Many visit Alta in winter to experience the polar nights and the northern lights. Whale watching in Alta is another winter activity not to miss out on. Best season for whale safari in Alta is October to January, when whales come to the herring-rich fjords in northern Norway to hunt.

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

A magical moment in the fjords outside Alta

We went on a whale watching safari in the fjords outside of Alta over Christmas holidays. The trip started at Æventyr´s store conveniently located in the city center of Alta. They supplied us with everything we needed for the trip, including ultra warm winter suits. You want to make sure you are properly dressed if you are going on the fjord in the arctic in December.

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

From Øksfjord outside the city of Alta we jumped into the rib they had prepared for us. After leaving the harbour it took no more than 5-10 minutes before we found the first pod of whales. We soon realised there were at least two pods of humpbacks hunting for prey in the fjord.

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

It was not only humpbacks hunting in the fjord, we also observed killer whales. And eagles picking up whatever the whales hadn’t eaten. The sound of the whales breathing and seagulls screaming was quite a concert.

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

We had so many great encounters! At one point one of the humpbacks decided to swim beneath the rib. We could see the large dark shadow going under the boat. I definitely had butterflies in my stomach at that moment!

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

One of the humpbacks waving goodbye

Many who has not experienced the polar night think it is dark all the time, which is not the case. The sun is nowhere to be seen in December and January in Alta, but during mid-day there is often a beautiful light that later turns into magical blue.

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

Returning to Øksfjord after successful whale watching

Øksfjord Alta Finnmark Norway

One happy whale watcher! 

Thank you to Æventyr for bringing us along! All views expressed in this post are solely mine – and I think the photos and my happy face can almost speak for themselves.