Winter Whale Safari - Skjervøy

Experience Arctic Magic in Just a Few Hours

Every winter, Skjervøy’s icy fjords come alive as humpback whales and orcas follow the great herring migration. This is your chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events — up close, in one of Northern Norway’s best whale-watching locations.

Board our historic vessel Hagbart Waage, a former Norwegian rescue ship, and set out into pristine Arctic waters. In just 2–3 hours, you’ll have the chance to see whales surfacing, hunting, and socializing against a backdrop of snow-covered mountains and crisp winter air.

Whether you arealready staying in Skjervøy or traveling with our bus partner from Tromsø, thistour offers an unforgettable whale-watching adventure.

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Quick Facts – What to Know Before You Book

• Departure Point: Skjervøy Harbour, Havnegata 18
• Check-in: 09:30 (directly at the boat)
• Departure: 10:30
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Vessel: Hagbart Waage – heated indoor cabin & outdoor deck viewing
• Refreshments: coffee, tea & biscuits onboard
• Minimum: 20 passengers required
• Maximum: 64 passengers
• Bus Transport Add-on: Tromsø⇄ Skjervøy with Best Arctic (must be booked 5 days in advance)

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What’s Included

• 2–3 hour guided whale safari from Skjervøy
• Experienced, multilingual wildlife guide
• Free hot drinks: coffee & tea
• Free biscuits/snacks onboard
• Safety equipment (life jackets)
• Whale Pass: See Whales or Come Back Free - Rebook for free within 12 months (same participants, subject to availability)

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Itinerary

1. 10:15 – Boarding begins at Skjervøy Harbour (exact location in confirmation email)
2. 10:30 – Departure aboard Hagbart Waage
3. 10:45–12:30 – Whale watching experience – search for orcas, humpbacks, and other Arctic wildlife
4. 12:30–13:00 – Return to Skjervøy Harbour

🕒 Total Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours
📌 Note: Times may vary depending on whale location and sea conditions

Optional Bus Transport (Best Arctic)

• Tromsø → Skjervøy: Departs 05:30, arrives ~09:20
• Skjervøy → Tromsø: Departs 13:25, arrives ~16:20
• Stops include Nordkjosbotn, Oteren, Manndalen, Olderdalen, Spåkenes, Coop Skjervøy, and Maritim Hotel.
• Booking deadline: At least 5 days before departure.

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Highlights

Fast & Focused Adventure‍

Perfect for those short on time, this tour brings you to the whales quickly and returns before the afternoon.

Up-Close Encounters‍

Spot killer whales, humpback whales, and other marine life in their natural environment — with plenty of photo opportunities.

Historic & Comfortable Vessel‍

Hagbart Waage combines maritime history with comfort, offering heated indoor seating and spacious outdoor decks.

Responsible Whale Watching‍

We follow best-practice guidelines to ensure safe, respectful encounters with wildlife.

➡️Check our Whale Watching Guidelines page.

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What to Bring

🧣 Warm winter clothing (thermal layers, windproof & waterproof outerwear)
🧤 Hat, gloves & scarf
👢 Insulated winter boots with good grip
📸 Camera or smartphone, plus extra batteries
💊 Seasickness tablets if needed

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Important Information

• Minimum age: 1 year old. Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times
• Not wheelchair or stroller accessible – please contact us if you have mobility concerns
• Minimum 20 passengers required for the tour to run
• Tours may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather, sea conditions, or operational reasons. Full refund or rebooking will be offered in such cases.
• Dogs are welcome onboard but must remain outside on deck due to allergies.
• Whale sightings are not guaranteed; however, the Whale Pass ensures guests can rebook within 12 months if no whales/dolphins are seen (valid for summer whale safari within the 12 month purchase, subject to availability)

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Pricing

(per person, incl. VAT — booking fee applies online)

Boat only

• Adults (16 - 64): NOK 1600
• Senior Citizen (65+): NOK 1400
• Student with ID (16 – 25): NOK 1400
• Youth (11 – 16): NOK 1100
• Children (3–10): NOK 800
• Infant (0-2): Free of Charge (with 2 paying adults)

Optional Bus Transport (Tromsø ⇄ Skjervøy)

We offer an optional round-trip bus add-on in partnership with Best Arctic.

• Price: NOK 750 per person (All ages)
• Departure: Tromsø Prostneset 05:30 → Arrive Skjervøy ~09:20
• Return: Skjervøy 13:25 → Arrive Tromsø ~16:20
• Stops en route: Nordkjosbotn, Oteren, Manndalen, Olderdalen, Spåkenes
• Should be booked minimum 5 days in advance to guarantee seating; late bookings may be accepted subject to availability.
  

Cancellation Policy

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are non-refundable.
• Tours cancelled by Arctic Whale Tours due to weather, sea conditions, or unforeseen events will be fully refunded or rebooked.
  ➡️ For full details, please see our Cancellation Policy page.

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Ready to Join the Adventure?

Seats are limited, and the whale season is short — don’t miss your chance to experience one of the Arctic’s most breathtaking wildlife encounters.

👉 Book Your Skjervøy Whale Safari Now