Fast catamaran with room to move

About this experience

Helgøy Skyssbåt is a local boat company, and this trip is a straight run from Tromsø harbour to wherever the whales were feeding recently. The crew follows the latest whale activity and adjusts the route, which in winter usually means the fjords around Skjervøy. The day is about 7.5 hours.

The reason to choose it is space. The catamaran has 147 seats, and the listing caps the trip at 90 guests. That leaves room in the heated panoramic lounge and on the open-air top deck when everyone rushes out for a fin. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are free, there is a kiosk and toilets, and if no whales show you can transfer free to another tour on any available date in the season.

What the listing does not give is the time with the whales or a departure time, so check both in the booking. Boarding is by gangway, and with the tides that can be steep, which is why the listing says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with significant mobility difficulties. It also warns off anyone prone to seasickness.

• 90 guests at most on a 147-seat catamaran
• Free rebooking on another date if no whales are seen
• Heated panoramic lounge and an open-air top deck
• Free coffee, tea and hot chocolate
• Route follows recent whale activity

How the day runs

1. MorningMeet by Prostneset

   In front of Clarion Hotel The Edge, next to the Prostneset terminal. Look for the boat marked "HELGØY SKYSSBÅT". Departure time is in your booking.

2. OutboundSail north

   The crew heads for the most recent whale activity. Grab a free hot drink and a window seat.

3. At the whalesWatch from the top deck

   Humpbacks, orcas and fin whales are the species the listing names. The guide explains what you are seeing.

4. ReturnBack to Tromsø

   Warm up in the lounge on the way home, about 7.5 hours after departure.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Book an early day of your stay so the free rebooking is worth something.
• Step out on the top deck before the whales appear. With 90 aboard there is room, but the best rail spots still go first.
• Check the departure time in your booking. The listing does not print it.
• Wear wool and a windproof jacket. The lounge is heated, the top deck is not.

Read next:

• RIB or big boat
• Best month to go

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

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