Frequently Asked Questions
Is a RIB boat the right adventure for me?
A RIB boat travels with speed. It is exposed to the sea and weather conditions, this gives you the full Arctic experience.
The weather here in the Arctic can bit challenging. It is unpredictable and can change quickly. Therefore, onboard it can be sometimes be cold, windy and wet, and it is often wavy and bumpy. There is a possibility that you will be “splashed” by seawater during the trip.
That said, the RIB boat accommodates a maximum of 12 participants. This creates a more personal and exciting experience. It also allows for closer proximity to the whales without causing any disturbance. We can turn off the engines and observe in silence whenever possible. We offer whale watching tours only and do not offer ANY in-water activities with the whales.
Is it guaranteed to see whales?
Our skipper will do their utmost to find whales and marine life during the trip. However, these are wild animals and we cannot guarantee sightings!
Our focus is on ethical interaction with wildlife and animal welfare. We conduct our trips in line with our values. We will not disrupt natural behaviors or disturb wild animals for tourism purposes. This includes chasing, blocking or forcing interactions.
What activities do you offer?
We offer whale watching tours only!!! We do not offer any in-water activities with the whales. Regulations are vague in Norway and without further protection for the animals and environment, we cannot recommend these activities as a tourism product for the masses.
What should I wear?
We provide the necessary safety equipment for arctic conditions. However, it is important that you dress as warmly as possible. Wear lots of good layers. It can get extremely cold at sea, and layering is a good way to stay as warm as possible.
Ideally you should wear a base layer (merino wool or similar). Then mid layers, which act as insulation to retain body heat and protect against the cold. Finish with an outer layer to protect you from wind/snow. Our tour offers thermal suits as the outer layer. It is important to dress warmly underneath. Usually, your jacket is also worn underneath.
The type of materials is a key factor, and wool is generally a good material for insulation. Cotton and denim have no insulating properties, so avoid these. The warmer you keep your core, the warmer your extremities will be. Hats, gloves, and scarves are essential.
What wildlife can I see?
The most common observations are humpback whales, killer whales and fin whales. It may be possible to spot porpoises, seals and even sperm whales. Skjervøy is also home to many different bird species, keep an eye out for sea eagles!
What is the best time to visit?
Whale season in Northern Norway is usually from late October to the end of January. Of course, these are wild animals so we can not know when they will arrive or leave the area.
How can I get there?
We are based in Skjervoy, a small fishing village in Northern Norway. The drive is roughly 4 hours and 160km from Tromso.
We offer transfer from Tromso with the Arctic Route bus, that we book on behalf of our customers. The bus has toilets and WIFI onboard so it makes for a comfortable journey. If you have your own means of transport or will spend several days in the area then you can opt to meet us directly at the harbor.
I only paid a deposit. How do I pay my remaining balance?
The remaining balance is usually charged to the card within 24 hours of the tour. If you would prefer to pay beforehand, please contact us for a payment link.