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Whale Watching in Norway – Best Time and Tours

Home | Travel | Europe | Norway | Whale Watching in Norway – Best Time and Tours

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Whale watching in Norway provides the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of marine mammals in their natural habitat. In fact, Norway is a fantastic location for whale watching, since there are several spots throughout the country where you can see cetaceans.

The primary region for Norwegian whale watching , though, is Northern Norway. There, you can see everything from humpbacks and orcas to blue whales and sperm whales.

Of course, first, you’ll need to know the best time for whale watching and the best Norway whale watching tours . As such, this article covers the following:

Best time for whale watching in Norway

Where to see whales in Norway

• Best Norway whale watching tours

Types of whales in Norway

When we visited Tromso, Norway, we took this whale safari and fjord cruise tour and had a fantastic time, so we can heartily recommend going whale watching in Norway .

The best time for whale watching in Norway depends on the region you visit, as well as the wildlife you want to see, since different types of whales appear at different times of year. Generally, though, Norway whale watching season lasts from the end of October to the middle of January.

As for humpback whales, they can be spotted off the Norwegian coast from October until the end of March. Norway orcas appear in the region from the end of October to the middle of January, while porpoises flock to Northern Norway in the summer months. Furthermore, you can see blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and belugas from May to September by the Svalbard Islands.

Some locations even allow for year-round Norwegian whale watching . For instance, many marine mammals can be seen off the coast of the Vesterålen Islands throughout the year: sperm whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises .

Whether you want to see whales or orcas in Norway , the best places to view cetaceans are along the coast of Northern Norway. Some of these locations are home to marine mammals throughout the year, while other spots must be visited at specific times. Either way, taking a Norway whale watching tour from these locations should increase your chances of seeing marine mammals up close.

We already have a guide to whale watching in Tromsø , which is one of the best places to go whale watching in Norway . Many tours leave from this city, including the whale safari we took, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Whale watching in Tromsø

If you’re planning a visit to Tromso and want to make sure you have a high chance of having a whale encounter, Tromso’s whale watching season lasts from November to early February. During that time, you might see humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, or even dolphins.

The Lofoten Islands

You should plan to visit the Lofoten Islands if you want to go whale watching in Norway at any time of year. Just book yourself this wildlife sightseeing cruise and chances are high that you’ll see at least some kind of marine mammal. That said, certain whale species can only be seen at specific times.

Whale watching in the Lofoten Islands

Winter is the season for orca and humpback whale viewing, while sperm whales and porpoises appear during the summer.

The Svalbard Islands

If you’re looking to do some beluga whale watching in Norway , the Svalbard Islands are the place to go. Belugas, fin whales, blue whales, humpback whales, and minke whales flock to the area from May to September, since the Isfjorden fjord is where they feed.

Whale watching in the Svalbard Islands

Many day tours, including this whale watching eco-tour , depart from the islands’ small town of Longyearbyen. In addition, you can also book longer expeditions (7-10 days) that leave from Longyearbyen if you want to see narwals, bowhead whales, and belugas.

The Vesterålen Islands

Yet another location to go whale watching in Norway year-round is the Vesterålen Islands. In fact, the island of Andøya, which is part of the Vesterålen archipelago, is known as the “Whale Kingdom of the North” because it’s such a top whale watching spot in Norway .

Whale watching in the Vesterålen Islands

Many Norway whale watching tours leave from the small town of Andenes on Andøya or from the nearby village of Stø. Various whales can be seen off the coast of the islands throughout the year, including sperm whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, pilot whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises .

Best whale watching tours in Norway

With so many Norwegian whale watching locations to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to select a Norway whale watching tour . To help you narrow your search, I’ve compiled a list of the best Norway whale watching tours , one for each location (Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard Islands, and the Vesterålen Islands).

1. The best whale watching in Norway (Tromso)

We experienced some of the best whale watching in Norway when we took this fjord cruise and whale safari boat tour while we were in Tromso. We managed to see orcas, dolphins, and humpback whales and were blown away by how beautiful these animals are up close.

This catamaran cruise departs from downtown Tromso and sails through the fjords, a hotspot for marine wildlife. Your guide will tell you all about the local fishing history and culture, and you’ll also get to watch some short films on Arctic ecology and Norway’s whales.

Moreover, there’s no need to worry about going hungry, as coffee, tea, and biscuits are all provided. You can even borrow a thermal winter suit if you want to stay warm on the outdoor viewing deck.

If you’d prefer to cozy up indoors, you can stick to the boat’s indoor viewing deck, where you’ll also be able to get some great photos.

• Highlights : Humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, porpoises
• Starting point : Kystens Hus., Tromso
• Duration : 7 hours
• Number of participants : 12/30/144 (depends on size of boat)
• Price : $148

2. The top Norwegian whale watching tour (Lofoten Islands)

Another Norway whale watching tour to consider is this wildlife cruise through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the area.

The tour departs from Svolvaer and sails through the Øyhellsundet strait to the Trollfjord. This narrow fjord is only accessible by boat, so you’ll be able to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. During the tour, you’ll also pass by Skrova, a whaling island with a quaint harbor and beautiful scenery.

Witness the gorgeous mountains and see sandy Norwegian beaches, perhaps with a sunbathing seal on the shoreline. This cruise is led by an experienced wildlife expert who will point out different species like eagles, seals, dolphins, and porpoises. If you go during orca season in Norway , you may spot some killer whales.

• Highlights : Øyhellsundet strait, Trollfjord, wildlife spotting, Skrova
• Starting point : Svolvaer
• Duration : 2 hours
• Number of participants : 45
• Price : $108

3. The best Norway whale watching tour to see wildlife (Svalbard Islands)

Another Norway whale watching tour that I recommend is this Svalbard whale cruise . You’ll travel in an enclosed, heated boat and make your way to Isfjorden, the second-longest fjord in Svalbard.

This is where you can see all kinds of wild animals like reindeer, arctic foxes, and even rare blue foxes. You’ll also get a beautiful view of Isfjorden’s natural scenery, including glaciers. Keep an eye out for huge sheets of ice, perhaps with a polar bear or two on them.

The tour offers a wonderful opportunity to see different whales of Norway , like humpbacks, belugas, and blue whales. Your guide will also point out various bird species like rock ptarmigans, long-tailed ducks, fulmars, gulls, and puffins.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best whale safaris in Norway . Not only will you get to see amazing wildlife from a comfortable boat, but a warm lunch is also included.

• Highlights : Glaciers, wildlife viewing, humpbacks, belugas, blue whales
• Starting point : Svalbard
• Duration : 5 hours
• Number of participants : 12
• Price : $225

4. The top orca watching in Norway tour (The Vesterålen Islands)

Experience some of the best Norwegian orca watching by booking an Andenes whale watching tour . Besides orcas, you might also see pilot whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, or even fin whales depending on the time of year.

Start your Norway whale watching tour off with a guided tour of the Andenes whale museum, which is included in the price of your ticket. Then, you’ll head to the boat and start off on your journey.

As you keep an eye out for whales of all kinds, you’ll be served biscuits and warm drinks. Additionally, if you sail on the MS Reine, you’ll be treated to warm soup with bread.  

• Highlights : Pilot whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, orcas
• Starting point : Andenes
• Duration : 2.5 to 5 hours
• Number of participants : 80
• Price : $132

While your guide will tell you more about the marine wildlife you can expect to spot on your Norway whale watching tour , it helps to know a bit about what you might see ahead of time.

There are many types of whales that can be seen in Norway, but if you’re whale watching in Tromso or around the Lofoten Islands, you’ll most likely see humpback whales and orcas. On the other hand, if you take a Norwegian whale watching tour around the Svalbard or Vesterålen Islands, you’ll probably see fin whales, pilot whales, or even dolphins.

Orcas in Norway

Orcas, or killer whales, are drawn to Norwegian coastal waters in late fall/winter by the copious amounts of herring. If you’re going orca watching in Norway , you may see killer whales that reach up to 26 feet in length and weigh as much as 11,000 pounds. Orcas can be easily identified by their distinctive black-and-white markings.

Humpback whales in Norway

Humpback whales, like orcas, are attracted to the waters of northern Norway by the herring that come to spawn. These cetaceans can be seen in the waters around the Norwegian coast from late fall to mid-winter; their round, bumpy heads and large size make them easy to recognize.

You may even get splashed by water from their blowholes, which can shoot water up to 9 feet into the air!

Fin whales in Norway

Unfortunately, you won’t see fin whales on every Norway whale watching tour , but you may see them if you take go whale watching near the Vesterålen Islands. These migratory baleen whales can reach up to 90 feet in length and weigh up to 126 tons. However, they are difficult to find in Arctic waters, and they’re also endangered and hunted by orcas.

Pilot whales in Norway

The long-finned pilot whale is another marine mammal you can see if you travel to the Svalbard Islands during the summer months.

Interestingly, pilot whales aren’t actually whales; they’re large dolphins with rounded heads and dorsal fins that are close to the tops of their backs.

Sperm whales in Norway

Sperm whales can usually be seen in the vicinity of Norway’s Vesterålen Islands. These gigantic whales are only surpassed in size by the mighty blue whale. They regularly dive over 3,000 feet underwater in search of food, and you can recognize them by their large, square heads.

Dolphins in Norway

There’s a good chance you’ll see dolphins if you’re whale watching in Norway , since a variety of species live in Northern Norway and like to swim in the fjords. Some of the dolphin species you may see include the Atlantic white-sided dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin.

Wherever you choose to go whale watching in Norway , whether that be Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard Islands, or the Vesterålen Islands, you should have a good chance of seeing cetaceans in the wild. Just remember to have your camera at the ready to capture the whales of Norway when you see them!

Hopefully, this article has helped you plan a fantastic Norway whale watching trip. At the very least, now you should be able to tell the difference between a humpback whale and a pilot whale!

Enjoy your whale-watching adventure!

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10 replies on “ Whale Watching in Norway – Best Time and Tours ”

Hello there and happy new year. I live in Western Australia in a town called Dunsborough where we get humpbacks, minke and blues coming in to rest with their young every year around Sep-Nov. I’m an hoping ti travel to Finland and Norway this December and am so excited to see I can get to experience the same whilst there in winter. Can you recommend the best tour please and also should we prebook as I’d hate to miss out if they book out in advance. Thanks so much.

Hi Gayl, Australia is absolutely breathtaking! As for a whale-watching trip in Norway, December is an excellent time to go. Any of the tours in this article would be great, and I do recommend reserving your spot in advance. 😉 December is also a good time for whale spotting in Finland. I don’t know which part of the country you’re visiting, but there are a lot of tours in Helsinki.

Hi, I am staying near Bergen. Is there a good whale watching tour more towards the south?

Hi Joanna, There are local tour companies in the Bergen area, but the top-rated whale-watching cruises in Norway are further north.

Is there any whale watching to do in the summer like August ?

Hi Steve, Typically, whale-watching tours in Norway take place between October and January. However, in the Vesterålen area, you can see whales year-round. There are a few tour operators in this area, such as this one .

Hi , I wanna join whale watching tour. I will be in Norway at April 28. Do you have any recommendation for those days? 🙂

Hi Anar, The whale-watching season in Norway usually goes from October to January, so I recommend trying to visit during that time!

I am looking for a whale Dolphins tour with the northern lights could you please advice me this will be late 2023 or early 2024

I recommend doing two separate different tours from Tromso. One whale watching tour in Tromso and one Northern Lights tour in Tromso . You can’t see the whale at night or the Northern Lights during the day, so you will need to take two tours.

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Best Destinations to watch dolphins & whales in Europe

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Because you love nature you want to watch animals in the wild, not trapped in cages or aquariums!

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Tenerife is in a few words the largest island in the Canaries, a sunny destination throughout the year, over 1800 hotels, apartments , holiday rentals at very affordable prices, swimming pools, blue skies, volcanoes, but also dolphins and whales. Book your hotel in Tenerife now and get the best activities in Tenerife like a whale and dolphin watching cruise .

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Mont Saint-Michel is not only the second most visited monuments in France after the Eiffel Tower, it is also a sanctuary for dolphins who enjoy bathing in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel for the great pleasure of the inhabitants of Normandy and the tourists.

Book your hotel at the best price in Mont Saint-Michel as well as your best activities and watch the dolphins in the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

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Brittany is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt regions in France. The inhabitants are very friendly, the culture and gastronomy are very rich. It is an authentic destination, perfect for nature lovers. Book your hotel in Brittany and come watch seals and dolphins; they often come and escort the boat that connects the continent to the island of Ouessant. 

