Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

If you’re dreaming of spotting whales in the wild, this Tromsø tour by Brim Explorer offers one of the most eco-friendly and immersive experiences. With a 4.5-star rating based on over 4,200 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this trip both memorable and worth the expense.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it uses a purpose-built hybrid-electric boat, which means you get to witness marine mammals in their natural habitat with minimal disturbance — a significant plus for environmentally conscious travelers. Second, the guides are repeatedly praised for their knowledgeability and friendliness, making the experience both informative and relaxed.

That said, there’s a long travel component — about 3 to 3.5 hours to the whales’ feeding grounds — so it’s best suited for adventurous travelers prepared for a full day and potential seasickness. This tour is ideal for those who value sustainable tourism, scenic beauty, and expert insights, especially if you’re eager for a genuine Arctic wildlife encounter.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly approach: Hybrid-electric boat minimizes disturbance to marine life
• High success rate: Over 95% chance to see whales like orcas, humpbacks, sperm, and fins
• Expert guides: Passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories and whale facts
• Comfortable experience: Heated lounges with panoramic windows for viewing
• Long but rewarding: About 7-9 hours total, including transport and whale watching
• Cost and value: A full-day adventure with included amenities but food must be purchased onboard

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Unique Arctic Experience with a Focus on Sustainability

Our review of this whale watching tour highlights its commitment to responsible tourism. The tour uses a hybrid electric catamaran, designed specifically for whale watching, which operates silently to cut down noise pollution. This is crucial because the disturbance caused by engines has been linked to stress and behavioral changes in whales and other marine life. Many reviews note how this quieter approach enhances the chance of a natural encounter, making the experience more authentic and less intrusive.

The boat’s design—with large panoramic windows and multi-level decks—ensures you won’t miss a moment of the scenery or the action outside. The interiors are heated, providing a comfortable refuge from the Arctic chill, and the boat can accommodate over 100 guests, meaning you’ll have plenty of space to spread out while still enjoying a collective adventure.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Departure to Return

The journey begins at Kaigata 667, near Skarven Kro restaurant in Tromsø. After a quick safety briefing, the adventure officially kicks off with a scenic, approximately 3-hour cruise northward to Skjervøy, where the whales tend to gather.

During this transit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of frozen landscapes and fjords, with many reviewers noting how special it is to see the Arctic scenery in daylight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The boat’s panoramic lounges allow for comfortable viewing, whether you prefer inside warmth or outdoor fresh air.

Once in the whale feeding grounds, the captain and guides will scan patiently for signs of whale activity. The guides are experts at spotting these creatures, often using their personal stories and sharp eyes to locate pods of orcas, humpbacks, sperm whales, or fin whales. Reviews often mention how persistent guides are; one reviewer happily noted, “They didn’t give up until we saw a beautiful orca family — even a baby orca!”

The Highlight: Watching Whales in Their Natural Habitat

When whales are spotted, the tour switches to electric mode — a key feature that reflects the company’s dedication to minimal environmental impact. This switch ensures that whales are less disturbed, allowing for closer and more natural interactions. Expect to be close enough to see these giants breach, feed, and socialize, often just meters from the boat.

Multiple reviews echo the thrill of these sightings. One traveler described their experience as “an unforgettable day,” emphasizing the close encounters and the impressive size of the animals. Many mention the abundance of whales, with some lucky enough to see several species during a single trip, including orcas, humpbacks, sperm whales, and fin whales.

The Guides: Passionate and Knowledgeable

We loved the way guides share their personal stories and factual insights, adding richness to the experience. One reviewer pointed out how “the guides kept the journey interesting and fun, full of facts,” making the trip educational as well as exciting. Their enthusiasm is contagious; they often give tips on how to spot whales and share fascinating details about their behavior and environment.

The guides’ ability to balance informative narration with friendly, approachable service creates an inviting atmosphere. Many visitors mention how the guides’ patience and passion made the experience even more special.

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Food, Comfort, and Additional Amenities

While the tour includes Wi-Fi and tap water, meals are not included, so you’ll want to bring snacks or plan to purchase food onboard. The boat’s heated interior lounges are spacious and comfortable, a welcome feature given the cool Arctic weather. Some reviews mention the quality of the onboard bar, describing it as affordable with a good selection of drinks and tapas.

For those concerned about seasickness, several reviews recommend taking seasickness tablets, as the fjords can produce wavy conditions. The boat’s stability and comfort are praised, but it’s wise to prepare if you’re sensitive to motion.

Duration and Practical Details

The trip lasts around 7 to 9 hours, depending on whale locations and weather conditions. Starting times vary, so checking availability in advance is recommended. The long duration means you should dress warmly with layered clothing, including wool or thermal gear, especially because you’ll spend much of your time outdoors.

The transportation to the whale grounds involves about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, often on a bus or coach that offers scenic views of Tromsø’s surrounding landscapes. Many reviews mention how the bus journey itself is enjoyable, providing a different perspective on Arctic scenery.

The Value of This Whale Watching Tour

At first glance, the price might seem high compared to shorter trips, but the full-day experience and the quality of the vessel justify the cost. With a high success rate of whale sightings, expert guides, and environmentally friendly technology, many travelers feel they receive excellent value.

Several reviews highlight how worthwhile the trip is, especially considering the chance to see multiple whale species and the stunning scenery. Even if whales are elusive, the trip offers endless opportunities for breathtaking views and learning about Arctic marine life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers with a love of nature and wildlife. It’s ideal if you’re keen on responsible tourism and want to minimize your environmental impact. Also, those comfortable with a full-day outing and potential seasickness will enjoy this trip most.

It’s perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and photo buffs who want a well-organized, comfortable, and eco-conscious way to encounter the Arctic’s marine giants.

This whale watching tour by Brim Explorer offers a blend of eco-awareness, comfort, and adventure that few Arctic excursions can match. The commitment to minimize disturbance and the expert guidance make it a responsible choice for travelers wanting authentic wildlife encounters.

The scenic fjords, the chance to see multiple whale species, and the friendly guides create a memorable day in the Arctic. It’s a fantastic option for those who value sustainable tourism, are prepared for a long day, and want to combine stunning landscapes with unforgettable wildlife sightings.

While it requires some planning — including warm clothing and patience — the rewards are well worth it. You’ll take home not just pictures of whales but stories of a day when you shared the waters with some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures.

How long does the trip last?
The tour typically takes between 7 and 9 hours, depending on whale locations and weather conditions.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, including wool or thermal clothing. The boat is heated, but outdoor time is necessary for whale watching.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks can be purchased onboard. Many reviews mention enjoying affordable tapas and beverages during the trip.

Can I guarantee whale sightings?
While the success rate is over 95%, there’s no 100% guarantee. The guides do their best to find whales, but nature is unpredictable.

Is the boat accessible and comfortable?
Yes, the boat is designed for sightseeing with panoramic windows and heated lounges, suitable for most travelers.

What if I get seasick?
Seasickness tablets are recommended, as Arctic waters can be wavy. The boat’s stability and the quiet electric engines help reduce motion sickness.

This tour offers a responsible, scenic, and wildlife-rich Arctic adventure — perfect for travelers eager to connect with nature in a sustainable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: