Responsible Whale Watching

The Nordic Countries are a fascinating place to search for whales. After covering thousands of kilometres on their search for herring both orcas and humpbacks finally settle for a winter break in Arctic Norway. The whales' visit offers a unique opportunity to see the cetaceans in ideal conditions for observation. Engulfed by mighty mountains the orcas will hunt as a team, and socialise in an area that is easily accessed on small boat tour. Once darkness settles in chase for the Aurora glistening in the skies above.

Expertise that inspires

As specialists in the Nordic Countries and Canada we'll help you tailor an unforgettable trip based on your interests, preferences and budget requirements. Travel smoothly with our personal travel app, 24/7 concierge line and a decade of experience in your corner.

Top whale watching itineraries Norway

Located in prime whale watching territory, you'll join small-scale excursions with excellent chances to observe the whales in their natural territory. Choose from a selection of city stays or wilderness lodges. 

Arctic Panorama Lodge

3 nights | £1,105

Tucked in between the mighty Lyngen Alps and the herring-rich fjordwaters Arctic Panorama Lodge beckons with cosy lodge accommodation and thrilling wildlife watching opportunity. Excursions depart straight from the lodge and some lucky guests may even spot the whales from the dinner table. 



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Alta Adventures

4 nights | £1,225

Head to recent whale watching hub, Alta. The self-proclaimed 'City of Northern Lights' offers adventure, awe and unforgettable, ethical wildlife encounters. Chase the Aurora, meet the local Sami herders and join a small group whale watching excursion during your stay.



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Whales and mountain retreats

3 nights | £1,559

Retreat to a cosy log cabin lodge near Alta, Northern Norway's new whale watching hub. Nestled in between the stunning Finnmark Plateau and glassy fjord water lies Alten Lodge, your spacious Nordic cabin stay. With both water and mountains at your fingertips Arctic outdoor adventure and whale watching excursions will increase excitement levels for both couples and families. 



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When, Which and Where

Where to find whales in the Nordics

In winter, between November and late January is the best time to spot whales in northern Norway. During this time orcas, humpback whales and pilot whales move into the fjords to feed on the herring. 

In summer whales are best spotted in the Vestaralan Islands where sperm whales, pilot whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins and orcas feed in the waters.

In Iceland whales can be spotted all year round.  Minke, fin, blue, humpback, sperm and killer whaleswhite-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises can be seen on whale tours all around the coast. 

Where you'll stay

Hygge is at home in Norway's remote wilderness retreats. Combine adrenaline with cosy cabin vibes. Here's a selection of the best places to wake up at when whale watching is high on the agenda. 

Remote Panorama Lodge

Flexible

Located at the water's edge and tucked away in the mighty Lyngen Alps, Arctic Panorama Lodge beckons with tranquil views from its fjord-facing breakfast room and thrilling adventure at its doorstep. 



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Spacious Mountain Cabin

Flexible

Indulge in spacious interior, stunning views of the surrounding Finnmark Plateau and warm hospitality. 



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Luxurious Lodgings

Flexible

Combine adrenaline with sublime views of Norway's coastline from the recently opened XLyngen chalet. At the remote location panoramic views and minimalist design rounded off with cosy touches await. 



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Whale watching Tips

How we plan your trip

Much like the Northern Lights, predicting the whales’ movement and location is an art and a science. 

Norway and Iceland offer the highest viewing chances during the winter months. In both countries, whales feed in the coastal inlets and fjords boosting your chances of seeing them on an expedition.  Since wildlife is unpredictable by nature we recommend covering as many bases as possible and join tours from more than location. In Norway, our preferred whale watching destinations are Alta and Tromso. In Iceland, we recommend joining a tour from Huvsavik or Reykjavik. 

Is Canada in the cards?

Canada’s marine backyard is home to many enormous creatures, the largest of them being the gray whale. On both the Atlantic and Pacific-facing sides, whales feed on shrimp, krill and small fish during the summer months. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland offer the best whale watching opportunities on the Atlantic side. The West coast of British Columbia has long been a welcome destination for whales and wildlife enthusiasts. Our in house wildlife experts will be happy to guide you in designing your whale watching holiday to Canada.

Whale watching in Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland’s shores are home to the greatest diversity of whales in Canada and one of the best spots to see whales. 22 different whales species, amongst them the humpback, orca and minke whales, feed close to the shore. Each year 10,000 humpbacks pass Newfoundland's shores, making it one of the best whale watching destinations worldwide. If you choose to travel at the end of May you can see them bask amongst house-sized icebergs.


Lighthouse whale watching

3 nights

The North of Newfoundland is one of the best whale watching destinations on the island. Watch whales bask among icebergs in May and June, all from the comfort of your quaint lighthouse overlooking the wind-swept shoreline. 

 



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Fogo Island Inn

3 nights

Combine a luxury break at Fogo Island Inn with a whale watching holiday. The award-winning hotel perches over Fogo's rocky shore and is a great starting point for whale watching expeditions. 



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Self-drive holiday Newfoundland

13 nights

Newfoundland's windy roads boast dramatic coastal vistas, lush forests and quaint little townships. It's the perfect place to explore on a self-drive holiday and perhaps add a whale watching excursion to come up close with Newfoundland's supersized locals. 



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Whale watching British Columbia

In BC humpback, grey whales and orcas travel through the labyrinth of small islands in between May and October. We recommend going off-the-beaten-track and stay in a wildlife eco-lodge from which you may join a variety of tours and activities.


Wilderness lodge

3 nights

Venture off the beaten track and explore British Columbia's truly wild islands on this eco-adventure equally focussing on wildlife and culture. You might get lucky and spot the magnificent humpback from your floating lodge accommodation! 



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Kayaking with whales

4 nights

Join an active multi-day whale watching adventure around Vancouver Island which is renowned for its wildlife-rich waters.  Sea kayaking amongst humpbacks and orcas is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience. 



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Spirit Bear Lodge

4 nights

Travel to an eco-lodge nestled in a quiet bay in BC's Great Bear Rainforest. The remote lodge is a prime location for whale and bear watching, your savvy guide will also fill you in on legends surrounding nature and wildlife. 



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Check our wildlife holiday page if you like meet moose, polar bears, Arctic birdlife or black and brown bears on your adventures.


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Our team of travel experts are happy to help you plan your perfect trip via phone, email or live chat.

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