Orca Watching in Tromsø
Tromsø offers some of the world’s best wild orca watching. Here’s everything you need to know.
About Orcas
Orcas (Orcinus orca), also called killer whales, are actually the largest members of the dolphin family. Tromsø’s orcas follow Norwegian spring-spawning herring.
Identification
- Size: Males up to 8m, females up to 6m
- Dorsal fin: Tall and triangular (up to 1.8m in males)
- Coloring: Black and white with distinctive patches
- Eye patch: White oval behind each eye
- Saddle patch: Gray pattern behind dorsal fin
When to See Orcas
| Month | Orca Presence |
|---|---|
| October | Arriving - 60% |
| November | Good - 75% |
| December | Peak - 90% |
| January | Peak - 95% |
| February | Good - 85% |
| March | Departing - 55% |
Orca Behavior to Watch For
- Spy-hopping: Rising vertically to look around
- Carousel feeding: Cooperative herring hunting
- Breaching: Jumping (less common than humpbacks)
- Tail slapping: Communication and herring stunning
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