Iceland is known for being the European destination with the most beautiful fauna and flora, an incredible unspoilt nature to be discovered. Iceland's fresh, nutrient-rich waters host more than 20 different varieties of whales , including the famous "Sperm Whale", that inspired  "Moby Dick" the famous novel.

Book your hotel at the best price in Iceland  as well as your best activities like a Northern lights tour or a Volcanoes day tour and of course a whale watching trip from Reykjavik . 

Enjoy a dream holiday in Tarifa in Andalusia and watch the dolphins as well as the whales . Seven varieties of dolphins and whales await you in Tarifa. Do not wait any longer and book your hotel at the best price in Tarifa, one of the best destinations in Europe to watch dolphins and whales, an unforgettable experience.

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• Top Whale Watching Destinations in Europe - Getmyboat

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Guide to Whale Watching on Your Boat - Getmyboat

Europe is a great destination for all sorts of travel and adventures, and getting out on a boat is a fantastic activity. Whale watching excursions are popular in many countries and locations around the continent, and here are some of the best places in Europe to see whales in the wild. 

Iceland Whale Watching Tours

With snow-capped mountains, a rugged coastline, fjords, and gorgeous views from the sea, Iceland is a paradise destination for outdoorsy adventurers and whale watchers. If you find yourself in the capital Reykjavik, whale watching is a must. If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, book a whale-watching tour for an unforgettable experience that will get you up close and personal with species like Orcas, Minke Whales, Humpbacks, and Blue Whales, which can be spotted from all around the island country. Head to Iceland during the summer season, from April to September, for your best chance at seeing whales in the wild. Some of the top destinations within Iceland for whale watching include Husavik and Akureyri . 

Scotland Whale Watching Tours

Scotland is a wonderful destination to enjoy a whale watching tour . With countless islands and inlets to explore, it’s home to some of the best locations for whale spotting in the whole world. The whale watching season in Scotland runs mostly during the summer months from May to September. In summer, you’ll have the best chances of seeing Orcas, a variety of dolphin species, Minke Whales, and porpoises. Many whale watching tours in Scotland only run during the summer season, as the likelihood of seeing whales later in the year decline as whales migrate south for the winter.

If you’re headed to Scotland with the goal of seeing whales, you’ll want to visit cities like Oban , the Isle of Mull, Orkney, and Shetland. 

Norway Whale Watching Tours

Norway, and particularly the city of Tromso, is spectacular for whale watching and a must-do for travelers exploring the country. You can see these massive animals swimming around your boat underneath the green glow of the northern lights, undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime. Whale watching in Norway on a whale safari by boat will take you around the gorgeous coastline of Norway, in and out of fjords, and around small islands, showing the Nordic country from a new perspective. Enjoy sightings of Fin Whales, Humpback Whales, and Orcas, to name a few. 

If northern Europe is too cold and you’d prefer to see whales and dolphins in a warmer climate, there are great destinations in the more tropical regions of Europe to go whale watching. 

The Canary Islands Whale & Dolphin Watching

The Canary Islands , and especially Tenerife, are a fantastic warm-weather destination to spot whales and dolphins in the wild. This cluster of islands off the coast of Morocco is home to a variety of resident whale species that you can see swimming freely at any time of year. Pilot whales are the most commonly seen in Tenerife and the Canary Islands.. Book a whale-watching catamaran cruise in Tenerife and explore the southern parts of the island, seeing dolphins and whales swim and play in the waves around your boat. Most tours include lunch and drinks, and you’ll stop for a snorkel in some stunning bays. 

The Azores (Portugal) Whale Watching Tours

Right in the middle of the Atlantic, midway between continental Europe and North America sits the incredible archipelago of the Azores. The islands are a part of Portugal, it’s an amazing destination for whale watching and seeing cetaceans in the wild, up close on a little RIB or a motor yacht. You’ll see whales and dolphins on day excursions from popular coastal towns in the Azores like Ponta Delgada or Angra do Heroísmo . 

Heading to Europe for whale watching or other adventures? Download the Getmyboat app to search and book experiences and boat rentals on-the-go during your travels.

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Whale & Dolphin Watching

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Welcome to our exciting world of discovery.

Imagine being on one of our boats, slicing through the waters of the deep blue Atlantic, the waves glistening with expectation. Suddenly you see a flash and a sleek shape breaks the surface, exploding into view – it’s the fluke of an immense sperm whale – a short distance away !  

You can see its great unblinking eye, curious about you and your fellow explorers. You catch your breath; the whale is massive and yet gentle at the same time.   Then its tail smacks the water with a splash, disappearing below in a cloud of spray.  

You’ve never seen anything like this.

Welcome to the heart-pounding world of whale and dolphin watching.   You’ve come to the right place for it – the Azores – 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic and the best place for spotting these glorious undersea creatures.  

This sea-life paradise is rich with an unending flow of marine life like blue whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins. Yet another reason this treasured spot is unique – it is one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world! That means you can enjoy your whale watching experience and know that you’re a responsible citizen helping our wonderfully diverse planet.

Learn More about the Azores species

GUARANTEED SIGHTING

We are so confident you will spot at least one whale or dolphin on your tour with us that if you don’t… you can book another trip for free!

WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING

Discover the fun of the Azores! Join us for an adventure spotting whales, dolphins and other fascinating marine life.  

Swimming with Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins.

Enjoy these playful creatures as they swim and jump about, entertaining you with their delightful whistles and clicks.  

Why Choose Futurismo

We are the experts in whale watching. How do you know? We were here right at the beginning. Over 30 years ago Futurismo played a key role in transitioning the Azores from hunting whales to enjoying them.  

Over the decades we’ve watched the whales and learned a lot – where the best places and times for spotting them are, their habits, their patterns and how to show our guests a wonderful experience.  

Along the way we’ve also learned how to best protect these special whales and dolphins, known as cetaceans. We are proud partners of the World Cetacean Alliance , working for their conservation throughout the world.  

We aren’t only a touring company – we are a sustainable travel agency and take an active role in science and research. In fact, on many of our tours, you’ll meet our biologists on board to help get the most from your whale watching experience.  

So, enjoy your holiday in the Azores with the most knowledgeable ecotourism professionals offering years of experience in delighting our guests.  

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Our marine biologists share their knowledge about the species seen in the Azores. We also collect data for scientific research.

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We are committed to protecting the environment. We collect all the litter we see during our ocean tours.

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“FANTASTIC, ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE TOURISM”

“We went on a half day whale watching tour and had a wonderful time. We saw sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins and were really impressed with the approach of the crew. There were biologists on board who were very knowledgable and the captain found us lots of things to watch, but at the same time never disturbed the animals. For example, at one point there were too many boats around the first pod of dolphins we saw so we moved on. The company also posts pictures of each trip on Facebook and offers a free trip if you see nothing. They were very impressive.”

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“MUST DO WHALE WATCHING TOURS!”

“ Whale watching is a must do activity in the Azores. And if you must go, you should go with Futurismo. Absolutely excellent tours every single time. I was on holiday in the Azores for a week and went every single day. Twice a day.”

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“GREAT TRIP!”

“We spend hours on the ocean and spotted dolphins and sperm whales. On the ocean you realize how small you are and the power of nature. Thanks for the wonderful experience.”

Babs Kien – Facebook

discover THE AZORES ARCHIPELAGO EUROPE’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

It’s part of Europe but you might think you’ve landed in Hawaii or New Zealand . This wonderful world of 9 small islands in the middle of the Atlantic enjoys a mild climate with lots of land and sea adventures.   Just a two-hour flight from Lisbon and less than 4 hours from the U.S. east coast, you can find many convenient flights to this green European Eden . And travel between the islands is easy by boat or plane.  

ADVENTURES IN THE AZORES

Whale watching. Sailing. Kayaking. Swimming. Hiking. Jeep Tours. The Azores are a wealth of adventures to be discovered around these pristine islands. The deep blues and greens of our world are an invitation to exploration and fun. So, come swim with the dolphins, take a bike tour through dramatic volcanic hills or set sail on a sunset cruise bathed in a glorious pink sky – we can’t wait to give you an unforgettable holiday .  

  Discover these hidden gems with us  

azores highlights PICO MOUNTAIN

For fantastic views of the islands, nothing beats a climb to our highest peak – Pico Mountain. A dormant volcano, the mountain tops off at 2,351m (7713ft).  

azores highlights VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO ISLET

Just a kilometer offshore from Vila Franco Do Campo, this reserve is a circular pool perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Formed by a submerged volcanic crater, you can explore its captivating, scenic shores.  

azores highlights Sete Cidades Lake

Surrounded by lush greenery, towering volcanic rims, and breathtaking views, this is one of the most beautiful lake on São Miguel Island.  

azores highlights FURNAS

Beautiful and untouched, the Furnas Valley offers thermal hot springs, fumaroles, calderas and an abundance of greenery throughout.

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Cetaceans photography.

We created this package for cetacean and photography lovers. It is a unique opportunity to refine your skills. 

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6 days – package designed for those who want to focus on whale watching tours and visit the interior of São Miguel Island.

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Join us for whale and dolphin watching on the north coast of São Miguel Island in the summer!

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A Guide To Whale Watching In Cork (Best Time To Try It + Tours)

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: December 30, 2023

One of the most unique things to do in Ireland is to spend a day whale watching in Cork.

One of the many reasons to travel is to witness nature at its most powerful, something that’s hard to do from the comfort of your own sofa!

When it comes to whale watching Ireland packs a punch, with many parts of the country offering a great base for seeing these magnificent marine mammals in all their glory.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything you need to know if you fancy giving whale watching in Cork a crack in 2024.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about whale watching in West Cork

Photo by Alexey Mhoyan (Shutterstock)

West Cork is one of the best places to see whales in Ireland. Over the years, many species of whale have been recorded in the chilly waters here, from Killer Whales to Humpbacks.

Below, you’ll find some quick need-to-knows about whale watching in Cork, from the best time to see whales to what tour providers are operating in the area.

1. The best time to try whale watching in Cork

Which whales you see depends largely on the time of year that you visit and, it goes without saying, that there’s no 100% cast iron guarantee that you’ll see a whale on the day you visit. 

Minke and Fin Whales can be seen from the early summer months onwards, while Humpback Whales join in the fun from around August to January.

Killer Whales and Long-Finned Pilot Whales are a bit harder to pin down and are seen throughout the year but bear in mind sightings of these amazing creatures are a bit more of a rarity than the others.

2. Where to try whale watching in West Cork

Although the lively little village of Baltimore is arguably the best know departure point for whale watching in West Cork, it’s not the only one.

There are several other whale watch tours in Cork that leave from everywhere from Courtmacsherry to Reen Pier (near Union Hall ). More on the tours below.

3. Species of whales recorded in the waters off West Cork

There are a number of whale species that make spectacular appearances off the West Cork coast throughout the year.

Among some of the most notable species include Killer Whales, Minke Whales, Fin Whales, Humpback Whales and the Long-Finned Pilot Whale.

4. Make sure to book in advance

Many West Cork whale watching tours will book out, so it’s important to ring up (info below) and book your place in advance.

This is one of the more popular things to do in West Cork , and arguably one of the most unique things to do in Cork , so you need to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Whale watching tours in West Cork

Photo by Andrea Izzotti (Shutterstock)

Now, before we dive into the different whale watching tours in Cork, there’s a couple of need-to-knows (more, I know…).

The first is that you’re never guaranteed to see whales on any  whale watch tour, so keep that in mind.

The second is that the weather can often result in tours being cancelled, so try and plan your trip with this in mind. 

Below, you’ll find 4 different tours to check out if you fancy trying whale watching in Cork in 2024. Note: these are in no particular order and the photos used are all stock and do not show the tour providers mentioned below. 

1. Cork Whale Watch

Photo by Tory Kallman (Shutterstock)

If you fancy trying whale watching in Cork and you’re staying in Union Hall or Glandore , Cork Whale Watch tours are a great shout, as they’re located a short, 7-minute drive away at Reen Pier.

Where the tour leaves from

All of Cork Whale Watch’s voyages leave from Reen Pier, a small pier that’s about 4km from the village of Unionhall and around a 1hr 30min drive from Cork city. 

How much the tour costs

For adults the tour is €60 per person while it’s €45 for children under 18 years of age. For 3rd level students it’s also €50 if you have a valid student card (note: prices accurate at the time of typing).

When the tours run

There is one tour per day from March to November. If there is demand and the weather conditions are suitable, trips may run during December and January.

