Norways whaling quotas are recommended by the international whaling commission iwc fact. Our whale watching trips take place in lapland, in the arctic. The lofoten and the vesteralen 300km north of the polar. The ms havcruise is a very stable and comfortable boat with a warm, homely cozy lounge and ample space on deck. Wildlife safaris whale watching, musk oxen and eagles visit norway. If youve always wanted to witness the humbling sight of humpback and killer whales in the wild then norway, in the fjords to the north of tromso, is one of the best places in the world to do just that. Accessible travel guide to tromso, norway travel breathe repeat. Season ends at the north american east coast with still good chances to see humpbacks and blues. In norway, they are most commonly found along the vesteralen coast in the summertime. Ancient literature, such as the norse sagas, does not reveal a history of whale fisheries in iceland but occasionally describes conflicts between various families over whale carcasses and early links between scandinavian people and whales. I am looking to go to norway next year about november time and want to go on a whale watching tour to see orcas. The whaleplanner october a whale watching infographic. In order for you to get the best possible whale watching experience, all of our guides have firsthand knowledge about northern norway and the marine life.
Whale watching in norway norway attractions baltic travel. Whale hunting is now even more unacceptable, the head of greenpeace norway. Whale safari in tromso, norway fjord travel norway. The iwc adopted a commercial whaling moratorium in 1982 that came into effect in 1986. Ten days of winter whale watching in tromso, far beyond the arctic circle.
Weve booked tickets and are planning to apply for visa next week. Ill share the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway that you should definitely use. Northern norway is one of the best places to watch whales in the whole world. Norway tour 2020 northern lights and orca swim majestic whale. Whaletrips norway the best tips for whale watching in norway. Settlements and inhabitation of the city have been traced as far back as the ice age. Because the season is so short we often find that dates get booked up quickly.
Biopsies were taken from 18 blue whales and 12 fin whales from svalbard. Norways whaling comes under fire the maritime executive. Download our brochure below for more information and tour highlights. Find the best time to visit norway for swimming with whales, witnessing the northern lights or enjoying the wilderness. Oslo, which argues that it has strong enough whale stocks to sustain the hunt, has authorised the killing of 999 whales this year, up by 199 from the quota allotted in 2016. The city is also a municipality, and it serves as the administrative centre for the area. When to go to norway best time to visit natural world safaris. First, they tried to help get back into the sea but soon realized that it was not going to survive. Whale watching off northern norway has become so popular that norwegian authorities have set up a special whale route with car ferries linking the various islands in. Whale watching in norway norway attractions baltic. Report by animal welfare institute, oceancare and pro wildlife. In contrast to tromso, senja or tysfjord things have been stable here for decades in andenes its not about the herring, its about the sperm whales.
How norway quietly became a whaling powerhouse norway killed more whales in 2015 and 2016 than japan and iceland combined, but the scandinavian country has largely evaded the. By the mid1930s, norway dominated the global whaling industry, taking more than half of all whales killed and producing a large share of the worlds. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway. If you are an avid fan of whale watching, planning a holiday to the kingdom of norway could be the perfect opportunity to pursue the hobby further. During the days you go whale watching in the fjord in a small zodiac and in the evenings you go hunting for northern lights on the island by jeep. Booked a trip to norway in mid october on a whim, help. Spotting huge whales is big business in northern norway. If you want to be sure of a place on a 2020 departure, choose your preferred tour date, download and complete the whales underwater. Home to the northern lights and the midnight sun, tromso, norway is the gateway to the arctic. Ever since i was a little girl ive loved marine mammals, especially whales.
The researchers after the dissection of the whale were shocked to find 30 plastic bags in its stomach. Norway is about to begin controversial whale hunt the dodo. This is exactly what norway plans to start doing this april, when the country commences its annual whale hunt in the arctic. Whale watching is immensely popular in norway, with many varieties of whales, ranging from the minke whales to orcas to pilot whales, being spotted on a regular basis. Norway is a tough act to follow, no matter the season.
