In the early morning, before the first light of dawn, our mothership quietly departs from the harbor, heading toward the anticipated location of the orcas. As we navigate the waters, the excitement builds among the crew and guests alike. Everyone gathers in the wheelhouse, eagerly scanning the horizon for any sign of these magnificent creatures. Our mission is to search for orcas and other whales, and once we spot them, the adventure truly begins. Sometimes we find them immediately, while other times, the search can take hours.

Once the orcas are sighted, we quickly change into our dry suits and transition to the dinghies. Our skilled boat drivers approach the whales with the utmost care, ensuring that we never engage in pursuit or harassment. Respecting the natural behavior of these incredible animals is paramount. As we get closer, guests have the incredible opportunity to enter the water and swim or snorkel with these majestic creatures. Observing orcas in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience, providing an up-close look at their grace and power. This experience continues until the orcas decide to move on.

After the animals leave the site, guests return to the dinghy, and we either follow the orcas to their new location or search for a new pod. It’s not uncommon for the whales to approach the boats or even the individuals in the water, creating thrilling close encounters that leave unforgettable memories. However, these occurrences are unpredictable and vary with each trip, adding to the excitement and uniqueness of the adventure.

Our ability to explore extensive regions is made possible by not being tied to the same harbor each night during the expedition. This flexibility allows us to maximize our chances of encountering orcas and provides a dynamic adventure for our guests. We always strive to secure a pod exclusively for our group, although this is not always feasible due to the unpredictable nature of the wildlife.

It's important to remember that whales are wild animals and the weather can be unpredictable, so we cannot guarantee specific encounters. Nevertheless, both our 3-day and 6-day expeditions offer numerous opportunities to get remarkably close to these animals. Each day on the water is unique, offering different perspectives and experiences that highlight the wonder of the ocean and its inhabitants.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of our guests while maintaining respect and conservation for the marine environment. Our experienced crew prioritizes both guest safety and the well-being of the orcas, following guidelines that minimize impact and maximize enjoyment.

Orca quest

Get ready to feel your heart race as you slip into the waters and come face-to-face with an orca! The awe and wonder of seeing these intelligent and social creatures glide gracefully around you are indescribable. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s fjords, the environment sets the stage for unforgettable encounters, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Each year, the fjords of Northern Norway offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness orcas in their natural habitat during their annual feeding season. For about three months, these majestic creatures congregate to feast on herring, making this the most reliable place in the world to observe their hunting behaviors and interact with them in the water. Prefer to stay dry? You can still enjoy an incredible experience from the boat, observing the whales just a few meters away.

We are proud to be pioneers in offering this extraordinary adventure. Our crew, known as "The Legend of Orcas," is the most experienced team you’ll find anywhere in the world. We are committed to making your adventure both thrilling and educational, even if you’ve never been in the water with large animals before. We’ve got you covered.

Each evening, we offer captivating lectures led by Pierre Robert de Latour, a renowned orca expert. You will learn fascinating facts about orcas and the best techniques for safely interacting with them. Respect for the orcas is our top priority. Our sessions will equip you with the skills to approach these magnificent creatures respectfully and safely. We teach you how to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing their natural behavior, and why it’s important to stay calm and let the orcas approach you on their terms.

Once we spot a family of orcas, we gently approach, and your underwater adventure begins. When the boat driver gives the command "GO!", you'll dive into the water and experience the thrill of being up close with these magnificent creatures. Expect to enter the water multiple times a day, with each encounter lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to 20 minutes, depending on the orcas’ activities.

If you're lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to witness firsthand how these apex predators create bait balls, herding herring with incredible precision. Orcas are known for their complex social structures and sophisticated hunting techniques. Whether they're on the move or working together to corral their prey, each moment is truly magical. Don't be surprised if you also encounter a humpback whale, as they often join in to take advantage of the orcas’ hunting efforts.

Your safety is paramount. If you ever feel uncomfortable, signal for assistance, and our team will be there to help you. Our dinghies are equipped with ladders for easy access in and out of the water, and they are never far from our liveaboard boats. If you need a break, want to use the restroom, or feel cold, you can always hop back on the mothership.

