9 Arctic Safaris in Tromsø to Book Before the Season Turns

1.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,937 reviews · 6 hours · from $207Our pick

Sail from Tromsø to the Skjervøy area aboard the warm, fast MS Gabriele, watching for orcas and humpbacks with English-speaking guides such as Lorenzo and Raul. The trip usually lasts six hours, but can run to eight if whales are farther away. Expect indoor seating, outdoor decks, a bar, Arctic scenery, and a second-chance whale ticket if no whales appear.

“we recommend the tour. we were lucky and saw heaps of orcas and a few humpbacks. the landscape is amazing. the boat was clean and drinks+food were available. the information of the guides were really interesting, one of the guides was hard to understand in english though.”

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2.Northern Lights Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,916 reviews · from $146Best value

From Skaret by Vander, you’ll ride into the Tromsø region and possibly toward Finland in search of clear skies and aurora. Guides such as Esma, Simon, Juan, and Rebecca explain the science, set up a bonfire, and help with photos. The 6 to 7 hour safari includes transport, winter suits, snacks, hot drinks, and free digital photos.

“The journey took us to a secluded location far from city lights, ensuring the perfect spot for aurora hunting if the weather is favorable. The guide was informative and helpful in making sure we have the best probability to catch the lights.”

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3.All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,221 reviews · from $186

Set out from Tromsø at 8 AM on Polar Adventures’ heated boat for an eight-hour run to Skjervøy. Guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, and Holly share whale facts while you watch for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, and seabirds. Thermal suits, lunch, hot drinks, toilets, indoor seating, and outdoor decks are included.

“Absolutely fantastic, the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful throughout. Captain jack was lovely too. We saw multiple sightings of Orcas throughout the trip, being able to go closer than other tours due to the boat being electric. Amazing experience, both my 12 year old daughter and I loved it. Thankyou so much!”

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4.Scenic Arctic snowmobile safari in the Lyngen Alps

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 377 reviews · 8 hours · from $335Top rated

Travel from Tromsø by bus and ferry to a fishing village in the Lyngen Alps. Guides including Stefan and Elina provide warm gear, safety training, and an approximately 1.5-hour snowmobile ride with photo stops. Afterward, enjoy homemade soup, bread, a hot drink, and dessert at Bøteriet, a restaurant overlooking the fjord.

“Very well organized. The guides are friendly and you also get to see some of the magnificent scenery.”

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5.Aurora Safari Chase by big bus with Camp meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 301 reviews · from $146

Ride from Tromsø to a private Aurora Camp with an English-speaking guide, warm shelter, hot soup, lefse, and thermal suits. Guides such as Juan, Paolo, Kinga, Hugo, and Sojna help with camera settings and group photos. The bus can move if clouds spoil the view, though the lights are never guaranteed.

“Brilliant experience! The guides Viktor and Emma are so nice and helpful (hope The spell is right). Lucky enough to see the northern light! By the way, the fish soup cannot be missed anyway.”

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6.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 136 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $251

Travel from Tromsø to Skjervøy by bus, or meet the crew there, then spend 2.5 to 3 hours on a small RIB searching for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales. Guides such as Ina and Iver provide warm flotation suits, boots, mittens, goggles, and local wildlife insight. Expect a long day if you choose the Tromsø option.

“We had a whale of a time. Be prepared for a long bus transfer (approx. 4 hours) to the activity plus the same transfer time back. Our guides, Ini and Iver were very informative and provided a memorable experience. We were very lucky to spot Orca and Humpback Whales.”

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7.Snowmobile Safari with Aurora Crystal Lavvo Stay

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 60 reviews · from $528

Leave Tromsø by bus and ferry for Aurora Wonderland Basecamp in Lyngen. After a safety lesson, you will ride a snowmobile for 60 to 90 minutes, enjoy meals and snowy free time, then sleep in a wood-heated Crystal Lavvo beneath a glass roof. Guide Jose and his team help you read the Aurora forecast and manage the fire.

“It was a great experience! sadly, we didn’t see the aurora due to bad weather however, Jose, his team and family made it an amazing overnight experience. The lavos made it very traditional experience, the location allows you for roaming around and even had a great view of the coastline. Highly recommended for people who wants a bit of adrenaline, along with taking in the sights and nature. a must!”

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8.Lyngen: Snowmobile Safari with Lunch in seaside Restaurant

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · 2h 30m · from $293

Meet at XLyngen by the sea for lunch at Bøteriet, then suit up and follow an English-speaking guide by snowmobile through the Lyngen Alps. You share a machine with a partner, take turns driving, stop for fjord photos and local stories, and may spot animal tracks or an otter near the shore.

“Great activity which was lots of fun and the guides are brilliant. Lunch - Norwegian fish soup was delicious. Would recommend!”

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9.Lyngenalps: Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $393

Meet your English-speaking guide at XLyngen resort for a two-hour evening snowmobile ride through the Lyngenalps. After a safety briefing, you drive through snowy mountain scenery, stop for photos and Northern Lights viewing, and warm up with a hot drink. The group is limited to six, and a driving license is required.

“Unsere Tour wurde 15 Minuten vor dem Treffpunkt abgesagt. Wir waren schon auf dem Weg dorthin.”

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