Meet your guide in tromso and travel to a nearby port depending on local knowledge about the whales location. This video is about the 2015 norwegian whaling season and efforts being made to stop the pointless slaughter. We visited tromso for the first time at the end of august, and were wowed not only by the natural attractions in the region but also by the city itself. Hi there, im planning a solo travel to tromso in earlymid october, between the other things i would like to take a whale watching cruise, is october a good season to see the whales. Many whale safaris seem to begin 1st november we are staying in tromso 26th30th october but some companies say it. These giants of the ocean visit the norwegian coast every year, showing off for tourists and locals alike. Whale hunting has been a part of norwegian coastal culture for centuries, and commercial operations targeting the minke whale have occurred since the early 20th century. The coast wardens of norway found a whale in its critical health condition. Iceland is another killer whale hotspot, but if you want almost guaranteed sightings in large numbers norway is the heart of killer whale watching in europe whalesafari. Its a hot spot for northern lights viewing, dog sledding, and whale watching. Our whale watching tours run from tromso, norway, between midnovember until midjanuary. I have seen that some companies specify novemberjanuary. Swimming with wild orcas killer whales in norway duration. For example, vikings from norway introduced the whaling techniques of driving small cetaceans, such as pilot whales, into fjords.
Find out here when and where to go whale watching in. Hello, me and my wife are taking a vacation to norway mid october 1118 october and we are quite excited about it. Whale watching is mostly done in the north of norway. Spot orcas, humpbacks and wildlife such as seals and sea eagles on this 5hour lapland whalewatching tour from tromso. Norways annual whale hunting season has begun amid renewed criticism of the practice. Lying in the far north of europe, the seasons vary greatly in norway throughout the year. To implement the moratorium, the iwc has established zero quotas for all species of great whales, with the exception of whales killed in asw operations. When i search there is plenty available during the winter but i cant find anything for july.
Whale found dead in norway with 30 plastic bags inside stomach. If youre more into impressive fjords, surrounded by incredibly steep cliffs, norway is the thing. Spotting huge whales is big business in northern norway tourism in northern norway is thriving, and the opportunities for whale watching is seen as part of the explanation. Norway and japan also do so, as do a few smaller populations. Killer whales orcinus orca have been concentrating in northern norwegian fjords during octoberjanuary for 20 years, where their main prey norwegian spring. Can anyone please let me know where is the best place to go on an orca safari. The most common whale to spot during the summer season is the sperm whale, but if you are lucky you may also see pilot whales, minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and killer whales. Killer whale watching in norway responsible vacation. Iceland had pledged not to resume commercial whaling until 2006 when presumably talks about sustainable whaling would be completed. Investigating whales and dolphins of the norwegian arctic.
Norway the best tips for whale watching in norway whaletrips. First assessment of pollutant exposure in two balaenopterid whale. Northern norway is one of the best places to see northern lights and whales. As one of the most famous species of the sea, the killer whales are easily recognized by their distinctive colouration and prominent dorsal fin. Find the best time to visit norway for swimming with whales, witnessing the northern lights or visiting impressive bird colonies. Orca whale can live up til 70 years old in the wild and migrate massive distances in search of food and mating. It is horrific to learn that such a high rate of the whales killed in norway are female and pregnant, oceancare said in a statement to afp. Norway kills more whales than iceland and japan combined. This often baffles and horrifies people from elsewhere. Norway kicks off annual whale hunt with 999 quota rt.
Zoologists say dead whale in norway full of plastic bags. The lofoten islands have always been a prime hunting ground for norwegian whalers. Whale safari in tromso, norway join an exciting whale safari in tromso on the catamaran ms havcruise, looking for orca and humpback whales in the open sea. All kinds of whales, truly spectacular and epic landscapes norway just wins at being awesome. Download citation population dynamics of killer whales orcinus orca off.
The date we have available for the 2016 2017 season are. Norwegian zoologists have found about 30 plastic bags and other plastic waste in the stomach of a beaked whale that had beached on a southwestern norway coast. Zoologists say dead whale in norway full of plastic bags update. To be able to make the most of the whale watching opportunities in the region, it is advisable to plan a trip in between may and september. My bedroom walls were covered in whale posters and my bookshelf was filled with whale books. Accessible travel guide to tromso, norway travel breathe. Whaling in norway involves subsidized hunting of minke whales for use as animal and human food in norway and for export to japan. The hunting season, which began on saturday, is due to last for the next six months. At senja basecamp, trude morkved and dag stromhold offer multi day tours. Whale watching norway sperm whales, minkes, orcas watching. I wasnt going to pass up the opportunity to be in the iconic northern norwegian fjordlands and to see several varieties of whale. Norway has hunted whales in its own waters for centuries, but key technological advancessuch as the exploding harpoon cannon, developed by its whalers in the 19th centuryenabled the expansion of norwegian whaling to an industrial scale.