2. Baltimore Sea Safari

Photo by takepicsforfun (Shutterstock)

For those of you staying in Baltimore or anywhere in and around Mizen or Skibbereen looking to try whale watching in West Cork, Baltimore Sea Safari are a good shout.

Baltimore Sea Safari run their boat tours from the charming coastal village of Baltimore, around a 1hr 30min drive from Cork city. 

Their 2-2.5-hour Sea Safari boat tours cost €35 per person (note: prices accurate at the time of typing). 

The Sea Safari trips run twice per day at 11am and 2pm (note: times accurate at the time of typing). 

3. Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours

Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours have racked up some impressive reviews online (4.7/5 on Google at the time of typing).

If you’re staying in Kinsale and you fancy trying whale watching in West Cork, this is a great option, as the tours leave from just 35 minutes away in Courtmacsherry.

Around an hour’s drive from Cork city, Atlantic Whale and Wildlife Tours’s trips leave from the gorgeous village of Courtmacsherry at the mouth of the River Arigideen.

The tours with this crowd last 3 – 4 hours and cost €60 for an adult and €40 for a child up to 15 years (note: prices accurate at the time of typing).

There’s a booking form on their website where you can express your desired day to travel and they will let you know if they’re able to accommodate you. 

4. Whale Watch West Cork

Photo by Annie Leblanc (Shutterstock)

Last our list of tour providers for whale watching in Cork is Whale Watch West Cork , who are also based in Baltimore Village.

These are another popular tour operator and they’ve amassed a 4.8/5 review score from over 120+ reviews at the time of typing.

All of Whale Watch West Cork’s tours leave from Baltimore Harbour, a stone’s throw from a handful of places to eat and sleep.

Their four-hour tours cost €55 per person and you can book by online form, e-mail or by phone (note: prices accurate at the time of typing).

Tours run twice a day from April (9.30am and 2.15pm). During the peak season (July and August) there are tours at 9.30am and 2.15pm along with sunset tours at 7pm.

Why whale watching in Ireland 

Whale watching in Ireland isn’t just limited to Cork – in fact, there are several different places to see whales in Ireland.

Parts of West Kerry and Donegal also record plenty of whale and dolphin sightings every year and there are a couple of reasons why our island is such a popular spot for these stunning marine mammals.

1. Ireland is a whale and dolphin  sanctuary

Back in the early 1990’s, the Irish government declared the coastal waters of Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary (the first of its kind in Europe) and ever since then there’s been a growth in enthusiasm and respect for these stunning mammals.

2. A busy feeding ground

Why do many species of marine life call these Irish waters home for much of the year? The coastal waters off the southwest of Ireland are a large summer feeding ground for a variety of whale species.

They’re a year-round home for numerous resident dolphin species including the Harbour Porpoise and they feed in Irish waters on a mixture of small shoaling fish and can be seen just a few kilometres offshore!

FAQs about whale watching in West Cork

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from when is the best time to try whale watching in Cork to where tours leave from.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

When is the best time for whale watching in West Cork?

Minke and Fin Whales can be seen from the early summer months onwards, while Humpback Whales join in the fun from around August to January. 

Where can you try whale watching in Cork?

The whale watching tours mentioned above leave from Baltimore village, Reen Pier near Union Hall and Courtmacsherry.

Are you guaranteed to see whales in Cork?

No. Although you can head off whale watching in West Cork, it’s never guarenteed that you’ll actually see whales. 

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Whale Watching in the Azores Islands, Portugal

Experience the wonder of the azores on a whale and dolphin watching excursion.

The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world . Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species , making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries . The Azores’ winning combination of unique volcanic origins, deep waters off the coast, and mild air and sea temperatures from the Gulf Stream makes the archipelago the ideal location for visitors to come and spot a wide array of species on a whale-watching adventure.

For your convenience, we've prepared a comprehensive whale-watching guide, ensuring a flawless experience that allows you to make the most of this unforgettable adventure. Get your Whale Watching Guide!

What Kind of Sea Life Can You Spot on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursion in the Azores?

Sperm Whales , Common Dolphins , Bottlenose Dolphins , Atlantic Spotted Dolphins , and Risso’s Dolphins all call the Azores home year-round. Some other species also pass through the islands during certain seasons, including Pilot Whales and Striped Dolphins , which come around the spring months, and Blue Whales , Minke Whale , Fin Whales , and Sei Whales , which pass through during their summer migration.

The Azores' waters are also home to many other birds and animals. For instance, visitors to the islands can expect to encounter sea turtles , Manta rays , ocean sunfish , whale sharks , and Cory’s shearwater , the most abundant seabird in the Azores (with a very distinct call!)

What is the Best Time of Year to Experience Whale and Dolphin Watching Excursions in the Azores, Portugal?

Most people believe that whale and dolphin watching is only possible during the summer months, but this is a common misconception! Due to the Azores’ mild temperatures year-round and the large number of species that call the archipelago home, it’s possible to venture out on a whale and dolphin-watching excursion and spot some exciting wildlife any time of the year. If you’re specifically interested in observing spotted dolphins, sperm whales, sei whales, bearded whales, or fin whales, the summer is the best season for you to visit. Blue whales can be easily spotted at the end of winter, while spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, and pilot whales pass through during the spring months. No matter what season you choose to visit the Azores, you’ll always be able to spot some new friends at sea.  

Are Whale and Dolphin Sightings Guaranteed During Excursions in the Azores, Portugal?

Since the Azores is home to a variety of both resident species and species that migrate through the islands at various times each year, visitors can expect to spot whales and dolphins 98% of the time they venture out to sea. The spotting rate in the Azores is so high that many tour operators will reschedule if no dolphins or whales are spotted!   

What Should You Know Before Embarking on a Whale and Dolphin-Watching Excursion in the Azores, Portugal?

Local tour operators and government agencies work together to ensure that the species of the Azores remain safeguarded by setting guidelines and safety rules for all observers to follow. 

While whale and dolphin watching, the following is prohibited:

• Chasing, disturbing, or feeding whales and dolphins;
• Swimming with whales;
• Polluting the sea;
• Making noise;
• Having more than three boats at once in the same spot;
• Navigating alongside the whales and dolphins at any distance less than 50 meters (100 meters if there are baby whales or dolphins present).

Whether you are young or young at heart, and regardless if it is winter, spring, or summer, the Azores is the perfect destination for all adventurers who wish to experience the thrill of viewing the cetaceans of the Azores up close on a whale-watching boat trip.

What now? 

Now that we’ve given you a great introduction to these two types of oceanic adventures, we’ll further break down specific offerings that each of the islands offers, including both whale watching and dolphin watching. This way, you know exactly what to do based on where your visit takes you and which sea animal you want to spot most.

What Can You Expect During a Dolphin-Watching Excursion in the Azores?

While whale watching is most often spoken of, visitors mustn’t miss the equally thrilling adventure that is dolphin watching. Dolphin watching sometimes isn’t just watching: 

You can look forward to all of this and more in the Azores Islands, whether your visit finds you seeking Pico dolphin watching encounters, Terceira dolphin watching excursions, Faial dolphin watching tours, Pico dolphin watching trips, or São Miguel dolphin watching treks, you are sure to find an adventure frolicking with these friendly mammals with your name on it, year-round.

And if whale watching is more your style, why not opt for an Azores whale watching holiday? While we honestly can’t decide on the absolute best Azores island for whale watching (each island offers such amazing adventures!), we can offer some incredible tips on the best selections on each. Keep reading for all the inside details on the best whale watching for each Azores Island. 

What Are the Best Whale Watching Experiences in São Miguel, Azores?

São Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands, offers visitors the opportunity to experience whale watching departing from historic and scenic Ponta Delgada harbor. If you’d especially like to spot blue or fin whales, São Miguel is your best bet. There are also most tour operators located on this island, meaning you can have your pick among a multitude of different tour options, including different types of whale-watching boats and vessels. Dolphin-watching tours are also an option in Sao Miguel, so don’t forget that!

Book your whale-watching tour in São Miguel Island, here!

Whale Watching in Terceira, Azores

Terceira Island is known for its rich cultural roots as well as its amazing whale-watching opportunities. Terceira is home to the official UNESCO Heritage Site, Angra do Heroísmo, which provides the perfect and awe-inspiring backdrop as you depart on your whale-watching adventure! Imagine getting to see myriad varieties of whales in their wild and natural habitats, coming back ashore, and getting the chance to let yourself be carried away by the sights and sounds of this picturesque World Heritage Town. It’s a can’t-lose scenario.

Book your whale-watching tour in Terceira Island, here!

Whale Watching in Faial, Azores

Faial Island has long been known to be one of Europe’s best destinations for whale watching. The Atlantic waters surrounding the island feature a wide range of whale species, including sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, and more various times throughout the year. As well as hosting a wealth of whales, the charming capital town of Horta and its historic architecture will be sure to charm you just as much as the sea creatures. And don’t forget the dolphins while you are in Faial either, as local operators offer many dolphin-watching excursions to delight you as well.

Book your whale-watching tour in Faial Island, here!

Whale Watching in Pico, Azores

Pico is a fascinating island famous for many things, including its vast UNESCO-protected vineyards, which produce the Azores’ signature wine. Pico whale watching is also primo, with the island boasting an amazing Marine Protected Area known as Ilheus da Madalena (Islets of Madalena) that offers a literal playground for abundant marine life. Plan your whale-watching tour right, and after getting a gander at the great whale, stop by a local Pico cafe or vineyard and enjoy a sip — or many — of some of that famed island wine.

Book your whale-watching tour in Pico Island, here!

Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip! 

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Classic Whale Watching Husavik

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Home / Day Tours / North Iceland / Classic Whale Watching Husavik

Whales are fascinating animals and it is an unforgettable experience to see them in their natural habitat. Spend 3 hours at sea and enjoy the wildlife of Skjálfandi Bay in the North of Iceland. This Whale Watching Húsavík tour gives you the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds.

Húsavík is located at the Skjálfandi Bay in the North of Iceland. This bay provides very good feeding grounds for whales in summer. You go on a 3-hour whale watching tour from the harbor in the center of Husavik and you can enjoy the wildlife of the bay.

You have the chance to see minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, humpback whales, and even fin and blue whales. The most famous whales in the bay are the humpback whales and lucky guests can see their special surfacing behaviors such as breaching, lob-tailing or tail-slapping. During the boat tour, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and watch seabirds such as the famous puffins, arctic terns, fulmars and eider ducks.

This whale watching tour in Húsavík is operated by one of our reliable partners.

Meeting point: From the harbor in central Húsavík

Mar – Nov

North Iceland

No Age Limit

• Whale-watching boat tour
• Professional guiding
• Warm safety overalls
• Raincoats if needed

Not included:

• Personal clothing

What to bring?

• Warm clothing

Meeting Point:

From the harbor in central Húsavík

Requirements:

For your safety and comfort, we reserve the right to change schedules, even with short notice, should weather or other conditions change.

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Whale watching in Tenerife: 5 Best boat tours in Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the top places for whale watching in Europe due to the fact that the whale watching season extends throughout the year, so no matter when you come on holiday to the Canary Islands, you'll still have a good chance to see one of these magnificent creatures. 

What types of whales can you see around Tenerife?

When is the best time for whale watching in tenerife, what about dolphins in tenerife, best boat tours in tenerife , tenerife: whale & dolphin watching with drinks and snacks, tenerife: whale watching catamaran tour, tenerife: whale and dolphin tour with underwater views, los gigantes whale watching cruise by sail boat with pick-up, snorkeling and kayaking with turtles.

Currently, according to the Canary Islands Biodiversity Data Bank (BIOTA), there are a total of 32 species of marine mammals in the Canary Islands. Among the most common species that make up this rich biodiversity are dolphins, pilot whales, beaked whales, whales, fin whales and orcas.

This may not seem much at first, but it is considered a high number when it is compared to other destinations. The high biodiversity makes the Canary Islands one of the 6 best European destinations for dolphin and whale watching. So when you're coming over on holiday, don't miss the chance to go on one of the best boat tours in Tenerife in order to see them with your own eyes.

The most common dolphin and whale species that you can see around Tenerife are:

• Bottlenose dolphins
• Ordinary pilot whales
• Common dolphins
• Sperm whales

It is also possible to see Blue-white dolphins, Borneo Dolphins, Killer whales Blue whales, although the chances are slimmer compared to the more common species. 

The Canary Islands Archipelago is the no. 1 place in Europe with the greatest biodiversity in this group of species.

