Norway Magic:
Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin Whales in the Arctic Circle
Experience one of the largest aggregations of Orcas in the world
Each winter millions of herring gather in the fjords of northern Norway, drawing together one of the largest concentrations of Orcas and whales in the world.
Few ever get to experience something like this outside of a nature documentary.
You can.
2026 Expedition Dates
Week 1: Jan 10th - 18th, 2026
Week 2: Jan 17th - 25th, 2026
Lofoten Islands extension: Jan 25th - 28th, 2026
What makes this expedition worthwhile
5 days on the water — plus 2 extra flex days to maximize our chances
Weather in Norway can be unpredictable, so we built in two additional “flex” days to increase our chances of good encounters. Few other operators give you this much flexibility on the water.
Fewer boats + fewer crowds in January
The Orcas are still here in January, but the peak-season crowds are not. That means quieter seas, fewer boats, and a more intimate experience.
Best-in-class heated boat + veteran captain
Our covered and heated boat makes all the difference in the winter cold, and our captain is trusted by blue-chip film crews like BBC’s Blue Planet.
Custom cold-water gear you can keep and all meals included
If you choose to get gear from us, it’s not a rental. You will receive a custom made cold-water wetsuit to keep after the trip. Home-cooked meals are included too, saving you money.
Extension to see the spectacular Lofoten Islands
If you choose to add the Lofoten extension, you will step into one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Norway: towering granite peaks, colorful fishing villages, and northern lights over quiet harbors.
Learn why so many Orcas come to Norway
Evening whale talks will help you get a deeper understanding of why this is one of the most extraordinary gatherings of whales on Earth.
Adventure and lasting memories — an Arctic expedition rooted in respect
Our 8 night expeditions give you the chance to experience one of the largest concentrations of whales in the world. You may get the chance to see Orcas tail-slap feeding on herring or Humpbacks lunging through bait balls with their mouths wide open, while learning the deeper story of why this happens and why it matters. With five days on the water (plus two flex days for weather), heated boat, fewer crowds, evening whale talks, and home-cooked meals, this trip is designed to maximize your chance for meaningful encounters. Quiet, immersive, and unforgettable — this is Norway magic.
Optional Extension: the stunning Lofoten Islands
For those who choose to extend your trip, we continue into the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago of granite peaks, Arctic beaches, and fishing villages painted red and orange against the snow. We’ll travel through the most scenic stretches of Lofoten, visiting towns like Hamnøy, Reine, Henningsvær, and Ramstad. This is Norway seen differently: life in the far north, raw landscapes, and vistas that defy imagination.
What You’ll Experience
Searching for Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin Whales in the far northern fjords of Norway
Watching sunrises, sunsets, and alpine glow over snowcapped peaks
Searching for the Aurora Borealis
Evening whale talks
Home cooked meals and bonding around the fire
(Optional) Exploring the stunning scenery and traditional villages of the Lofoten Islands
Trip Details
Dates
Jan 10th - 18th, 2026
Jan 17th - 25th, 2026
Pricing
$5,300 per person (shared room) for 8 nights. Single room upgrade available.
Included
5 whale days on the fjords + 2 weather-flex days, evening whale talks, land activities, 8 nights accommodation, meals, and transfers.
Custom Cold-Water Gear
If you do not have your own Arctic freediving equipment, we can provide a complete cold-water package for $400. The custom wetsuit is yours to keep after the trip.
Travel
We begin in Tromsø (TOS), gateway to the Arctic Circle. From there, transfers to our base in Skjervøy are by car or ferry, depending on conditions.
Day 1 — Arrival into Tromsø & Transfer to Skjervøy
Arrive in Tromsø (TOS), where the Arctic adventure begins. We recommend arriving a day early to cushion against delays. We will then transfer to our Skjervoy base either by car or ferry. Once settled, we gather for a trip briefing and our first shared meal.
