Alta: Altafjord Whale Watching in a Heated Boat

About This Experience

This is the comfortable way to go whale watching from Alta. The boat, Sea Runner, leaves from Havneveien 24 in Alta harbour and spends the trip out on the Altafjord with a local captain looking for whales. It has heated indoor seating and a toilet, so you can watch from the warm cabin or step out on deck when the boat slows down.

The operator, finnmark moods, says herring arrive in the fjord between November and January, followed by orcas and humpback whales. Sightings cannot be guaranteed because the animals are wild. Coffee, tea and cookies are served on board, and the guide tells you about the whales and the fjord. Life jackets are available for anyone who wants one, there are sturdy railings, and guests stay indoors while the boat runs at higher speed.

The listing says the trip suits all ages, including small children, as long as everyone can walk a few steps on their own. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people prone to seasickness. There is no hotel pickup. The operator says the start is about 500 meters from the cruise terminal and that it returns to the harbour by 14:00 for cruise and Hurtigruten passengers; check your ship’s all-aboard time against the tour’s start time on the booking page. Groups can be up to 30.

The rating is 4.9 from 101 reviews. Recent reviewers report orcas, humpbacks and a sea eagle, a warm boat, a knowledgeable crew and welcome hot drinks. One noted the animals were seen from a distance, and two lower-rated reviews felt the deck railing was too low on a rough day. One reviewer’s advice is to dress very warmly, because once the whales show up it is hard to go back inside.

Highlights

• Look for orcas and humpback whales on the Altafjord
• Stay warm inside or step out on deck at calm moments
• Snow-covered mountains around a quiet winter fjord
• Stories about the whales and the Altafjord from the guide
• A local captain who knows the fjord well

What's Included

• ✓ Guide in English and German
• ✓ Whale watching tour on the Altafjord
• ✓ Transportation in Sea Runner, a small heated boat with a toilet and WiFi
• ✓ Coffee, tea and cookies
• ✓ Life jackets for those who want them
• ✓ About 3.5 hours, in a group of up to 30

Not Included

• Other food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to Bring

• Warm clothing in layers
• Packed lunch
• Water and small snacks
• Camera
• A small backpack (allowed on board)

Good to Know & Caveats

• Whale sightings are not guaranteed.
• Dress warmly and in layers, and be prepared for cold weather conditions.
• Guests must be able to walk a few steps on their own. There is a toilet on the boat.
• Cruise/Hurtigruten (operator's wording): the tour starts about 500 m from the cruise terminal, and the operator makes sure to return to the harbor on time, by 14:00. Check your ship's all-aboard time against the start time on the booking page.
• Start times vary by date: check availability to see starting times.
• Smoking, alcohol, drugs and feeding animals are not allowed.
• Free cancellation: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Meeting Point

The tour starts and ends at Havneveien 24, 9515 Alta, in Alta harbour.