Arctic Whale Watching Tour Review: Tromso to Skjervoy
The chill, crisp air of northern Norway. The anticipation, too it’s almost palpable as the boat leaves Tromso. The destination? Skjervoy, a spot renowned for incredible whale watching. I recently had a chance to take a whale watching tour there, and I’m keen to share the experience with you.
Why Skjervoy for Whale Watching?
What exactly makes Skjervoy such a hot spot for spotting these enormous sea mammals? It has to do with geography and, as well, what the whales chow down on. You see, during the winter months, massive amounts of herring gather in the fjords around Skjervoy. This herring draws in hungry whales, mostly orcas (killer whales) and humpbacks. So, because the area becomes this feeding frenzy, that just means better chances to witness these magnificent creatures in action.
I chose this particular trip over options nearer Tromso for that very reason: promises of seeing a load of whales. Tours nearer Tromso sometimes struggle depending on the season and herring whereabouts. I figured venturing a bit further north would definitely stack the odds very much in my favor.
Booking the Tour: Things to think about
When looking at tour options, there is one thing I quickly found. There is a pretty wide array of tour operators offering trips from Tromso to Skjervoy. The prices can swing wildly, too it’s almost reflecting different levels of “comfort” and what’s included. What to look for? Boats vary quite a bit in size and design. Smaller rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) often offer really quick trips and get you nearer the wildlife, yet that comes with some trade-offs, with little shelter from the elements. Larger boats usually have indoor heated cabins, toilets, and even a cafe.
I weighed the need for speed against my desire to, in a way, not freeze solid! Given that the trip involved multiple hours on the water, that definitely leaned to a bigger, warmer boat. Also, make sure you see if the tour has extras, such as thermal suits (a total must), food, and hot drinks. Another consideration, it seems, should be the company’s policy on whale sightings. Some provide partial refunds or another trip if, as a matter of fact, you don’t see any whales; it could happen, of course.
The ‘Comfort’ Factor: What to anticipate on Board
My boat, which was dubbed “comfort,” certainly aimed to live up to its name. I was greeted by a roomy, heated cabin the moment I stepped on board. Trust me; after being out in the arctic breeze, that really makes a difference. The boat, you know, had ample viewing spots both inside and outside. I soon snagged a spot near a window inside, so I could quickly dash out if something appeared.
They passed around warm thermal suits pretty quickly. They may not look very fashionable, yet these things are total life savers. Trust me, you’ll want every bit of warmth you could possibly get once the boat picks up speed. Also on offer was, as a matter of fact, hot coffee, tea, and some snacks, so that just made for an enjoyable trip.
The Whale Watching Experience: Patience and Reward
It took around two to three hours for the boat to reach the feeding grounds near Skjervoy, that could be because it depends on weather conditions. The anticipation was pretty high. Everybody on board was glued to the windows, cameras and binoculars at the ready. As the boat cruised quietly along the fjord, you know, the captain and crew did their very best to spot any sign of whale activity.
Then, there it was! A collective gasp rippled through the boat as somebody spotted a disturbance on the water. Soon, a shiny back broke the surface, followed by a tell-tale blow of mist. Humpback whales! And they weren’t alone; we saw several swimming around, gobbling up herring. A couple came really close to the boat, affording spectacular views. What’s very fascinating is watching these creatures in their natural habitat.
Orcas also showed up a little while later. Smaller yet more agile than the humpbacks, they moved through the water like black and white bullets. That just gave for outstanding photo opportunities.
Photography Tips for Whale Watching
Talking about photos, I wanted to offer a few tips if you are considering going on this whale watching excursion. The most crucial? Bring the very best camera you can, also with a decent zoom lens. Action happens fairly quickly, so being able to zoom in without losing quality could really make a huge difference.
If you have one, too it’s almost worth bringing a GoPro or other action camera. You know, you can safely hold that over the boat’s edge to capture unique perspectives. Set your camera to “burst” or “continuous shooting” mode. That means you can rattle off many frames with a single press of the shutter. When you are photographing whales breaching, you can certainly up the chances of getting that absolute money shot.
Also, don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards! You would not like running out of space, when, as a matter of fact, the whales start putting on a show. Be ready for splashes and spray. Protect your camera gear, so that way you have no worries. A simple plastic bag or waterproof cover might keep your stuff safe.
What to Wear for an Arctic Whale Watch Tour
I cannot overstate just how vital proper clothing is for an Arctic whale watch. No matter what “comfort” the boat provides, you can still get seriously cold out there. Here’s a layered plan I would highly recommend:
- Base Layer: Thermal underwear (top and bottoms) made from merino wool or synthetic materials. Avoid cotton, as it remains wet and cold.
- Middle Layer: A fleece jacket or wool sweater for warmth. You might wish to bring an extra fleece in case it’s very cold.
- Outer Layer: The tour usually provides thermal suits, yet make sure they fit snugly over your other clothes.
- Accessories: A warm hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves or mittens, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
- Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots. Warm socks are very important, so that your feet stay comfortable and dry.
Is the Tromso to Skjervoy Whale Watching Tour worthwhile?
Yes, very much so. It is truly an memorable experience. Seeing orcas and humpback whales in their natural setting makes one feel really humbled and awestruck. Yes, there’s a good amount of travel involved getting from Tromso to Skjervoy, yet the payoff will be enormous in the form of incredible whale sightings.
Going with a “comfort” tour added so much to the whole experience. You know, I really appreciated the toasty cabin, thermal suits, and hot drinks – they were all basically lifesavers given the Arctic cold. Though trips might seem very expensive, that enhanced comfort level and possibility of actually seeing whales really makes it worthwhile.
Should you want to see whales, the Tromso to Skjervoy trip, it could be argued, makes an awesome experience. Plan carefully, prepare for chill temperatures, and don’t forget that camera!