Quick summary
- The Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour is a 12-hour trip north with a coach transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy and back.[1]
- During winter, orcas and humpback whales gather in the fjords north of Tromsø to feed on herring.[2][3]
- The tour is from US$338, has a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.[1]
- Humpbacks are 15-17 meters long, while male orcas can be 6-9 meters and females 5-7 meters.[4][5]
- In the Tromsø region, northern lights may be visible from late August to early April when the sky is dark and clear.[6]
| Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching | Whale Safari by RIB Boat | RIB Boat Tour from Tromsø | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From | from US$338[1] | from US$257[7] | from US$391[8] |
| Duration | 12 hours[1] | 4 - 12 hours[7] | 12 hours[8] |
| Rating | 4.78 from 1,281 reviews[1] | 4.95 from 113 reviews[7] | 4.56 from 307 reviews[8] |
| Group size | Not stated | Limited to 12 participants[7] | Limited to 12 participants[8] |
| Live guide | English[1] | English[7] | English[8] |
Our main RIB whale watching season runs from June to September .
A fast, focused whale safari with a long day north
Read before booking
On the day
- During winter the sun is low or absent; the polar night lasts approximately 27 November to 15 January.[9]
- Tromsø winter temperatures average around −4°C, so dress warmly.[10]
- Whale watching boats in Norway must keep at least 0.2 nautical miles, or 370 m, away from fishing vessels, steng or fixed gear.[11]
- Ask the operator about accessibility before booking; the tour is on an open RIB with transfers by coach.[1]
Why take a RIB boat whale watching tour from Tromsø
Tromsø sits on an island surrounded by fjords, mountains and winter darkness. The city is a natural base for Arctic wildlife trips, and the whale watching scene is one of the most exciting reasons to visit. The main draw is the winter gathering of orcas and humpback whales in the fjords north of Tromsø, where they come to feed on herring.[2][3]
A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, gets you closer to the water than a large catamaran. The ride is faster and more exposed, which makes it feel like a proper expedition. The boat skips across the water, and you feel every small wave and change in wind. For travellers who want that sensation, the Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour is a strong choice. It runs for 12 hours and includes a coach transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy before the boat safari.[1]
RIB tours are a focused way to compare practical details without wading through every sightseeing option in Tromsø. The classic target is Skjervøy, a fishing village and jumping-off point for the fjords where whales gather. Because the tour is long, you need to plan your day around it, but the chance to see these animals from a fast boat is unforgettable. Even the transfer north is part of the experience, with snow-covered islands sliding past the coach windows.
What to expect on the Skjervøy RIB tour
The Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour starts with a bus or coach transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy, then takes you out on the water by RIB. The total duration is 12 hours, with a live tour guide in English.[1] Expect a safety briefing, a life jacket and an open boat that is built for speed.
Once you reach the whale grounds, the guide will look for signs of feeding activity. During winter, orcas and humpback whales gather in the area to feed on herring.[2] Norwegian spring-spawning herring migrate northeastward in September/October to wintering areas off the coast and in fjords in northern Norway.[3]
The boat ride is fast, open and windy. You should wear warm layers, a windproof outer jacket, a hat, gloves and a scarf. It is also wise to bring a small dry bag for camera gear and anything you want to keep dry. A small dry bag for phone, gloves and a spare hat is worth its weight on a windy day. The exact wind chill depends on the day, so the weather forecast matters as much as the air temperature.
A fast RIB cuts through Arctic water with snow-covered peaks behind it.
Understanding the whales you may see
Humpback whales are enormous. They can be 15-17 meters long, with females 1-1.5 meters longer than males.[4] Orcas are smaller but still powerful: males can be 6-9 meters long and weigh about 6 tonnes, while females can be 5-7 meters and weigh about 4 tonnes.[5]
Seeing a humpback tail fluke or an orca fin from a RIB is thrilling, but it is important to respect the animals and the rules. In Norway, whale watching boats must keep at least 0.2 nautical miles, or 370 m, away from fishing vessels, steng or fixed gear.[11] Operators also follow responsible wildlife viewing practices, so you may spend time observing from a distance rather than chasing every splash. The guides often point out the differences in tail flukes and dorsal fins, which helps you tell species apart at a glance.
