Whale watching Andenes by RIB

No two days at sea are ever the same. Every journey begins with the search, as we scan the horizon together for the first whale blow or dorsal fin. Travelling close to the water aboard one of our RIB boats offers a unique and immersive way to experience the Arctic Ocean, where every trip is shaped by nature and every encounter is different.

The waters off Andenes are home to a rich diversity of cetaceans. Depending on the season and natural conditions, you may encounter sperm whales, killer whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, long-finned pilot whales, Risso`s dolphins, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises. Dolphins and porpoises belong to the same cetacean family as whales, and every sighting—whether it is a curious pod of dolphins surfing alongside the boat or the powerful blow of a sperm whale, humpback whale or minke whale—is a unique wildlife experience.

Our experienced captains, guides and researchers combine local knowledge, years of field experience and ongoing scientific research to search for cetaceans while always respecting their natural behaviour. Throughout the trip, they will share fascinating insights into the animals you encounter, their behaviour and the exceptional marine ecosystem found off the coast of Andenes, where the unique underwater canyon and nutrient-rich waters attract whales and other cetaceans throughout the year.

Wildlife is unpredictable, and that is exactly what makes every excursion special. The animals are free to follow their natural behaviour, making every encounter unique and every trip a different story. You may witness the powerful blow of a whale on the horizon, a pod of dolphins riding the bow waves, killer whales travelling together, or humpback whales feeding in the rich waters off Andenes. Every encounter is a privilege and a reminder that you are experiencing wildlife in its natural environment.

Your ticket also includes admission to our Whale Exhibition, where you can discover more about whale biology, marine research and the species living off the coast of Andenes. During the summer season, we also offer whale talks at the Whale Centre, where our guides and researchers share the latest knowledge from our ongoing research.

Seasons

Our main RIB whale watching season runs from June to September. If you would like to experience the unique light of the Arctic summer, have a look at our dedicated Midnight Whale & Bird Safari, available during the midnight sun season (approximately 23 May – 23 July (until beginning of August)) and from this year the combined trip is possible also during the day. Outside the main season, departures vary depending on the time of year. Please check our calendar or contact us for more information.

Duration

The tour normally lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions, as well as where the animals are located.