About Arctic Whale Tours
Passion for Whales. Respect for Nature. Arctic Whale Tours is a locally-owned whale watching company offering immersive marine wildlife tours in Stø, Andenes, and Tromsø.
Our Mission
At Arctic Whale Tours, our mission is to provide visitors with unique opportunities to observe marine animals in their natural surroundings. We are committed to offering unforgettable experiences that combine adventure, education, and respect for nature.
Our Story
Arctic Whale Tours was founded in 2014 by Captain Bjørn Brøndbo, a retired veterinarian with over 40 years of experience in animal care and a lifelong love for the sea. After the original founder passed away in 2013, Bjørn saw the opportunity to revive the company in Stø, Vesterålen in Northern Norway. With a vision to offer respectful and educational wildlife experiences, he relaunched Arctic Whale Tours and began operating whale safaris from the heart of Vesterålen.
We expanded operations to Tromsø in 2017, following the migratory routes of orcas and humpbacks during winter, and opened a third location in Andenes in 2024, providing easier access to the Bleik Canyon and summer sightings of sperm whales.
Today, Arctic Whale Tours operates in three locations and continues to grow—offering safe, ethical, and enriching whale watching experiences for guests from around the world.
We expanded operations to Tromsø in 2017, following the migratory routes of orcas and humpbacks during winter, and opened a third location in Andenes in 2024, providing easier access to the Bleik Canyon and summer sightings of sperm whales.
Today, Arctic Whale Tours operates in three locations and continues to grow—offering safe, ethical, and enriching whale watching experiences for guests from around the world.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
We follow strict ethical whale watching guidelines. Our boats operate at slow speeds, maintain safe distances, and minimize noise to avoid disturbing wildlife.
We believe in protecting the animals we admire by educating our guests and leading with responsibility. Our new flagship vessel, ALBA, is being upgraded with a hydrophone system to help our crew locate whales with minimal disturbance — enhancing the experience while preserving the natural environment.
We believe in protecting the animals we admire by educating our guests and leading with responsibility. Our new flagship vessel, ALBA, is being upgraded with a hydrophone system to help our crew locate whales with minimal disturbance — enhancing the experience while preserving the natural environment.
Our Fleet
We operate three distinct vessels, each purpose-built or retrofitted for Arctic waters.
RS 78 Hagbart Waage
Originally a Norwegian rescue vessel (1968–1988), she’s now upgraded with stabilizers, indoor seating, and a spacious viewing deck. With a proud history of saving 11 lives and assisting nearly 400 vessels, she now carries guests safely into whale-rich Arctic waters on unforgettable summer safaris.
Blasius II
A twin-engine catamaran built in 1983. With indoor seating for 70 and an open viewing deck, it’s ideal for tours around Anda Nature Reserve—offering stability and comfort for full-day nature safaris.
ALBA
A 26.65-meter high-speed Norwegian catamaran under full refurbishment. She will feature a new engine, low-noise propeller, and a hydrophone that allows us to hear whales underwater—creating a more immersive and low-impact experience.
Our People
Our team is made up of experienced mariners, nature guides, and support staff united by one goal: to give guests a safe, inspiring, and unforgettable experience at sea. We speak Norwegian, English, French, Spanish, Polish, Dutch, German, Italian and Frisian—so you’ll feel welcome no matter where you’re from.
Bjørn
Daglig Leder
Oddbjørn
Kaptein
Svenn
Skipper
Svein
Matros
Kjetil
Matros
Øystein
Maskinpasser
Arto
Maskinpasser
Ruud
Guide Coordinator & Reception Manager
Paulina
Guide
Remi
Guide
Ebba
Guide
Alex
Guide
Julia
Volunteer Guide
Sophie
Guide
Connie
Local Photographer
Why Choose Us?
Whale Pass
See whales or come back for free!
Comfort First
Heated cabins, spacious decks, toilets, and complimentary homemade soup and hot drinks.
Multilingual Expertise
French, Polish, Spanish, Norwegian, German, Dutch, Italian and English-speaking guides.
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Sustainability Focus
Quiet approaches, respectful distances, and science-based education.
Learn More About Responsible Whale Watching
Arctic Whale Tours aligns with internationally recognized guidelines to ensure ethical wildlife encounters. Learn more from these global leaders:
Join Us
Step aboard. Experience the Arctic. Let nature surprise you. Whether it’s your first whale sighting or your tenth, our goal is the same—to leave you humbled, inspired, and connected to the wild.
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