Arctic Norway
— Orcas & Aurora
Highlights
Five days aboard the MS Stockholm in the Norwegian Fjords
Focus on finding Orcas and Humpback Whales feeding by day
Soaking up the magical Arctic night sky after dusk including the aurora borealis
Exclusive use of this incredible 12-berth expedition vessel
Enjoy the local hospitality and delicious food
Explore the punctuated and convoluted coast by ship and zodiac
Take in evening presentations and photography tutorials
Accompanied by experts guides and photographers Dan Brown and Rachael Iveson-Brown as well as onboard naturalists
We will hope to witness the Northern Lights, aurora borealis on this expedition
Overview
Northern Norway has become globally renowned as a cetacean hotspot, in particular for the concentrations of Orca and Humpback Whales that come to feed on Herring during the winter months.
With our own exclusive charter of 12-berth MS Stockholm we will embark on five full days exploring the fjords of Arctic Norway with the goal of having some unforgettable cetacean encounters whilst experiencing the polar winter nights. Our vessel is a comfortable and very well-appointed expedition ship complete with lounge and bar where we will be able to undertake informal photographic workshops or listen to lecturers and recaps about our observations. The onboard team are exceptionally friendly and welcoming offering an open bridge policy and serving up one delicious meal after the next.
There are myriad fjords and waterways and our experienced team will navigate them to give us the best possible encounters whilst also getting to know the geography, marvelling at the beautifully wintery landscape and even indulging in some evening calls at local villages to experience some terrestrial Norwegian hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Alta, Arctic Norway
Arrive and check in to our hotel for the night.
Day 2-6 Fjords
After boarding MS Stockholm we will spend four full days exploring the fjords in search of Orcas and Humpback Whales by day and aurora borealis by night. Our exact route will vary depending on the feeding activity of the whales and the weather.
When conditions allow, we will be able to launch zodiacs to safely approach wildlife closer as well as explore the dramatic coastline. The region is very picturesque and we hope to soak in the natural and cultural landscape whilst enjoying some of the most enigmatic wildlife in Europe.
As well as getting some close up encounters with Orca and Humpback Whale we will submit images of dorsal fins and tail flukes to the citizen science platform Happy Whale. This incredible global database helps to match individual animals from sightings such as ours, and demonstrates the extent to which these mammals utilise oceanic basins and even multiple oceanic basins.
Our expedition team is exceptionally experienced and knows exactly where to go to looks for whales, how to safely and respectably navigate around them as well as getting us in position for the best encounters away from other vessels.
As well as Orca and Humpback we hope to see species such as White-tailed Eagle which patrol the coast.
Day 7 Tour concludes
Disembark MS Stockholm and transfer to the airport for our return flights.
The itinerary outlined is indicative and Wild Discovery reserves the right to alter the itinerary if conditions require.
Who we Support on this Tour
Happy Whale
Trees for Life
Dates and Prices
| Set Departure Dates | Cost | Availability |
| Tue 2nd - Mon 8th November 2027 | £5950* | Spaces |
* Single room supplement applies - contact us for details.
Custom Tour
Why not recreate this experience with friends on dates that suit you? Build on our existing itinerary to customise your experience.
What’s included?
Expert services of two Wild Discovery leaders, plus onboard naturalists
Accommodation
All meals (B, L, D)
Soft drinks, tea, coffee
All transport from start to end location
All activities and excursions
Gratuities to external service providers
Support to our conservation partners
A native tree planted on your behalf in our woodland grove
What’s not included?
Travel before or after tour start/end
Trip cancellation Insurance or any other travel or medical insurance
Visas
Alcoholic beverages
Other items of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, souvenirs, etc.
For full details of our Booking Conditions click here and complete the online booking form.
Gallery
We plan to get into the zodiacs to get close up with Orca and Humpback Whales
Our charter vessel for the week is the MS Stockholm
The MS Stockholm has an open bridge policy
At this time of year pods of Orca move into the fjords to feed on Herring
When not out looking for marine mammals or aurora we can relax in the communal areas of the vessel
We will be on watch for Aurora Borealis each night
Humpback Whales also come into the fjords to feed.
We should have many superb encounters with feeding Humpbacks and Orcas
The cabins are cosy and well appointed and each with private facilities
The dining area offers the chance to recap on the days activities and brief for the following days plans
As well as marine mammals we also hope to encounter White-tailed Eagles along the coast
Tour Location
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