A classic catamaran with a Whale Pass

About this experience

MS Alba is a different style from the new hybrids: a classic Norwegian catamaran with heated lounges, panoramic windows and outdoor decks. The day runs about eight hours, give or take one. That breaks down as about 2 hours 45 minutes to the area near Skjervøy, about 2 hours of whale watching and photo stops, and the same sail back.

The Whale Pass is generous. If you see no whales or dolphins, you can rebook free within two years. For travellers who might come back to the Arctic, that beats a second chance limited to one season. On board there is a wildlife guide, hot drinks and biscuits, toilets and safety gear.

Plan around a few details. Meals are not included, so bring a packed lunch. You must give your name, birth date and country before the trip, under maritime rules. The trip needs at least 20 passengers, or you are rebooked or refunded. The listing also mentions hotel pickup but boards at the dock, so confirm that before you count on it. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone prone to seasickness.

• Whale Pass: free rebooking within two years if no whales or dolphins are seen
• About 2 hours of whale watching near Skjervøy
• Classic Norwegian catamaran with heated lounges
• Wildlife guide on board
• Boards in central Tromsø, under the bridge

How the day runs

1. 20 to 30 min beforeMeet at Vervet

   Tromsø harbour, beneath Tromsø Bridge, beside The Dock 69°39' by Scandic. There is no indoor check-in: look for crew in Arctic Whale Tours jackets.

2. About 2 h 45 minSail north

   Hot drinks and biscuits in the heated lounge while the guide talks about the herring and the whales that follow it.

3. About 2 hWhales and photo stops

   Near Skjervøy, with orcas, humpbacks and fin whales all reported by guests.

4. About 2 h 45 minReturn to Tromsø

   Back under the bridge about eight hours after you left, give or take an hour.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Bring a proper packed lunch and a thermos. Meals are not sold as part of the trip.
• Send your name, birth date and country as soon as the operator asks. It is a legal requirement.
• Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. There is no indoor check-in, so dress for standing on the quay.
• Keep your booking confirmation. You need it to use the Whale Pass later.

Read next:

• Best month to go
• RIB or big boat

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Whale Safari on High-Speed CatamaranA large, stable catamaran from central Tromsø, about 2.5 hours at Skjervøy, and a free second trip if no whales show.★ 4.6 · 8 hoursFast & Comfortable Catamaran Whale WatchingA 147-seat catamaran capped at 90 guests, free hot drinks, and a free rebooking if no whales show up.★ 4.7 · 7.5 hoursPersonal Whale Watching by Fast BoatA fast boat from Tromsø harbour with 36 guests at most, about 2.5 hours to the whales and a soup lunch.★ 4.8 · 7 to 8 hours