Whale Safari has become quite popular in Northern Norway over the last twenty years. Most places only have whales during winter. But around Andøya, you can see them all year round. The thing is, whale watching isn't like the documentaries. You're not guaranteed perfect shots of whales breaching dramatically. It's more about patience and luck.
Hval Safari Andenes has been running tours since 1989. They know what they're doing. The crew actually contributes to marine research by collecting data about whale behaviour. Every tour starts at their museum where you'll see a sperm whale skeleton. The guides speak several languages depending on who's on the tour. They have two boats.
The M/S Reine is a converted fishing boat from 1949. Better for viewing but slower with less indoor space. The M/S Maan Dolphin is faster with more shelter, but less deck space for whale watching. The reason sperm whales come so close to shore here is remarkable. There's a deep trench that drops from 300 metres to over one kilometre very quickly.
Sperm whales dive up to three kilometres deep and stay underwater for ninety minutes hunting giant squid. The crew finds them using hydrophones that pick up the whales' sonar clicks. These clicks reach 230 decibels. For comparison, a rocket launch is only 150 to 180 decibels. Be realistic about what you'll see. Sometimes you spot dolphins instead.
Climate change has brought new species further north. The crew keeps proper distance from animals, so bring a telephoto lens for decent photos.
One practical warning - position yourself strategically from the start. Otherwise someone's head will block your view when the whale finally appears. Plan six to seven hours for the complete experience. Don't book flights immediately after.
They offer a whale guarantee - no whales means another tour or your money back. Tours run year-round except during polar night from November to January when there's insufficient light. Book well ahead during summer. The boats can be twenty kilometres offshore, so you'll actually see the Earth's curvature as Andenes disappears behind the horizon.
Hval Safari Andenes has been running tours since 1989. They know what they're doing. The crew actually contributes to marine research by collecting data about whale behaviour. Every tour starts at their museum where you'll see a sperm whale skeleton. The guides speak several languages depending on who's on the tour. They have two boats.
The M/S Reine is a converted fishing boat from 1949. Better for viewing but slower with less indoor space. The M/S Maan Dolphin is faster with more shelter, but less deck space for whale watching. The reason sperm whales come so close to shore here is remarkable. There's a deep trench that drops from 300 metres to over one kilometre very quickly.
Sperm whales dive up to three kilometres deep and stay underwater for ninety minutes hunting giant squid. The crew finds them using hydrophones that pick up the whales' sonar clicks. These clicks reach 230 decibels. For comparison, a rocket launch is only 150 to 180 decibels. Be realistic about what you'll see. Sometimes you spot dolphins instead.
Climate change has brought new species further north. The crew keeps proper distance from animals, so bring a telephoto lens for decent photos.
One practical warning - position yourself strategically from the start. Otherwise someone's head will block your view when the whale finally appears. Plan six to seven hours for the complete experience. Don't book flights immediately after.
They offer a whale guarantee - no whales means another tour or your money back. Tours run year-round except during polar night from November to January when there's insufficient light. Book well ahead during summer. The boats can be twenty kilometres offshore, so you'll actually see the Earth's curvature as Andenes disappears behind the horizon.