Whales in the Barents Sea
The Barents Sea is one of the richest feeding grounds in the World Ocean. Its cold waters, teeming with plankton and fish, attract numerous marine mammals, including whales.
Teriberka is a unique location on the Kola Peninsula where whales come close to the shore. They can be observed both from the sea, during special tours, and sometimes from the shore if you’re lucky.
But it’s important to understand: whales are wild animals, and encounters are not guaranteed. This is precisely what makes every sea trip a true adventure, full of hope and excitement.
Who you can meet in Teriberka
Humpback Whale
Length: up to 16 meters
The most spectacular visitor to Teriberka. Humpbacks are known for their acrobatic jumps, tail slaps, and beautiful songs. They often approach boats closely.
Minke Whale
Length: up to 10 meters
The most frequent visitor to these waters. Swift, curious, often appearing unexpectedly. Easily recognized by their pointed dorsal fin.
Killer Whale (Orca)
Length: up to 9 meters
The apex predator of the ocean. Encountering orcas is a rare stroke of luck. They come for schools of fish and sometimes seals. Recognizable by their tall dorsal fin.
Fin Whale
Length: up to 24 meters
The second-largest whale on the planet. A rare visitor, listed in the Red Book. Encountering a fin whale is a true event for any observer.
How we search for whales
Hunting for giants
- Going to sea: We set out on a comfortable boat along the Teriberka coast. The trip lasts about 5-6 hours.
- Observation: The captain and guide carefully watch the horizon, birds, and water spouts. Whales often reveal themselves with splashes and blows.
- Local knowledge: We know the whales’ favorite feeding areas and head to where they’ve been seen in previous days.
- Patience: The key skill of a whale hunter. Sometimes you have to wait, but the wait is always rewarded.
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Important to understand
Whales are wild animals. They don’t perform in a circus and don’t work on a schedule.
We never give a 100% guarantee that you will see whales. But we guarantee that we will do everything possible to find them. Sometimes whales appear 10 minutes after departure, sometimes you have to search for 5 hours, and sometimes the sea meets us with complete silence.
But even if the whales decide not to show themselves this time, a boat trip on the Barents Sea along the wild shores of Teriberka is itself an unforgettable adventure.
Whale season in Teriberka
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Summer Season
June – August
- Main feeding season for whales
- Minke whales are frequently seen
- Calmer seas, more comfortable trips
- Lower chances of seeing humpbacks
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Autumn Season
September – October
- Peak whale watching season
- Maximum chances to see humpback whales
- Whales are active and often approach closely
- The sea can be rougher, but it’s worth it
The thrill of the ocean hunt
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Observation
Everyone scans the horizon, searching for spouts, splashes, dark silhouettes. The atmosphere of shared anticipation is captivating.
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Emotions
When a whale finally appears, the boat erupts with joy. Every encounter is a small miracle that stays in your memory forever.
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Photos
Capturing the moment a whale breaches or shows its tail is any photographer’s dream. And it’s possible right here.
We went to sea at 10 AM. For three hours, nothing — just waves and seagulls. Then the captain cut the engine and said, “Look.” About 50 meters from the boat, a humpback whale breached. It did it three times. People were crying. I was crying. It was the best day of my life.
— Anna, guest from Moscow
How to prepare for your boat trip
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Warm clothing
It’s always colder at sea than on shore. A windproof jacket, hat, and gloves are essential
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Motion sickness
The sea can be rough. Take medication in advance if you’re prone to seasickness
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Camera
Charge your batteries, bring spares. They drain quickly on the water. A zoom lens is recommended
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Sun protection
The sun is very active on the water, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen and sunglasses are useful
Go whale watching
Every trip to sea is a unique adventure. You never know what you’ll meet beyond the horizon. But if the whales decide to show themselves, you will never forget it.
A little more interesting facts about whales
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Blue whale’s heart
weighs about 600 kg, and its heartbeat can be heard for several kilometers
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Humpback whales
sing complex songs that last up to 20 minutes and travel hundreds of kilometers
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Whale blow
is an exhalation of warm air that condenses in the cold. The blow can reach up to 6 meters high
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Humpback whale
eats up to one and a half tons of krill and small fish per day