Our friendly water guides are always by your side, offering the best tips on where to look. While it might be tempting to swim quickly towards the orcas, it's important to stay calm and use the techniques you've learned for the best experience. While we've had a 100% encounter rate with orcas over the past three seasons, please note that sightings and swimming with these animals are not guaranteed. Additionally, weather conditions can sometimes prevent us from heading out, so we ask for your understanding.

No certificates or special skills are required to join our expeditions. While some experience with surface snorkeling and dry suits is helpful, the only real requirement is knowing how to swim.

Let’s be honest—it can get chilly! We recommend bringing a wool base layer to wear under the dry suit and some thick wool socks. If you're prone to feeling cold, doubling up on layers is a smart move. Not sure what to pack? Ask us for brand recommendations when you're preparing for your trip to Alta.

We get this question a lot, and the answer is no. In over 30 years of running these expeditions, we've never had any accidents involving orcas. Plus, there's no record of orcas attacking humans in the wild. That said, remember that these are wild animals, and entering the water is at your own risk.

Swim with orcas

Alta, the “City of the Northern lights”

Northern Norway is renowned worldwide as one of the premier destinations to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. This spectacular natural phenomenon is most vividly seen in the high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle, where Northern Norway distinguishes itself with optimal geographic and climatic conditions.

Alta, often referred to as the "City of the Northern Lights," is a standout destination for experiencing this captivating display.

 Located well within the Arctic Circle, Alta offers exceptionally clear and frequent sightings of the Northern Lights, thanks to its stable climate and minimal light pollution.

The town boasts a rich history with the Northern Lights, having been a pivotal location for early studies on Norther Lights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This legacy is honored today with the Northern Lights Cathedral and a range of aurora-focused tours and activities.

The Northern Lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions results in the emission of light that appears to us as Norhtern Lights. The best places to view the Northern Lights are regions near Earth's magnetic poles, which include high-latitude areas like Northern Norway, Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.

Northern Lights often display vibrant colors such as green and pink, but can also appear in red, yellow, blue, and violet, depending on the specific gases involved in the collisions. These displays can manifest in various shapes, including arcs, curtains, spirals, and even coronas, influenced by Earth's magnetic field and the observer's viewing angle.

Factors influencing Northern Light Viewing

Predicting auroras involves solar observations, magnetospheric models, and ground-based measurements. Scientists use these tools to forecast when and where the Northern Lights will appear, helping aurora enthusiasts plan their expeditions to witness this spectacular natural display. 

The chances of seeing the Northern Lights on your expedition are high, provided the skies are clear. Our guides will keep you updated on the forecast and viewing likelihood, offering insights into the best locations for viewing and photography opportunities.

 More information on Northern Lights photography can be found under our 

To witness the Aurora Borealis, these key factors are essential:

 You must be in a region where the Northern Lights are visible, typically near the Arctic Circle, such as Northern Norway

 The Northern Lights are best seen in dark, away from light pollution. This requires being in remote or rural areas with minimal artificial lights.

 The optimal time to see the Northern Lights is during winter months when nights are long and dark. In Northern Norway, prime viewing months are from late September to late March.

 Solar activity influences the intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights. Space weather forecasts can aid in predicting auroral activity.

 Clear skies are crucial for Northern Lights viewing. Cloud cover can obstruct views, so checking weather forecasts and being prepared to wait for clear skies is important.

 Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed and may require multiple nights of waiting due to their unpredictable nature in terms of timing and intensity.

 Being flexible with your plans and willing to explore different locations within your chosen region can enhance your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Local weather patterns and magnetic anomalies can affect auroral activity in specific areas.

By considering these factors and staying informed, you can maximize your chances of experiencing the Northern Lights phenomenon.

Northern lights

Photography

Join us in Northern Norway from October to late January, where the world’s largest gathering of orcas takes place in dramatic Arctic fjords. Orcanorway offers 3-day and 6-day liveaboard expeditions designed for intimate wildlife experiences. With a 99% in-water encounter rate over the past seasons, you’ll have the chance to swim with orcas as they hunt herring in coordinated groups—often accompanied by humpback whales. This is your chance to be part of a truly unforgettable Arctic adventure.