The Complete Whale Experience
Discover their world. Then meet them in the wild.
Experience whales from two completely different perspectives in Andenes, at the northern tip of Vesterålen.
The Complete Whale Experience combines a visit to the new The Whale knowledge and experience centre with a whale safari into the rich waters outside Andøya. Begin on land, where science, art, sound, storytelling and architecture introduce you to the extraordinary world of whales. Then head out to sea to experience them in their natural environment.
Discover The Whale
Opening to the public on 4 June 2027, The Whale is a new international knowledge and experience centre dedicated to whales, the ocean and the relationship between humans and these remarkable animals.
Through immersive exhibitions, science, art and storytelling, you will discover how whales communicate, migrate, feed and interact with the ocean, as well as their evolution and the changing relationship between whales and humans.
The experience is set within striking architecture designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup. Located directly on the coastline of Andenes, the building becomes part of the landscape, with views across the Norwegian Sea.
Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to explore The Whale.
Meet the whales at sea
After discovering their world on land, continue the experience at sea.
Andenes is one of the world’s renowned whale-watching destinations. Just outside the coast lies Bleik Canyon, a deep underwater canyon where nutrient-rich waters create important feeding grounds for marine life.
During the summer season, sperm whales are the main species encountered in these waters. Orcas, humpback whales, pilot whales, dolphins and porpoises may also appear.
Experienced captains, guides and whale experts take you into the Norwegian Sea to search for whales while sharing their knowledge of the animals and the marine environment.
Seeing these animals in the wild after learning about their lives at The Whale creates a completely different understanding of what is happening beneath the surface.
Good to know
Available from: 4 June 2027
Location: Andenes, Vesterålen
The Whale: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Whale safari: Approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on conditions and operator
Wildlife: Sperm whales are the primary summer species, with several other whale and dolphin species possible
Included: Admission to The Whale and whale safari
Languages: The Whale exhibitions are available in Norwegian and English, with free audio guides in several languages
Suitable for: Couples, families, private groups and tailor-made itineraries
Private experiences: Private whale safaris and tailor-made programmes can be arranged through Your Horizon
Weather: Whale safari departures are subject to weather and sea conditions
FAQ
Why combine The Whale with a whale safari?
The two experiences are designed to complement each other.
At The Whale, you discover how whales live, communicate, migrate and interact with the ocean. Afterwards, the journey continues into the waters outside Andenes, where you have the opportunity to observe whales living freely in their natural environment.
Together, they create a complete experience of whales both above and below the surface.
Why is Andenes one of the world’s leading destinations for whales?
The waters outside Andøya are unusually deep close to shore. Bleik Canyon lies around 10 kilometres from the coast and brings nutrient-rich deep water into the marine ecosystem.
These conditions create rich feeding grounds for whales and other marine life and have made Andenes an established whale-watching destination for visitors from around the world.
Which whales can we see?
During the summer season, sperm whales are the main species encountered outside Andenes. Depending on the season and conditions, you may also encounter orcas, humpback whales, pilot whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The whales are wild and move freely, so sightings and individual species can never be guaranteed.
What happens if the whale safari is cancelled or we do not see whales?
Whale safaris depend on weather and sea conditions and may occasionally be cancelled for safety reasons.
Rebooking policies vary between our selected whale-watching partners. Your Horizon will provide the applicable conditions when your experience is booked.
Can Your Horizon arrange a complete stay in Vesterålen?
Yes. The Complete Whale Experience can be included in a tailor-made journey with accommodation, private transportation, dining and additional experiences in Vesterålen and Northern Norway.
Private whale safaris can also be arranged for guests looking for a more personal experience at sea.
