Andenes: Whales, Marine Research and Island History

Whale watching, insights into marine research and the history of the island of Andøya give Andenes a diverse character. Whale watching tours are offered from here year-round. There is also the Whale Exhibition at the Whale Center and the Andøy Museum, with exhibits on the lives of hunters and the island’s geology. This gives you a choice of different focuses for your trip, from nature experiences and exhibitions to local history.

Whale watching from Andenes

On whale watching tours, you can choose between a large traditional boat and an RIB boat. The two types of boat give you a specific choice to make when planning: consider which type of tour better suits your preferences, and include this choice in your trip planning together. No information about the duration of the trip or other differences between the boats is implied.

If you are interested in whale-related topics in addition to the tour, you can also consider visiting the Whale Exhibition. You can explore it independently or as part of a guided tour. The whale watching tour ticket includes a self-guided visit to the exhibition, as well as access to evening talks during the main season.

Whale Exhibition and Research

The skeleton hall displays complete skeletons of three different species of marine mammals. The Whale Fact Room focuses on whale species through artefacts, facts and photographs, and offers insights into ongoing local whale research.

The “Map & Briefing Room” explains Andenes’ unique geography and why the area is a global hotspot for marine life. The exhibition thus moves between tangible displays, factual information and a geographical perspective on Andenes. This distinction is useful when planning your visit: depending on whether you mainly want to see exhibits, learn more about whales and research, or understand the area’s significance, a different room offers the right thematic focus. This lets you tailor your visit to your interests rather than treating the rooms as interchangeable stops.

The Whale Center has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This information applies to the Center’s entrance. If you are coordinating visit options for a group travelling together, you can take this specific aspect into account in your planning.

History and Geology at the Andøy Museum

The Andøy Museum in Andenes features an exhibition about the lives of hunters and also provides information about the unique geology of the island of Andøya. If you want to include local history and geology in your trip planning alongside nature-related topics, you’ll find dedicated sections here.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Andenes, these interests can help shape the kind of stay you want: whale watching, a visit to the Whale Exhibition, or a focus on the museum and the island’s geology.

Other places in the same destination: Dverberg, Fiskenes, Nøss, Risøyhamn and Andøy.

Go to the main travel overview: Andøy.