From Alta: Small Group Whale Watching by RIB

About This Experience

In winter, whales follow the herring into the fjords of northern Norway, and this trip goes out to look for humpback whales and orcas in a RIB, a fast rigid-inflatable boat. A car or minibus collects you in Alta and drives you to a harbour outside the city, about 25 minutes away on a typical day. The operator moves the start point to wherever the whales were last seen, so the drive can take up to an hour.

Because of the Arctic cold, you spend about an hour on the water within the 3.5-hour trip. Thermal suits, life jackets, boat shoes, goggles and gloves are provided, and coffee, toddy and snacks are served. Near the whales the crew keeps a safe distance and turns off the engines to disturb them as little as possible. Groups are limited to 12 people, and the minimum age is 12.

Sightings are not guaranteed, and the operator says the season start and end dates can be adjusted to the whale migration. The listing rules it out for pregnant women and people with back problems, since a RIB in winter is fast, cold and exposed. If you would like indoor heating and a toilet, the heated-boat whale trip from Alta harbour is the gentler option.

Reviews average 4.9 from 33. Recent guests describe pods of orcas, two fin whales on one trip, well-organized crews and careful safety briefings, and one cruise passenger was back at the ship on time. Not every trip finds whales: two February reviewers saw only dolphins and a seal. Lower-rated reviews mention a trip cut short by high waves, with a bus ride back, and a suit that let water in, so check that yours fits closely before you set out.

Highlights

• Look for humpback whales and orcas in the winter fjords
• Feel the speed of a RIB boat across the water
• Engines off near the whales to keep disturbance low
• Start point chosen by where the whales were last seen
• Snow-covered mountains around the Arctic fjords

What's Included

• ✓ Pickup in Alta and transfer to the harbour (about 25 minutes, up to 1 hour)
• ✓ Guide in English
• ✓ Warm thermal suits and life jackets
• ✓ Shoes, goggles and gloves for the boat trip
• ✓ Coffee, toddy and snacks
• ✓ About 1 hour on the water, in a group of up to 12

Not Included

• Meals (only coffee, toddy and snacks are listed)
• Indoor heated seating (a RIB is an open boat)

What to Bring

• Warm wool base layers to wear under the thermal suit
• Hat and neck gaiter
• Camera with a wrist strap
• Motion-sickness tablets if you need them

Good to Know & Caveats

• Please note that while the crew try their best, they cannot guarantee that you will see whales on the trip. The season start and end date can be adjusted according to whale migration patterns.
• The start point moves to where the whales have last been seen, which can mean a drive of up to 1 hour to the harbour.
• Not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women or people with back problems.
• Start times vary by date: check availability to see starting times. Confirm the pickup point in Alta on your voucher.
• In rough water the trip can be cut short; one reviewer's group returned by bus because of high waves.
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
• Free cancellation: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Meeting Point

Pickup is in Alta, followed by a car or minibus transfer to a harbour outside the city that changes with where the whales were last seen.