Skjervøy: Whale and Orca Watching Tour by RIB Boat

What makes this Skjervøy whale and orca watching tour interesting is the hunt itself, you move fast along the Arctic coastline on a rigid inflatable boat, and you’re looking for whales that can show up close to the surface. I love the high-speed RIB ride that helps you get to the right water quickly, and I love the thermal suits and goggles included, because cold weather is not a reason to miss the action.

One possible drawback to plan for: whale sightings are not guaranteed. Some trips are incredible, others can end with mostly open water, even when the crew is doing everything right.

Quick hits before you go

• Small group of up to 2 participants, so you get more attention during spotting and questions.
• Winter-ready gear is included, thermal suit, life vests, mittens, and goggles, for a more comfortable ride.
• You’re searching for multiple whale species, including orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and sperm whales.
• Orca feeding may happen if orcas are spotted, which can make the session feel especially up close.
• Guidance is live and in English or Norwegian, so you know what you’re seeing and why it matters.
• You meet at Strandveien 70 in the center of Skjervøy, red door next to Elon, with the Explore 70 Degrees logo.

Why Skjervøy whale watching on a RIB boat feels different in winter

Skjervøy is one of those Northern places where winter is not a background detail, it is part of the experience. On this tour, you’re not waiting on a deck hoping for the best. You’re moving, scanning, and reacting, which is a big reason people love it.

A RIB boat also changes the rhythm. When whales surface, you can actually be in the right place fast enough to enjoy the moment, not just hear about it later. And since the ride happens in a cold season, the fact that you get proper winter gear means you spend your energy looking, not shivering.

Meeting at Strandveien 70, finding the red door, and starting with the right mindset

Your tour starts at the office in the center of Skjervøy, at Strandveien 70. Look for a red door next to Elon, and match it with the Explore 70 Degrees logo and the Explore 70 Degrees writing.

This matters more than it sounds. Whale watching depends on timing, and if you’re hunting around in the cold at the last minute, it’s easy to get flustered. Go early enough that you’re calm, dressed in warm layers, and ready to take instructions.

Once you’re checked in, the tone is practical. The crew focuses on safety, spotting, and how the day will work. That mindset helps you enjoy the time even before you see your first spout.

Getting kitted up: thermal suits, life vests, mittens, and goggles

The gear program here is one of the smartest parts of the experience. You’ll be given thermal suits and life vests, plus mittens and goggles. That means you’re not stuck trying to guess what cold-weather equipment you’ll need at the last second.

For you, the payoff is simple: better comfort means you can stay outside longer and keep your eyes on the water. In winter, small comfort wins add up. If your hands stay warm and your eyes are protected, you’ll follow the action more confidently when the crew starts pointing out activity.

You still need to bring warm clothing, but you’re not doing it alone. Think of the included kit as the core insulation, then your layers are the backup plan.

What the 3-hour RIB whale watch is really like out on the water

The tour runs about 3 hours, and the day is basically a moving search. After meeting in Skjervøy, you head out and then spend the time scanning the water for signs of whales.

Because the boat is fast and your route can change, you’ll experience a mix of moments:

• Zooming across open water while the crew looks for indications of whale activity
• Slower time when something promising is spotted
• Back-and-forth repositioning when whales surface repeatedly or shift location

That fast, reactive style is part of why this works. When whales appear, you want to be close enough to see behavior clearly. You also want time to enjoy what happens next, like a breach or a wave-like blow at the surface.

Also, a quick reality check you’ll appreciate: some days whales are around, some days they are not, and you’re traveling in winter weather. The crew is searching, but nature is still nature.

The whales you’re looking for, and the clues that matter

This is a multi-species search in the Arctic. You go in search of orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and sperm whales, with the additional possibility of other sightings as the conditions allow.

Here’s what I’d pay attention to during your watch:

• Surface behavior: frequent spouts, quick surfacing, or a pattern of movement can signal feeding or social activity.
• Motion on the water: sudden changes in direction or a shift in the water area being monitored often means something has been seen.
• Size cues: fin whales and humpbacks can look very different at the surface, even from a distance, and sperm whales are often associated with distinctive surfacing patterns.

You’ll also learn about whale behavior and ecology from the crew. That part turns the tour from simple spotting into understanding. If you know what you’re looking at, you’re more likely to notice the small things that make a big difference, like whether whales seem to be feeding, traveling, or interacting.

And yes, the highlights can be dramatic: breaches and the giants of the ocean showing their scale above the waterline.

