Humpback whale · Norway
Where to see humpback whales in Norway
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see humpback whales in Norway is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species, 5 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Alta & Kvaenangen, Skjervøy, Tromso and Vesteralen, Andenes. Encounters are split into swimming, freediving, boat-based watching and snorkeling. Two "humpback whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 3 of the 5 operators (60%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 5 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in Norway cluster in Oct–Jan. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
Humpback whale season in Norway
Oct–Jan
- JanJanuary: in season
- FebFebruary: not in season
- MarMarch: not in season
- AprApril: not in season
- MayMay: not in season
- JunJune: not in season
- JulJuly: not in season
- AugAugust: not in season
- SepSeptember: not in season
- OctOctober: in season
- NovNovember: in season
- DecDecember: in season
The months 5 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the humpback whale season table.
5 listed operators
Norway · Alta & Kvaenangen
Orca Norway / Strømsholmen
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Oct–Jan
- Price
- NOK 42,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Norway · Skjervøy
Skjervøy Experience
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Oct–Jan
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Norway · Tromso
Brim Explorer Tromsø
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jan, Oct
- Price
- NOK 1,990 / adult
- Checked
- Official source
Norway · Tromso
Orca Norway (Stromsholmen Sjosportsenter AS)
FreedivingSnorkelingLiveaboard- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official website
Norway · Vesteralen, Andenes
Whalesafari Andenes / Whale2Sea
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Sep
- Price
- NOK 1,690 and up
- Checked
- Official source
Humpback whale season
Humpback whales in other countries
Other marine life in Norway
Activities in Norway
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see humpback whales in Norway?
5 operators name the humpback whale as a target species. Main regions: Alta & Kvaenangen, Skjervøy, Tromso and Vesteralen, Andenes.
Do you have to get in the water to see humpback whales?
Formats on record: swimming, freediving, boat-based watching and snorkeling. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is humpback whale season?
The 5 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in Norway cluster in Oct–Jan. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Humpback whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.