NORWAY
ORCAS

Huge amounts of herring migrate into the fjords in
Northern Norway in winter, the predators – above
all hundreds of orcas – follow them.

This journey offers to take snorkel divers (free divers) and nature photographers on an adventure trip to wintry northern Norway.

Large amounts of herring gather here, attracting hundreds of whales intent on hunting them. They provide an extraordinary spectacle of nature – but due to the cold temperatures in the air and in the water, snow, ice, limited daylight, and rough sea, it can be challenging to the spectators.

Our base camp for this trip will be the Norwegian sailing vessel DUEN III.

An experienced local crew will take care for your safety. Our guides will use a fast zodiac to take divers and photographers where the action is. Between dives, you can warm up again on the ship and enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the heated lounge areas.

This tour offers snorkeling instead of scuba diving because the Orca whales will not tolerate open-circuit scuba equipment in their proximity.

All meals will be served aboard and there is a very good chance to experience the northern lights Aurora borealis!

In case of special dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerances, avoidances), please contact us before booking.

Price per person

3.550 Euro

Highlights

Herring in vast amounts (comprising one of the largest and ecologically as well as economically most important fish populations worldwide)
Orca whales, on occasion by the hundreds
Humpback whales engaged in a spectacular hunt
Fin whales, minke whales, and sei whales
More rarely, pilot whales and dolphins
Northern lights / aurora borealis (one of the best seasons and regions to witness and take pictures of the amazing and magical spectacle the arctic night sky offers)
Magnificent arctic winter landscape
Numerous seabirds, including the scarce king eider
Majestic white-tailed (sea) eagle

Tour dates

2024

31st October - 7th November --- fully booked
7th November - 14th November --- fully booked
14th November - 21st November --- fully booked
21st November - 28th November --- fully booked

2025

30th October - 6th November --- 9 spaces available
6th November - 13th November --- 4 spaces available
13th November - 20th November --- fully booked
20th November - 27th November --- 9 spaces available
27th November - 4th December --- 9 spaces available

Services

Tour price INCLUDES the following services:

All harbour fees and taxes
All accommodation on board in twin or double cabins
Bed linen and towels
Breakfast, dinner and lunch on board – In case of special dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerances, avoidances), please contact us before booking!
Snorkeling and photo excursions (weather-dependent!)
English-speaking support
All lokal group transfers
Northern lights tours (subject to weather and Aurora activity!)
Travel planning assistance

Tour price EXCLUDES the following services:

Getting here / flights (incl. possible overnight stopovers)
Other transfers (e.g. airport – boat dock)
Single cabin (if available, at additional costs)
Any additional activities
Alcoholic beverages
Food and beverages outside the ship
Dry suit
Dive gear (can be rented, damage or loss of rental equipment must be paid)
Insurances
Gratuity
Personal expenses such as souvenirs & tips
All services that are not listed here as included

Arrival

The starting point of our tour is the harbor of Skjervøy.

Arrival is by plane from the home airport, usually via Oslo (OSL) to Tromsø (TOS). From there you take the speed ferry no. 3 to Skjervøy.

We will pick you up from the quay in Skjervøy and transfer you to the ship’s berth. Boarding at DUEN III is from 4 p.m.

For the way back, also the ferry is the best alternative. Disembarking latest at 10 am.

Overnight stays are only necessary in rare cases. During the winter, however, flight delays and cancellations are possible!

Time tables 2024
Speed ferry on arrival and departure day

Transfer between Sorkjosen Airport (SOJ) and Skjervoy possible for a fee.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

The starting point of our tour is the harbor on the island of Skjervøy. Arrival is by plane from the home airport, usually via Oslo (OSL) to Tromsø (TOS). From there you take the speed ferry to Skjervøy. Boarding is from 4 p.m.

Overnight stays are only necessary in rare cases. During the winter, however, flight delays and cancellations are possible!

Moving into the cabins and dinner. Depending on arrival time, preparation of personal diving and photo equipment.

