Swimming with Orcas and Whales in Northern Norway
January is the best month in Northern Norway for encountering whales and orcas, and for enjoying one of the most beautiful natural phenomena—the Northern Lights. And Andfjord is arguably the best place in the world to experience these two incredible natural wonders.
Available dates:
January 17 - January 23
Complexity:
Duration:
January is the best month to visit Northern Norway for encounters with whales and orcas and to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena — the Northern Lights. And Eidfjord is arguably one of the best places in the world to experience these two extraordinary natural wonders.
Our journey is an educational and exploratory experience designed to help us learn as much as possible about the lives of these remarkable marine mammals and observe them firsthand in their natural habitat. We will also have the opportunity to try interacting with these animals and establishing a connection with them. Each day, members of an international team of researchers studying cetaceans at the research centre in Andenes will deliver lectures, giving us the knowledge we need to better understand these extraordinary creatures.
Andenes lies far above the Arctic Circle. In January, the polar night prevails here. The Sun never rises above the horizon, but between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the so-called blue hour brings a period of deep blue twilight. A faint glow from the Sun can be seen beyond the horizon, providing enough natural light to make the most of these precious hours.
The polar night is a gift for Northern Lights hunters. With longer hours of darkness, we have more time and a better chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis — the Latin name for the Northern Lights.
Itinerary for the “Swimming with Orcas and Whales in Northern Norway” programme:
Evenes – Andenes – Tromsø – Evenes
Your guides for the “Swimming with Orcas and Whales, Northern Norway” program
Itinerary for the “Swimming with Orcas and Whales, Northern Norway” program, by day
day
Participants arrive at Evenes Airport in the evening, where they meet their guide before travelling to Andenes. Check-in at a charming, historic three-storey house. A candlelit dinner, introductions, and a discussion of the upcoming adventure.
day
A lecture with a biologist from the Cetacean Research Centre in Andenes. Our first boat trip out to sea to observe whales and orcas in their natural habitat. In the evening, a Northern Lights photography excursion.
day
Today is dedicated to snorkelling with whales and orcas. After returning to shore, we will attend a lecture with biologists to discuss our experiences and observations. In the evening, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.
day
A reserve day for snorkelling. If weather conditions are unfavourable, we will explore the island, visiting the Northern Lights Research Centre, an Arctic farm and a Sámi farm, where we will have the chance to meet reindeer. In the evening, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.
day
Travel to Tromsø, with a stop en route at an Arctic wildlife park, home to wolves, bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, moose and other animals. Check-in at the hotel, followed by an evening stroll around the city.
day
A boat trip for swimming with whales, or a sea kayaking excursion offering the chance to encounter these magnificent animals in the wild. In the evening, enjoy a stroll around the city followed by a farewell dinner.
day
Departure day: the group travels home via Tromsø, Evenes and Oslo.
Notes:
*Northern Lights photography excursions may take place every evening when the aurora is visible.
IMPORTANT! The itinerary will be adjusted as necessary throughout the trip. Weather conditions, wildlife activity and solar activity are unpredictable. For this reason, our return flight is also planned from Evenes, which we will reach by car.
To allow for unfavourable weather, we will remain flexible and adapt the itinerary wherever possible. If circumstances beyond our control prevent us from carrying out any part of the programme, no financial compensation will be provided.
Clarify the Evenes flight arrangementSoften the no-compensation wording
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Is this trip right for you?
You don’t need any special training or a scuba diving licence to join us on an adventure to the edge of the world and encounter the incredible whales and orcas. All in-water experiences will take place in warm wetsuits, using snorkelling equipment — a mask and snorkel.
Whales and orcas can be frightened by the noise of bubbles released by scuba divers and may swim away. That’s why snorkelling is a better way to observe these magnificent animals and, hopefully, interact with them in their natural environment.