If orcas are spotted: what the feeding session means for your photos and memories

Orcas are the big draw for many people, and this tour includes the possibility of an orca feeding session if orcas are spotted. That’s not something you should expect every time, but when it happens, it can be one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Why? Feeding behavior often brings more predictable surfacing. You get repeated opportunities to watch how the pod moves and how the animals interact around prey. Even if you’re not a wildlife expert, you’ll likely feel the difference between a whale that passes by and a pod that is actively engaged.

For photography and video, this also helps. Short clips become more meaningful when the action is happening repeatedly, and not just as a one-time glimpse.

One more note for expectations: the feeding session is conditional. It depends on orcas being there and on their behavior that day.

Orca and whale watching value: price, gear, and a realistic chance of sightings

At $240 per person for about 3 hours, this is not a budget activity. So I’d judge it on value in three ways:

First, the gear. Thermal suits, life vests, mittens, and goggles are included. In a winter RIB setting, that’s not optional fluff, it’s what makes the experience possible and comfortable.

Second, the boat style. This isn’t a slow sightseeing cruise. It’s high-speed transport and active searching, which is what you want when you’re trying to catch whale behavior at the surface.

Third, the small group size. Limited to 2 participants, you get a more personal experience and more direct guidance when you’re spotting.

Now, I’d also be honest about where the value can feel painful. The main complaint tied to the experience is that sightings can fail, and on unlucky outings some people felt the tour should have been cancelled when animals were not found. That’s the nature of whale watching, but it’s still worth factoring into your decision. If you’re the type who needs a guaranteed payoff, this is not the right style of tour. If you’re excited by the hunt and you can accept the gamble, it can be worth the price.

Small group spotting with real crew guidance (and why it helps)

Because the group is limited to 2 participants, the crew can focus more tightly on what you see. That matters when you’re scanning a wide ocean for something that might only show for seconds.

The guide is live and speaks English and Norwegian. You get explanations about whale behavior and ecology, and that context improves your watch. Instead of guessing, you’re building a mental map of what the animals might be doing and why they’re surfacing.

If you want a tour where you don’t feel like you’re stuck behind a crowd, this small group format is a major plus.

Practical winter tips that make or break your comfort

Cold weather is the biggest practical factor here, and you can prepare for it. You will be provided a thermal suit and other key cold gear, but wear warm clothing so you’re not fighting the wind the moment you step outside.

My short checklist for you:

• Dress in warm layers under the thermal suit setup.
• Keep your hat and neck coverage ready, because hands are not the only cold problem.
• Plan for mittens to be used exactly as directed, warm hands help you hold the goggles and keep looking.
• Bring a calm mindset. The hunt can involve long scans before a payoff.

Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. It’s for safety and for keeping everyone sharp during a high-speed ride.

Who should book this Skjervøy whale and orca RIB tour, and who should skip

This experience fits best if you:

• Want a winter Arctic wildlife outing with real movement and active searching
• Love orcas and want a shot at a special moment if orcas are spotted
• Appreciate expert guidance and learning why whales behave the way they do
• Prefer a small group setup for better attention

It may not fit if you:

• Have back problems, because the RIB ride and time in winter conditions may be challenging
• Have very small stature, since it is not suitable for people under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm)
• Are bringing children under 6 years old, as it’s not suitable for them

If you fall into any of those categories, it’s worth choosing a different style of tour that matches your comfort and body needs.

Should you book Skjervøy whale and orca watching by RIB boat?

If your priority is a fast, winter wildlife hunt with included cold-weather protection, I think it’s a strong choice. The small group size, the live guide in English or Norwegian, and the included thermal suit system are big value drivers.

Book it if you can handle the reality that sightings are not guaranteed. If you can’t, and you need certainty, you may end up disappointed on a tough day. That said, when the whales cooperate, you’re in position to see breaches and watch major Arctic animals in their natural habitat, with the chance of an orca feeding session if orcas are spotted.

FAQ

Do I get thermal suits and other safety equipment?

Yes. The tour includes safety equipment such as thermal suits and a life vest, plus mittens and goggles.

How long is the Skjervøy whale and orca watching tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the office in the center of Skjervøy at Strandveien 70. It is a red door next to Elon, with the Explore 70 Degrees logo and writing.

What whale species are you trying to see?

You go in search of orcas, humpback whales, fin whales, and sperm whales.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Sightings of all species cannot be guaranteed.

Is the orca feeding session included?

A feeding session can happen if orcas are spotted. It is not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Norwegian.

Can I cancel or change my plans?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is alcohol allowed on the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.