Activity: Whale-Watching from Svolvær
Provided by:
Arctic Route by Best Arctic
Welcome to your Arctic Whale Watching Safari, in Andenes, with bus transport from Svolvær at 07:35. Today, you will watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales, above the Arctic Circle, in Norway. You arrive at the starting point of the tour in Andenes at 12:15. My name is Ragnar, and I will guide you through this day with practical information, facts about the fauna and flora, and some stories. Click on the different stories in the listed order to hear more. Sit back and relax. Your adventure starts.
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Points of interest
#1
After the whale watching tour
Be back at the bus stop at the latest 16:40 to hop back on the Arctic Route bus. Welcome back. After your whale watching tour, you will have some time to explore Andenes. For the best views, head up the Andenes Lighthouse, which is one of the tallest and most beautiful lighthouses in Norway. When you reach the top, you can go out on the balcony and take in the full view. On clear days, you can see Bleik island and all the way to Senja. Andenes Lighthouse was built in 1859 and is 40 metres tall. Keep in mind that there may be queues at the lighthouse, so make sure you are back on time to catch the bus back to Svolvær. You can also visit Museum Nord right beside the lighthouse. One exhibition is about the polar regions and focuses on the life of trapper Hilmar Nøis. Another offers an insight into the unique geology of Andøya. You can even take a selfie with a polar bear! Regardless of what you want to explore in Andenes, keep an eye on the time. It’s important to arrive at the bus stop on time to catch the bus back to Svolvær.
#2
Read me - Information tour Whale Watching
- Bus: look for the red Arctic Route bus, with number 930, to Andenes. - Starting points: bus stop next to Thon Hotel at Svolvær at 07:25 (bus leaves latest 07:35) or bus stop next to Svinvøya in Svolvær 07:30 (bus leaves latest 07:40) - see Google Maps links below / be on time. - Food: pick up your light food bag at the stop in Marmelkroken at 11:00. - Hop off at the bus stop at 12:15 in Andenes in front of our partner Whale2Sea (next to the lighthouse) - Upon arrival, go directly to Whal2Sea to prepare of your 13:00 departure - After the tour, hop on the red Arctic Route bus at 16:50 at the same bus stop. Be on time. - In need of support? 0047 953 03 888 Time schedule: -07:35 - Departure from Svolvær centre (Fiskegata) - be at 07:25 at the bus stop (hop-on/hop-off bus) / 07:40 Svinvøya Rorbuer departure - be there 07:30 (am) -08:30-09:00 - ferry to Vesterålen -10:50- 11:15 - Photo stop at Marmelkroken (possibility to buy coffee, waffle, etc) -12:15 - Arrival at Andenes > Make your way to Whale2Sea reception, next to the bus stop. -12:30-16:15 - Whale-Watching Safari (13.00-16.00) -16:50 - Departure from Andenes to Svolvær - be at the bus stop latest 16:40 - the bus can be a bit later due to delay of the ferry from Senja to Andenes, as the bus waits for those passengers -17:00 - Unique photo stop at Norway's longest white-sandy beach of Bleik (dep. on time schedule) -20:15-20:40 - Ferry back to Lofoten Islands (25 min) -21:30: Arrival at Svolvær Included: -Scenic bus transportation from Svolvær to the tip of Andenes with Arctic Route (see timeschedule) -25-minute ferry between Lofoten and Vesterålen -Whale-watching Safari by RIB (small boat up to 12 people) -Warm safety suit -Light lunch bag (pick up at the stop 'Marmelkroken') - show your ticket -Knowledgable English-speaking marine guide - Free Wifi on board of the bus - password: 40002196 -Charging points in the bus (USB) Notice: The Arctic Route bus will make several drop-off/pick-up stops between Svolvær and Andenes - driving time between Svolvær and Andenes is 5 hours. Important: - This activity is weather-dependent. If the tour is canceled, you will be informed as soon as possible and we will try to reschedule you for another day. - You hop on the Arctic Route bus (hop-on/hop-off bus) that makes several stops along the way. - Bring extra food and drinks for your trip, as the tour towards Andenes, the closest place to see whales from Lofoten, is 5-hour one-way. - Bring warm clothes for after the tour, as you are in the open sea during the whale watching activity.
#3
The town of Andenes
Arctic Route Bus Stop: in front of Whale2Sea and in front of WhaleSafari (next to the lighthouse). Be at the bus stop latest 16:40. The Andenes Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Norwegian Sea since 1859. With a height of 40 m, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Andenes harbour, mountains and open sea. The lighthouse is Norway’s fourth highest and is open to the public. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and importance of maritime navigation. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to experience the breathtaking views and the daily life of its keepers. The sea around Andenes is renowned for its high productivity, which attracts a wide variety of baleen and toothed whales. The most frequently spotted species are sperm whales, which can be found here year-round. Witnessing a sperm whale in person is an awe-inspiring experience that has even inspired Melville’s classic novel Moby Dick. These whales are the world’s largest-toothed creatures. They grow up to 20 m long and weigh up to 60 tonnes. Get your camera ready to capture stunning shots of their flukes before they dive. Whale-watching is the number one attraction on the “Things to do in Andenes” list.