Although you can certainly spot dolphins and whales around Tenerife all throughout the year, the best seasons for whales watching in Tenerife are winter and spring, because this is the time of the year when you can also get to see migratory species like fin whales and humpback whales.

The summer months are the best months to see young specimens and if you want to go on a boat tour you should know that they leave from the south of the island, usually from Los Cristianos, Puerto Colon or Los Gigantes.

You have high chances of seeing dolphins in Tenerife as in almost 90% of the boat tours you can see these smart and adorable marine creatures, which are quite common in the waters around the Canary Islands.

In order to ensure that the animals are not disturbed, the Canary Islands has legislation in place when it comes to boat tours, so operators need a special license for these tours. Whale watching tours are one of the most popular things to do in Tenerife, so with great demand comes great responsibility, to make sure that the animals are not in any danger with so many boats going out every day.

These Tenerife boat tours have the best reviews from customers and you can choose one depending also on where you are staying in the island during your holiday.

This boat tour is one of the most popular excursions in Tenerife!

Let the wind whip your hair back and forth as you gaze out across the clear azure waters of Southern Tenerife in the Canary Islands on a 3-hour cruise. Along with a maximum of 11 other cruise mates, you will have plenty of space onboard a luxury yacht to see the beauty of nature along the coastline and in the water.

• Includes unlimited drinks
• Champagne, Ham, cheese, and salad baguettes
• Sonar equipment for listening to the dolphins and whales

Sail off the coast of southwest Tenerife on a 2-hour boat excursion looking for whales and dolphins. The boat departs from Puerto Colon, traveling 2 or 3 miles from the coast, where the pilot whales are often to be found. 

Sailing by catamaran, you will also pass by some fish farms, where the clever dolphins are often looking for an easy meal.

• Free on board drinks, including water, soft drinks, and beer
• Snorkeling set (if you choose the 3-hour option)
• Stop in the bay of Playa Espagueti to swim and snorkel

Sail along the coastline past Adeje, Guia de Isora, and Santiago del Teide, where pods of spirited dolphins and groups of pilot whales are a common sight. If you are lucky enough to spot them, spend a few minutes below deck and observe them from a vantage point underneath the water's surface.

Then, enjoy a cold beer or a glass of sangria along with lunch back on deck (if you book the 3-hour option). The boat will return to Puerto Colon and if you have booked a transfer, your bus will take you back to your pickup point.

• Pickup & drop-off from the south of Tenerife (if option selected)
• Lunch with beer, sangria, and soft drinks (on 3-hour option)
• Swimming stop (on 3-hour option)

Cruise out into the open sea in search for dolphins and pilot whales in an intimate group of no more than 9 people. Get served complimentary drinks, along with fresh fruit onboard the boat.

Drop anchor to go for a swim in the sea or snorkel with the marine life in a small cove of outstanding beauty. Return to the boat to enjoy freshly made sandwiches. Then, slowly navigate your way back to port enjoying the great views of the cliffs along the way.

• Pick-up service from locations between Los Gigantes and La Caleta
• Fresh fruit, home-made sandwiches (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) & Beverages, including cava, white and red wine, beer and soft drinks
• 3-hour whale-watching cruise and time to swim and snorkel

Climb aboard for a 2.5-hour kayaking adventure in Tenerife and get up close and personal with dolphins and turtles in their natural environment. Observe the amazing creatures from a vessel that does not frighten them or disturb their natural habitat.

Experience the extraordinary sensation of being surrounded by pods of up to 30 dolphins that sometimes put on a show by jumping high into the air! Tenerife is home to up to 5 different species of dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins.

• Includes Kayaks, paddles, masks and snorkels
• Includes also Accident insurance
• Guide & Pictures included
• Best Apartments in Tenerife: Kn Aparthotel Columbus (Playa de Las Americas) • Aparthotel Los Dragos del Sur   (Puerto Santiago) 
• Popular hotels in Tenerife: H10 Costa Adeje Palace 4* (Costa Adeje) • Iberostar Bouganville Playa 4* (Playa de Las Americas) • Barceló Santiago (Puerto Santiago)
• Luxury 5* hotels in Tenerife: Adrián Hoteles Roca Nivaria (Adeje) • Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur (Adeje)
• See our dedicated guide for the best places to stay in Tenerife .
• Best Excursions & Tours: Whale & Dolphin Watching with Drinks & Snacks • Loro Parque Entry Ticket and Shows

FAQ about whale watching in Tenerife

You can go on boat trips and see whales in Tenerife all year round, but the best months are during the winter and spring seasons.

Boat trips that take you out on the ocean to see whales in Tenerife depart from the south of the island from Los Cristianos, Los Gigantes and Puerto Colon.

You can see dolphins in Tenerife on the same boat trips where you can see whales as well. The best area is the stretch of ocean between Tenerife and La Gomera.

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Best excursions and tours in Tenerife - 2024 Guide

Best Hikes in Tenerife - Our Top 6 Favourite Hiking Trails

22 Best things to do in Tenerife & Best places to visit (2024 Guide)

Visit Casa de los Balcones in La Orotava, Tenerife

🐋 The 3 Best Norway Whale Watching Tours From Tromsø [2024 Reviews]

You know, I feel like Norway is often underrated in terms of just how beautiful and exciting it can be. While it’s known around the world for its maritime history and linked Viking presence, it has some truly striking natural landscapes.

I didn’t know that it was one of the top whale-watching locations in the world, with frequent sightings of sperm whales, humpbacks and orcas throughout the entire year!

I’ve put together the 3 top Norway whale watching tours from Tromsø that will leave you full of awe and waiting impatiently for the next opportunity to partake in one! Let’s dive right in!

Best Norway Whale Watching Tours From Tromsø

Quick answer: the 3 best norway whale watching tours from tromsø for 2024.

• Silent Whale Watching From Tromsø
• Polar Whale Safari From Tromsø
• Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari

Tromsø Whale Watching Tour Reviews

1.  silent whale watching from tromsø.

• Duration:  8 to 9 hours
• Departure: Brim Explorer Tromsø, Kaigata 6, 9008 Tromsø
• Departure Time:  8:00 AM
• Includes: Guide, restroom on board, wifi on board

Something that I’ve learned over my years of whale-watching around the world is that it’s important to create the most minimal disturbance to the natural environment as possible.

Whales are highly sensory, and have an incredible sense of hearing that they essentially rely on to survive. With the Silent Whale Watching from Tromsø Tour , you can rest easy knowing that they place the whales’ health and safety (as well as your own) above everything else.

This tour leaves around 8 in the morning, which is the ideal time to maximize the entire day (as it is a full 8 hours). It was clear from the very beginning that the captain and crew are highly professional and knowledgeable about the animals and their natural environment.

When we first met with them, they gave us a good idea of what to expect throughout the day as well as a safety briefing.

The vessel does have a restroom and wifi on board so you will always be able to stay in contact with others on shore or back home, and can share media of the tour in real time.

The guides did a fantastic job at explaining the different facts and history to us throughout, which definitely enriched the experience. The vessel has a silent hybrid-electric engine which doesn’t disturb the whales, which was very important to me.

The boat also includes 2 indoor saloons with fully panoramic windows for unobstructed viewing when the weather isn’t ideal, along with 3 outdoor decks which is best for spotting these majestic beauties.

They even served us a delicious meal, which was very welcome after being on board for the entire day! Just keep in mind that it could get a bit intense out there, as the boat rocked quite a bit!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. polar whale safari from tromsø.

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure: Front Pier, Killengreens gate 7-11, 9008 Tromsø
• Includes:  Guide, Snacks, Beverages, Lunch

Wow, this next tour was such an educational experience, I felt like I was on some kind of Natural Geographic show or something!

The Polar Whale Safari from Tromsø tour  is a full-fledged experience taking you through the varied types of native marine life to the area.

The expert guides there to guide you are passionate and excited to show you everything they know about these beautiful creatures while keeping them undisturbed.

The meetup point was nice and convenient, as it was located right in the center of Tromsø. We met here with our guides, and then went to board our sightseeing boat which was equally fun as it was impressive!

The vessel comes with a heated cabin as well as an open deck on top, so fair warning, you could get wet from the bumpy ride between the fjords if you stay up on the deck!

I’m not sure if it’s the same every time, but they gave us some tasty tomato soup as a snack, along with hot drinks to keep us warm. As we cruised along to find whales, our guides offered fascinating commentary about the animals and the sea, itself.

They even pointed out sea birds, and we got to see the impressive Sea Eagle, with a massive wingspan! While whale sightings can obviously never be guaranteed, we saw plenty of orcas that day and I know that the vast majority of tours do have whale sightings.

The scenery itself is breathtaking, and I highly recommend spending some time down in the saloon or lounge, which also features large windows for prime viewing. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I got to learn and see a ton!

3. Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari

• Duration:  5 to 7 hours
• Departure: Strandgata 9, 9008 Tromsø
• Departure Time: 8:30 AM
• Includes:  Coffee and/or tea, safety briefing, English-speaking guide, Local history, nature, and culture, Short presentations about whales and their habitat

This next tour is slightly shorter than the others, but still packs in a ton of adventure and education from a firsthand perspective.

The Whale & Arctic Wildlife Safari Tour will let you see humpback whales, orcas and many more different types of native sea life while learning all about them in an immersive way!

The expert guides are there to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable, while having a great time out in the Arctic wilderness! The tour starts out in the center of Tromsø, where your guide will take you and the rest of your group to board the vessel for the day.

The duration of the tour will vary, depending exactly on where the whales are – I’ve heard of some people going a few hours out to see them but it just depends. This area is where the herring are, which is what the whales feed on and where they understandably gather.

Once the captain and crew finds a pod of whales, you’ll usually spend anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half just observing and taking photos and videos.

As we watched on, the hosts regaled us with intriguing, educational commentary about them and what they’re doing. They’re also quite entertaining so it never feels like they’re droning on or allow for even a second of boredom.

I can honestly say that this was one of the best things I ever did in Tromsø, from the friendly crew and guides, to the whales, and the natural landscapes surrounding us.

I was slightly worried about the comfort of the boat and getting seasick, but I found everything very accommodating and comfy. If you’re hesitating, take it from me – do this tour!

Norway Travel Guide

Norway is a land of sublime mountains, glacier-carved valleys, majestic fjords, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful villages.

It’s no surprise that many visitors come specially to admire the beautiful scenery. But Norway also boasts a rich cultural history that offers plenty for visitors to see and do.

What you personally plan to do in Norway is your choice. However, it is in your best interest to do the research before you go.

This guide was written to help prepare you for your journey to this fascinating land because we want you to have the best vacation possible.

Airports & Entry

It is possible to reach Oslo by ferry from Copenhagen or by train, bus, or car from Stockholm. However, most visitors to Norway come by airplane and land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport .

Rarely will you find so many facilities inside a transportation hub. The single terminal building at Oslo Airport is compact, quiet, clean, and offers adequate seating for waiting passengers.

The airport is open 24 hours, and that includes some food outlets. Economy passengers can purchase an airport lounge pass for additional comfort during a long stopover.

The airport designers considered all your possible needs. Across from Gate A4, you will find an ecumenical chapel for your religious needs. Between Gates C5 and C6, there is a designated Work Zone for passengers who need individual desks and power outlets to work during their stay.

The free Wi-Fi is accessed by connecting to the “AIRPORT” network and selecting “free” on the login page. If you have kids, there are multiple Children’s Play Areas throughout the terminal. Strollers are available for your use, and there are specific Breastfeeding Corners for young babies.

20 restaurants and a range of shops are found throughout the terminal, including a pharmacy for your medical needs and the largest duty-free shop in Europe.

The Information Desk is found in the Arrivals Area. And if you really want to spoil yourself and have the time to spare, the airport spa and saloon offers express 20-minute pedicures and manicures for both women and men.

The airport is 29 miles from Oslo city center, but the train station offers convenient express services into the city that take only 20 minutes with trains every 10 minutes.

You can also take trains directly from the airport station to other parts of the country. 70% of airport passengers utilize public transport rather than hiring a car or jumping in a taxi.

When you book your hotel room, ask about airport shuttle services. Many offer a courtesy shuttle service for guests. If you prefer to drive yourself from the airport, 5 major car rental companies have desks in the Arrivals Hall near the railway station.

The airport is only 3.7 miles from European Route E6 to go north or south and 1.2 miles from E16 to go east or west.

There are also regular coach services between the airport and Oslo city center. Outside the Arrivals Hall is a taxi rank. Stop at the Taxi Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall first so they can explain the fixed rates.