Days 2 to 6 — On the Water searching for Orcas & Whales
Five dedicated days on the fjords searching for Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin whales. You may see unique behaviors like orcas tail-slapping or whales lunge-feeding through bait balls. These are the lifetime moments we’ve built this trip around.
Evenings in the Arctic
Evenings are a chance to deepen the experience: whale talks that give you a deeper understanding of what we saw, hikes under the Aurora if conditions are clear, time in the jacuzzi, or simply sharing a warm meal and stories with the team.
Days 7–8 — Flex Days & Arctic Activities
Two days held in reserve, ensuring flexibility if weather affects our time on the water. If not needed, we use this time to explore this beautiful area with potential activities including hiking, snow shoeing, or visiting local towns.
Day 9 — Return to Tromsø & Departure
Our final transfer takes us back to Tromsø, where we will say goodbye. We hope that these Arctic memories stay with you long after the journey home.
Lofoten Islands Extension
The Lofoten Islands feel like another world with granite peaks rising straight from the sea, Arctic beaches glowing under winter light, and red villages perched at the water’s edge. This optional extension allows you to experience Norway’s historical ocean-going heritage nestled in landscapes that seem almost otherworldly.
Dates
January 25–28, 2026
Pricing
$990 per person (shared rooms), including flights and accommodation. Single room upgrade available.
Travel
From Tromsø we fly to Leknes (LKN), gateway to the Lofoten Islands. The package includes flights from Tromsø to Leknes.
Included
Scheduled land activities, accommodation in Lofoten, breakfasts, airport transfers, and the flight from Tromsø to Leknes.
Day 1 — From Skjervøy to Lofoten
After our Arctic whale expedition, we journey back to Tromsø and fly to Leknes. Our home in Lofoten is a beautiful waterfront lodge in the small fishing town of Ballstad.
Day 2 — Beaches & Southern Fishing Villages
We set out on a scenic road trip through the southern islands. Stops may include Flakstad, Ramberg and Kvalvika Beaches, as well as the postcard-perfect fishing villages of Sakrisøy, Hamnøy, Reine, and Å. Expect sweeping mountain backdrops, iconic red rorbuer cabins, and the raw beauty of Arctic beaches. Our exact stops will depend on weather conditions and group interest.
Day 3 — Northern Lofoten Towns & Viking Heritage
Exploring the northern side of the archipelago, we visit towns such as Henningsvær and Svolvær, both known for their dramatic fjord settings. A highlight is Henningsvær’s world-famous soccer pitch, perched in a natural amphitheater by the sea. We also have the chance to step into history at the Lofotr Viking Museum. Again, our exact stops will depend on weather conditions and group interest.
Day 4 — Departure
On our final morning guests can fly to either Tromso or Oslo, where guests connect to onward flights home — carrying memories of both Norway’s whales and its most beautiful islands.
Accommodation
Our group will stay together in a charming, modern Norwegian house that offers both comfort and beautiful views over the surrounding fjords. Depending on group size we may also use a second house nearby to ensure everyone has space to relax and recharge. Both homes are perfect for relaxing after long days on the water: reading by the window, warming up with tea, or watching the northern lights flicker overhead. There are also upgrades available for those who want to a single room to themselves, or who would prefer to stay separately in the hotel in town.
Key amenities and features:
Views over the fjords and mountains
Shared kitchen and dining areas for meals and evening chats
Comfortable rooms with warm bedding
High-speed Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, and fully stocked kitchens
Heated floors and modern Nordic bathrooms
Our Boat
We will be using the OceanX, a sleek, purpose-built expedition boat designed for comfort and safety in Arctic waters. Its open dive deck and low profile make it easier for us to get in and out of the water. It also has a heated cabin, which makes a big difference for comfort when we are out of the water. Most importantly, our experienced captain is one of the best in this region, having worked with numerous documentary film crews (like Blue Planet) and ecotourism expeditions.
Two Guides to Support You
There will be two co-guides on this expedition: Alex Pham of Thoughtful and Matt Reichel of High Bearings. We work together to make sure you have the attention, guidance, and safety you need on the boat, in the water, or exploring on land.