#4
Departure in Svolvær
Welcome to an Arctic Whale Watching Safari in Andenes to watch the majestic orcas and sperm whales in their natural habitat above the Arctic Circle. Congratulations on choosing this awesome and spectacular activity! When you visit Lofoten during the summertime, whale watching is one of the best activities to do. The reason for this is that summer is one of the best times to spot orcas, sperm whales and other whale species along the Vesterålen coast. If you are lucky, you may also spot pilot whales, minke whales, dolphins and even humpbacks. My name is Ragnar. I will be your guide on today’s adventure. The adventure will last about 14 hours. We will travel from Svolvær to Andenes at the northern tip of Vesterålen. After your whale watching tour, we will return via the same route to Svolvær. Our red bus, The Arctic Route, is a hop-on/hop-off service that operates daily between Svolvær and Tromsø. We will make various stops along the way until we reach Andenes. The ferry crossing between Fiskebøl and Melbu is included in this package. I hope you are ready for an adventure that will offer life-long memories. I wish you a wonderful day!
#5
On our way to the ferry
Departure ferry: 08:30 (am) - duration: 25 minutes. Welcome back! We have now left Lofoten and arrived in the Vesterålen region. I hope you are having a great trip. We will soon drive onto the ferry for a scenic voyage across to the magical island of Hadseløya. The crossing will take about 25-35 minutes. You are welcome to stay on the bus during the crossing, but I recommend getting off and enjoying the experience. Find a comfortable spot in the spacious lounge or head out on the deck and enjoy the views. Watch as the majestic mountains in Lofoten disappear behind you and are soon replaced by the mountain plateau on Hadseløya. Look out for the highest point, Lamlitinden, which is 656 m above the sea. Keep an eye out for eagles, falcons and seals! If you are hungry, the kiosk on board serves pastries, hot and cold drinks and other snacks. When you hear an announcement that the ferry will dock soon, please return to the bus.
#6
On our way back to Svolvær
I really hope you had a wonderful day out at sea with one of the world’s most magical sea mammals. In 15 minutes, we arrive back at Bleik Beach, which will be a nice “see you again” stop. For other travellers on the Arctic Route, this will be their first encounter with this white sandy beach. Perhaps owing to weather or temperature changes, you will have a different vibe during this visit to the beach and leave with new selfies and memories! The weather in Northern Norway can change quickly, so it can be rainy in the morning and fine and sunny in the afternoon or evening. In the springtime, you can often experience sun, rain, snow and windy weather on the same day. That’s quite normal here! We will stop here for 10 minutes, so please make sure you are back on time. After an exciting adventure at sea, it’s time to relax on the beach and gaze out to sea. You now have a better idea of what is under the surface. Enjoy your memories, get some sleep and remember to look outside every so often to admire the ever-changing scenery.
#7
Bleik Beach Photo stop
Included photo stop on the way back to Svolvær: hop off the bus for around 10 minutes. Bleik Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located on the island of Andøya in Northern Norway. With its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, Bleik Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Hop off the bus for this magical photo stop. Stroll on the beach, feel the pure Arctic air, gaze out at the open sea and simply relax. The beach stretches more than 2 km and is framed by towering mountains. The water is cold, even during the summer months. However, if you dare to have a refreshing dip in the Arctic Sea, it will be a wonderful experience that you will long remember. Bleik Beach is also a popular spot for surfing and kiteboarding, thanks to the consistent winds that blow through the area. One of the unique features of Bleik Beach is the resident population of puffins that can be found nesting in the nearby cliffs, and on the triangular island that rises opposite Bleik Beach: Bleiksøya. You can take guided tours by boat to see these adorable birds up close and learn about their behaviour and habitat. Important: this is a photo stop - please be back on time on the bus.
#8
Arrival to Vesterålen
Welcome to Vesterålen! Sit back, relax and enjoy the view until the next stop, which is in 3 hours. We are now driving on one of the 18 stretches of road in Norway known as Norwegian Scenic Routes. These designated routes offer stunning views of natural features like fjords, islands, mountains or waterfalls. Keep an eye out for the wildlife. Can you spot an eagle, a whale or a porpoise when we are driving by the sea, or perhaps a moose, reindeer, fox or even a seal? The area we are passing through is famous for its rich birdlife and spectacular landscape. Northern Norway has a diverse and fascinating geological history. It’s characterised by rugged mountains, deep fjords and a dramatic coastline that reflects the complex geological processes that have shaped the region over millions of years. During the Ice Age, which ended around 10,000 years ago, the region was covered by thick sheets of ice that carved out the fjords and valleys that are visible to this day. One of the best-known features created in Northern Norway during the Ice Age is the Svartisen Glacier, which is the second largest glacier in mainland Norway.
