Orcas in Norway

Norway · Orca Swimming · Snorkeling · Northern Lights

Orcas in Norway

69.6492, 18.9553

Seven days aboard a small polar expedition yacht above the Arctic Circle, swimming with orca, humpback and fin whales as they feed on winter herring — with the northern lights overhead by night.

Between October and February, vast schools of herring migrate from the Atlantic into the northwestern fjords of Norway to overwinter before moving south to spawn. These gatherings draw significant populations of orca, humpback and fin whales deep into the fjords to feed — and create exceptional opportunities to snorkel and freedive alongside them. This Arctic expedition pushes north of the Polar Circle from Tromsø, with our small expedition ship as a comfortable base. Snow-capped peaks and pastel skies frame the fjords; by night, the aurora transforms the sky into ribbons of radiant colour. Norway is the premier destination on Earth for in-water encounters with whales, but the animals follow the herring, so the action moves from fjord to fjord. A liveaboard lets us track that movement, take shelter in protected waters when weather turns, and stay clear of crowds — finding quiet encounters with relaxed animals on our own course.
Two orca circle a glowing baitball of herring in deep blue water
Orcas & carousel feeding

The ocean's most coordinated hunt

As the largest dolphins on Earth, orca reach 10 metres and 9 tonnes, with the males' 2-metre dorsal fins cutting the surface like sails. In Norway they corral herring into tight baitballs and take turns stunning fish with powerful tail slaps — a behaviour known as carousel feeding. Witnessing it from the water is unforgettable.

A humpback whale lunges through the surface of a Norwegian fjord, herring scattering
Humpback & fin whales

Lunge feeding at close range

Humpbacks reach 19 metres and 40 tonnes; fin whales — the second-largest animal on the planet — push 27 metres and 70 tonnes. Both feed on the same herring schools, often erupting through the surface with mouths agape. Encountering these giants close-up is a memory etched for life.

Green and violet aurora ribbons over snowy mountains reflecting on a still fjord
Northern lights

Aurora over the fjell

Whale season runs straight through aurora season. On clear nights we lead guided walks into the fjell — Norwegian mountains away from any light pollution — where the sky is the only thing on stage. The combination of dancing aurora and dark fjord landscapes is the postscript to every day on the water.

A small white expedition yacht anchored in a Norwegian fjord at pastel twilight
The ship — M/S Balto

A small polar expedition yacht

M/S Balto carries just 12 guests across 7 outside cabins, all with private bathrooms. Onboard: a cedar sauna with cold shower, shared saloon and dining room, library, and an open galley where you can watch meals prepared. The small group size means more flexibility, more time ashore, and a lighter environmental footprint.

Day by day

  1. Day 01

    Board in Tromsø

    Board the ship in the afternoon between 5–6pm in Tromsø. Welcome briefing and dinner, followed by a night cruise toward the best whale grounds for the season.

  2. Day 02

    Check Swim & First Encounters

    The day begins with a check swim to get everyone comfortable with gear and zodiacs. Then the search begins — first opportunities to slip into the water with orca and humpback whales.

  3. Day 03

    Full Day on the Water

    Crew use every hour of daylight to locate whales and position you for in-water encounters. Watch from the viewing platforms or stay warm inside with a hot drink and the fjord landscape rolling past.

  4. Day 04

    Carousel Feeding

    Search for orca employing their famous carousel-feeding technique — corralling herring into baitballs and stunning them with tail slaps. Evening guided walk away from light pollution for the northern lights.

  5. Day 05

    Lunge Feeding & Aurora

    Humpback and fin whales often ambush herring baitballs, erupting through the surface with mouths agape. Hot lunch on board, then evening aurora walks into the fjell when skies are clear.

  6. Day 06

    Final Day & Return Cruise

    A final morning of searching and in-water encounters before cruising back toward Tromsø in the late afternoon. Spend the night in port.

  7. Day 07

    Disembark

    After breakfast, say goodbye and disembark the ship by 9am.

Included

  • · 7 days & 6 nights aboard the liveaboard
  • · 5 full ocean days searching for whales and orca
  • · 2 expedition leaders, fluent in English
  • · 2 zodiacs, each with an in-water guide and skipper
  • · All meals, plus water, tea and coffee
  • · Twin-share cabin accommodation
  • · Weights and weight belt
  • · Thermal oversuit for scouting and land tours

Not included

  • · Airfare (Tromsø — TOS)
  • · Non-specified meals and beverages
  • · Transfers in Norway
  • · Optional equipment rental
  • · Travel insurance (required)
  • · Gratuities for captain and guides

Meeting point

Board the ship in Tromsø harbour between 5–6pm on Day 1. Nearest airport: Tromsø (TOS). Valid passport required for minimum three months beyond return date.

Fitness & medical

You should be a confident swimmer comfortable in cold water with basic snorkeling experience. No scuba certification required. Dry suits and thermal gear provided.

Full medical information →

8 spots remaining

Ready to join this expedition?

JAN 18 — JAN 22 · 2027 · 7 days · $5,800 per person · max 12 guests

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