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Swim with Killer Whales and Humpbacks in NorwayContact a SpecialistScroll

Location
norway

Swim with Killer Whales and Humpbacks in Norway

Details
6 DAYS FROM 8500 PP

Best time to go
november

NOR Bart Maxbzw7mks4 Unsplash

Swimming with Orcas & Humpbacks

An incredible ship-based safar with the unique opportunity to swim with, and photograph orcas and humpbacks in the wild Norwegian waters. Surrounded by icy fjords and imposing glaciers, this unforgettable trip offers you an opportunity to witness pods of colossal orcas and humpback whales. Leaving dry land behind, you’ll travel on our very own private chartered boat, the M/S Sjøveien, for the duration of your marine adventure. This gives you the advantage of versatility in your routing while sailing through the Norwegian waters due to her small size, is easily manoeuvrable. You’ll also have a chance to see the magnificent dancing Northern Lights.

Our expert team have been running whale trips to Norway for a number of years; almost the entire time in which orcas have been found migrating to these waters. In the past, our clients have remained close to land, watching and swimming with the whales during their hunts off the coast of Tromsø. However, this pioneering expedition will see you searching for Norway’s whales in a way that few others have done before: out on the water for days on end, on board your own expedition ship.

Norway Orca Map
Orca Credit Patrick Dykstra Bw
Norway Orca Family Above Credit Patrick Dykstra Bw

WHY BOOK this trip


  • Witness one of nature’s most incredible sites, the world’s largest orca aggregation
  • Swim along next to the immense orca and humpback whales as they feed on herring shoals
  • Learn tried and tested techniques of how to capture images of wildlife in their natural environment
  • When dusk falls, head up to the open bridge and keep an eye out for the famous Northern Lights
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Day 1 - Arrive Tromsø

Upon arrival at Tromsø Airport, you’ll make your own way to the city’s port to board the M/S Sjøveien, your home for the next 6 nights. Embarkation will be between 4pm and 5pm. Take the chance to get to know your team, the M/S Sjøveien’s crew and your fellow passengers before you set sail for Arctic waters. (D)

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Days 2 - 6 - Whale Watching

Your days at sea will be spent on the trail of orcas and humpbacks in the open ocean, tracking the movement of the pods as they hunt for huge shoals of herring. When you find the whales, you will head out in a 12-passenger dinghy to get closer to the water and, weather conditions permitting, you’ll be able to take to the water in small groups and swim alongside these magnificent mammals. There is no time limit on how long you can spend in the water, but it will depend on the weather, sea and light conditions as well as the behaviour of the whales themselves. Each day will vary and the exact itinerary will depend on the cetaceans’ locations. You may not find the whales every day, however when not actively swimming with the whales, you will be able to see the beautiful landscapes of Northern Norway and learn about the whales.

Big Male Orca B W Credit Patrick Dykstra
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Day 7 - Tromsø

After arriving back into Tromsø and disembarking from the M/S Sjøveien after breakfast, your time with the whales will have sadly come to an end, but you will have undoubtedly made memories that will last a lifetime. Say your final farewells and begin your journey home. (B)

Indian Ocean Reunion Swimming With Humpback Whales Patrick Dykstra Use

Patrick Dykstra

Expert Marine Videographer and Photographer


Patrick Dykstra

Expert Marine Videographer and Photographer


We’ve collaborated with Patrick Dykstra who is well-known among the nature documentary field. He is the visionary for the trip and even though he won’t be on-board, his involvement has been key in creating our 2023 expert team, along with being at the centre of developing this experience. He won a BAFTA for his cinematography work on BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and has also filmed major nature programs for Netflix, National Geographic, Apple, Discovery, BBC and others. His latest feature film about his friendship with a sperm whale titled 'Patrick and the Whale' was released in September 2022. Read more about Patrick.


Please Note

We recommend arriving one day prior to the start of the trip where possible in case of flight delays or lost luggage, and we are happy to help you arrange an extra night in Tromsø. Please be aware that the destination for the 2025 trips may change based on the Orca’s location. We recommend to wait until February 15th 2025, before purchasing flight tickets or booking hotels, or considering purchasing flexible tickets.

Disembarkation begins after breakfast, we ask that you depart the ship before 9am so we can prepare for the next group.

The Whales: Safety of our clients and the whales is top priority. The whales come to us, we do not chase or harass the whales. Our technique is to read the whale and its pattern and position the boat in the right spot with the engine off for the whale to come to us.

Dates & Prices norway

Dates and Prices for norway
DateShipPassengersTrip LengthTrip StylePrices from
9 - 14 November 2024M/V Kinfish126 DaysSOLD OUT
14 - 19 November 2024M/V Kinfish126 DaysSOLD OUT
19 - 24 November 2024M/V Kinfish126 DaysSOLD OUT
01 - 07 November 2025M/S Sjøveien127 DaysMarine Biologist - Alessandro De Maddalena9000
15 - 21 November 2025M/S Sjøveien127 Days8500
29 November - 05 December 2025M/S Sjøveien127 Days8500

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