#9
To Melbu ferry
We will soon board the ferry that will take us back to the Lofoten Islands. You will find a kiosk on board serving sandwiches, waffles, snacks and hot and cold drinks (could be closed). The ferry crossing takes 25-35 minutes. I recommend you go out on the deck and see the mountains on the other side popping up again. The mountain straight in front is called Strøna and is 906 m above sea level. Hiking to the summit is a great option for experienced hikers. The hike is about 11 km and takes roughly 4 hours. We recommend doing this hike on a fine day, so you get the best possible views. The Norwegian word for mountain is “fjell”. When the concept of selfies became popular, we often took a selfie on a mountain hike and used the hashtag #Fjellfie on social media. This was our own little twist. When you hear an announcement that the ferry will dock soon, please return to the bus. It’s important not to be late. Did you know that when we reach the other side, we will still be in Vesterålen? From the ferry landing, it’s just an 11-minute drive back to Lofoten.
#10
About the whales and dolphins
I will now explain why Andenes is such a special place for whales and dolphins and why we can experience them year-round here. The waters off the coast of Andøya are home to several species of whales and dolphins. Since we encounter whales in the wild, we cannot guarantee which species we will see on each trip. Just off the coast of Andenes is a very deep canyon called Bleik Canyon. The whales can find enough food here year-round and don’t need to migrate to chase herring or other prey, like they do in other places! Skjervøy and Senja in Troms are good examples of places where the whales only appear during the herring season. As the canyon is close to land, we don’t need a long boat trip to see the whales. We can easily guide the boat to the right area for the actual day via radio communication and using good binoculars from the top of Andenes lighthouse. The guides on board the boat also have vast experience and knowledge about whales, so listen carefully. Experiencing a close-up encounter with these giant marine mammals is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
#11
Back in Svolvær after Whale Tour
You will soon be back in Svolvær, where we started today’s adventure. I hope you have had a wonderful day. Let’s take a moment to sum up: We have had two scenic ferry crossings, travelled in both directions along one of the Norwegian Scenic Routes, relaxed on Norway’s longest white sandy beach, headed out to sea for a close-up encounter with marine mammals and experienced ever-changing scenery. Did you cross whale watching off your bucket list? Was it as exciting as you had imagined? We have an expression in Norwegian to describe the feeling of really looking forward to something. The rough English translation is: I'm so excited, I have butterflies in my stomach! I hope you felt butterflies in your stomach today! Now it’s time for me to wish you all a pleasant evening! It has been an honour to guide you through the day! If you are looking for more exciting adventures in Lofoten, please check out our other activities!
#12
Get ready - tour information
Arctic Route Bus stop: In front of the office of Whale2Sea. IMPORTANT: after the tour you hop back on this bus from this place or in front of Whale Safari, 200 meters at the quay, latest at 16:40. Be on time! We will soon arrive in Andenes so it’s time to pack up and get ready to hop off the bus. We will stop at the office of our Whale Watching partner. Please get your voucher ready to show. After check-in, your guide and skipper will take you to try on some warm and waterproof gear to keep you warm. We recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes. Your guide will then provide useful information about the trip. Most of the guides are marine biologists with vast knowledge about the whales. You will then board the boat and get ready to head out and spot whales. The boats have space for 12 people. The guiding at sea will depend on which species you spot. The duration of the boat trip varies depending on how far out at sea the whales are and how many you spot. The average duration is about 2.5 hours. Here in the Arctic, especially if it’s windy, it can get quite cold even in summer. If you brought mittens, a warm hat or even warm socks, this is the day to use them! You are welcome to leave bags at the Whale Watching office. Remember, on your way back, visit the 'On the way back Storytelling Route', guiding you back to Svolvær. Now, are you ready?
#13
Marmelkroken
On the south route, this is no a photo stop. On the north route to Svolvær, Arctic Route stops for 20 minutes - coffee, tea, and fresh waffles are ready for purchase, homemade by Lisbeth her kitchen team. Enjoy! Marmelkroken is a hidden gem! So let me tell you about this special place! Marmelkroken is an old farm containing all the habitats found on Andøya within a short walk of the lodge. Our forest is home to many bird species. For instance, you have excellent chances of seeing a golden eagle or rough-legged buzzard soaring above the mountains, patrolling the area. We can promise you unforgettable wildlife experiences and a sense of intact nature in a lush Arctic cultural landscape. The hosts have set up several small architectural gems, each highlighting the qualities of the landscape in which they are located. They take pleasure in providing facilities for our guests to experience and explore. The forest Marmelskogen has an architectural viewpoint with room for two. This may well be the most romantic bird watching place in Norway. Can you also spot the most beautiful bird houses in Norway in the forest? Northern Norway’s smallest café is a tiny piece of architecture at the edge of the forest, at the foot of a mountain and, with views of the sea. If you love nature and everything it offers, then this place has it all!