Day 2: Whale safari

Activities taking into account up-to-date weather conditions. Weather permitting, this will include daily boats excursions. To reach distant regions with the largest number and activity of whales, excursions may start very early in the morning. When whales swim close to the harbour, as they often do, excursions can also be shorter and we will start later when the light conditions are best.

The nights we will spend at a fishery harbour and Northern light tours will be included if the sky is clear and the aurora prognosis is promising.

Day 3-7: Whale safari

(or an alternative program if safari must be cancelled due to inclement weather).

Day 8: Departure

For the way back, the speed ferry is the best alternative. Disembarking latest at 10 am. A trip extension on land on your own is possible.

Possible alternative programs – if excursions are cancelled due to inclement weather:

City sightseeing tour (transfer to Tromsø not included!)
Photo tours on land
Dogsledding tour (price not included!)
Moose safari with snow shoes (price not included!)
Ice fishing tour (if ice conditions allow it)
Reindeer sledding and Sami culture (price not included!)
Visit to a Sami camp (not included in the price!)

Weather

In the Arctic, adverse weather conditions must be expected during the winter months. For security reasons, it is possible that the weather allows for a whale-watching expedition but not for snorkeling (strong swells and/or a rolling boat pose risks when embarking or disembarking).

On occasion, exceptionally bad weather can force us to cancel all outdoor activities. It can also affect air travel and lead to flight delays and cancellations. The days are very short (3 to 5 hours of daylight), and the lighting conditions are especially difficult for photographers.

The air temperature usually varies between -5°C and +3°C (23°F to 37°F). Rain or snow is to be expected, and the streets and the gangway can be slippery. There can also be a bit of remaining snow and ice on board although we try to remove as much snow as possible before departure.

Tour members who tend to suffer from seasickness should bring relevant medication such as pills or chewing gum. An equally good remedy for seasickness is ginger (as a tea, for chewing or fresh). Life jackets are available on board.

Tour members must bring their own warm and weather-resistant clothing and shoes. Please also see our packing list for further details.

Tips

The national language is Norwegian. Most people understand and speak English well.
The currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Prices are high. Credit cards (especially VISA) are generally accepted. Customers are very often asked for a PIN. Currency conversion rates vary on a daily basis. Roughly, 1 € = 10 NOK, 1 £ = 11 to 12 NOK and 1 US$ = 9 NOK.
The time zone is Central European Time (GMT + 1)
Visa requirements vary by nationality. No visa is required for visitors from the EU or the US.
Electric appliances use standard European voltage (230 V) and plugs (types C and F).
Norwegian custom regulations must be respected, particularly with regard to tobacco and alcohol.
Since there is little space available on board, it is not possible to stow large suitcases or hard cases! Please use large travel bags or duffel bags.
Please transport all sensitive equipment such as cameras in water-resistant and shock-resistant bags or cases. It is not possible to take bags or suitcases on the zodiacs! All participants are responsible for their equipment for the entire duration of their journey!
We strongly recommend complete insurance coverage (travel cancellation insurance, diving accident insurance, international health insurance, possibly also baggage insurance and camera equipment insurance).

Packing list

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Important information - diving

The tour on offer here does not comprise a regular diving expedition. Diving with whales is only possible with a snorkel.

The water temperature is around 5°C (41°F). Therefore we recommend using a dry suit for snorkeling.

A certain number of dry suits can be rentet for a fee – availability must be clarified when booking!

Hoods, gloves, mask, fins and snorkel are available on request without extra costs, but there is no guarantee of fit and size!

We use dinghies to take snorkelers to where the action is (ideally “feeding action and bait ball formation”).

There is no limit to the number of snorkel dives.

Further information

Travel logue as PDF Our tour ship "DUEN III"

Picture galleries

Orcas Norway

We support:

NORWAY
ORCAS

Highlights

2024

2025

Are you interested in an expedition with us?

Further information

Picture galleries

Northern Explorers AS

Destinations

NORWAY ORCAS

Highlights

2024

2025

Are you interested in an expedition with us?

Further information

Picture galleries

Northern Explorers AS

Destinations

NORWAY
ORCAS