Whale watching, Lofoten

Lofoten is a northern Norwegian adventure, found north of the Arctic Circle at the 67th and 68th latitude. Here are some of the world's most spectacular experiences of nature - and whale watching is one of them.

Whale watching is not just a beautiful sight of some of the world's largest marine mammals in this arctic paradise. It is one of life's most important lessons. Whale watching gives everyone, children and adults alike, a deep respect for wildlife and knowledge about the endangered species. Once we have gained an insight into the animals' lives in their own habitat in the most gentle way - then we understand the importance of taking good care of them. During a whale safari, you will experience just how powerful the sound vibrates inside your own body, when the whales breach the surface and blow water columns several meters high. Seeing the whale fins elegantly glide smooth and effortlessly through the waves, or when they use all their raw power to do a gigantic splash with their tail. Right in this magical moment, you are connected to nature and to these giants.

The seasons and the whales

During the summer months, there is plenty of opportunity to spot sperm whales, killer whales and pilot whales in the waters around Lofoten. During the whale safari, the guide will tell stories about how these impressive toothed whales live, how we can protect them and at the same time be able to enjoy the intimate experience you get when the whales come up close, because it is truly a breathtaking sight. The sight and sound of wild nature is hard to beat.

From mid-October, several species of whales visit Lofoten, such as humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales. They will follow their food source, namely the herring. The herring migrates from the Atlantic Ocean to the north-Norwegian west coast, which attracts the large, majestic predators that come to exploit the food chain. The winter half-year is something quite special - both as several endangered species of whales seek these coastal stretches, but also the twilight that occurs during this period of darkness. The darkness, where the snowy mountains light up the landscape, and creates the most beautiful scene when you set sail to go whale watching.

The most popular spot for whale watching

At the northernmost point in Vesterålen, the most popular place to go whale watching is found, more specifically, Andenes. In the Norwegian Sea outside Andenes lies the continental slope, the Eggakanten, where the depth of the sea is several thousand metres. The strong upwelling currents are rich in nutrition which provide an abundant sea life. The key for the whales to thrive in these cold waters all year around. Whale watching providers in this area have a 100% whale guarantee all year round! This is quite unusual for whale watching - but it gives a clear indication that Vesterålen in particular is a very special place. That is why there is close collaboration of marine biologists whose passion for whales and marine wildlife is unmatched. The network that spots whales here is based on many years of experience and they dare to say that their success rate is 100% to find them.

Spot the whales from shore

Look for the seagulls! - but why?

Schools of herring attract the seagulls, but fortunately for us whale watchers, it is not only the seagulls that are attracted. There is a great chance of spotting killer whales if you see a group of seagulls that suddenly become active in a certain place on the sea. So now you know what to look for when one of the locals tells you to look for the seagulls.

Another alternative is to become a member of the Facebook group "Whale alert Lofoten", which is sharing knowledge about the whales' latest location - maybe they are near you!

The weather conditions

The weather conditions on Lofoten are very changeable, and as the locals say, you can experience all four seasons on the same day. So dress well and have an unforgettable experience.

Warning

• Do not go swimming with the whales
• If you are captain, keep your distance from the whales and respect the wild animals