Team

Olav Magne Strømsholm is the world’s most experienced orca expedition captain, with over 30 years of expertise. His lifelong passion for orcas and marine life led to the founding of the first orca diving expeditions in Norway in 1992. As the CEO of Orcanorway, Olav has been a pioneer in offering unique and unforgettable encounters with orcas.

Since 1992, Olav has built a strong network of scientists and local fishermen to enhance his expeditions, ensuring guests have the most authentic orca experiences. Known for his calm and friendly approach, Olav ensures that every guest feels comfortable and well looked after during the orca expeditions. His experience and genuine care for both the orcas and his guests make each expedition special and enjoyable.

Supported by a highly skilled crew, Olav has crafted expeditions that are both remarkable and closely connected to the natural world. He invites you to join him on this incredible journey, exploring the beauty of orcas in their natural environment.

Languages: Norwegian and English

As the CEO and managing director of OrcaNorway and Strømsholmen, Solveig has been leading the company since 2000. With 17 years of experience in the Norwegian oil and shipping industry, she brings a deep level of expertise and leadership to her role.

Solveig oversees all aspects of the business, from managing bookings for our expeditions to handling the company’s finances, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her strategic vision and dedication to maintaining high standards are key to the company's continued success. She is also actively involved in customer communication, ensuring that all inquiries are addressed with professionalism and care.

With a strong work ethic and a service-minded approach, Solveig is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for both guests and partners while driving OrcaNorway's growth and development.

Languages: Norwegian and English

Pierre, known as the "Orca Whisperer," has been part of the Orcanorway crew since 1998 and is one of the most knowledgeable underwater guides in Norway. He holds certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, RCO, and a D5L boating license, in addition to being a spearfishing master. His understanding of orca behavior is unmatched globally.

As former spearfishing champion and captain of the French national team, Pierre won the Kristiansund Cup in 1997. He has since completed over 7 500 free dives with orcas and 12 other marine mammal species.

In 2012, Pierre founded the USEA network, developing a pioneering, ethical whale snorkeling method. His co-authored research on the spontaneous approach of divers by free-ranging orcas was published in Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group) in 2017.

With decades of experience and a passion for marine life, Pierre is an invaluable part of the OrcaNorway team, continuing to share his expertise and inspire others in the underwater world.

Languages: French and English

Follow Pierre's adventures: Instagram / Facebook

Karoline has been with the Orcanorway team since 2022. In addition to holding STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Crowd and Crisis Management certifications, she has a master’s degree in Electronics Engineering and experience as a consulting engineer, bringing a solid technical foundation to her role. After earning a teaching qualification in mathematics in 2020, she also gained experience working as a teacher, further adding to her versatility.

At Orcanorway, Karoline manages office administration, social media, and the website, ensuring clear and effective communication with guests and partners. If you reach out to us via email, you’ll most likely be in contact with Karoline, who is dedicated to providing prompt and thorough support, making sure every inquiry is handled with care and professionalism.

Languages: Norwegian and English

Follow Karoline's adventures: Instagram

Sebastian has been with the Orcanorway team since 2016, contributing his strong boat-handling skills as a dinghy driver. With certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, D5L, and ROC, he ensures that all boat operations are conducted safely and efficiently, playing an important role in the smooth running of our orca expeditions.

In addition to his maritime certifications, Sebastian has been a PADI diving instructor since 2010 and is a qualified first aid instructor, adding an extra layer of safety to our expeditions. While his main focus is on his duties as a dinghy driver, he occasionally steps in as an underwater guide.

Outside of OrcaNorway, Sebastian works as a fisherman and diving instructor, continuing his close connection to the sea. His experience and commitment to safety make him a valuable part of our team.

Languages: Norwegian and English

Follow Sebastians's adventures: Instagram

Anne-Sophie has been part of the Orcanorway team since 2018, joining the crew after first experiencing our expeditions as a guest. She holds certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, ensuring safety standards are met on every trip.

In addition to her work with Orcanorway, Anne-Sophie brings broad experience in guest services on similar vessels and as a flight attendant, giving her a strong foundation in customer care. With her warm hospitality and attention to detail, Anne-Sophie makes sure that every guest feels comfortable and well taken care of throughout the expedition. Her commitment to service and creating a welcoming environment makes her an important part of the team.

Languages: French, English and Swedish

Cathy joined the Orcanorway team in 2018, after first experiencing our expeditions as a guest in 2016. Her passion for the ocean and advanced freediving skills make her an exceptional underwater guide on our orca expeditions. She is a certified professional freediver, holding a BPJEPS qualification from France, as well as CMAS and AIDA instructor certifications. In Guadeloupe, her home base, she also works as a freediving instructor, snorkeling guide and marine mammal observer. Cathy brings years of experience swimming with species such as sperm whales, dolphins, and humpback whales, and has contributed to marine research, particularly in bioacoustics.