Included in the price:
- Guide/driver services;
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Accommodation in a historic house near the lighthouse (twin-share basis);
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Hotel accommodation (twin-share basis);
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Meals (breakfasts);
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All boat trips;
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Boat-based wildlife safaris;
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Snorkelling;
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Sea kayaking;
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Visit to an Arctic wildlife park;
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Lectures and practical guidance provided by Norwegian specialists;
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Rental of equipment and wetsuits;
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Ground transportation by car, including fuel.
The price does not include:
- Flights to the starting point;
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Travel insurance;
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Lunches, dinners and snacks for active excursions — budget from €300 for the entire programme.
Price depending on the number of participants
| Number of participants | Cost per 1 participant |
|---|---|
| 8 | 3250 EUR |
| 7 | 3400 EUR |
| 6 | 3500 EUR |
| 5 | 3600 EUR |
| 4 | 3800 EUR |
| 3 | 4400 EUR |
| 2 | 5600 EUR |
Best price guarantee!
- We have included in the price all possible basic expenses for the program and guarantee that there are no hidden additional costs, while we have retained the best service at a low price: transfers, hotel accommodation, guides and staff!
We have a flexible discount system
Find out the details right now:
Necessary equipment
All the equipment needed for cold-water snorkelling will be provided on site. You should bring several sets of warm thermal underwear, warm winter clothing that is both windproof and waterproof, suitable footwear, your camera equipment and a tripod. If you would also like to photograph orcas and whales underwater, bring a waterproof housing for your camera.
Additional Information
Encounters with orcas will take place under the supervision of an instructor and guide, with a team of specialists closely monitoring the activity. Before entering the water, we will receive a thorough briefing on the rules and guidelines for interacting with orcas and whales underwater.
The program takes place in Norway, which is a Schengen Area country.
On the first day, we will travel by car from the airport in Evenes (mainland Norway) to the town of Andenes (on the island of Andøya), and on the final day, we will travel from Tromsø to the airport in Evenes. Throughout the entire trip, we will be getting around in a 9-seater minibus.
To reserve a spot in the group, a deposit of 750 euros is required. This is a non-refundable deposit, which is used to secure accommodation in the lodges and apartments along our route. The full balance must be paid no later than 15 days before the start of the trip. If a participant cancels their participation less than 15 days before the start of the trip, 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. If the trip is cancelled by the organizers, all funds paid by participants will be refunded. In such cases, the cost of airfare is not reimbursed.
Our team of intrepid underwater explorers will stay in a charming, historic three-storey house in Andenes, built in 1913. From the windows, we will enjoy views of the iconic Andenes Lighthouse and the ocean, and may even be able to photograph the Northern Lights.
Rooms are shared by two people. Staying in this unique house is an experience in its own right and a special part of our adventure.
In Tromsø, we will stay in a comfortable hotel right in the city centre, putting us at the heart of the cultural life of this vibrant and beautiful Arctic city.
In January, the polar night prevails here. This means the Sun never rises above the horizon. However, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the island experiences what is known as the blue hour — a period of deep blue twilight. The glow of sunlight beyond the horizon provides enough natural light to make the surroundings surprisingly bright.
Andøya Island is washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Even in winter, the sea temperature here is around 4°C.
Orcas have not been known to attack humans in the wild. There are reports of an incident in which an orca attacked a trainer during a performance at a marine park. Orcas are highly intelligent, socially complex animals with sophisticated social bonds and behaviours. It has been suggested that the conditions of captivity may have contributed to this tragic incident.
Orcas are often called killer whales. The name is linked to their hunting behaviour: some populations hunt other marine mammals, including young whales and sperm whales. Their diet varies by population and may include different species of fish and seals.
Orcas can be curious and cautious around humans. An encounter with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat can be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our guides will take all necessary safety precautions, provided that participants follow the safety instructions at all times.
The table shows the basic cost for a group and may change depending on the number of people in the group. For the calculation of the cost of the tour for a smaller number of people and individual groups, see the «Price» block for more details.
We guarantee that on the dates indicated in the table, even if there is a minimum number of people allowed in the group, the tour will take place 100% with a minimum change in cost.
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