Planning Tips

With so many beautiful things to see and interesting things to do in Norway, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. And to help you do just that, here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Tip #1: If you want to see the waterfalls, go in spring or summer

It snows a lot during winter in Norway. Atop the mountains and high places, the snow doesn’t begin to melt until spring. That means that through the spring and into summer, a vast amount of meltwater rushes down from those high places creating seasonal waterfalls throughout the nation, especially alongside some of the fjords.

Tip #2: Check out the SolarHam website

If you’re enthusiastic about seeing the Northern Lights, check out the SolarHam website . There you’ll find a 3-day geomagnetic forecast and a satellite map that shows the current position of the Aurora Borealis . That’s essential information for seeking the best time and place to view this amazing natural phenomenon.

It’s easiest to see the Northern Lights from September through March, when the nights are at their darkest, but avoid new moons. You won’t see the Northern Lights in Northern Norway in summer because the nights are far too short.

Tip #3: Take your time to enjoy all the attractions of Norway

Norway is an amazing country, with a long and interesting history and stunning scenery. Even if your only intention is to cruise on the fjords or to see the Northern Lights, there are other attractions that you would enjoy.

It would be a shame to visit Norway and miss seeing some of the world-famous art in Oslo, the winding railroad between Bergen and Oslo, or the Viking ships that have survived over 1,200 years.

Tip #4: Book in advance

Norway is a small country with a vast number of visitors. Don’t miss out on essential train tickets, the better hotel rooms, or specific tours you really want to take. Book in advance to ensure you get what you want before it’s fully booked.

Many tours offer refunds within a certain time frame, so check when you book. It is possible you will take little risk when booking your tour if you can simply cancel it 24 hours before it begins should you change your mind.

Tip #5: Plan road journeys in advance and with great care

The roads in Norway aren’t like the roads in other countries. With 24-hours darkness during midwinter in the far north, ice on the higher roads, winding mountain routes, and loose moose on the road, delays are always possible. When planning a long road journey, consider local conditions.

Research the route and the specific conditions of the road at the time of year when you visit. Also, keep your eye on the weather forecast for that period.

Remember that some inland, northern, and high ground roads are regularly blocked by high snowfall during winter. Check road reports regularly and allow time for unexpected delays in your journey.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because this small nation possesses so much coastline with so many fjords, a lot of traditional dishes focus on seafood. Also, with long, dark winters, preservation was especially important in the pre-refrigeration era.

That means that pickled, dried, and salted fish can be found on traditional menus in every region.

Pickled herring is a favorite at breakfast buffets. It is often eaten on rye bread and dressed in a variety of sauces. Lutefisk is another form of preserved fish. A common variety of lutefisk is dried cod cured using a lye solution. Lutefisk is a somewhat acquired taste.

Smoked or cured salmon is found in most Norwegian restaurants or hotel buffets. And an everyday meal in Norway is fiskeboller, which is balls of white fish blended with flour, eggs, and milk.

Reindeer is a popular meat in Norway, and you’ll find it on the menu in many restaurants. It may come in the form of fillets, meatballs, or sausages. If you’ve eaten venison, you’ll probably expect it to have a gamey, beef-like taste, but it doesn’t.

It’s more tender than venison, has a milder but salty taste, and comes with a slight metallic tang. Reindeer heart is a traditional delicacy.

You may see a lot of “hotdogs” around Norway. They probably aren’t. The Norwegians have their own version of hotdogs called pølse, which are made using a different process. You’ll often find pølse wrapped in bacon and served in a bread bun much like a hotdog. Sometimes pølse are made from reindeer meat.

A thin potato pancake called lefse is popular at breakfast time. It is made from potato, eggs, butter, and sugar, and it’s served with cinnamon or jam.

You’ll often find lefse in cafes and coffee shops. Another item popular on the breakfast table is brunost, or brown cheese. It is made using a different process to other cheeses and is often served in thin slivers atop toast.

If you linger for dessert, you’ll love Norwegian waffles. They are heart-shaped, thinner than Belgian waffles, and are topped with jam or brunost.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a little fruit. In summer, berries are abundant across Norway. The most sought after is cloudberry.

Cloudberry isn’t grown commercially, so it must be foraged from the wilderness before it can be served in restaurants and cafes around Oslo.

Nightlife & Entertainment

With a population descended from Vikings, it’s no surprise to discover that the nightlife in Norway is wild. In every region, you’ll find electrifying nightclubs in the larger settlements and crowded bars everywhere.

The 4 places most identified with an active club scene and nightlife are Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, and Stavanger.

Because Oslo is the capital, the most populous city, hosts the main university, and is the location of many of the main tourist attractions, most of the nightclubs are found there.

Lawo is a popular venue for the younger set in the nation’s capital, where the DJs spin the popular club hits. There the youth of Norway dance until they drop and drink themselves toward Valhalla. A more mature but still lively venue is Café Mono.

There you can listen to live music from a wide range of musical styles while you enjoy food and drink.

To the west, Bergen boasts a buzzing nightlife. Vaskeriet is a venue with a somewhat schizophrenic personality. Before 10 pm, it is a quiet cocktail bar, but after that, it turns into an infamous local hotspot with frequent themed events and guest DJs.

In the north, the Bardus Bar in Tromsø attempts to emulate the bistros of Southern Europe but with a strong hint of Norwegian culture and tradition.

It is especially renowned for its fine dining and lively atmosphere. And over in Stavanger, the Bar Bache is a great place to socialize through the long, long winter nights with relatively affordable drinks.

Getting Around

How you decide to get around Norway largely depends upon your timescale, your budget, and what you want to see.

If you want to go places fast, domestic flights are your best option. There are 52 public airports in Norway, an astounding number for a nation with only 5 million citizens.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines operates regular services to larger towns throughout the country. Some of the local airlines offer special pass tickets for travelers who intend to fly frequently within Norway for a specific period.

However, if you fly, you will miss a lot of spectacular scenery, and it may be more expensive than other means of transport.

Norway has a well-developed railway network with more than 1,900 miles of tracks. Many routes pass through beautiful valleys, curve around mountains, and offer panoramic views of the valleys and fjords.

The Bergen Railway is especially popular with tourists, running between Bergen and Oslo across Europe’s highest mountain plateau. Trains are slower than airplanes, but you will see much more, and they are generally more affordable than other means of transport.

If you want complete freedom, and you want to see every nook and cranny Norway has to offer, then hiring a car is your best option.

You will be able to drive along the famous National Travel Routes and stop anywhere you wish for photo opportunities and to enjoy local attractions. However, there are two problems with hiring a car in Norway.

First, navigating winding mountain roads, with blind corners, icy conditions, and in the dark is not for everybody. Second, car hire is expensive in Norway, so you’ll probably find the train cheaper.

If you decide to hire a car, please remember that the laws and conditions are different in Norway. In particular:

• Headlights must be on 24/7 and seatbelts must be worn
• You must not use your cellphone by hand while driving
• Check whether you’re getting an automatic or manual transmission when you book
• There are lots of speed cameras, and the fines are high
• Norway has super strict DUI laws — don’t drink and drive
• Moose on the road are inevitable
• Gas stations are widely spaced

Accommodations

Every year, tourists flock to Norway to visit its unique cultural and natural attractions, which means there is a wide range of hotels and other places to stay.

However, the attractions are often far apart from each other, requiring a long journey between each. For this reason, when planning a visit to Norway, think carefully about where you need to stay and for how long.

Don’t plan to spend every night of a two-week vacation in Oslo, because you’ll miss out on many natural attractions.

Similarly, don’t plan to spend every night in a hotel in the Arctic north, because you’ll miss out on the many historical and cultural attractions in the south of the country. Plan ahead and book accommodation near each place you plan to visit.

When you’ve chosen where and when you want to stay, you still must choose what kind of accommodation. The many hotels and hostels can be broken into three kinds: convenient, historic, and scenic.

Convenient hotels are those close to the attraction you want to visit and the transport hub—airport, train station, or main road.

You can find many convenient yet relatively affordable hotels throughout the country. Sadly, few will be truly cheap. Norway is an expensive country.

An example of convenient yet affordable accommodation is Hostel St. Svithun in Stavanger , which is a basic 2-star budget hotel in a central location of this popular destination in Northern Norway.

Around Norway, you will find interesting historical hotels that originally served a completely different function, like converted boathouses and farmhouses.

A particularly fascinating hotel is Oscarsborg Castle near Oslo. This fortress was in military service for 350 years until the end of the Cold War and now serves as a resort island.

If you love photo opportunities or waking to a glorious sunrise over a fjord or sunset over a harbor, a scenic hotel is for you. A great example is the modern Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø that overlooks Tromsø Sound and the Arctic Cathedral.

Although the northernmost part of the nation falls within the Arctic Circle, Norway isn’t as cold as you’d expect. In fact, the name “Norway” means “the way north”.

Norway earned its name because its northern coastline is largely free from ice through winter, making it the easiest route north during the coldest months. The Gulf Stream keeps the coastline of Northern Norway warmer than other places at the same latitude.

However, there are vast variations between the different regions of Norway. Generally, the coast receives mild winters, while the inland areas experience cold winters with lots of snow but relatively hot and dry summers.

The mountainous regions remain much colder than other areas throughout the year. The south is considered the most beautiful in summer, but the fjords in spring, when melting ice leads to spectacular waterfalls.

The far north, which falls within the Arctic Circle, experiences 24-hour darkness during midwinter and 24-hour daylight during midsummer. Tromsø is the largest Norwegian town within the Arctic Circle.

Because of the extreme differences in climate from region to region within Norway, it is essential that you research the weather forecast for your specific destinations before you make plans. If you want to see the Northern Lights, 24-hours of darkness is ideal.

But if you want to sightsee, not so much. As a guideline, during summer the average daily high and low are 55 0 F and 46 0 F. In winter, 35 0 F and 27 0 F.

Maybe you think these temperatures are too cold for outdoor fun, but the Norwegians have a famous saying: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Bear that in mind while packing for your vacation.

Attractions

Most visitors to Norway come to explore the stunning landscape, famous for its many fjords, snow-capped mountains, and scenic waterfalls.

The coastline of Northern Norway borders the Arctic Sea, and those interested in wildlife can observe creatures adapted to the extreme cold of the far north. The north is also a great place to observe the famous Northern Lights, especially during winter months.

If you are particularly interested in the picturesque scenery of the Norwegian landscape, the fjords and coastline to the west and the mountains of Southern Norway are served by a series of 18 highways designated as National Tourist Routes.

1,150 miles of Norway’s rural roads have been upgraded and their facilities improved to ensure that they are especially tourist-friendly. So, if you’re hiring a car, get your camera ready and check out the National Tourist Routes.

If you’re interested in Norwegian culture and history, then Oslo has it all, and the best area to visit is the Bygdøy Peninsula.

On this tiny peninsula in the west of Oslo, you’ll find the most interesting cultural attractions in the city. Top on my list is the Viking Ship Museum , where you’ll find no less than 3 genuine Viking ships recovered from 9 th -century burial mounds.

Many visitors will be drawn to the spectacular exhibits at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, which boasts several relatively modern ship exhibits along with relocated buildings and a collection of 40 oil paintings relating to Norway’s long relationship with the sea.

Other museums found on the peninsula include the Fram Museum of Polar Exploration, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum , and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

Those more drawn to art and architecture should look east toward central Oslo and visit the iconic Oslo Opera House.

This masterpiece of modern architecture not only houses the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet plus the National Opera Theater, but it also boasts a significant modern art collection, including the famous floating steel and glass sculpture She Lies .

In the same area, you will find the Munch Museum. There are few people in the western world who would not recognize Edvard Munch’s The Scream , and here is where you can see it in person along with other examples of the artist’s work.

Tour Guides

The Silent Whale Watching From Tromsø is our Editors Choice for the best Norway whale watching tour

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

• San Juan Islands
• Puget Sound Orca Whale
• Humpback Whale
• Minke Whale
• Sperm Whale
• Dall’s Porpoise
• Pacific White-sided Dolphin
• Whale Conservation

Welcome to the world of whale watching

Majestic.  awe-inspiring.   inspirational., an educational experience you'll never forget, your guide to worldwide whale watching.

There are few things more magical in this world than watching a whale in its natural habitat. They are amazing creatures that adults and children alike can learn from through respectful observation. The intent of whalewatching.com is to serve as an educational resource to learn about whales around the world, the importance of whale protection and conservation and to help guide you to locations where you can go whale watching.