At Orcanorway, Cathy serves as an underwater guide and occasionally as a dinghy driver. Her certifications in STCW Basic Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, D5L, and ROC demonstrate her expertise and versatility throughout our expeditions. Cathy’s dedication to creating memorable experiences with marine life makes her an invaluable member of the Orcanorway team, helping to ensure that every expedition runs smoothly.

Languages: French and English

Follow Cathys adventures: Instagram

Ivan, a lifelong freediver, has been with Orcanorway since 2018, though he has been visiting Norway for orca encounters since 2016. As an SSI Level 2 Freediving Instructor and PADI Divemaster, Ivan combines his strong freediving skills with his passion for marine mammals, making him an excellent guide. His dedication to providing safe and ethical in-water encounters ensures guests have unforgettable experiences with marine life in its natural habitat.

In addition to his work with Orcanorway, Ivan leads underwater expeditions in places like Tonga and the Azores. He holds certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, ensuring a strong focus on safety throughout the expeditions. Ivan also has a passion for underwater photography, capturing the beauty of marine life during his dives.

With his attention to detail and deep expertise in freediving, Ivan ensures that every expedition is both safe and memorable, making him a valued guide on every trip.

Languages: Croatian, English and Portuguese

Follow Ivan's adventures: Instagram / Website

Marine is certified in STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, and SSI Freediver (20m). She also completed the 2019 and 2020 PDC with Roberto Calish. With a background in Sales and Tourism Production, she brings exceptional service skills to her role as one of our stewardesses.

After experiencing Orcanorway as a guest during two seasons, Marine officially joined the crew in 2022. Her attention to detail, warm hospitality, and dedication ensure that every guest feels welcomed and cared for. In addition to her stewardess duties, Marine’s expertise in freediving and understanding of cetaceans make her an outstanding underwater guide, adding depth to the experience for our guests both above and below the water.

Lanuages: French, English and Greek

Follow Marine's adventures: Instagram

Robin joined the Orcanorway team in 2022, bringing extensive boating experience and strong skills as a safe and reliable dinghy driver. With certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, D5L, and ROC, Robin ensures that boat operations are conducted safely and efficiently, contributing to the smooth running of our orca expeditions.

In addition to his work with Orcanorway, Robin runs his own whale-watching company in Eastern Canada, Dufleuve, allowing him to share his passion for marine life on both sides of the Atlantic. Also, as a seasoned fisherman, he stays closely connected to sea, and his hands-on experience and focus on safety help provide our guests with smooth and enjoyable orca encounters.

Lanuages: French and English

Follow Robin's adventures: Instagram

Eirin has been with the Orcanorway team since [year], working as both an underwater guide and dinghy driver. As a PADI diving instructor and first aid instructor, she brings valuable expertise to our underwater expeditions, ensuring that every in-water encounter with marine life is conducted safely and professionally.

In addition to her role as an underwater guide, Eirin also manages boat operations as a dinghy driver. She holds certifications in STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, D5L, and ROC, ensuring that all boat activities run smoothly.

Eirin’s background as a nurse is also helpful on board, as she ensures guests feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the trip. Her skills and care for others make her an important part of the team.

Lanuages: Norwegian and English

Follow Eirin's adventures: Instagram

Tor and Susanna are an Italian-Swedish couple who have been together for 15 years and have known Captain Olav for a long time. They are both certified with STCW qualifications and have participated in several expeditions on MS Sula, following the magnificent orcas through different regions of Norway and exploring remote parts of the Svalbard islands.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and catering industry, their love for travel and traditional ethnic dishes is reflected in their work, which they approach with passion and dedication. Their aim is always to provide guests with an excellent experience.

Lanuages, Tor Grönlund: Swedish, English, Italian, and Spanish

Lanuages, Susanna Di Cosimo: Italian, English, Spanish, and Swedish

Amalie will be joining the Orcanorway team as a dinghy driver in 2024, bringing extensive experience as a guide and boat operator from her work in Svalbard. She holds key certifications, including STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, and D5LA, making her well-prepared for her role on the water.

Since 2019, Amalie has developed valuable skills in guest handling and safety assessments through her guiding work. Her expertise and dedication make her a great addition to the Orcanorway team, ensuring safe and exciting orca expeditions for our guests.

Languages: Norwegian and English

Follow Amalie's adventures: Instagram

Mikkel will be joining the Orcanorway team as a dinghy driver in 2024, bringing with him valuable experience from his work in Svalbard. He holds important certifications, such as STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Crowd and Crisis Management, D5LA, and ROC, ensuring he is fully prepared for his responsibilities on the water.

Mikkel has worked as a guide and skipper in Svalbard, leading day trips by RIB boat, ATV, and snowmobile, and has also guided polar expeditions around Spitsbergen. His strong guiding experience and connection to Arctic nature make him a reliable and skilled dinghy driver, well-suited to contribute to safe and memorable expeditions with Orcanorway.

Languages: Norwegian, Dutch and English