as well as a safety briefing. Information is provided in several languages when needed. Questions about clothing?

MAXIMUM DAYLIGHT - MORE TIME WITH WHALES
Winter in the Arctic means limited daylight hours. Our tours therefore depart early, allowing us to make full use of the available light. This ensures you get the most out of your whale watching experience. We always approach the whales respectfully.

OUR GUIDES ARE WHALE EXPERTS
Whale2Sea Whalesafari Andenes combine whale watching with scientific research. Our guides are highly trained and share in-depth knowledge about the species encountered. Both guides and captains are also extensively trained in safety and take great care of our guests.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE DURATION OF A TOUR
Weather and sea conditions: Strong winds and rough seas can make it more difficult to spot whale blows, and maintain cruising speed. Dense fog may also reduce visibility.
Distance from shore: The farther offshore the whales are located, the longer the tour may last.
Whale presence: If fewer whales are present in the area, it may take longer to locate them, potentially extending the tour duration.

For information about safety and our guidelines, klick here

Dos and don'ts to make the best out of your adventure and stay warm:

Dos: ✅

  • Wear warm clothes in several layers (best: wool)
  • Warm socks and waterproof shoes (shoes on whale wathcing trips)
  • Warm, waterproof gloves/mittens
  • Optional:
    A small waterproof bag for a camera or cellphone
    Thermopads

Don'ts: ❌

  • Sneakers or other thin shoes
  • No gloves or thin gloves
  • Unprotected camera or electronic equipment
©Marten Bril
SKJERVØY AND ALTA

Skjervøy, located at 70°N, lies further north than Andenes (69°N), in Troms County. When traveling from abroad, the easiest route is to fly to Tromsø and continue by bus from Tromsø to Skjervøy.

Alta, is in Finmark county, and there is an airport for flight into Alta.

Please note: winter conditions are cold and demanding. Snorkeling in a bikini is not possible (yes, we have been asked!). Water temperatures are very low, and WARM clothing is essential both above and below the surface—even underneath the dry suit.