The herring are the key to the whole spectacle. They move into northern Norwegian waters for the winter, and the whales follow the food. That is why winter is the classic whale watching season in this region, and why tours run long days to reach the right fjords.[3]
How to compare RIB whale watching options
Several RIB tours operate between Tromsø and Skjervøy, and they differ in price, duration and group size. The featured tour, the Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour, is from US$338 and lasts 12 hours.[1]
For a lower from-price, the From Tromsø or Skjervøy: Whale Safari by RIB Boat is from US$257, lasts 4 - 12 hours and is limited to 12 participants.[7] The From Tromsø: Skjervoy Whale Watching RIB Boat Tour is priced from US$391, also lasts 12 hours and is limited to 12 participants.[8]
When comparing, look at the total duration, the transfer route, the group size and the cancellation policy. RIB tours are weather dependent, so a flexible booking can save you stress if conditions change. All the RIB tours listed here use English-speaking guides, which helps when the guide is explaining whale behaviour and safety on board. All of them promise a long day, so decide in advance whether you want the fastest transfer, the smallest group or the most comfortable boat.
from US$338
Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour is a 12-hour RIB safari with live English guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.[1]
Planning your Tromsø winter trip around whales and lights
A whale watching day fits well into a longer winter stay in Tromsø. The city is about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, with short winter days; the polar night lasts approximately from 27 November to 15 January.[9][12]
If you are also hoping to see the northern lights, remember they may be visible in the Tromsø region from late August to early April whenever the sky is dark and sufficiently clear.[6] A whale safari is a daytime activity, while aurora tours usually run after dark. That means you can combine a RIB trip with an evening northern lights chase, as long as you have the energy for a long day. Because daylight is short in winter, plan the day carefully and leave time to eat before or after the safari.
Tromsø Airport to the city centre takes about 10-20 minutes, so it is easy to base yourself in town and join tours with a central meeting point.[13] Tromsø's winter temperatures average about −4°C, but wind on a RIB makes it feel far colder.[10]
What to pack and how to dress for a RIB safari
The most important advice for any RIB tour is to dress for wind and spray. Start with a thermal base layer, add a fleece or wool mid layer, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Warm boots, thick socks, a hat, gloves and a neck warmer complete the kit.
Operators often provide flotation suits or warm outerwear on RIB trips, so ask what is supplied and bring your own warm layers as a baseline. That way you stay comfortable even if the boat is wetter or windier than expected. Photography on a RIB is a balance between freezing fingers and missing the moment.
A small backpack with snacks, water and a thermos of something hot is sensible on a long day. Keep camera batteries in an inside pocket to slow the cold. Leave space in your bag for a warm hat and gloves to change into after the boat ride.
After the tour: making the most of Skjervøy and Tromsø
Skjervøy is a working coastal community, and the RIB tour route includes time there before or after the whale safari. It is not a resort town, but that is part of the appeal. The scenery is raw and Arctic, with snow-covered islands, dark water and fishing boats.
Back in Tromsø, you can warm up with food, a walk along the harbour or a visit to the Arctic Cathedral. The cathedral also appears in the route of another Tromsø whale watching cruise.[14] Tromsø itself is easy to explore on foot between tours. If you are travelling alone, a small-group RIB is a simple way to meet other travellers; if you are with family, check the minimum age before booking.
If you still have northern lights energy, remember that the aurora season overlaps with the whale season. A long day on the water does not have to be your only adventure in Tromsø, but it may be the one you remember longest.
From-prices for Tromsø-area RIB whale watching
Compare RIB whale watching from-prices
Adult from-prices from[1][7][8][15]. Child pricing is not stated in these listings.
When to book your RIB whale safari
Plan your RIB safari day
Book ahead
Reserve now and pay later to lock in your spot; free cancellation applies up to 24 hours ahead.[1]
Meet in Tromsø
The day includes a coach transfer from Tromsø to Skjervøy before the RIB safari.[1]
Dress for the boat
Wear warm layers, a windproof shell, hat and gloves. RIB rides are fast and exposed.
Scan for whales
In winter, orcas and humpbacks gather in the area to feed on herring.[2][3]
Return to Tromsø
After the safari, the coach route returns from Skjervøy to Tromsø.[1]
Book your Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour
from US$338
