Tromso Norway Tours Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour in Skjervøy from Tromsø
Photo takes during RIB boat whale tour in Tromso

Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour in Skjervøy from Tromsø

Experience the thrill of spotting killer and humpback whales in their natural Norwegian Sea habitat on this full-day private Tromsø tour, featuring a scenic drive followed by an exhilarating speedboat adventure with thermal flotation suits, hats, and mittens provided.

4.7
$ 326 per person
6 hours
511 + bookings
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Overview

Claim the entire speedboat for your private group and race across Arctic waters to Skjervøy's whale feeding grounds, where orcas and humpbacks surface in the early winter light.

Your experienced skipper throttles down for close, respectful passes, positioning the RIB for unobstructed photos as tails slap and fins break the surface.

Layer up at home, then zip into provided thermal flotation suits, hats, mittens, gloves, and goggles to stay warm on deck. Start with a scenic bus transfer from Tromsø at dawn, meet the boat in Skjervøy, and spend hours chasing pods before the return drive.

This full-day (around 12 hours) private adventure includes hot chocolate, a light sandwich lunch, and expert guidance.

Real talk: early 5:20 AM meet, rough seas possible, minimum height 140 cm and age 14+.

Exclusive to your party—book for the ultimate flexible chase.

What's Included

  • Private group experience (your party only).
  • Early morning bus transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy and return.
  • Private RIB speedboat with experienced skipper/guide.
  • Thermal flotation suit, hats, mittens, gloves, goggles.
  • Thermal flotation suit, hats, mittens, gloves, goggles.
  • Light sandwich lunch.
  • Gratuities for skipper or driver.
  • Additional food/drinks beyond provided.
  • Warm base layers (bring your own).

Itinerary

  1. Meet at 5:20 AM at Tromsø Havn Prostneset bus terminal (look for the big red Best Arctic bus).
  2. Board air-conditioned bus for scenic drive to Skjervøy (about 3 hours).
  3. Arrive in Skjervøy, meet your private skipper.
  4. Get fitted with thermal flotation suit and accessories.
  5. Board the private RIB speedboat.
  6. Head out to whale feeding grounds, searching for orcas and humpbacks.
  7. Spend extended time observing and photographing whales with skipper positioning for best views.
  8. Enjoy hot chocolate and light sandwich lunch on board.
  9. Return to Skjervøy dock.
  10. Bus back to Tromsø bus terminal (total around 12 hours).

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your whale day go well, based on common experiences with seas, gear, and sightings. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Multiple warm layers under the flotation suit aren't optional. Several guests said wind on the open RIB cuts deep—wool base, neck warmer, and thick socks key. One packed hand warmers that saved fingers during long watches.
  • Boat ride. Fast RIB gets you to grounds quicker but bounces on waves. Private means flexible stops—skipper adjusts for comfort.
  • Whale encounters. Season focuses on orca and humpback feeding—close passes common. A private group saw multiple pods hunting herring for hours.
  • Food and warmth. Hot chocolate and sandwich sustain you. Guests appreciated the warmth boost mid-sea, but pack motion meds if prone.
  • Group setup. Fully private—your party only. Past visitors loved dictating pace and photo stops without strangers.
  • Best time to visit. Late October to January for whale migration. Guests early 2026 noted December trips strongest for active orcas.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
Oct-Nov Early pods, fewer boats Variable seas 5:30 AM fixed
Dec-Jan Peak feeding, frequent sightings Colder, darker mornings 5:30 AM fixed

Common issues. Rough water possible—skip if back concerns or pregnant. Guests with height under 140 cm or kids under 14 not allowed for safety. Early start tiring—coffee ready on bus.

FAQ

Will we see whales?

High chances in season, but no guarantee. Private skipper chases active areas. Past groups reported multiple orca and humpback encounters most days.

How cold and rough is the RIB?

Very—open boat, wind and spray. Flotation suits help hugely. Guests in waves stayed warm layered underneath, but motion can jolt.

Suitable for kids?

No children under 14 or shorter than 140 cm for safety on RIB. Private suits older families wanting exclusive time.

Food options?

Light sandwich and hot chocolate provided. Guests found it enough for the day, but pack extras if big eater.

Why private over group tours?

Your group only—flexible routing, unlimited stops, no sharing space. Past private parties said the personalized chase and photo time beat larger boats.

Early start worth it?

Yes for reaching grounds in prime morning light and activity. Guests said dawn drive scenic, coffee on bus wakes you.

Book it today with Tromso Norway Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.7 Read more reviews