Booking choice: The all-inclusive safari, 8 hours. Book this Tour details
Tromsø's normal air temperature is about 0°C in November, -1.7°C in December and -3°C in January, according to yr.no. On a moving boat the wind makes it feel colder, and you stand still for long stretches while you wait for a blow.
Some boats lend you a full thermal suit, some rely on your own clothes and a heated lounge. This guide covers both, plus seasickness, food and taking photos in the soft polar light.
The quick answer
Wear a wool base layer, a fleece or wool mid layer, a windproof and waterproof outer layer, winter boots, a wool hat and mittens. No cotton next to the skin. The RIBs and the all-inclusive safari lend thermal suits; on the big catamarans you rely on your own clothes and the heated lounge. If you are prone to seasickness, take tablets 1 to 2 hours before you sail, and bring snacks.
What should you wear on a whale safari in Tromsø?
Three layers, wool first: a wool base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof, waterproof shell, plus winter boots, a wool hat and mittens.
- Base layer: merino or wool top and leggings. Cotton holds sweat and chills you.
- Mid layer: a fleece, a wool jumper or a light down jacket.
- Outer layer: a windproof, waterproof jacket and trousers, unless your boat lends a suit.
- Feet: insulated winter boots with good grip, and wool socks. Decks can be wet and icy.
- Head and hands: a wool hat, a buff or scarf, and mittens over thin gloves.
Visit Tromsø recommends warm clothes, winter boots, a woollen hat and mittens. The sea itself is about 4 to 6°C in winter, milder than the air, but the wind on deck is what you feel.
Which whale safaris lend you a thermal suit?
The two RIBs and the all-inclusive safari list thermal suits. The big catamarans do not list one, but have heated lounges.
What each listing says about gear and warm space:
| Trip | Suit and gear lent | Warm space on board |
|---|---|---|
| Skjervøy RIB safari | Thermal suit, boots, mittens, goggles, life vest | Open boat; warm coach |
| 12-seat RIB safari | Flotation suit (XS to XXL), boots, socks, mittens, goggles | Open boat |
| All-inclusive safari | Thermal suits and safety gear | Heated indoor lounge |
| Heated boat from Skjervøy | Special suits not needed | Heated cabin |
| Hybrid-electric boat | Not listed | Heated saloons |
| High-speed catamaran | Not listed | Warm lounge |
| Fast catamaran | Not listed | Heated panoramic lounge |
| MS Alba cruise | Not listed | Heated lounges |
| Fast small boat | Not stated | Not stated |
| MV Quest expedition | Not listed | Private cabin |
Thermal suits, food and hot drinks included, on a boat from Tromsø with 50 guests at most.
Book this Tour detailsWhat should you wear under a flotation suit?
Wool layers and nothing bulky: the suit blocks the wind and keeps you afloat, and your layers keep you warm.
On the Skjervøy RIB safari and the 12-seat RIB, you pull the suit over your own clothes. Visit Tromsø advises wool layers underneath and no cotton. Wear a thin wool base layer and one warm mid layer, wool socks and a hat that fits under the hood. Keep your phone in an inner pocket where it stays warm.
RIBs move fast between whale groups, so the goggles matter: spray and wind make your eyes water. Bring a spare pair of gloves for when the first pair gets wet.
Will you get seasick on a whale safari?
Most guests do not, but the open water north of Tromsø can be rough. Take tablets 1 to 2 hours before departure if you are prone to it.
Njord Adventures suggests staying mid-ship or at the back, watching the horizon, eating light and avoiding alcohol. Fresh air on deck helps more than sitting in a warm cabin looking at a phone.
The high-speed catamaran includes seasickness tablets, and its larger boat is described as stable. MS Alba lists seasickness medication as not included, and MV Quest advises bringing it. The all-inclusive safari, the fast catamaran, MS Alba and the 12-seat RIB all say they are not suitable for guests prone to seasickness.
A big, stable catamaran with seasickness tablets on board and a free second trip if you see no whales.
Book thisHow do you photograph whales in polar twilight?
Use a fast shutter speed and accept a higher ISO: the light is soft and dim, and both the boat and the whales move.
- Shutter speed first: 1/500 s or faster freezes a fin or a fluke from a moving boat. Let the ISO rise to get there.
- A zoom lens helps on the big boats; on a RIB the whales can be close enough for a phone.
- Burst mode: orcas surface for a few seconds. Shoot several frames and pick later.
- Keep batteries warm: carry spares in an inside pocket. Cold drains them fast.
- Protect the gear: the RIB listing says cameras are at your own risk and recommends a waterproof bag. Drones are not allowed on the RIB or the high-speed catamaran.
Do not spend the whole time behind the screen. MV Quest includes onboard photography delivered digitally within 48 hours.
What food is there on a whale safari?
It depends on the boat: some include a full meal, some sell food in a café or kiosk, and some serve only hot drinks and a snack.
What each listing says:
| Trip | Food and drink |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive safari | Lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate (the listing also mentions lunch for purchase: ask) |
| Fast small boat | Light soup lunch, coffee, tea, biscuits; beer and wine to buy |
| MV Quest expedition | Dinner, breakfast and lunch, coffee, tea, snacks |
| Hybrid-electric boat | Café with food and drinks to buy; free tap water |
| High-speed catamaran | Coffee, tea, water; kiosk snacks to buy |
| Fast catamaran | Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate; kiosk |
| MS Alba cruise | Hot drinks and biscuits; bring a packed lunch |
| Skjervøy RIB safari | Hot drink and a sandwich; bring snacks |
| 12-seat RIB safari | Hot drink, sandwich and muffin; no breakfast |
| Heated boat from Skjervøy | Hot drinks and snacks |
A warm soup lunch on a faster, smaller boat from Tromsø, 36 guests at most.
Book thisWhat else should you bring on a whale safari?
Snacks and water for a long day, a small bag, ID for some boats, and anything the operator asks for before departure.
- Snacks and a thermos: coach days start at 05:00 and end around 17:30.
- A small bag: the all-inclusive safari and the 12-seat RIB do not allow large bags.
- Your details: MS Alba asks for name, birth date and country, the high-speed catamaran asks you to email your details 48 hours before, and the hybrid-electric boat needs an online check-in.
- Passport or ID for MV Quest.
- Hand warmers and a spare hat or gloves.
Alcohol and pets are not allowed on the all-inclusive safari or the high-speed catamaran. For how to fit a whale day into your trip, see the Tromsø itinerary guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear jeans on a whale safari?
Avoid them. Cotton holds moisture and gets cold. Wear thermal leggings under windproof trousers, or under the suit if your boat lends one.
Are boots provided on a whale safari?
On the two RIB trips, yes: both list boots. On the big boats and the heated boat from Skjervøy, wear your own insulated winter boots.
Is it cold inside the boat?
No. Most of the boats have heated lounges, saloons or a cabin. The open RIBs have no indoor space, which is why they lend a full suit.
Do I need ski goggles?
On a RIB, yes, and both RIB trips lend them. On a big boat a buff and a hat are usually enough.
Ready to book
Choose your safari
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option here.
All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari
- Heated boat from the Tromsø front pier
- About 2 hours 20 minutes in the whale area
- Warm thermal suits and safety gear
Skjervøy RIB Whale Safari with Coach
- Coach from Scandic Ishavshotel with Wi-Fi and toilet
- About 3 hours at sea in an open RIB
- Thermal suit, boots, mittens, goggles and life vest
Whale Safari by Hybrid-Electric Boat
- Boat from central Tromsø and back, no coach
- About 1 to 1.5 hours around the feeding grounds
- Heated saloons with panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, toilets
