Tromso: Whales watching and arctic scenery

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Photo by flickr user ashfay

This beautiful coastal region fringed with fjords, glaciers and arctic mountain scenery is a pristine whale watching setting. The ocean around Tromso is deep near the continental shelf, and the churning waters there create a breeding ground for whale food and herrings, which draws Humpbacks, Killer Whales, Minke, Orcas and Fin Whales.

Regular operators have counted more than 600 Killer Whales in the waters around Lofoten and most pods travel in large groups, so you have a good chance of seeing twenty or more whales at a time. If you want to get close up, go with an operator with a zodiac. They're easy to manoeuvre, but you may get nudged around by a whale, so make sure they also provide waterproof suits. Whale watchers are also likely to come across dolphins, otters and seals.

Top off your experience by seeing the truly magical Northern Lights in one of Norway's traditional west coast villages with wooden houses. If you stay in Tromso you can also visit the worlds most northern brewery.

Written by  Frida Elba.

Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers

the whales

when is the best time to see the whales? Is december a good time? thanks ray

 raymond doolan - posted 30th November 2009