A big catamaran with a second chance

About this experience

Two boats run this trip. MS Rygerdronningen leaves at 08:30, a large, stable catamaran that does close to 20 knots. MS Rygertroll leaves at 09:00, smaller and faster. Both take about 2 hours 45 minutes each way to Skjervøy, where the listing gives about 2.5 hours of whale watching, and the whole day runs about eight hours.

The draw is the second chance guarantee. If you see no whales, you can take a second tour free at the Destination Tromsø Booking Point, subject to availability and valid for the 2026/27 season. Four trips on this site offer some kind of free second chance, and this is one of them. It takes the sting out of a quiet day. Seasickness tablets are included too, which says something about open water in winter.

Check the calendar before you book. The listing gives the 08:30 boat from 23 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 in English and German, and the 09:00 boat from 1 December 2026 to 31 January 2027 in English and Italian. You must also email your details 48 hours before departure for the maritime authorities. Like the other big boats, it shares the whales: Visit Tromsø's 2025/26 survey counted typically 9 to 14 boats per whale group.

• Free second trip if no whales are seen (2026/27 season, subject to availability)
• About 2.5 hours at the Skjervøy whale stop
• Large, stable MS Rygerdronningen or the faster MS Rygertroll
• Warm lounge with panoramic windows and a large outside deck
• Talk about whales, hot drinks and seasickness tablets included
• Guides in English, German or Italian depending on departure

How the day runs

1. 48 h beforeRegister your details

   Email the details the listing asks for, so the operator can report passengers to the maritime authorities.

2. 08:10 or 08:40Meet at the harbour

   Behind Nerstranda Shopping Center, 20 minutes before departure, with your QR code ready.

3. About 2 h 45 minCatamaran to Skjervøy

   Coffee or tea in the warm lounge and a presentation about the whales on the way north.

4. About 2.5 hWhale watching

   The Skjervøy stop, with orcas and humpbacks as the main winter species. Guests have also reported sperm whales.

5. About 2 h 45 minBack to Tromsø

   The return sail, about eight hours after you left.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Book it early in your stay. The second chance only helps if you have days left to use it.
• Pick the 08:30 MS Rygerdronningen if you want the bigger, steadier boat.
• Send the maritime details email as soon as you book, not the night before.
• Bring snacks or cash for the kiosk. Hot drinks are free, food is not.

Read next:

• RIB or big boat
• Best month to go

Frequently asked questions

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