Orcas and whales

Orcas & Whales

Bustling life in the sea

Every autumn, the fjords of northern Norway come alive as massive shoals of herring migrate in from the ocean, seeking calmer waters for the winter. Following their favorite meal, orcas and humpback whales gather in an awe-inspiring natural spectacle that lasts for weeks. Now, we invite you to be part of this experience, not just from the deck—but in the water!

An Incredible Dive

After years of sailing with orcas and whales, we’re taking the adventure to the next level. Equipped with a wetsuit and guided by expert freediving instructors, you’ll slip beneath the surface and come face to face with these incredible creatures. Love, respect and adrenaline will all be maxed, as you swim alongside an orca in the wild—you’ll be changed forever. Here are the two different trips that we do;

Sail & Swim with Orcas & Whales

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Arctic waters? These trips are perfect for those new to exploring the ocean’s depths with a mask and snorkel. Here are all the trips, Sail & Swim with Orcas & Whales.

Sail & Freedive with Orcas & Whales

Are you an experienced free diver?

These trips are for advanced free divers who are confident in free diving in choppy seas. Here are all the trips, Sail & Freedive with Orcas & Whales.

Our Journey

We set sail from Tromsø and navigate to wherever the whales are. We know their habits, we talk to the fishermen—and of course, we know where we saw them last week. Our flexible itinerary ensures that we follow the action and maximize your chances of getting close to and swimming with the orcas and whales.

Whales we’ll meet on our trips

If we are lucky, we will meet these guys during our trips!

Humpback whales

The Humpacks migrate from the Caribbean to the Arctic to feed on the herring that gather in the fjords during winter. Humpback whales are easily recognized as large whales with stout bodies, rounded heads covered in bumps, and long white-undersided flippers. Their dorsal fins are low and vary in shape. They are mostly black, often with white markings on the throat and belly. Adults average 14 m in length and 40 tons, with females slightly larger than males.

Orcas

Orcas are found in oceans worldwide but are common in Norwegian waters, where they follow herring into the fjords during winter. They are striking black-and-white dolphins with robust bodies, a white patch above each eye, and a distinctive white underside. Males have tall, straight dorsal fins up to 1.8 m high, while females’ fins are shorter and curved. Adults typically range from 6 to 8 m in length and can weigh up to 6 tons, with males being larger than females.

Fin Whales

Fin whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises can also be spotted, though less frequently.

Sailing Under the Northern Lights

During this time of year, conditions are perfect for witnessing the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis. As we are looking for whales below, above is the epicenter of this spectacular phenomenon, so from the boat (or while swimming in the water!) we enjoy prime seats for the show. Between the whales and the northern lights you are surrounded by white peaks that plunge a thousand meters into the sea.

We welcome you to snorkel with orcas during the day and dance with the northern lights at night! Welcome on board!

Trips with Orcas, Whales & Northern Lights

Sail & Freedive with Orcas and Whales

NOK 48.500
Sail & Swim with Orcas and Whales

NOK 48.500
Best of Lofoten Winter, Southbound

NOK 26.700
Winter sailing – Northern lights & Whales

Price range: NOK 24.700 through NOK 26.700
Best of Lofoten Winter, Northbound

NOK 26.700
Northern Lights and Whales with Valiente

NOK 26.500

Get a taste of life at sea

Photographer and filmmaker James Tomlinson from London joined us on the Sail & Swim with Orcas and Whales expedition last year. Watch the film and dive into life on board — the sea, the motion and the adventure.