Matt has spent a decade designing regenerative expeditions worldwide, including pioneering whale tourism in Rurutu and cultural journeys in places as diverse as Afghanistan and Yemen. He is an expert in curating meaningful experiences and we are lucky to have him as a co-guide on this trip.
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FAQs
What are the chances of seeing orcas and whales?
Skjervøy has been the heart of Norway’s herring migration since 2017. During the season Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin whales are seen almost daily.
On the boat: sightings are likely most days.
In the water: depends on weather and whale behavior. On average, guests can expect 2 to 3 days of good in-water encounters. Some trips will have more, some less.
What are the interactions like?
We let the whales set the terms. Most encounters are pass-bys, where the Orcas or whales swim past us as we observe respectfully. Occasionally, we may witness extraordinary behaviors like orcas tail-slapping herring or humpbacks lunge-feeding. These moments are rare, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Do I need experience to join?
The only requirement is knowing how to swim. Comfort with snorkeling helps, but we can prepare you if you’re new. We’ve guided people of all backgrounds. The key is being open, patient, and willing to learn. With proper gear and guidance, almost anyone can succeed.
How do you approach wildlife encounters?
Our ethos is simple: observe on the whales’ terms. This means:
Working with a captain committed to ethical practices.
Traveling in January, when fewer boats are around.
Keeping encounters respectful, minimizing disturbance.
Adding depth through evening whale talks
What if we don’t see orcas?
This is a true expedition. Some days we may not see whales, or the weather may keep us ashore (which is why we build in two flex days). The search is part of the experience. We will try our hardest each day to find the right opportunities, but this is nature.
How large is the group?
A maximum of 8 guests, guided by two experienced guides and supported by a dedicated safety diver on the boat. Small enough to feel personal, supported enough to feel safe.
How cold will it be?
With a proper 7mm freedive suit, gloves, and booties, most guests are surprised at how manageable the water feels. The bigger challenge is staying warm after getting out, which is why we recommend also having a weatherproof swim parka.
What gear and clothing should I bring?
Underwater
7mm open-cell freedive suit
7mm gloves & booties
Mask & snorkel
Fins
Weatherproof swim parka or poncho
A complete gear package is available if needed.
On Land
Winter parka
Long thermal underwear (synthetic or merino wool)
Winter boots
Warm hat and gloves
How much does the trip cost?
$5,300 per person (shared room), including all scheduled activities, accommodation, transfers, meals, and whale talks.
Traveling solo? We’ll pair you with a same-gender roommate if possible.
Single rooms available for an additional upgrade.
Cold water gear package available for $400, and is yours to keep after the trip
What’s included?
Included: All water and land activities, whale talks, accommodation, meals, airport transfers.
Not included: Flights, drinks, gear package (if needed), single room upgrade, gratuities.
When should I book flights?
Arrival (Day 1): Arrive into Tromsø (TOS).
We suggest arriving a day early to buffer against delays.
Departure: Flights can be booked anytime on the final scheduled day of the trip.
How do I book?
Secure your place with a $1,500 deposit via the Book Now button on this page or by contacting us directly at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
What are the payment terms?
$1,500 deposit to confirm your spot.
Remaining balance due 90 days before departure.
Payments processed securely via WeTravel (credit card or bank transfer, in your preferred currency).
What is your cancellation policy?
More than 120 days before trip: Full refund, minus $500 admin fee (waived if you transfer to another trip).
90–120 days: 50% refund.
Less than 90 days: Unfortunately, no refunds possible.
Why go in January instead of November?
January brings excellent whale activity without the heavy crowds. Weather can be more unpredictable (though it really depends more on the season) which is why we’ve built in two weather-flex days. The result: more intimate encounters, less boat traffic, and a truer reflection of our Thoughtful ethos.
How can I learn more?
We’re always happy to connect. Reach out at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or find us on Instagram.