Featured Whale Watching Tours

FRS Clipper Seattle Whale Watching Tour (Half Day)

DISCOVERING WHALES AROUND THE WORLD

The regions of the world providing whale watching opportunities are as diverse as the whale species. Humpbacks, 40-50 ft. in length are found in waters around Washington state, British Columbia, California and Hawaii; playful black and white orca whales live year-round in the waters off the Pacific Northwest’s San Juan Islands and in Reykjavik, Iceland; the Azores are home to pilot whales and blue whales can be viewed off of Canada’s Atlantic Coast.

Protecting Whales Around The World

We advocate for responsible whale watching and promote companies who are respectful of these cherished marine mammals along with the seas and oceans they inhabit. Whale watching operators from around the world use experienced guides and highly trained naturalists to educate passengers about the specific whales species they are seeing and at the same time provide a memorable and unique experience for guests of all ages.

As worldwide leaders in whale protection, research, conservation and education, we encourage you to visit the following organizations and consider support of local whale and sealife conservation efforts.

Pacific Whale Watching Association Center for Whale Research The Whale Museum SR3 Long Live the Kings OrcaSound

Featured Tour Deals

• Puerto Colon Costa Adeje
• Port of Los Gigantes
• Puerto de Playa San Juan
• Port of Los Cristianos
• Port of Las Galletas
• Puerto de La Cruz
• Responsible Whale Watching
• Sustainability Charter for Whale Watching
• Blue Boats – Code of conduct
• Teno Masca Marine Strip
• Cancellation Policy

TENERIFE WHALE WATCHING

Discover the European Capital of Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife, Whale Heritage Site and Mission Blue Hope Spot.

Unleash your sense of adventure and dive into a world of wonder with our whale & dolphin-watching excursions!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey where nature’s grandest spectacle unfolds before your eyes. with our expert guides, comfortable whale-watching boats, and a commitment to sustainability, we guarantee an experience like no other., book now and discover the magic of the open seas , where every moment is a breathtaking encounter with majestic marine animals., don’t miss out—join us for the ultimate whale-watching adventure today, chance for sightings of whales or dolphins today, chance for sightings of both whales and dolphins today, 2 hour cruises.

BAHRIYELI 2H SAFARI FROM LOS CRISTIANOS

Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Watching!

Marine biologist onboard!

ADULTS 25€ – CHILD 15€ – INFANT 5€

Favorite option from the Port of Los Cristianos

ROYAL DELFIN 2H MINI CRUISE FROM PUERTO COLON

Best Seller from Puerto Colon

3 HOUR CRUISES

Royal delfin 3h atlantic cruise from puerto colon.

FREE TRANSFER

Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Watching

Swimming stop in Spaghetti Beach.

Drinks and lunch INCLUDED

ADULTS 47€ – CHILD 23.50€ – INFANT FREE

FREEBIRD 3H WHALE WATCHING FROM PUERTO COLON

SAILING DAILY  AT 10:00 AM. 

Whale and Dolphin Watching.

Swimming stop in La Caleta Bay.

Drinks &  Sandwich INCLUDED.

ADULTS 41€ – CHILD 20.50€ – INFANT FREE

4'5H CRUISES

ROYAL DELFIN 4'5H CRUISE LOS GIGANTES MASCA

Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Watching.

Selected drinks & Courtesy Lunch INCLUDED.

Los Gigantes Cliffs, Swimming stop in Masca Bay.

ADULTS 58€ – CHILD 29€ – INFANT FREE

ROYAL DELFIN 4'5H CRUISE LOS GIGANTES MASCA + NORTH TRANSFER

TRANSFER from PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Drinks & lunch INCLUDED.

ADULTS 61€ – CHILD 30.50€ – INFANT FREE

TEIDE BY NIGHT

THE BEST NIGHT EXPERIENCE IN TENERIFE.

ADULTS: 79€

BREATH TAKING VIEWS

ENJOY THE BREATHTAKING EVENING VIEWS FROM LAS CAÑADAS NATIONAL PARK.

DRINKS & DINNER INCLUDED

Cava at the sunset

Three course dinner with drinks

STARGAZING AT ITS FINEST

Stargazing with telescopes

Stops within the national park

Specialized guide

PUERTO DE LA CRUZ

Teide by night + transfers from puerto de la cruz every wednesday.

Comfortable bus with air conditioning

MAR DE ONS: BAHRIYELI

Bahriyeli 2h safari, mar de ons bahriyeli: whale watching.

Why choose Mar de Ons Bahriyeli?

ROYAL DELFIN CATAMARAN

ROYAL DELFIN 2H MINI CRUISE

ADULTS 27€ – CHILD 13.50€ – INFANT FREE

ROYAL DELFIN 3H ATLANTIC CRUISE

Royal Delfin Catamaran: Glass Bottom Whale & Dolphin Watching

The Royal Delfin in Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje is the best glass bottom boat with BIG underwater Panoramic 50-inch windows. Through these big underwater windows, you will observe whales, dolphins, and if you are lucky enough turtles under the water. Additionally, their professional multilingual Live Guides onboard will provide all the information needed. Choose between the 3 different options available.

FREEBIRD CATAMARANS

3H FREEBIRD WHALE WATCHING

SAILING DAILY  & FREE PICK UP AT 10:00 AM.

Freebird Catamarans: Eco-friendly catamarans.

Daily from Puerto Colon

Freebird Catamarans in Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje is an iconic fleet of three luxury eco-friendly catamarans. Sail the west coast of Tenerife in search of whales and dolphins while enjoying the sunkissed deck of any of these 3 magnificent catamarans.

WANT TO BOOK A PRIVATE SAILBOAT???

PRIVATE SAILBOAT CHARTER

SAILING DAILY.

Swimming stop & Snorkeling equipment.

Drinks &  Lunch INCLUDED.

Minimum 3hours

Private Sailboat Charters

Sail from Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje. Sail the west coast of Tenerife in search of whales and dolphins while enjoying the sunkissed deck of your own private sailboat. Enjoy many different amenities catered to your needs! Contact us by Email for more information.

CHOOSE YOUR PORT OF DEPARTURE

Puerto colon.

COSTA ADEJE

PORT OF LOS GIGANTES

PUERTO DE SANTIAGO

PORT OF LOS CRISTIANOS

Whale watching in south tenerife with a transfer from   puerto de la cruz., tenerife whale watching blog, guide to whale watching in tenerife.

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Los Gigantes

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Answering Common Questions: To provide you with valuable information, here are some frequently asked questions about whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife:

Q: what are the best locations for whale and dolphin watching in tenerife.

A: Tenerife offers several excellent locations for whale and dolphin watching, including Adeje, Puerto Colón, and Los Cristianos. These areas are known for their rich marine ecosystems and frequent sightings of these magnificent creatures.

Q: Which species of whales can be spotted during whale-watching tours in Tenerife?

A: Tenerife is home to a diverse range of whale species, including humpback whales, pilot whales, fin whales, and even the occasional blue whale. These tours provide a unique opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Q: What is the best time of year for whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife?

A: Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife is possible year-round, but the best time to spot them is generally from April to October when there is a higher concentration of these marine species in the area.

Q: How long do whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife typically last?

A: Most whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife last around 2-3 hours, providing ample time to search for and observe these magnificent creatures. Some operators also offer extended or customized tours for a more in-depth experience.

Q: Are there eco-friendly and sustainable whale and dolphin-watching tours available in Tenerife?

A: Yes, there are several tour operators in Tenerife that prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly practices. These operators adhere to responsible guidelines to ensure minimal impact on the marine environment and the well-being of the whales and dolphins.

Q: What types of dolphins can be seen during dolphin-watching tours in Tenerife?

A: Tenerife is home to various dolphin species, including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and Atlantic spotted dolphins. These playful and social creatures often put on a show for lucky spectators.

Q: Are there any restrictions or guidelines in place to protect the whales and dolphins during the tours?

A: Yes, whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife operate under strict regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. These guidelines include maintaining a safe distance, avoiding sudden movements, and respecting their natural behaviors.

Q: Can children participate in whale and dolphin watching tours in Tenerife?

A: Yes, many whale and dolphin-watching tours in Tenerife are suitable for children. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about marine life and witness these incredible creatures up close. However, age restrictions may vary among different tour operators, so it’s best to check with them beforehand.

Q: What is the success rate of spotting whales and dolphins during these tours?

A: The success rate of spotting whales and dolphins during tours in Tenerife is typically quite high, 99%. However, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and their presence can vary depending on factors like seasonality, weather conditions, and natural behaviors.

Q: Can I capture photographs or videos during the whale and dolphin watching tours?

A: Absolutely! Most tour operators encourage visitors to capture their unforgettable moments during the tours. Just make sure to follow any guidelines provided by the operator to ensure the well-being of the animals and the safety of everyone on board.

Enjoy an experience of a lifetime. Promote Sustainable Whale Watching in Tenerife.

We offer sustainable cetacean, dolphin, and whale watching on boat excursions in the canary islands. All the boats provided by Tenerife Whale Watching and listed below. The Southwest Coastline of Tenerife is one of the most important areas to watch whales and dolphins. Whale Watching excursions sail in the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) Teno-Rasca marine strip ES7020017 in Tenerife. This ZEC zone is integrated into the Natura 2000 Network.

Blue Boat Flag

We will ensure a correct, responsible, and sustainable sighting of whales and dolphins. First of all, the boat companies hold the “ Blue Boat” flag . Above all, authorized by the Ministry of Tourism of the Canary Islands Government and by the Ministry of Environment of Spain.

Sustainability Charter: Whale and dolphin Watch in Tenerife.

Our main objective is to ensure the long-term survival of species and habitats of Europe. We want to help detain loss of biodiversity caused by the adverse impact of human activities, such as illegal boat excursion companies. Not only do they not commit to sustainable behavior but they also do not follow the rules and regulations proposed by the Government.

With this in mind responsibility for our ocean is yours. Because you should be part of a unique sustainable whale watching experience.

Natura 2000.

A European ecological network of biodiversity conservation areas. It is made up of Special Areas of Conservation (ZEC) designated in accordance with the Habitats Directive, and Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA), in addition, established by virtue of the Birds Directive. These are the breeding grounds for our two resident species.

Tenerife Whale Heritage Site.

The Tenerife La Gomera Whale Heritage Site has become an important whale-watching destination. Its unique resident population of pilot whales can be found alongside a high diversity of other whales and dolphin species. All can be observed in the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC Zone) .

The Tenerife – La Gomera Marine Area became a Certified Whale Heritage Site in January of 2021.

Mission Blue Hope Spot

The brilliant blue waters between the Canary Islands of Tenerife and La Gomera have been called the “Hawaii of Europe” for being one of the finest examples in the world of a thriving pelagic archipelago system. Within the waves lives an extraordinary assemblage of open-ocean species, including the short-finned pilot whale  (Globicephala macrorhynchus),   also known as the “cheetahs of the sea”. More than 700,000 visitors travel each year from every corner of the globe to whale and bird watch, SCUBA dive and hike along the islands’ scenic cliffs.

SPAIN’S CANARY ISLANDS DECLARED A HOPE SPOT AMID GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE DISCUSSION AT COP25

SUSTAINABLE WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING BOAT TRIPS IN TENERIFE

Chance for whale and dolphin watching in tenerife..

Whales and Dolphins have always held a fascination for man. As a result, the chance for watching and photographing them in their natural habitat is no longer a privilege reserved for specialists and scientists. Make whale and dolphin watching a  highlight in your holidays. It is important to realize that many boat companies offer trips and cruises to see these creatures in places like Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, California, Mexico, Azores, and … TENERIFE.

Whale and Dolphin Watching in Tenerife Statistics.

According to our whale and dolphin watching statistics and experience in whale migration and whale and dolphin watching boat excursions , we have calculated for you the chance of sighting these marine mammals. Surprisingly there is no better sighting time or area throughout the day. Due to this everything can change due to current weather conditions, water currents, food availability, etc. To point out that although the chances may be high, as a result, remember that these are wild animals and cannot guarantee sightings at all times. 

Best Whale Watching in Tenerife Boat Tours, Excursions, and Charters.

Experience the best whale watching tours in Tenerife. Taking care of our oceans and their environment is easy. Simply choose your excursion on one of our sustainable companies to protect their natural environment. At Tenerife Whale Watching we have made it easy for you to choose the best charters. With this in mind, all the necessary important information is right here on this website. We are the best local whale-watching boat providers.

