Sperm whale · Norway
Where to see sperm whales in Norway
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see sperm whales in Norway is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sperm whale as a target species, 3 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Andenes, Tromso and Vesteralen, Andenes. Encounters are split into boat-based watching. Two "sperm whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 2 of the 3 operators (67%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 3 operators that state a season for sperm whale programs in Norway cluster in May–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.
Sperm whale season in Norway
May–Jan
- JanJanuary: in season
- FebFebruary: not in season
- MarMarch: not in season
- AprApril: not in season
- MayMay: in season
- JunJune: in season
- JulJuly: in season
- AugAugust: in season
- SepSeptember: in season
- OctOctober: in season
- NovNovember: in season
- DecDecember: in season
The months 3 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the sperm whale season table.
3 listed operators
Norway · Andenes
Arctic Whale Tours Andenes
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Sep
- 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 · Vesteralen, Andenes
Whalesafari Andenes / Whale2Sea
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Sep
- Price
- NOK 1,690 and up
- Checked
- Official source
Sperm whale season
Sperm whales in other countries
Other marine life in Norway
Activities in Norway
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see sperm whales in Norway?
3 operators name the sperm whale as a target species. Main regions: Andenes, Tromso and Vesteralen, Andenes.
Do you have to get in the water to see sperm whales?
Formats on record: boat-based watching. 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 sperm whale season?
The 3 operators that state a season for sperm whale programs in Norway cluster in May–Jan. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Sperm 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.