SNORKELING WITH ORCAS & HUMPBACK WHALES

We will spend five unforgettable days exploring the snow-crowned fjords of Northern Norway as orcas and humpback whales move through these winter waters. Expert guides accompany the journey who will reveal the rhythms and behaviour of these giants and show us how to spot them with confidence. When the sea and the whales are calm, we may slip into the water for a rare, intimate encounter, supported by snorkeling drysuits and premium gear. Snorkeling is entirely optional. Many guests find the experience just as magical from the ship’s deck or from the zodiac, where the whales often glide past at breathtakingly close range.

ABOUT TROMSØ

Tromsø sits well above the Arctic Circle, where sheltered fjords attract huge herring migrations from late October to January. Orcas and humpback whales follow these fish into the fjords, creating one of the Arctic’s most reliable whale gatherings. The calm waters make their behaviour easy to observe. Winter brings cold, clear conditions with temperatures hovering around freezing, moderated by the Gulf Stream. During this season, daylight is limited to about two to four hours of soft blue twilight, while long nights often offer clear skies for the northern lights.

Tromsø is easily reached via connecting flights through major European hubs such as Oslo, Copenhagen, and Frankfurt

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND BOARDING - TROMSØ

Your expedition begins in Tromsø, high above the Arctic Circle in Norway. We suggest arriving at least a day early to allow for any flight or luggage delays. Boarding starts late afternoon on the first day, with departure around dinner time.

Expect cold but unforgettable days at sea, filled with excellent chances to spot whales, orcas, and the northern lights. Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity as each day is unpredictable, and the Arctic has a way of surprising you.

DAY 2 - 6: IN SEARCH OF WHALES & ORCAS

Whale Watching & Snorkeling with Orcas

Over five days, explore the Norwegian fjords in search of orcas, humpbacks, and other whales. Spend time on deck and the bridge to take in the scenery and spot wildlife.

Expert guides accompany snorkeling trips, signaling when conditions are right. Zodiacs bring you safely close, always approaching whales cautiously. Snorkeling may take patience, but seeing orcas up close is unforgettable. You can also watch from the surface: spy-hopping and feeding whales are spectacular from any vantage point.

Evenings & Northern Lights

Nights are spent anchored in quiet bays. Relax aboard the ship or join lectures on whale behavior and conservation. With luck, witness the Northern Lights from the ship or on a guided hike ashore.

Your expedition begins in Tromsø, high above the Arctic Circle in Norway. We suggest arriving at least a day early to allow for any flight or luggage delays. Boarding starts late afternoon on the first day, with departure around dinner time.

Expect cold but unforgettable days at sea, filled with excellent chances to spot whales, orcas, and the northern lights. Pack your sense of adventure and curiosity as each day is unpredictable, and the Arctic has a way of surprising you.

DAY 7: DISEMBARKATION - TROMSØ

about the activity

Snorkeling Requirements

Our snorkeling expeditions are best suited for those in good health with basic snorkeling skills and confidence in open water. You’ll need enough strength and fitness to put on gear, swim in cold water, and get in and out of the zodiac. If you prefer, you can skip snorkeling and enjoy whale watching from the zodiac instead.

Topside Whale Watching

You don’t have to snorkel to experience close encounters. From the zodiac or the ship, watch whales spy-hop, tail wave, and feed while taking in the fjords’ stunning scenery and twilight.

Snorkeling Gear Provided

A full snorkeling package from Waterproof Sweden is supplied, including a drysuit, thermal overalls, neoprene hood, gloves, marine boots, fins, mask, and snorkel. Drysuits are essential for staying warm and dry; wear insulating layers underneath. Sizes range from S to XXL. If you’re unsure about fit, bringing your own tested drysuit is recommended. You may also bring your own 7mm wetsuit if you prefer not to use a drysuit.

