A secluded island in the spectacular Reinfjord is the base for you ultimate Orca adventure, swimming alongside these odontocetes, as well as humpbacks in the wild Norwegian waters.
Surrounded by icy fjords and imposing mountains, you’ll delve into arctic sea, where the orcas come to hunt for herring, often in large groups, known as pods. An expert in underwater photography, Joshua Barton has been running trips here for almost the entire time in which the orcas have been migrating to these waters. You will benefit from his expert knowledge of these creatures, as well as the best way to capture their images as you swim amongst them.
Your small private boat benefits from heated cabin to warm yourselves between exhilarating swims in the Norwegian waters. In the evenings from the comfort of your cosy Norwegian home, look to the skies as there is a chance the Northern Lights will be dancing above you.
Orcas
Killer whales are known to use advanced levels of communication with different dialects used by each group, passed down through the generations.
Expert Underwater Photographic Tuition: An accomplished underwater photographer with a wealth of experience photographing whales in Asia, Africa and Europe, Joshua will be able to guide you through tried and tested techniques of capturing whales in their natural environment.
Exclusive Small Group Experience: With just four guests per departure you can maximise your time in the waters with humpbacks and Orcas. Your group will decide when you head back to your cozy cottage on a remote island in the fjords.
Swim Amongst Giants of the Sea: Impressive pods of Orca; the largest member of the dolphin family, gather in these waters to round up the abundant herring each year. The humpbacks, which can weigh up to 40 tons, follow in search of an easy meal.
Day 1, Arrive Tromso
Arrive into the small city of Tromso, we recommend you arrange this pre-night as the next day will be a long travel day. Your Specialist Leader, Joshua Barton will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, ready to rest for the night.
Accommodation: Own Arrangements
Tromso
The majority of our Norway safaris travel during the winter months to make the most of the whale species that can be seen off the coast around Tromsø and the dog sledding adventures that can be had in the snow. If you feel like a casual coffee or something freshly baked, stop by Smørtorget for delicious pastries and local artwork in a friendly and relaxed setting. Koseverden is another option for fans of baked goods, boasting an impressive array of options along with a lunch menu and coffee from a local roaster. Read more about what to do in Tromsø.
Stroll the streets of Tromso to discover one of the many lovely cafes or restaurants for breakfast. Joshua will have confirmed your departure time the night before, depending on the ferry schedule to Reinfjord. You’ll be transferred to the small town of Skjervoy, if you haven’t pre-ordered groceries, you’ll stop on the way to pick up supplies. Then, catch the ferry to Reinfjord, sailing towards your island home for the next seven nights, the summer cottages appearing like miniature dolls houses against the towering granite cliffs.
Accommodation: House on Reinfjord
Days 3 – 8, Whale Watching
Prepare yourselves a hearty breakfast and some snacks for the boat before you head out from the jetty each morning. You’ll get into your gear at the house, and you’ll be wearing it for the full day; albeit they are short days due to the limited daylight hours at this time of year. When you find the whales you’ll slip into the water to swim alongside these magnificent mammals. Each day will be a completely different adventure, depending on the cetaceans’ location. The orcas work as a collective to round up the herring to pick them off, Joshua and the Captain are experts in spotting signs of the hunt to find the orca, then you’ll head into the water when the whales are well fed. You may not find the orcas every day, but you’ll be immersed in the incredible landscapes in these stunning fjords and learn how to enhance your photography skills whilst aboard your little boat. In the evenings head back to your house where you can concoct hearty meals and relive the days’ adventures with Joshua, who will be staying in a separate apartment beneath the house. You can perhaps enjoy some marine biology documentaries to whet your appetite for the next days’ adventures on the sea.
Joshua Barton
Featured worldwide in publications such as the National Geographic, Joshua is one of the first to capture evidence of Orca attack on Blue Whale.
This morning you’ll say a sad farewell to your home in Reinfjord and take the ferry back to Skjervoy. The journey may take 6-8 hours, so we do recommend booking an additional night in Tromso to ensure you are back with plenty of time before your flight.
Accommodation: (Own Arrangements)
Whales
Encounters with the Ocean’s Giants
One of the most memorable experiences, catching eye-contact always brings a sense of understanding between the two species, creating a connection and memory that will last long after your encounter ends.
"As a photographer, I felt I owed it to the viewer to provide something that represented me, my effort, my time, my passion. A painter or sculptor will put days, months or even years into providing one great work; so as a photographer I want to do more than press a button on a machine made by someone else to take a card-full of snapshots - I want to show people things that they dream of, in ways that they hadn't imagined."
Your Accommodation
Private House on Reinfjord
Located on a rugged island off the mainland of Norway, you’ll find a small cluster of summer houses on the island of Reinfjord. The house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The balcony has views of the serrated snow-covered mountains across the fjord. The warm wooden walls of the house reflect traditional Scandinavian ‘hugge.’
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.
Swimming alongside orcas is something you are never likely to forget, but before you take the plunge, it is imperative to prepare for your time in the water. Winter in the Norwegian Arctic means cold temperatures and limited light, with temperatures generally ranging between -5°C and 5°C in the region where the whales will be. Needless to say, proper clothing and insulation are required in order to remain safe and comfortable at these temperatures. If you have booked a place on this expedition, proper swimming gear will be essential.
For more information and to download the full brochure, please get in contact using the form below.
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