Be conscious and help protect our marine life and oceans by choosing only between the boats listed below.

Help protect our marine life by choosing any of the boats departing from all the ports located on the southwest coastline. A Daytrip for the whole family on the best whale watching tours. Choose between charters, sailboats, catamarans, or RIB. Be a marine biologist for the day, snorkel our blue sea, and listen to them communicate by a hydrophone. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and fully charged camera. This is an experience of a lifetime you will not want to miss.

Sustainable Cetacean Watching in Tenerife: Boat trips & Excursions.

Tenerife: located in a prime location for whale and dolphin observation. In the first place, we have many sustainable boat trips or excursions offering this experience, therefore you will find the best whale and dolphin watching here. More importantly, we want to be your whale & dolphin watching guide for boat trips in Tenerife. Spend some family time on a boat trip for all ages. Discover marine life on one of our whale-watching tours . Sail and discover wildlife in their migrating routes and also keep an eye out for our marine birds.

The Best Whale Watch Tours in the southwest coast of Tenerife.

The best whale-watching tours you will find on the southwest coast of sunny Tenerife. Set sail from the main ports located on the coastal line between Las Galletas and Los Gigantes, being the main departure port of Puerto Colon in Playa de las Americas.

Certainly, we will show you the best companies in the business. All boats sail from the South West Coast of Tenerife. The two top sailing destinations are Los Gigantes and La Caleta. Let us provide you with the best sustainable excursions, and whale and dolphin boat trips Tenerife has to offer. Registered by the Ministry of Tourism.   Observation of Whales and dolphins has never been easier, with a success rate of 99%.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Tww: important notice.

According to WebTenerife, all boat trips, excursions & vessels listed here comply and commit to all obligations and responsibilities to ensure a Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Experience on the South West Coast of Tenerife in the ZEC Zone. A reminder to everyone that swimming with wild dolphins and or whales in Tenerife is prohibited by law in Spain . Please help our environment by choosing boats that only offer sustainable whale watching in Tenerife. This intention is to ensure and protect the lives of these wild peaceful creatures. With this in mind be responsible for the ocean. 

Also feel free to check our FAQ and Cancellation Policy.

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Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader

The senate majority leader, chuck schumer, explains why he decided to speak out against benjamin netanyahu, the israeli prime minister..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From The New York Times, I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Today, in a speech without precedent, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Israelis to hold an election and vote out their current leader. Soon after, my colleague Annie Karni sat down with Schumer to understand why he did it. It’s Friday, March 13th.

Annie, this story begins with a speech. So let’s start there. Tell us about this speech.

I rise to speak today about what I believe can and should be the path forward to secure mutual peace and lasting prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians.

So last Thursday, without much warning, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority leader took to the Senate floor and started delivering what ended up being a really personal, really meaty speech about his Jewish identity and about Israel.

I speak for myself, but I also speak for so many mainstream Jewish-Americans, a silent majority whose nuanced views on the matter have never been well represented in this country’s discussions about the war in Gaza.

So he starts by describing himself and giving a sense of why he sees himself as a guardian of the people of Israel.

Of course, my first responsibility is to America and to New York. But as the first Jewish Majority Leader of the United States Senate, and the highest ranking Jewish elected official in America ever, I also feel very keenly my responsibility as a Shomer Yisrael, a guardian of the people of Israel.

But he quickly turns to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and describes some of the suffering and displacement there.

Entire families wiped out, whole neighborhoods reduced to rubble, mass displacement, children suffering.

And he gets to his point very quickly that Israel has a moral obligation to do better.

Palestinian civilians do not deserve to suffer for the sins of Hamas. And Israel has a moral obligation to do better. The United States has an obligation to do better.

And that this is not in line with Israel’s values what’s happening in Gaza.

What horrifies so many Jews especially is our sense that Israel is falling short of upholding these distinctly Jewish values that we hold so dear. We must be better than our enemies, lest we become them.

That Israel’s approach to its war against Hamas in Gaza is not in sync with what he sees as the very meaning of being a Jew and what Israel is supposed to represent.

That’s right. And he also kind of frames it as this is not only hurting the Palestinians, but it’s hurting Israel.

Support for Israel has declined worldwide in the last few months. And this trend will only get worse if the Israeli government continues to follow its current path.

He thinks that when they’re prosecuting the war in this fashion, they are quickly losing global support, American support, their reputation on the world stage. And he thinks that Israel’s future is in jeopardy if it doesn’t have public support from the rest of the world.

The existence of Israel, he’s saying, is in jeopardy.

We cannot let anger or trauma determine our actions or cloud our judgment.

So Schumer in the speech carefully lays out that he thinks the only path out of this is a peace deal. He specifically says they need to work towards a two-state solution.

The only real and sustainable solution to this decades-old conflict is a negotiated two-state solution, a demilitarized Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel in equal measures of peace, security, prosperity, dignity, and mutual recognition.

And then he goes through four obstacles to such a peace deal.

Right now, there are four — four major obstacles standing in the way of two states. And until they are removed from the equation, there will never be peace in Israel and Gaza and the West Bank. The four major obstacles are — Hamas and the Palestinians who support and tolerate their evil ways; radical right wing Israelis in government and society.

The most shocking one that he lists —

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas —

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

I will explain each in detail. The first major obstacle —

And what specifically does Schumer point to about Netanyahu?

Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take the precedence over the best interests of Israel.

He has filled his government with far right extremists that Schumer called out by name in the speech.

He has put himself in coalition with far right extremists like Minister Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. And as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows. Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.

And Netanyahu has ruled out what Schumer is saying is the answer, which is a two-state solution.

And he has shown zero interest in doing the courageous and visionary work required to pave the way for peace even before this present conflict.

The way he’s carrying out this war, even the Biden administration has criticized him for not doing more to mitigate civilian deaths.

He won’t commit to a military operation in Rafah, that prioritizes protecting civilian life. He won’t engage responsibly in discussions about a day after plan for Gaza and a longer term pathway to peace.

In Schumer’s view —

The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after October 7th.

He is stuck in the past.

Nobody expects prime Minister Netanyahu to do the things that must be done to break the cycle of violence, to preserve Israel’s credibility on the world stage, and to work towards a two-state solution.

And can’t do the things necessary to move Israel into the future past this war.

Five months into this conflict, it is clear that Israelis need to take stock of the situation and ask, must we change course?

Then he gets to what becomes the real big headline of this speech and makes it kind of the bombshell moment in US-Israeli relations that it became.

I believe a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel.

He says that as the war winds down, Israel should have a new election. And he makes it clear that he thinks Netanyahu should be removed from power.

I also believe a majority of the Israeli public will recognize the need for change. And I believe that holding a new election, once the war starts to wind down, would give Israelis an opportunity to express their vision for the post-war future.

The reason he is saying this now is because Israel doesn’t have to hold an election until 2026.

Two years from now.

Yes. That’s a lot of time for Netanyahu to stay in power. And according to Schumer, watch Israel’s reputation abroad erode. So what Schumer is saying is, hold that election much sooner, as soon as this war is over, and get rid of Netanyahu so Israel can correct course.

I mean, everything about that is highly unconventional.

It’s unprecedented. And this is why Schumer is really careful with his language in this section of the speech.

Of course, the United States cannot dictate the outcome of an election, nor should we try. That is for the Israeli public to decide.

Making it clear that Israeli voters will decide. He’s not trying to decide for them.

If Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current coalition remains in power after the war begins to wind down —

But then later in the speech, he also makes it clear that if Netanyahu stays in power, the US will have no choice but to take additional measures to pushback on him.

Then the United States will have no choice but to play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course.

And he is not specific about what those are, but makes clear that there will be more pushback from America if Netanyahu stays.

The United States’ bonds with Israel is unbreakable. But if extremists continue to unduly influence Israeli policy, then the administration should use the tools at its disposal to make sure our support for Israel is aligned with our broader goal of achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.

Right. And I was listening to this section of the speech. And he uses the word, “tools.” And it definitely felt to me, and I wonder how you heard it, that the word “tools” meant money, American aid to Israel.

Almost certainly. The US sends several billion of military aid to Israel every year that is underpinning this war in Gaza. Schumer’s critical to moving that aid through Congress. And this is him sort of saying that — not explicitly, he doesn’t say money, he says tools. But that they have a lot of leverage over Israel. And this is also what makes the speech so remarkable in the first place, because Schumer is calling for these new elections and then following it up by saying we have other tools if this continues in the direction it’s going right now.

From the ashes, may we light the candles that lead to a better future for all.

Right. And what did feel so historic about this speech I think to so many of us is that Schumer is saying so many quiet things out loud, the first being that the US sees Bibi Netanyahu as a problem that needs to be removed, big enough saying that. And on top of that, he says, we are willing and ready, if we need to, to essentially turn off the US financial spigot to Israel if the Netanyahu government doesn’t leave or significantly change. And both of those just cannot be overstated for their enormity and their unprecedentedness.

It was a huge, historic, risky speech that Chuck Schumer made. I mean, I think this was probably one of the riskiest moments of his career, that he is putting himself out there to make this call and ramp up this pressure on Netanyahu.

The people of Israel at home and in captivity deserve America’s support.

Immediately after Schumer leaves the floor, Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader, takes to the podium and blasts the speech.

It is grotesque and hypocritical for Americans who hyperventilate about foreign interference in our own democracy to call for the removal of a democratically elected leader of Israel.

Republicans try immediately to say —

We need to be standing with Israel. And we need to give our friends and allies our full support.

Democrats aren’t being anti-Bibi, they’re being anti-Israel.

Chuck Schumer speech was an act of courage, an act of love for Israel.

Democratic response is mixed. Some said he did a great job. He did something brave. And others —

I’ve got full faith and confidence in the Israeli people to make the right determination about what their future should look like and —

Said he crossed a line, and this was inappropriate. President Biden was brief in responding, but he called it a good speech.

I’m not going to elaborate on his speech. He made a good speech. And I think he expressed a serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans.

Many people interpreted that as the administration thinking that Schumer speaking out was helpful to their aims. And then there’s Trump.

Because he was always pro-Israel. He’s very anti-Israel now.

— who called any Jew who votes for Democrats to be self-hating and hate Israel.

Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel. And they should be ashamed of themselves.

And finally on Sunday, Netanyahu made the rounds on some of the Sunday shows here.

I think Schumer’s statements are wholly inappropriate. I think we’re not a banana republic. The people of Israel will choose when they’ll have elections who they elect. And it’s not something that will be foisted upon us.

And in fact, he continues to say we’re going to invade Rafah. We’re going to keep up the aggression in Gaza. So clearly, he doesn’t feel the need to react in terms of his policies to the speech in any way.

But we have to finish the job. We need total victory. There’s no substitute for total victory.

Netanyahu’s message to Schumer basically is, go fly a kite. I don’t care what you say to me. I am not changing a thing about my approach to this war.

That’s right. This is a watershed moment for Schumer and a turning point in the US relationship to Israel in the middle of this war. And in part, because the reaction to the speech was all over the place, I was left with a lot of questions about why Schumer decided to do this in the first place. And that’s how I ended up sitting with him in Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon to ask him, why did you give this speech? What were you hoping it would do? Who is it for? And how does it fit in with your long standing relationship with Israel and with your own Jewish faith?

We’ll be right back.

So Annie, tell us about this interview you end up having with Schumer in Brooklyn.

So we end up meeting at James Madison High School in Midwood, Brooklyn.

Nice to see you. Thank you. Want me to sign? Great. Thank you.

We walk in together. And he has to sign in at the front desk.

This is his alma mater a few blocks away from the house he grew up in the 1950s and ‘60s.

What a moment to come back here.

To where it all began.

Sort of. I guess that’s the golden nights.

It was a heavily Jewish neighborhood at the time.

OK. Now we can go — this is the library.

So as we’re walking around the school, he’s reminding me of what it was like to grow up in this neighborhood.

It was right after World War II. And America was advancing.

As a Jew in the shadow of the Holocaust.

Recent memory. There were ladies on my block who would show you the numbers on their arms from the camps. And I remember —

That was a very present reality for him.

And yet at the same time, for the Jewish people, for me, so much part of my existence, Israel was there. Well, out of the Holocaust came Israel. And we were so proud of Israel.

And he talked about how exciting and enamored he was with the creation of a Jewish state that came out of the Holocaust.

In the Holocaust, Jewish people, we didn’t fight back enough. And here is Israel fighting to create a homeland against overwhelming odds.

And in 1967, when Israel was fighting a war with Arab neighbors and was nearly wiped off the map, he was very invested.

