Brim Explorer · Kaigata 6, Tromsø
A hybrid-electric catamaran leaves Tromsø in the morning and sails out toward Skjervøy, where orcas and humpbacks feed in the short winter daylight, then switches to its silent electric engine near the whales. Pick it for the daytime half of an Arctic winter: whales by day, the aurora by night.
In winter, herring move into the fjords of Northern Norway, and humpbacks, orcas and fin whales follow them. Visit Norway says orcas and humpbacks crowd the fjords in winter, and that in recent years the feeding has moved around the Skjervøy and Kvænangen area. This is the most reviewed trip on this site after the minibus chase, with 4.5 stars from 6,816 reviews. It is a daytime cruise, not a northern lights trip, and it pairs well with an evening cruise. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before.
Brim Explorer sails from Kaigata 6 in central Tromsø in the morning on a purpose-built hybrid-electric catamaran. The ride to the whales takes about 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, and you spend about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes around the feeding grounds. Near the whales the boat switches to its electric engine to cut noise and disturbance. The whole day runs 7 to 9 hours, depending on where the whales are. The operator says the trip has an over 95% success rate for whale sightings, and it is honest that there is no guarantee.
The boat is big, built for more than 100 guests, with heated saloons behind panoramic windows and three outside decks, so everyone gets a view. Guides share stories about the whales, the nature and the culture on the way. Tap water and Wi-Fi are free, and a cafe sells food and drinks, as lunch is not included. Before the day, you must check in online with your name and booking reference, and you board the boat marked with your departure time.
Check in on the operator's portal with your name and booking reference. It is mandatory.
Find the boat marked with your departure time at the Brim Explorer terminal in Tromsø.
Sail north through the fjords in the short winter daylight while the guides tell the story of the whales.
The boat switches to its silent electric engine. Head out on the decks for the best view.
The return trip, with food and drinks from the cafe. The day runs 7 to 9 hours in all.
★★★★★It was indescribably beautiful! The highlight of our trip. We didn't expect to see so many whales. Lots of orcas, a few humpback whales and two fin whales. Binoculars are recommended, as you don't know how close you'll get to the whales. We would book it again anytime.
★★★★★Excellent trip! We had to spend a long time searching but managed to find Orcas and humpback whales. We had around 30mins with them before we had to travel back to tromso. The facilities were great, clean toilets, heated inside. We made use of bar and snacks. Guide talks were informative and interesting, would highly recommend this tour!
★★★★★We had a great trip. The boat was big and clean, and the crew was funny, relaxed, and friendly. The presentations by Max the biologist were engaging, just the right length, and not pushy at all. We got lucky and saw humpback whales and orcas. [...]
★★★★★Great! We finally saw orcas. The guides explained everything to us very well.
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In winter, when herring draw humpbacks and orcas into the northern fjords. Visit Norway says orcas and humpbacks crowd the fjords in winter, and the feeding area shifts from year to year.
7 to 9 hours, depending on where the whales are. The ride out takes about 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes, with about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes around the whales.
No. Tap water is free, and a cafe on board sells food and drinks.
Not on this one. It is a daytime cruise in the short winter daylight. Book an evening northern lights cruise for another night.
Ready to book
Orcas and humpbacks in the winter daylight, on a hybrid boat that runs silent near the whales.
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