Tromsø Whale Watching Season 2025–2026: Exclusive Whale Sightings Log
We collect daily whale sighting reports from 12 hybrid-electric and RIB safari operators in Tromsø & Skjervøy area (the exact boats we recommend).
Last updated: December 22, 2025
We collect daily whale sighting reports from 12 hybrid-electric and RIB safari operators in Tromsø & Skjervøy area (the exact boats we recommend).
Period tracked: November 1, 2024 – November 20, 2025 (full 2024–2025 season + start of 2025–2026)
Total whale watching tours logged: 1,928 Total orcas spotted (individuals): 2,847 Total humpback whales spotted: 1,614 Total fin whales & others: 187
Key Findings – Tromsø Whale Season 2024–2025 + Early 2025–2026
- Overall whale sighting success rate (at least one whale): 96.8%
- Average number of whales per tour: 9.2 (peak days 30–70+)
- Best period ever recorded: Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 (herring still abundant)
- 2025–2026 season start (Nov 1–20, 2025): already 94% success – herring schools are back earlier than expected
- Multiple killer whale super-pods (200+ individuals) observed 7 times so far
Monthly Whale Sightings Summary (Nov 2024 – Nov 2025 YTD)
| Nov 2024 | 312 | 98.1% | 12.4 | 68% | 31% | Nov 18: 250+ orcas |
| Dec 2024 | 489 | 99.4% | 18.7 | 72% | 27% | Dec 28: 400+ total whales |
| Jan 2025 | 526 | 98.9% | 16.3 | 70% | 29% | Jan 12: super-pod |
| Feb 2025 | 378 | 93.2% | 8.1 | 65% | 34% | Season tail-off starts |
| Mar–Oct 2025 | 0 | — | — | — | — | No herring = no whales |
| Nov 2025 (1–20) | 223 | 94.2% | 10.8 | 74% | 25% | Nov 15: 180 orcas already |
Top 5 Whale Days Ever Recorded by Our Partners
- December 28, 2024 → ~450 whales (300+ orcas, 150 humpbacks)
- January 12, 2025 → 400+ whales in one fjord
- November 18, 2024 → 250+ orcas in single pod
- December 15, 2024 → 380 whales
- November 15, 2025 → 180+ orcas (2025–2026 season opener)
2025–2026 Season Outlook (Early Data) The herring returned to Kaldfjord & Skjervøy area by early November 2025 — two weeks earlier than the 2024 season. If this trend continues, the 2025–2026 whale season could be the best in a decade.
Bottom Line Book any day from November 10 – January 31 and your chance of seeing dozens (or hundreds) of whales is 95–99% with reputable operators.
Ready for the experience of a lifetime? Book it with Tromso Norway Tours.