Summer Snorkeling with Grey Seals

If you’re thinking about adding a unique underwater adventure to your trip to Norway’s Lofoten Islands, the Summer Snorkeling with Grey Seals tour might just be the experience you’re after. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on feedback and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a genuinely memorable way to connect with nature. The chance to see playful seals up close in crystal-clear waters is naturally compelling, especially for those who love marine wildlife or seeking a different kind of outdoor thrill.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines adventure with education—you’re not just floating around in the water; you’re actively engaging with the local ecosystem, from seals to starfish. Plus, the quality of the guides seems top-notch, making safety and comfort a priority. That said, snorkeling in colder waters (10-16°C) isn’t for everyone, and the chance of not seeing seals is a real possibility, so a bit of realistic expectation helps.

This tour tends to appeal most to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and confident swimmers, especially those comfortable in cold water and with snorkeling experience. If you’re traveling with very young children or aren’t comfortable in the water, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re craving an outdoor experience where marine life takes center stage, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Wildlife close encounters: The chance to see curious grey seals in their natural habitat makes it a special experience.
• Excellent visibility: With over 20 meters of underwater clarity, you’ll enjoy vivid views of marine life and kelp forests.
• Expert guides: Participants praise the guides’ attentiveness and helpfulness, which is key for safety and a smooth experience.
• Quality gear provided: Dry suits, gloves, and hats keep you warm in chilly waters, making the cold less of a barrier.
• Weather and conditions: Summer offers the best chance for good weather and clear waters, but conditions can be unpredictable.
• Not suitable for kids under 15: Due to safety considerations, age restrictions are in place.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins at the address Dreyers gate 15, where you’ll meet your guides and receive a short safety briefing. From there, the journey takes you to Henningsvær—the charming fishing village often called the “Venice of the North”—where you’ll gear up for your underwater adventure. Expect about 30 minutes of prep, including assistance with suits and equipment, which is appreciated by those new to snorkeling or unfamiliar with cold-water gear.

Once suited up, you’ll head out to the waters of the Lofoten Islands. The snorkeling session typically lasts around 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the underwater world. The visibility here is notably good—more than 20 meters in some cases—so you’ll get a clear, immersive view of the marine environment. The water temperature hovers around 10-16°C, so the provided dry suits, gloves, and hats are essential for staying warm and comfortable.

What makes this experience stand out is the interaction with grey seals. These curious creatures are known to approach snorkelers, often darting playfully around your fins or peeking out from behind rocks. Several reviews mention sightings of seals, with some lucky travelers even getting close enough to observe their playful behavior. As one reviewer notes, “We only saw a few seals, but had already decided we were having a great time before we saw them!” This highlights how the journey’s overall enjoyment isn’t solely dependent on seal sightings but on the immersive, natural experience of being in their environment.

Along With seals, the waters are teeming with other marine species such as coalfish, cod, mackerel, starfish, sea urchins, and jellyfish. The kelp forests, often visible during the snorkel, add a surreal, lush backdrop to your underwater exploration, making your photographs truly stand out. Many find that the photo opportunities are excellent, especially with the clarity of the water and the vibrant marine life.

The guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledge and attentiveness. They help ensure everyone is comfortable, monitor safety closely, and are quick to assist if needed. Several reviews mention that the guides are “very helpful and friendly,” making the experience relaxing rather than intimidating.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts about 2 hours, with roughly 30 minutes dedicated to the safety briefing and gear preparation, and 1.5 hours for snorkeling. This is a fairly comfortable length for most, giving enough time to enjoy the activity without feeling exhausted or rushed.

Pricing is not explicitly detailed, but the value comes from the quality of the experience—guides, gear, and the chance to see seals and marine life in their pristine environment. Snorkeling in the Arctic circle isn’t something everyone does regularly, and in this case, the dry suits do a lot to make the experience accessible even in colder waters.

It’s worth noting that not everyone will see seals—this is wildlife, after all, and animals can be unpredictable. One reviewer shared, “We didn’t see any seals, which can happen, but we still enjoyed the time on the water.” So, if your main goal is to spot seals, be prepared for the possibility that they might not appear, and see the trip as a chance to enjoy the underwater environment regardless.

Weather and Timing

The best chances for good weather and visibility are during the summer months when the water is warmer and the days are longer. The tour operates in summer, with clear, calm conditions making for a more enjoyable experience. Still, weather in Norway can be changeable, so packing warm clothing for after your snorkel is always a good idea.

Group Size and Language

The tour is guided in both English and Norwegian, which helps international visitors feel comfortable. Group sizes tend to be small, allowing for more personalized attention, which many reviews highlight as a plus.

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Who is This Tour Best For?

This snorkel adventure is ideal for adventure lovers who are comfortable in cold water and confident swimmers. The dry suits help, but participants should have some snorkeling or swimming experience to fully enjoy the activity. It’s not suitable for children under 15 due to safety considerations, and those who aren’t comfortable in water or prefer land-based activities might find it less appealing.

Travelers who love wildlife and underwater photography will find this experience particularly rewarding. The opportunity to see seals up close and explore vibrant kelp forests offers a unique perspective on Norwegian marine life.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic boat trip with minimal water contact, this isn’t the right choice. But if you want an active, immersive experience that combines marine wildlife encounters with stunning scenery, this tour fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Snorkeling with Grey Seals tour offers a remarkable window into Norway’s underwater world, with the thrill of seeing inquisitive seals in their natural habitat. The excellent guides, superb visibility, and the chance to photograph marine life make it a rewarding experience for adventurous travelers. While it involves some planning—like being comfortable in cold water and respecting wildlife unpredictability—it pays off with unforgettable moments.

For nature lovers, snorkelers, and those eager to see seals up close, this trip provides a taste of Norway’s wild side that few other activities can match. It’s a fantastic way to add a splash of adventure to your Lofoten visit, as long as you’re prepared for the cold and the unpredictability of wildlife sightings.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
The tour requires you to be a confident swimmer and comfortable snorkeling in cold water, but the provided dry suits and guide support make it accessible for most with some experience.

What should I bring?
Just bring warm clothing for before and after the activity. The tour supplies all necessary gear, including dry suits, gloves, and hats.

How long is the snorkeling session?
The snorkeling itself lasts around 1.5 hours, within a total activity time of about 2 hours including safety briefings and preparation.

Can I see seals during the tour?
While many travelers do see seals, sightings are not guaranteed as they are wild animals. Several reviews mention encountering curious seals, but some did not see them at all.

Is the water really cold?
Yes, the water temperature ranges from about 10-16°C, so being in dry suits is essential for comfort.

Are children under 15 allowed?
No, this activity isn’t suitable for children under 15 due to safety and water comfort considerations.

What if I don’t see any marine life?
Even if seals aren’t spotted, many still enjoy the clear waters, kelp forests, and vibrant marine environment, making it a worthwhile experience.

In all, this tour offers an engaging blend of wildlife, scenery, and adventure—perfect for those who don’t mind getting a little chilly and want to see Norway’s marine life firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: