Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Discovering the Magic of Whale Watching from Skjervøy

If you’re dreaming of seeing the giants of the ocean in a wild, untouched setting, then the Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat from Skjervøy might just be the adventure you’re after. This experience offers a chance to witness sperm whales, orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales in their natural Arctic habitat, all within a few hours on the water. It’s a trip that promises excitement, awe, and plenty of stories to bring home.

What we really like about this tour is its high-speed RIB boat, which zips across the Barents Sea, helping you cover more ground and increase your chances of spotting the whales. Plus, the company provides thermal suits, mittens, goggles, and life vests, which is a huge plus considering the cold Arctic weather. But, as with all wildlife tours, there’s an element of unpredictability—sightings aren’t guaranteed, so it’s best to go with a flexible mindset and a sense of adventure.

This tour is perfect for those who want a closer, more dynamic whale-watching experience compared to larger boat trips. If you’re okay with a shorter, more active ride and don’t mind the cold, it can be a memorable highlight of your Norway trip. However, travelers with very small children or back issues should consider the physical demands and age restrictions before booking.

Key Points

• Close Encounter: You’ll be in a small, fast RIB boat, which offers a more intimate experience and better chances of seeing whales up close.
• Expert Guidance: The crew is knowledgeable, sharing insights about whale behavior and ecology—great for curious minds.
• Cold-Weather Gear: Thermal suits and safety equipment are provided, making the cold less of a barrier.
• Wildlife Diversity: Multiple whale species, including sperm whales and orcas, are possible sightings in the right conditions.
• Weather Dependency: The experience heavily depends on weather and sea conditions, which might mean cancellations or less optimal viewing.
• Duration & Flexibility: The tour lasts around 3 hours, with flexible starting times (check availability), and small groups for a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This whale-watching adventure kicks off in the small town of Skjervøy, a gateway to the Arctic’s marine life. You’ll meet at the company’s office on Strandveien 70—look for a red door next to Elon and a black flag with their logo. After gearing up in thermal suits, mittens, and goggles, you’ll hop aboard your RIB boat, ready for a high-speed ride on the icy waters.

The boat swiftly moves across the Barents Sea, with the crew actively searching for signs of whales. In this part of Norway, orcas and humpbacks are common visitors, along with sperm and fin whales, depending on the season and conditions. As you traverse the waters, your guide will point out various behaviors and ecological facts—be prepared to learn about how these creatures live, feed, and communicate.

Expect to spend the bulk of your time scanning the horizon, watching for splashes, breaches, and the graceful arcs of whales breaching the surface. The smaller, nimble RIB allows you to get closer than larger boats, which can make a real difference if you’re lucky enough to spot a pod.

One of the highlights is if you encounter orcas, which are often seen feeding or frolicking. According to reviews, some travelers have been fortunate enough to watch orcas up close during feeding sessions, which is a rare and special experience. Watching these intelligent creatures breach and play is truly breathtaking. Also, if you’re lucky, you might see humpbacks or fin whales, both of which are giants in their own right.

The crew is generally praised for their expertise. One reviewer noted, “The captain really cares about the interests of your and explains a lot,” which makes the experience more enriching. The small group size ensures a more intimate encounter, with some tours limited to just two participants, fostering a sense of exclusivity and personal attention.

The Itinerary Explained

The tour begins at the designated meeting point in Skjervøy—an easy-to-find location. Once everyone is suited up and briefed, the boat departs for roughly three hours of marine adventure. The route is flexible, depending on whale activity and weather conditions. The main goal is to find and observe whales in their natural environment, not to stick to a rigid schedule.

While there’s no detailed itinerary beyond the basic start and end points, the experience itself offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in action. The boat rides are energetic, so if you’re prone to seasickness or back problems, you might want to prepare accordingly or reconsider.

Value for Money

At $235 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering what you’re getting—a small-group experience, expert guides, thermal gear, and the thrill of potential whale sightings—it’s a fair price. Wildlife tours often hinge on luck, but the intimate setting and knowledgeable crew help maximize your chances. Plus, the experience of zipping across Arctic waters in a high-speed boat and witnessing whales breach is something many consider worth the cost.

One review summed it up well: “The ride was so peaceful, and we loved it,” highlighting how the journey isn’t just about the whales but also about enjoying the Arctic environment.

Weather and Sighting Considerations

A key point to remember is that whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. The sea and weather conditions play a big role—stormy weather might cancel the tour or diminish your chances of a successful sighting. Some travelers have expressed that bad weather made the experience less enjoyable or limited views, which is an inherent risk with outdoor wildlife tours.

In winter, cold weather is a given. The thermal suits and gear provided help keep you warm, but dressing in layers is advisable. If you’re hoping to see whales, flexible expectations and a sense of patience are essential. Sometimes, the whales are simply not in the area or not active enough to be spotted easily.

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Reviews and Real Traveler Perspectives

Visitor feedback is largely positive, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the excitement of close-up whale encounters. Valentin commented, “The guide was so nice, and we loved her! She told us about her culture and how the animals live here. The ride was so peaceful we loved it!” This highlights the educational aspect and the calm, scenic nature of the trip.

Christian’s review echoes this enthusiasm, noting, “We saw a lot of orcas, fin whales, and other whales. The captain really cares about the interests of your and explains a lot. It was totally worth it—better views than from a big boat.” His experience underscores the value of the small, fast boat in catching more close-up views.

However, not all reviews are glowing. Caroline pointed out that bad weather and challenging conditions can spoil the experience, and suggested that sometimes it’s better to cancel rather than go out in unsafe weather. This honesty is helpful for travelers who want to set realistic expectations.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This whale-watching trip suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind cold weather and enjoy a more active, close-up encounter with marine life. It’s ideal for those looking for a personalized, small-group experience rather than a crowded, large-boat tour. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the educational component and the chance to see multiple whale species in a relatively short period.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children, have back problems, or are sensitive to cold, you might want to weigh those considerations carefully. Also, patience is key, as sightings depend on nature’s unpredictable whims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting and ending in Skjervøy. Check availability for the specific start times.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, and the tour provides thermal suits, mittens, goggles, and life vests. Additional personal items like snacks or cameras are up to you.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years, mainly due to safety and the physical nature of the ride. If you’re bringing kids over 6, ensure they’re comfortable with cold weather and sea conditions.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Often, tours are canceled if weather conditions are unsafe, so flexible planning is wise.

Are sightings guaranteed?
No, whale sightings aren’t guaranteed. The success depends on whale presence and weather at the time of your trip.

What’s included in the price?
Safety equipment (thermal suits, mittens, goggles), transportation by RIB boat, and a guide are included. Food and drinks are not.

To sum it up, the Skjervøy whale-watching tour offers a genuinely exciting way to experience Norway’s Arctic marine life. Its small class size, expert guidance, and high-speed boat make it an engaging and intimate adventure. It’s best suited for travelers who are flexible, prepared for cold weather, and eager to see whales in their natural environment. While weather and luck can influence the experience, many past travelers have found it well worth the effort—and the price. If you’re after a memorable, up-close encounter with the ocean’s giants, this tour has a lot to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: