Whale watching

Whale watching in Norway

These mighty creatures inhabit the Norwegian coast, showing off for tourists and locals alike. In Norway, the sperm whales, which can be as long as 20 metres, can be spotted along the Vesterålen coast all year round.

On board a whale watching vessel, the sharp and clean ocean air fills your lungs, as the ship steams out from the quay in Andenes. No one knows what the day will bring, because as with any other safari, it is the animals that decide when to appear. However, your chances here are good, as Vesterålen is the place in Norway with the greatest chance of seeing whales.

Around mid-winter, migrating herring attract humpbacks, orcas, and fin whales off the coast of Northern Norway. For the whales, the large volumes of these small fish provide a massive feast. The last few years, this phenomenon has mainly occurred in the Lyngenfjord, Tromsø and Alta area. Lately, whales have been spotted in Kvænangen with great chances to see orcas, fin, and humpback whales. Several tour operators offer whale watching trips here, including Brim Explorer, whose quiet hybrid-electric vessels disturb the whales and nature as little as possible.

However, next year, the herring might decide to move somewhere else, and the hungry whales would then also follow suit.

In the Svalbard islands, you can even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the biggest whale on earth, the blue whale.

If you are in luck, a whale safari is an excellent way of getting a close look at a tail fluke and learning more about these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. Sara Mesiti, biologist and guide at Whalesafari Andenes, hopes these experiences increase people's interest in marine life and preserving the oceans.

The world's best whale watching destination?

Andenes in Vesterålen has a geographical advantage that brings you closer to the whales all year round. The large sperm whales thrive in a particularly nutrient-rich area northwest of Andenes called Bleiksdjupet (Bleik canyon). According to Sara, there is no other place in the Nordics where such a short journey can bring you to such deep seas, where there is such a high probability of seeing whales.

The winter whale watching season usually runs from mid-January to April, and summer season is from early May to early November.

If you are going on a safari with Whalesafari Andenes, you can take a fascinating tour of its whale museum, located in its whale centre. There are also safaris from Stø, on the tip of Langøya in Vesterålen. From here, the trip out to the whales will be a bit longer, but as a bonus you may see some seals relaxing on the rocky grounds by the shore, as there is a seal colony by the fishing village.

A whale safari is not just a ride out to the whales — it's a breathtaking journey with views of the Arctic fjords and landscape. If you don't happen to spot a whale on your safari, many providers operate with a 100% whale guarantee, where they offer you a new trip.

Check out a selection of whale safaris in Norway! Some are by RIB boat, others from bigger vessels and quiet hybrid-electric vessels.

Safety guidelines

Norway takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and wants to make sure that everyone follows some common rules to protect animals and the environment when venturing into the great outdoors!

Keep in mind that when you're on a whale watching tour, you're like a guest in the whales' home! Everyone who enters areas where they may encounter whales, must abide by national guidelines for whale watching. These guidelines apply to all vessels at sea, and both the general public, commercial tour operators, and others.

Keep an adequate distance in order to avoid bothering or stressing the whales. You should under no circumstances try to attract the whales or touch them. For example, by feeding them, making noises, or using flashing lights, etc.

Select a tour operator that takes responsibility for the marine environment and that does not bend the rules. Regarding drone use, there are strict guidelines for operating drones around whales. Read more about flying drones in Norway here.

If you follow these rules, you will have an unforgettable, safe, and inspirational day at sea!

The main attraction – sperm whales

The crew has heard some weak whale clicks in the far distance …

If you see the captain sitting with headphones on during the trip, it's because he's using a hydrophone tool, an underwater device that detects and records ocean sounds from all directions, to listen for sperm whales. They are known to be the loudest animal in the world, and their clicking noises can be heard as much as 3-4 nautical miles away.

They are also champion divers, and can reach depths up to 2,000 metres! The whales can stay below the surface for an hour and a half. Once they swim above the surface, they rest there for an average of 8 minutes. You can also recognise sperm whales from the air from their blowholes, which goes to the left at an angle of 45 degrees.

The last thing you see is the tail pointing straight up into the air (this is the moment to take a photo, quick!), before disappearing back down into the depths.

The whales may be below the surface again, but there is plenty of other amazing wildlife to take in.

Wildlife in Vesterålen

During your whale safari tour, you'll likely spot some other fascinating local wildlife too!

The birdlife along the coast of Andøya is incredible. Have you seen these small unique birds in real life before? Bleiksøya islandis a bustling bird sanctuary. In the summer, it's home to one of the largest puffin colonies in Norway! Razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, and cormorants also nest here.

Get close to the bird cliffs on a guided safari trip. You are almost guaranteed to see the mighty white-tailed eagles on these tours too. Or maybe you want to try your fishing luck? Deep-sea fishing is a true Northern Norwegian Adventure!

On the mainland, you can have a close encounter with the king of the forest, on a guided moose safari. Perhaps under the northern lights in winter, if you're lucky!