Norway Magic
Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin Whales in the Arctic
Week 1: Jan 10th - 18th, 2026
Week 2: Jan 17th - 25th, 2026
$5,300 per person | 8 guests
Lofoten Islands extension: Jan 25th- 28th, 2026 | $990 per person
5 days searching for Orcas with fewer crowds in January
“I’ve had the pleasure of joining Alex on three of the trips that he has led—two in Dominica, and one in Norway. If there’s a common thread that runs between each, it’s his genuine passion for each destination paired with a polished travel experience.”
— Norway Guest
2 extra flex days in case of bad weather
Best-in-class heated boat + captain (this is a game changer)
Evening whale talks and treks to see the Aurora Borealis
Optional extension to see the spectacular Lofoten Islands
Why you will love this trip
Wildlife encounters you only see in nature documentaries — Getting the chance to see Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin Whales feeding in the fjords right in front of you, in real life.
Orcas by day and Aurora by night — Few places on Earth let you experience both in a single trip.
Warmth, comfort, and shared stories — Coming back to a cozy house, warm meal, and good conversation after a long day on the water. This is truly Norway magic.
FAQs
What is the chance of seeing Orcas?
Very good. Norway has some of the densest concentrations of whales in the world. The quality of our in-water encounters will depend on conditions, what the whales are doing, and luck.
How cold is it?
Cold but very manageable. Most people feel fine in the water with the right equipment. Key is having a swim parka to put over when you get out of the water.
What is included?
All activities, accommodation, and food are included. Optional $400 custom-made cold water wetsuit package available that is yours to keep.
What makes this trip unique?
Fewer crowds in January and best-in-class boat. Fewer boats, fewer people. Our heated boat makes Norway much more comfortable.
Is it safe?
Yes. Wild Orcas have never harmed anyone in the water. Two guides, a safety diver, and an experienced captain keep you safe.
Who can do this?
Anyone who can swim. You don’t need freediving experience, just curiosity and a sense of adventure. We’ve had guests of all ages and backgrounds thrive on this trip.
What would you like to experience in Norway?
Let’s make it happen.
Itinerary
Dates
Jan 10th - 18th, 2026 | Jan 17th - 25th, 2026
Day 1 — Arrival into Tromsø & Transfer to Skjervøy
Book flights into Tromsø (TOS). We recommend arriving a day early in case of travel delays. We will then transfer you to our base in Skjervoy by car or ferry. We will have our first trip briefing.
Days 2 to 6 — On the Water searching for Orcas & Whales
Five days searching for Orcas, Humpbacks, and Fin whales. If lucky, you may see unique behaviors like orcas tail-slapping or whales lunge-feeding through bait balls.
Evenings in the Arctic
In the evenings we will have whale talks, hikes searching for the Aurora, time in the jacuzzi, or having homecooked meals and playing board games.
Days 7–8 — Flex Days & Arctic Activities
We have an additional 2 “flex” days available in case of bad weather, a unique benefit of our itinerary. If not needed, we use these days to explore with potential activities including hiking, snow shoeing, or visiting local towns.
Day 9 — Return to Tromsø & Departure
We will transfer you back to Tromsø, where we will say goodbye. We hope that these Arctic memories stay with you forever!
Lofoten Islands Extension
This optional extension allows you to see beautiful historic fishing villages and Arctic beaches nestled in some of the most spectacular mountain and fjord scenery you will find in Norway.
Dates
January 25–28, 2026
Pricing
$990 per person (shared rooms), including flight from Tromso to Lofoten
Included
Scheduled land activities, accommodation in Lofoten, breakfasts, airport transfers, and the flight from Tromsø to Leknes.
Day 1 — From Skjervøy to Lofoten
From Tromsø we will fly to Leknes, gateway to Lofoten. We will stay at a beautiful waterfront lodge in the small fishing town of Ballstad.
Day 2 — Beaches & Southern Fishing Villages
We will drive through the southern Lofoten 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.
Day 3 — Northern Lofoten Towns & Viking Heritage
Exploring the northern side of the archipelago as we visit towns such as Henningsvær and Svolvær. A highlight is Henningsvær’s 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.
Day 4 — Departure
On our final morning guests can fly home from Leknes airport.
Best-in-class heated boat keeps you comfortable
Heated cabin is a game changer — Our large, heated boat protects you from the cold wind, making it much more comfortable than being in an open zodiac.
Purpose-built boat with open dive platform — Built for safe, quiet entries into the water for better encounters.
Experienced, safety-focused captain — Our captain has worked with blue-chip film crews like Blue Planet
Cozy house built for comfort
Modern and comfortable amenities — We have a charming, modern Norwegian house that has beautiful views over the surrounding fjords, high-speed Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, heated floors, and more.
Space to bond, unwind, and relax — There is room in the house for us to have whale talks, bond in the jacuzzi, unwind looking at the fjords, or have some private time.
All meals included — Fresh, homecooked food shared family-style after our days on the water.
Single room upgrades available — Prefer your own space? Single-room upgrades or hotel options are available.
Two Guides to Support You
There will be two co-guides on this expedition: Alex Pham of Thoughtful and Matt Reichel of High Bearings. 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. We will work together to make sure you have the attention and guidance you need.
How can we help?
Plan Your Norway Expedition
Ready to Join?
Booking Deposit
Secure your spot with a $1,500 deposit via the Book Now button on this page or by contacting us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
Payment Terms
$1,500 deposit to confirm your place.
Remaining balance due 120 days before the trip.
Payments managed through WeTravel, where you can pay by credit card or bank transfer in your preferred currency.
Cancellation Policy
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus $500 admin fee (waived if transferring deposit to another trip).
90–120 days: 50% refund.
Less than 90 days: No refunds possible.