Whale Safari

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A meeting with MOBY DICK


"A gentle joyousness - a mighty mildness of repose in swiftness, invested the gliding whale. No-one did surpass the glorified White Whale as he so devinely swam."
This is how Herman Melville describes the sperm whale Moby Dick in his classic novel of 1851. Now it is your turn to meet Moby Dick. You are 70° North, on the whale grounds outside Andenes. It may be a while before you find each other. You watch, search, seek, despair. Then it happens: He shows up, every bit as impressive as in the book, 20 metres long and 60 tonnes in weight. But good-natured, curious and charming. We often say that the book was better than the film. In this case reality is the best of all. And you are playing the leading part. You and Moby Dick. Welcome to Andøy Island and a meeting with Moby Dick. Every day from the end of May to the middle of September the boats leave for the whale grounds. Besides the world´s largest toothed whale you may also come across killer whales, minke whales and other species. Watching the whales so closely, and in their right element, is an experience you will never forget!

Guided boat trip

The boat trip lasts approx. 4-5 hours, and a light meal on board is included in the price. An expert guide will come along. A one-hour guided tour through the whale centre before the trip is also included. You will learn about the whales and current research.

Guaranty

Experience shows that whales are spotted during 97 per cent of the safaris. We therefore give you one free trip, if you should be so unfortunate not to see a whale the first time.

Weather Restrictions

On the open sea off Andenes the winds are sometimes so strong that it would be impossible to see the whales in the waves. Trips may be cancelled, and you should not rely on one particular day. Going to sea may also be a rough experience, and you should wear warm clothes and warm footwear. Before the trip you will be given a sea-sickness pill, which we recommend taking.

Booking

Whale safaris depart several times a day, according to demand. Booking is best done beforehand, at least a couple of days before the trip. (Please call the Whale Centre, tel +47 76 14 26 11, fax +47 76 14 23 77). Prices are NOK 575 for adults, NOK 400 for children 8-16 years, and NOK 100 for small children. Discounts for families and students.

The Whale Centre

Andenes Whale Centre is a museum devoted to whales, whale research and whaling. A sound and slide show will be run, and you can buy souvenirs, see video films, read books and use the centre´s café. In the Whale Centre you will also find the Andøy Tourist Information Office. A visit to the Whale Centre costs NOK 30 (NOK 15 for children). Special fares for groups, with or without a guide.

The Whale Safari Club

"The Royal International Whale Safari Club" provides an exclusive diploma and a badge as a memento of your visit to Andenes. At the same time you support the research and information activities of the Whale Centre. Minimum membership subscription is NOK 100. H.R.M. Queen Sonja of Norway and H.R.H. Prince Philip of GB are among the members of the Club.

1994: 9.527 PARTICIPANTS

Whale safaris from Andenes have set new records for participation every year since their modest start in 1988. The 1994 season ended with 9,527 participants, an increase of 7.7% from the previous year.

More than 40 countries were represented in 1994, with Germany taking the lead with 3,500 visitors (37%). We also had 1,209 Norwegians, 1,075 Swedes, 922 Swiss, 573 Italians, 486 Frenchmen, 425 Dutchmen and 331 Finns.

The 1994 season was the best ever with regard to whale observations. Only four of 162 trips were unsuccessful. 1994 was also the first year we officially offered our whale guarantee (a free tour or a partial refund of money).

Before the start of the 1995 season, there will be an expansion of the facilities to make more room in the reception area. We are going to create a new slide show, based on many new and different photographs from our researchers. We are also increasing the general quality of our products.

The boats "Reine" and "Unni Mari" will be taking tourists out to sea. Each can carry 70-80 passengers.

Andenes is the only place in northern Europe where you can reach the giant male sperm whales within in a 4-5 hours trip, due to natural conditions.