No Diving, Only Snorkeling

To avoid disturbing the whales, we don’t offer diving or free diving. Snorkeling lets you observe them safely at the surface, and optional weights are available for added buoyancy control.

vessel

Meet The Icebreaker

Our expedition takes place aboard a polar icebreaker ship, recently upgraded for comfort, safety, and sustainability. Its stabilised hull and quiet electric propulsion make for smooth days at sea, while minimizing disturbance to whales and other wildlife.

Life Onboard

The vessel carries 16 guests in 8 spacious suites with private bathrooms, heating control, and essential amenities. Shared cabins are available on request. Relax in the lounge, library, or dining area, or unwind in the panoramic sauna and hot tub after a chilly day on deck.

Sustainably Built

The ship’s 2024 retrofit reduced fuel use by 35%, with whisper-quiet engines and submarine-style propellers to protect marine life. Spacious decks, large windows, and peaceful surroundings let you immerse fully in the Arctic environment.

On board facilities

Hot Tub: One of our favorite features on board the vessel is the hot tub out on deck. It is the perfect place to warm up after a day of exploring the Arctic. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the northern lights!

Sauna: Step into the panoramic sauna on the aft dekc for a wellness experience unlike any other. While you’re heating up, the large window gives you great views over the surrounding landscape.

Lounge: The lounge is the central meeting place on board. This is where you’ll attend lectures, enjoy an afternoon snack, or catch up with your fellow expeditioners during the evening.

Outdoor deck: The ship features a great front deck and a spacious, unobstructed aft deck where you’ll also find the sauna and hot tub. This provides ample room for photography, wildlife observation.

ORCA CABIN

• Very large suite with seating area

• Double bed

• Large bathroom + separate toilet

• 3 closets and open shelves

• 4 porthole windows

POLAR CABIN

• Twin beds or double bed

• Private bathroom

• 2 or 3 porthole windows

• At least 2 closets for storage

• Situated in the front or middle the ship

• Suites #1 and #3 can be connected as a family room

HUMPBACK CABIN

• Spacious suites

• Twin beds or double bed

• Private bathroom

• 2 or 3 porthole windows

• At least 2 closets for storage

RATES

Prices subject to change without prior notice.

ORCA CABIN

7450 EUROS

HUMPBACK CABIN

6890 EUROS

POLAR CABIN

6450 EUROS

Prices include the following:

• Full board, 3 meals per day

• Coffee and tea

• Two zodiacs and two expert guides

• Full Polar Snorkel Package including dry suit, undergarment, gloves, hood, boots, snorkel, fins, mask.

• Snorkel excursions and zodiac cruises

Prices do not include:

• Flights, hotels, transfers

• Alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages

• Personal expenses onboard

• Gratuities to the ships crew and guides

additonal info

RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive at least a day early to allow for any flight or luggage delays. Boarding starts late afternoon on the first day, with departure around dinner time. Arrival Airport: Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS).

WEATHER

Our trip take place during the winter months, and we travel above the arctic circle. It can be calm and sunny weather, but rain, snow and even storms are not uncommon. The daily average temperature tends to be around -3°C (27°F). While these are typical averages, temperatures can sometimes drop to around -15°C (5°F) during cold spells.

Tromsø is within the Arctic Circle and experiences the Polar Night, meaning the sun does not rise above the horizon for a period around the winter solstice. In January, there are very limited hours of daylight; the sun officially returns around mid-January, but due to surrounding mountains, visible sunlight is often delayed until later in the month.

WIFI

WiFi is available onboard, however this is not always stable and additional charges can apply depending on the vessel (20 Euro for 1 GB). We are usually close enough to shore to access mobile phone reception and data roaming.

FOOD

Mealtimes will be announced and may shift with changes in the day’s schedule. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is plated at the table. Meals often feature freshly caught seafood prepared by the chef, using anything the crew harvests during the journey. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies so we can inform the kitchen.

BAR

Water, coffee and tea are included. Soft drinks, wine, beers, spirits, etc. are available at an extra charge. It’s not allowed to bring and consume your own alcohol on board.

ready to join us? LET'S BEGIN: