Orcas, humpback whales & northern lights
in Norway

The expedition takes us into a world straight out of a winter fairy tale: snow-covered fjords, snow-capped mountains and a light that bathes everything in an almost mystical atmosphere - soft, golden, still. And right in the middle of it all: orcas and humpback whales hunting for herring in the Arctic waters.

When you think of whales, you might not immediately think of the far north of Europe, but it is precisely here, in the sheltered fjords of northern Norway, that orcas and humpback whales gather every winter to follow huge schools of herring. And we are right in the middle of it! Every day between the end of October and January, you have the best chance of getting very close to these fascinating animals - in their natural habitat and in a respectful manner.

Our home during this special journey is a comfortable expedition ship that offers protection from the winter temperatures and is perfect for relaxing after the trips and perhaps even seeing the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

From our expedition ship, we set off on our daily trips in fast RIB boats to look out for orcas, humpback whales and other animals. The aim is to get into the water with the animals.

The expedition is not just whale watching - it is a real nature experience and a journey into one of the wildest and most peaceful areas of Europe.

In November, the breathtaking coastal landscape of northern Norway becomes the stage for a unique natural experience: every year, the return of the herring attracts numerous orcas, humpback whales and occasionally fin whales to the fjords to chase the fish!

The orcas in particular, which are fascinating due to their social behavior and hunting techniques, can regularly be observed in larger groups at this time of year. They often glide right past our boats - and hopefully our snorkel masks. An unforgettable sight!

Humpback whales, known for their impressive leaps and long songs, are also frequent visitors to the nutrient-rich waters. With a bit of luck, you may even spot fin whales, the second largest animals on earth, on their way along the coast.

Every trip brings new, impressive encounters in the harsh beauty of the Arctic winter. A unique adventure in the middle of the realm of the giants!

During your time with us, the Virgo serves as a floating hotel. The Virgo is the perfect expedition ship for small, personal travel groups. Bright and spacious interiors as well as wide outdoor decks invite you to experience the breathtaking nature up close. Originally built as a Swedish buoy laying ship, she has been lovingly and completely modernized - today she is a stylish home at sea that combines the spirit of adventure with comfort.

A special highlight is the Panorama Lounge on deck 2, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery, edit your photos or chat with your fellow passengers in a relaxed atmosphere. The on-board chef will spoil you with varied, delicious menus, which are served three times a day in the cozy dining room. And if whales or sea eagles suddenly appear - don't worry: spontaneity is part of the package here.

The Virgo offers space for a maximum of 12 guests - a real privilege! You will stay in one of the 9 tastefully furnished cabins in modern Scandinavian style, all with en-suite bathrooms. On the upper deck you will find 3 comfortable double cabins (2 superior suite twin cabins on the upper deck, and 1 deluxe twin cabin on the upper deck) and a single cabin, on the lower deck 5 more cozy single cabins - each with a window or porthole.

For those who want to stay connected on the high seas, WLAN is available for an extra charge.

DAY 1 | EMBARKATION - TROMSØ: Embarkation begins around 16:30 in the afternoon. Our expedition guides will greet you at the meeting point in Tromsø. As soon as everyone is on board and has settled in, it's time to cast off! We head for the impressive fjords north of Tromsø.

DAY 2 - 6 | EXPLORE THE FJORDS: For five full days, we dedicate ourselves to the search for whales and orcas. The bridge is the perfect place to scan the horizon with binoculars, and on the outer decks you'll have plenty of space to photograph the animals and the breathtaking winter landscape. Orcas, humpback whales, fin whales and even sperm whales have been spotted in previous winters! Sea eagles, seals and porpoises can also often be spotted in the fjords.

If there is an opportunity to snorkel, our guides will give you the signal to move. Afterwards, the Zodiacs will take you to a safe distance from the whales. Experiencing these majestic animals in the wild is a unique privilege. As soon as you glide gently into the water, a rare window into their world opens up to you - an experience you are guaranteed never to forget.

How much time you can spend in the water depends on the behavior of the whales. You may have to get in and out of the Zodiac several times before you get the perfect view underwater. If you don't want to snorkel, you can still go along for the ride and take great photos of the surface of the water on board the Zodiac.

After dark, we usually anchor in a quiet bay. On board, you can expect cozy comfort and exciting talks from our guides about whales and other fascinating topics. On one or two evenings, we also go ashore - to stretch our legs and, of course, to find the perfect spot for the Northern Lights. Our guides will be happy to help you set up your camera for unforgettable shots.

Depending on the weather, you also have the opportunity to take part in the legendary Polar Plunge - a refreshing jump into the ice-cold water north of the Arctic Circle!

DAY 7 | END OF THE TRIP: Your expedition ends where it began - in Tromsø. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travelers

In the winter months, the average air temperature is between -10 °C and 5 °C. The water temperature is between 4 °C and 7 °C. To stay warm and comfortable, you should bring your warmest clothing. Wool is the best material for a base layer and windproof outerwear is recommended.

We provide you with high-quality polar snorkeling equipment. The most important element of your snorkeling package is the dry suit. This has been specially designed to keep you completely dry in cold water. To stay comfortably warm, you need to wear insulating clothing underneath, either wool layers or special thermal overalls (see below). In addition to the drysuit, you will also receive marine boots, gloves, a high-visibility neoprene hood, mask, snorkel and fins. This way, your body is well protected and only your face comes into direct contact with the cold water. If you have your own mask and snorkel, we recommend that you bring this set with you. This way you can be sure that the fit is right. Full-face masks are not permitted.

Please note: Putting on a drysuit can feel a little unfamiliar the first time, as the tight latex cuffs are very tight around the neck and wrists.

Optional thermal coverall - 100 CHF per week: We offer special thermal coveralls for rent. These insulating coveralls are specially designed to be worn under your drysuit to keep you warm while snorkeling in cold water. The overalls are extremely comfortable and are also perfect as a windproof outer layer - for example when whale watching from a boat. Another advantage: if you hire a coverall, you save a lot of space in your luggage!