Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway: Everything You Need to Know
Seeing orcas in the wild is a dream come true for many nature lovers. In northern Norway, during the winter months, you have the opportunity to encounter these impressive animals up close—not from the shore, but from the water. That’s because you can snorkel with wild orcas here.
EWDR is organizing a special 7-day liveaboard expedition from Tromsø for this purpose. You’ll spend six nights on board, sailing through the fjords of Northern Norway in search of orcas and other whales. The route is adjusted based on conditions and the locations where the animals are spotted. As a result, every day is different.
But why do orcas come to Northern Norway? When can you see them? How cold is the water, and how exactly does snorkeling work? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about snorkeling with orcas in Norway.
Why do orcas come to Norway?
The main reason is food. In the fall and winter, large schools of herring migrate to the fjords of northern Norway. The herring, in turn, attract large numbers of predators.
Orcas know exactly where to go. They follow the herring and, as a result, gather in the fjords around Skjervøy and Kvænangen, among other places.
But orcas aren’t the only animals you might encounter here. Humpback whales and other whales also follow the food. As a result, you can see various species of marine mammals during an expedition.
What makes this time of year special is that the animals can be found relatively close together and within a limited area. That makes Northern Norway one of the most famous places in the world to observe orcas in the wild.
When can you go snorkeling with orcas in Norway?
The best time to see orcas and snorkel with them in Northern Norway is from October through January. During these months, large numbers of herring migrate to the fjords in northern Norway. The orcas follow their food and therefore gather in this area.
Conditions may vary during this period. In October and November, the days are still a bit longer, while in December and January you’re more likely to have a true Arctic winter experience. The short days and long, dark nights also create ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights.
Because orcas follow the herring, their presence isn’t limited to a single location. During our liveaboard expedition, the route is therefore adjusted based on current conditions and sightings. You’ll spend several days in the area, giving you multiple opportunities to spot orcas and other whales.
Where can you go snorkeling with orcas in Norway?
One of the best-known areas for orcas in northern Norway is the region around Skjervøy, above the Arctic Circle. Large schools of herring gather here in the winter, attracting the orcas as well.
However, the exact location of the animals varies from day to day. Wild animals, of course, do not follow a set route or schedule. That is why an expedition is different from a regular excursion, where you go to observe animals at a fixed location.
The crew on the liveaboard constantly monitors the conditions and recent sightings. Based on that information, they determine where the boat will sail.
That’s also one of the advantages of a multi-day liveaboard expedition. You have several days to explore the area and aren’t limited to a single boat trip.
Why choose a liveaboard?
For those traveling to Norway specifically to see orcas, a liveaboard offers a major advantage: you’ll be staying right in the heart of the area where the animals are found.
During our trip, you’ll spend 7 days and 6 nights aboard a liveaboard. From Tromsø, you’ll sail toward the fjords where orcas and whales are frequently spotted during this time of year.
This means you won’t have to travel from a hotel to a departure point every day. The boat will serve as both your accommodation and your base of operations throughout the expedition.
Another important advantage is flexibility. The route can be adjusted based on conditions, the weather, and the locations where animals are spotted. If you see a group of orcas somewhere, you can spend more time there. If conditions are better in another part of the area, the route can be adjusted.
The goal isn’t to check off a list of animals as quickly as possible, but to have several days to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
What is a typical day like on a liveaboard?
There is no set daily schedule. That is precisely what gives the trip its expedition-style character.
After breakfast, the crew assesses the weather conditions, the sea, and the most recent sightings. They then set out in search of orcas, humpback whales, and other whales.
When animals are found, the situation is assessed. If the animals’ behavior, weather conditions, and safety permit, the Zodiac is used to get closer to the animals.
Sometimes that means snorkeling, and other times you stay on the boat to watch the animals from the water’s surface.
It’s important to emphasize this last point: snorkeling with orcas is not guaranteed every time you encounter them. The animals’ well-being and natural behavior are the top priority. The decision to enter the water is therefore always made based on the conditions and the animals’ behavior.
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