When I walked around the halls of this high school, Madison High School, in 1967, I was walking with a transistor radio — it’s June, we’re ready to graduate — attached to my ear because I thought Israel would be pushed into the sea. That’s the connection. This is long before politics.

This was part of his identity in these formative high school years.

Right. The story he’s telling, which is familiar to many American Jews, is of growing up at a time when the Holocaust is still casting a very long shadow. And Israel is such a potent symbol of Jewish survival and strength. And for somebody like Schumer, the very idea of Israel, its very existence, tugs at their heart. They don’t live there, but it is a source of extraordinary inspiration.

That’s right. Absolutely. And by the time he gets into politics in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, he’s also very aware of the fact that Israel is a bipartisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike steadfastly support Israel. They’re committed to the close relationship and giving aid and military support to Israel. And he is really proud of the fact that he said, whenever I carried legislation for Israel, I always had a Republican. That was a credo. And that, he thinks, is key to Israel’s success, that it’s bipartisan.

So how do I know Bibi? I’ve known him for a long time. I didn’t know —

It’s around this time that he first crosses paths with Bibi Netanyahu. He had gone to Harvard with Bibi’s brother, who was an Israeli war hero who died in combat and became a huge national figure. They didn’t know each other personally, but he said that kind of helped foster a connection with Bibi.

And in the beginning, Bibi did a lot of good things for Israel. He was the economic minister and created almost an economic miracle. We were so proud that Israel was doing startups and tech and all these things. When he first became prime minister, he was fine. Look, he was to the right, but not far right.

And when Netanyahu becomes prime minister, he wanted to back him. His gut was to stay with him and back Netanyahu even as other Democrats thought he was moving too far to the right.

Right. And Bibi’s rightward drift becomes extremely pronounced, so much so that he opposes President Obama’s plan to make peace with Iran through a nuclear deal. And Netanyahu actually travels to the US Congress to give a speech asking Congress, asking someone like Schumer, to reject that nuclear deal.

Exactly. And Schumer at the time was the rare Democrat who broke with Obama over the Iran deal.

You sided with Netanyahu against Obama.

Yes. And I talked to Netanyahu quite a lot.

He must have been thrilled with that vote.

And said it was a matter of conscience to protect Israel. And he voted against that deal.

I mean, suffice it to say, for a very long time, Chuck Schumer is a supporter of Bibi Netanyahu, so much so that he is even willing to break with his own Democratic president because he agrees with Netanyahu that policies like the Iran nuclear deal are bad for Israel.

Yes. I’d say that maybe he had some criticisms, but Chuck Schumer was Netanyahu’s best hope in terms of Democratic leadership in the United States.

But somehow, Bibi drifted way to the right. And one of the turning points was when he just embraced Trump so completely.

For Schumer, his views on Bibi start to change when Donald Trump is elected here. And Netanyahu becomes extremely close with him and starts to pursue policies that Democrats see as not at all in keeping with their values. So Bibi, together with Trump, pursues diplomatic deals between Israel and its Arab neighbors that do not take into account the future of Palestinians. His government expands settlements with Trump’s support. And basically what this means is that Israel is taking the land that would be essential to creating a two-state peace deal in the future.

And all of this infuriates Democrats who think these policies are making a two-state solution impossible, and taking away the leverage that Palestinians might have had.

He has now become so interested in self-preservation that he does —

Bibi also faces corruption investigations, which force him to bring very right wing politicians into his government.

And Schumer told me that he thinks he never would have made these alliances 10 years ago. So really, what happens during the Trump years, in Schumer’s mind, is that Bibi just gives up on Democrats and what they want for Israel and the Palestinians, and just wants to be aligned with Trump.

— and I’ll tell you in a meeting I had. He comes in to see me. It’s about 2018/2019. And I said, Bibi, I agree with you. The greatest short-term threat to Israel is the rockets Iran gives Hezbollah, and they put them in Lebanon and shoot them at Israel. But the greatest middle and long-term danger is you lose America, particularly the half of America that’s more progressive and/or the half of America that’s young. And by your embracing Trump, you are making that happen.

So in his mind, Bibi chooses Republicans and walks away from this history of bipartisan support.

That’s right. And that becomes even more of a problem after October 7th.

Well, just explain that, Annie.

Well, after October 7th, there’s broad support for Israel, who was just the victim of a terrorist attack against defenseless citizens. But as the war continues and the Netanyahu regime starts to take these aggressive actions in Gaza, that support starts to dwindle.

— United States, because I look at the numbers, and they’re rapidly decreasing. When you ask people, do you support Israel or the Palestinians, it’s getting all too close.

And in his mind, his fear that Israel will lose the support of America seems to be playing out in a really acute way. He can see it in his party, who’s really divided over what’s happening in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.

I am worried, if Israel loses support from America, its future could well be over. I want —

And his fear, what he fears is that there could come a tipping point when the majority of this country does not support Israel, and it’s alone in a hostile goal Middle East without the necessary financial backing from the United States.

So as the highest elected Jewish official in America, and one of the leading Jewish — whatever you want, people in America, I felt an obligation to do this. This was not political.

And this is why he says he ultimately sat down to write this speech.

This is so part of my core, my soul, in Yiddish, my neshama —

In his mind, the goal here is to try to save Israel from Bibi’s actions, which he thinks imperil its future.

Once Schumer decides to write this speech, Annie, and to encourage Israelis to hold an election, and in that election vote out Netanyahu, I’m curious, how does Schumer tell you he thinks about the precedent that that sends, that the US will try to influence a foreign country’s decision about who should lead it?

I asked him about that. And he said he was aware that this section of the speech was the most delicate line he had to toe.

Did you consider — did you consider not personalizing it with Netanyahu and just calling for policy changes?

I didn’t think that would be enough. And he’s the fount of the problem. To just call for policy changes, I thought it wouldn’t pierce, it wouldn’t do anything.

It wouldn’t do anything. It would forgettable.

Yes. It’s so urgent and so important. I didn’t think it was appropriate to call for him to step down. But I thought the next step thing over, and say why I think he’s a bad leader.

And did you think —

So he was writing this speech with the notion of being careful about appearing to interfere front of mind. And he thought where he landed, going further than simply calling for policy changes, but stopping short of calling for her resignation and calling for new elections, he thinks he toed the line and didn’t cross it.

Got it. Now clearly, many people, including Netanyahu, disagree about whether Schumer crossed a line. But I’m curious if those people were his audience. I mean, who is Schumer really talking to with this speech? Does he think he’s speaking directly to Israelis and asking them to demand a new election and that they’re going to listen? Or actually, is he really talking to a more domestic audience, in particular his fellow Democrats, who are increasingly upset about this war, and potentially, it looks like willing to hold it against their party’s leaders?

He put this pretty simply when I asked him.

It’s intended for all people who love Israel and feel so conflicted by what’s going on there. The purpose of the speech is to say, you can still love Israel and feel strongly about Israel and totally disagree with Bibi Netanyahu and the policies of Israel.

He said that it was aimed, above all, at American Jews and non-Jews who love Israel. And what he wanted to do here was separate Netanyahu from Israel and make it crystal clear to people that you can be anti-Netanyahu, you can totally disagree with how he’s conducting the war in Gaza, and you can still be as pro-Israel as ever. He wanted to create this separation between Netanyahu and Israel and make Jews and non-Jews alike feel like it’s still OK to be pro-Israel.

This is kind of important, so I want to linger on it for a second, Annie. Schumer is telling you that what he’s really trying to do is give Americans a kind of new structure and vocabulary for thinking about Israel in this moment. And that structure and vocabulary is there is an Israel separate from Netanyahu. And so if you’re angry at Israel in this moment, you should really be angry at Netanyahu, not Israel.

That’s right. He’s asking them to blame Bibi, not Israel. That Israel is better than this, is better than Bibi, and to see it that way. It’s almost the same way that people who love America but hate Donald Trump would have felt during the Trump administration. That they still believe in this country, but they don’t believe in Trump.

That feels like a very complicated request that Schumer is making. Because the reality is that Israelis have repeatedly made Bibi Netanyahu their leader. So much so that if you’re an American, especially a younger American, and Schumer wants those younger Americans to separate Bibi from Israel, that would be pretty hard to accomplish. Because he’s been leader of Israel for as long as some of these young Americans have been alive. So how is Schumer thinking about whether what he’s asking for is really possible?

I mean, yes, it’s a little bit of wishful thinking. It’s true that a lot of Americans don’t really know the Israel of Schumer’s childhood that he’s able to remember. But they are not. He’s doing this in the middle of a six-month long war, where people are just horrified by the conditions in Gaza. And the Israeli government is the one that is carrying on this offensive.

But a lot of Jews, a lot of American Jews are really conflicted, because at the same time, they understand that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas. And I think that Schumer is trying to give voice to these conflicted, maybe middle-of-the-road politically American Jews who don’t know what to think about Israel right now, and do probably love Israel the way he does, but also feel awful about the images they’re seeing from Gaza.

So this call from Schumer for a new leader of Israel is kind of his way of resolving that internal conflict that people are feeling. But of course, it’s not clear if that election will be called. And even if it were called, it’s not clear whether Israelis would elect a new leader.

So I guess my question is, what then? Schumer’s speech does mention these other tools that the US has at its disposal. When would Schumer be willing to use those tools?

Yeah. I asked him about the question of, what then?

You don’t want a ceasefire, but is there like 30,000 more Palestinians dead —

Well, I wouldn’t I’d say — look, Israel — no, I have to, I just feel —

I said, what’s your red line? What is the civilian death toll that would have to be reached for you to say we’re pulling this funding?

You said in your speech, if something doesn’t change, then there’s the threat of American —

I didn’t say conditions and I didn’t say leverage. I just said America is going to look at it as a thing —

And you didn’t say exactly what —

No, because I didn’t want to.

You didn’t want to. But what would the scenario be where that would —

Well, you’d have to see. I couldn’t speculate on the future.

And he didn’t want to say.

Well, then why even give the speech if Schumer is not willing to talk about the real consequences for Israel, if there are no elections, and if Israelis don’t end up removing Netanyahu from office? If he can’t explain that, why give this speech?

I asked him that. And he kept coming back to the fact that, for him, this came from a deeply personal and emotional place, and a moral obligation that is central to him, to speak up for Jews and to stand up for the State of Israel. And he really dreads that Israel’s future, its very existence could be vulnerable, in the same way that it was when he was growing up, and in a way that he’s worked throughout his entire career to help fend off, and in a way, now Schumer at the pinnacle of his power as Senate Majority Leader, could be incapable of helping to fend off in the future.

No, I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I didn’t do it. And then three, four months from now, the US has turned on Israel, and people, even my colleagues, are putting things, conditions and stuff, which will hurt Israel. I can’t do it. Couldn’t do it.

And I think that’s his deep terror about Israel’s future. And that’s why he felt called to do this speech now, he said, before it’s too late.

Well, Annie, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thank you, Michael.

On Thursday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said that in the coming days, he plans to invite Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress, an invitation that would first have to be approved by Senator Schumer.

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On Thursday, the US government sued Apple for violating antitrust laws through practices that it says were designed to keep consumers reliant on Apple’s iPhone and unlikely to switch to a competing device.

We allege that Apple has employed a strategy that relies on exclusionary anticompetitive conduct that hurts both consumers and developers.

The lawsuit alleges that Apple has blocked rival software developers and mobile gaming companies from offering better options on the iPhone, resulting in higher prices for consumers. In response, Apple said it would vigorously defend itself in court and warned that if successful, the government’s lawsuit would hinder its ability to make the technology that customers want.

Today’s episode was produced by Will Reid and Michael Simon Johnson, with help from Eric Krupke. It was edited by Marc Georges and Paige Cowett, contains original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you on Monday.

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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Annie Karni

Produced by Will Reid and Michael Simon Johnson

With Eric Krupke

Edited by Marc Georges and Paige Cowett

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In a pointed speech from the Senate floor this month, the majority leader, Chuck Schumer, called for Israel to hold a new election and for voters to oust the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Soon after, Annie Karni, a congressional correspondent for the Times, sat down with Mr. Schumer to understand why he did it.

On today’s episode

Annie Karni , a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading

Mr. Schumer, America’s highest-ranking Jewish elected official, said he felt obligated to call for new leadership in Israel .

His speech was the latest reflection of the growing dissatisfaction among Democrats with Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza.

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Annie Karni is a congressional correspondent for The Times. She writes features and profiles, with a recent focus on House Republican leadership. More about Annie Karni

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