This year, the goal is to kill 999 minke whales, which is. Visit the kingdom of whales in the kingdom of norway. Wildlife safaris whale watching, musk oxen and eagles. Then, cruise around the pristine fjords and islands to watch for these mighty mammals as they breach, flip and splash in the water. It is horrific to learn that such a high rate of the whales killed in norway are female and pregnant, the swiss animal rights group oceancare said in a statement. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Activists fury over norway hunt of pregnant whales the local. Both are among the best places for whale watching, worldwide. We are there to see nature, and the unique atmosphere. Join a safari and get close to animals like whales. Whale watch norways season starts from the 1st november 31st january.
Activists fury over norway hunt of pregnant whales the. Population dynamics of killer whales orcinus orca off northern. Tromso is the ninth biggest urban region in norway in terms of population and is also the seventh biggest city in terms of area. Adventurous travelers can even sign up for special whale watching safaris offering to let you swim with the whales. Jul 31, 2011 swimming with wild orcas killer whales in norway duration.
How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and. In scandinavia, whale watching is a popular activity, and many travelers choose to go whale watching in norway or iceland. Tromsos got nature, culture, art, and nightlife all wrapped up in one pretty literally package. May 06, 2015 this video is about the 2015 norwegian whaling season and efforts being made to stop the pointless slaughter. Hi, my wife and i will be in tromso the first 2 weeks in july and we want to go whale watching.
This year, the goal is to kill 999 minke whales, which is higher than last years quota of 880. Visiting the orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales in the arctic fjords of andenes, senja, tromso and skjervoy. If you prefer vast volcanic landscapes full of waterfalls and glaciers, iceland is the best choice. This worldfamous, beautiful and friendly orca actually chose norway after he was set free, and he stayed around our fjords a couple of years, until he sadly died from pneumonia in 2003.
Norwegian whalers carve up the carcass of a whale off the coast of northern norway. In october 1993, an illegal shipment of nearly 3 tonnes of minke whale meat was discovered at oslo airport, in crates labelled as shrimps, destined for japan. A quota of 999 minke whales has been set, up from 880 last year. The lofoten and vesteralen, far in the north of norway, are perfect places for whale watching all year long. Whale watching october tromso message board tripadvisor. Spotting whales in artic norway proves elusive this expedition is based in andenes, which is supporting a growing whale watching industry. We will search for whales in some of our most beautiful fjords, eat good food, and enjoy the great outdoors, while the whales often are swimming right next to us. While spearwhaling where the entire whale was used as a valuable resource may have been part of viking culture and somewhat necessary in norway centuries ago, in 2017 the practice is unimaginably cruel, highly unnecessary and certainly shunned by most of the world. When to go to norway best time to visit natural world. Whaletrips norway the best tips for whale watching in.
Ill remove the merge tag, as there has been no input to the discussion arguing for the merger. The official whalewatching season runs from the end of october to midjanuary, and. Find out here when and where to go whale watching in the whales natural habitats. Wildlife safaris in norway will bring you eye to eye with a myriad of unique creatures in their natural habitat. Map depicting the most important harbours in norway for whale watching. Whale meat the scandinavian country has killed a record number of the marine mammals this year in defiance of an international moratorium on commercial whaling. Many whale safaris seem to begin 1st november we are staying in tromso 26th 30th october but some companies say it. Norway has some of the most beautiful landscape weve ever seen, and tromso in particular is known for great outdoor adventures. Killer whales are found in all of the worlds oceans. We focus on the north of the country as this is where we can offer the best wildlife experiences. Mar 09, 2017 oslo, which argues that it has strong enough whale stocks to sustain the hunt, has authorised the killing of 999 whales this year, up by 199 from the quota allotted in 2016. When is the best time to go on a whale safari in norway. These big mythical mammals have an enormous attraction on humans, and norway has. However, these days cameras are replacing harpoons.
Whale watching tromso end of october with a child tromso forum. Under a deal with the us, norway imposed an export ban on all whale products in order to avoid sanctions. In october 2006, the icelandic government issued licenses for a commercial whale hunt in addition to the continuing scientific program. An introduction to tromso tromso is a city in the troms county of norway.
695 1072 1161 313 835 269 1232 608 978 58 1412 56 633 1137 1212 723 1304 788 706 1038 685 404 1237 889 1203 454 1329 439 1224 1361 727 1189 623 866 199 435 295 1087 1018 148 479 110 177 601 120