From Svolvær: Whale Watching Day Trip to Andenes

Set out on a thrilling whale watching adventure from Svolvær to Andenes. This 14-hour day trip promises an unforgettable experience, with the chance to spot orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins during a 3-hour guided RIB boat tour. Travelers will enjoy a scenic bus and ferry journey, a light lunch, and all necessary safety gear. While weather-dependent and requiring moderate fitness, this tour offers an opportunity to take in the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Northern Norway. With prices starting at €294.77 per person, the only question that remains is – are you ready to set sail?

Key Points

• The whale watching day trip from Svolværsentrum to Andenes lasts 14 hours and costs at least €294.77 per person.
• The itinerary includes transportation via bus, ferry, and Arctic Route hop-on/hop-off bus with breaks and photo opportunities.
• The 3-hour guided whale watching experience takes place on an open Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) with potential sightings of orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins.
• The tour includes transportation, light lunch, safety equipment, and is weather-dependent, with possible rescheduling or cancellation.
• The tour may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility due to the open-boat experience and uneven terrain at departure and arrival locations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

The whale watching day trip from Svolvaer to Andenes is a 14-hour activity priced from €294.77 per person.

Customers can reserve the tour and pay later, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.

The trip includes transportation, a light lunch, safety gear, ferry rides, and audio and visual guides.

While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour provides an opportunity to potentially spot orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins in the waters around Andenes, the only area near Lofoten suitable for whale watching.

Itinerary and Transportation Details

The whale watching day trip generally starts at the Svolvær Sentrum Bus Stop, where participants depart at 07:35 AM.

The transportation to Andenes involves a series of journeys: a 1-hour bus ride, a 25-minute ferry crossing, a 3-hour and 40-minute bus ride, and a final 30-minute bus journey.

The trip includes several breaks, such as a 15-minute stop at Marmelkroken, as well as photo stops along the way.

Travelers can use the Arctic Route hop-on/hop-off bus, which offers WiFi and charging ports. The meeting points are the Hurtigruten Bus stop or Svinøya Rorbuer.

The key transportation details are:

1. Bus: 1 hour, 3 hours 40 minutes, 30 minutes

2. Ferry: 25 minutes each way

3. Breaks: 15 minutes at Marmelkroken, photo stops

Whale Watching Experience and Boat

Although the whale watching tour takes place in Andenes, which is the only area near Lofoten suitable for spotting whales, the experience lasts for 3 hours and is guided.

Participants will have the opportunity to see orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins during this time.

The tour utilizes an open Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), which provides a thrilling and up-close encounter with the marine life.

All necessary safety gear is provided to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.

However, guests should note that the tour is weather-dependent, and it may be rescheduled or canceled due to unfavorable conditions.

Inclusions and Requirements

The day trip includes transportation, a light lunch, and safety equipment, though it’s not suitable for children under 8 or those under 120 cm in height. The minimum age requirement is 8 years old, and the minimum height is 120 cm.

Additionally:

1. The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as audio and visual guides to enhance the experience.

2. Passengers can enjoy a traditional Norwegian ‘matpakke’ (packed lunch) during the journey.

3. The open boat ride may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or fitness levels, as the weather can be a factor.

While the tour give you an unforgettable whale watching adventure, it’s important to consider the physical requirements and limitations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Weather Dependence and Rescheduling

Due to the weather-dependent nature of the whale watching tour, organizers may reschedule or cancel the activity if weather conditions are deemed unsafe. The tour relies on an open Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), so high winds, rough seas, or poor visibility could make the experience unsafe or less enjoyable.

If the tour is canceled, guests will receive a full refund. However, rescheduling may be limited based on availability. Participants are encouraged to monitor the weather forecast and communicate with the tour operator in advance if they have concerns about the conditions on the day of the tour.

The operator prioritizes guest safety and satisfaction, so they’ll make every effort to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Dining and Food Options

While food purchase options are limited during the day trip, the tour includes a light lunch bag (traditional matpakke) for participants. Plus, pastries and hot drinks are available for purchase on the ferry portion of the journey. Travelers should plan to bring extra food, as opportunities to purchase additional sustenance will be minimal:

The tour’s light lunch bag provides a basic meal, but won’t fully satisfy more substantial appetites.

Food options at stops along the route are scarce, so packing supplemental snacks and beverages is recommended.

The ferry does offer a limited selection of pastries and hot drinks, providing a chance to refuel during the journey.

Fitness Level and Mobility Considerations

Open-boat whale watching in the sea requires a moderate fitness level. Travelers should be comfortable spending extended periods on an exposed boat and able to navigate the uneven terrain at the departure and arrival locations. This tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or difficulty walking.

The 3-hour whale watching excursion takes place on an open rigid inflatable boat (RIB), which may be challenging for some guests. Plus, the tour includes bus and ferry transfers, which may require walking and climbing on and off the vessels.

Participants should consider their physical capabilities before booking this adventure to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have generally provided a 3.8/5 overall rating for this whale watching excursion based on 25 reviews.

While the staff’s friendliness and punctuality have been praised, the tour’s variable whale sightings have drawn mixed feedback from participants.

The key takeaways from customer reviews are:

1. Punctuality and friendly staff are often noted as positive aspects of the experience.

2. Whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, leading to some disappointment among travelers.

3. The open-boat nature of the whale watching tour can be challenging for those with mobility issues or a low tolerance for rough seas.

Recap

This whale watching day trip from Svolvær to the town of Andenes promises an unforgettable adventure.

The 14-hour excursion includes a scenic bus and ferry journey, followed by a guided 3-hour RIB boat tour with a chance to spot orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins.

While the tour is weather-dependent, it’s an ideal option for nature enthusiasts with moderate fitness levels, providing transportation, a light lunch, and safety gear.

You can check if your dates are available here: