Waterproof Cruises
  • © Oscar Ramirez
  • © Scott Portelli
  • © Scott Portelli
  • © Scott Portelli

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales. Immerse yourself in the world of the great ceteceans. A once in a lifetime experience!

Secure your spot for Oct/Nov/Dec 2024 now!

Contact us to book now

Snorkeling with orcas and humpback whales in Norway

During the winter months, Waterproof Expeditions operates a one of a kind wildlife experience in Northern Norway. For only a few short weeks, starting from the end of October until mid-January, Northern Norway is the place of the largest gathering of whales in the world. They follow the enormous amount of spring-spawning herring that can be found in the fjords. This unique spectacle of nature offers us the opportunity to snorkel with wild orcas and watch their behaviour under water.
Our small ship expedition cruise takes you through the majestic fjords and the ever changing winter scenery to find orcas and humpback whales. Two Expert Guides will accompany you on our whale watching adventure. During five full days we follow the schools of herring and pods of orcas and humpbacks in the protected surroundings of the beautiful Norwegian fjords. We go into the water for snorkeling whenever the weather conditions and animals let us. The snorkeling activities are included in this trip. On board we provide (Waterproof D9) snorkel dry suits and snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling is not mandatory, you are free to join the zodiac excursions for up-close whale watching and great top-side photography without going in the water.

Photography and Whale Watching in Norway

This trip is a unique opportunity for everybody interested in orcas, humpback whales, white-tailed eagles, Arctic winter, Northern Lights and breathtaking landscapes. It offers a rare opportunity to photograph whales under water in their natural habitat. Even if you choose not to snorkel, the zodiac excursions offer great opportunities for topside whale watching and photography! The best time of the year for this spectacular wildlife is from the end of October to early January, when the balance between light and access to herring and whales are at it's best. During the long winter nights you also have a good chance of seeing the majestic Northern Lights.
We aim to provide you the best possible snorkeling experience in a sustainable way and only take a maximum of 12-16 guests on board. Our ships are equipped with zodiacs (inflatable boats) for only 6 or 8 persons, this offers a very exclusive and personal experience.
Please note that we are always depending on the weather and wildlife for the snorkeling activities.

Want to know more?

Looking for more information about our Winter Whales of Norway Expeditions? Contact us for personal advise, check out the pages below or download our brochure.

About our Expedition Cruises in Norway »

Polar Snorkeling Information »

Rated as ‘Best Trip Ever!’ by Ocean Geographic Society - Michael Aw

Sample Itinerary: Whale Watching and Snorkeling Expedition


The succes of these trips is very much depending on the whales and weather conditions. Two things which are beyond our control. However, many years of experience has showed us that the winter months, from the end of October to mid January, offer the best chances for snorkeling with orka's. Our itineraries are flexible and we will alter our plans to take advantage of light, weather, wildlife sightings and other one-of-a-kind opportunities which can vary from day to day. The success of this trip is based on realistic expectations and your personal flexibility.

  • Day 1: Arrival and boarding

    Our adventure starts in Tromsø, a small city in Arctic Norway. We recommend you arrive at least one day prior to embarkation, just in case you're flight might be delayed. This also gives you the opportunity to explore the town's museums and cozy city centre or to go on a husky safari or snowmobile ride.
    A transfer from Tromsø centre to the harbor is included. You will board the ship in the afternoon of the first day. Once on board you'll have plenty of time to get settled in your cabin and explore the ship. In the evening, the ship will leave Tromsø towards a location where we expect to find whales. Meanwhile you can enjoy dinner and have some time to meet the other guests.

    Be prepared for cold but rewarding days out at sea with spectacular sightings of a unique display of mother nature. Bring a good portion of adventurous spirit. We deal with true wildlife encounters and unpredictable weather conditions.

  • Day 2-6: In search of Whales and Orcas

    For five full days we will follow the schools of herring and pods of orcas and humpbacks in the protected surroundings of the beautiful Norwegian fjords. Our ships all have spacious decks so you can take in the amazing scenery. The bridge of the ship is a great place to look for whales and enjoy the beautiful light and views of the Norwegian fjords. We have an open bridge policiy so you are welcome at almost any time.
    Two expert guides will accompany you on your whale watching adventure. They will share their knowledge with you and will do their utmost to offer you the best experience. Our guides and crew are constantly on the look-out for whales and orcas. Whenever the conditions are right, we will take the zodiacs and go out on the water.

  • Snorkeling with the orcas and whales

    Our main goal during our Winter Whales of Norway expeditions is to go snorkeling with whales and orcas as often as possible. On board we provide special Waterproof snorkel dry suits and snorkeling equipment. When whales have been spotted nearby, our guides will get the zodiacs in the water. Make sure you have your camera charged and your dry suit ready in your room so you can head out quickly. Approaching whales will always be done cautiously, at a low speed towards the side of the pod. When the guide descides it's safe to go snorkeling, you will be allowed to go into the water. You will be able to take a look into the world of the whales, an absolute unique opportunity to swim with these enormous animals. Enjoy the moment!

    The combination of wildlife encounters, the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian fjords and the amazing Northern Lights, make this trip an exclusive experience of nature. If you choose not to snorkel, you can enjoy these phenomena from the spacious deck of the ship or join the zodiac excursions for up-close whale watching and excellent photography opportunities.

  • Enjoy the long evenings and northern lights

    During the darker hours we usually stay at anchor. You will get to enjoy the warm and cozy comfort of the expedition yacht. Some of our ships even have a sauna or hottub for you to relax and wam up after an exciting day out in the cold. On board, we offer an educational lecture program about whale conservation and research and other interesting topics. We relax, read and watch our photo's and video's which we took during the day. Excellent food is served three times a day, with a warm meal during lunch and diner. We may also go ashore in a small village and in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights.

    In the winter months, Northern Norway is the perfect place for Aurora Borealis sightings. With a bit of luck we will witness these amazing Northern Lights during our trip. If the ship is docked in a harbor, the guides might take you out for a hike to find a good spot to photograph the aurora. They are more than happy to assist you in setting your camera or phone for some spectacular photos.

  • Day 7: Disembarkation

    Our ships usually arrive back in Tromsø the night before disembarkation. After breakfast and saying farewell to the crew, it is unfortunately time to disembark. Our guides can arrange a transfer to the airport or to your hotel if you choose to extend your stay in Norway.


    Extensions in Northern Norway

    Extend your holiday with more adventures in Norway. We offer activities like dogsledding, snowmobile tours and more!
    Check out our extension packages or contact us for tailor made adventures.


    Extensions in Northern Norway »

Dates & Rates

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 27th Oct - 2nd Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

    -- WAITING LIST --

  • Vikingfjord Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 28th Oct - 3rd Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,700 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    5,500 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 28th Oct - 3rd Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 29th Oct - 4th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 2nd Nov - 8th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

    -- WAITING LIST --

  • Vikingfjord Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 3rd Nov - 9th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,700 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    5,500 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 3rd Nov - 9th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 4th Nov - 10th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 8th Nov - 14th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

  • Vikingfjord Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 9th Nov - 15th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,700 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    5,500 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 9th Nov - 15th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 10th Nov - 16th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

    -- WAITING LIST --

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 14th Nov - 20th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

  • Vikingfjord Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 15th Nov - 21st Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,700 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    5,500 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 15th Nov - 21st Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 16th Nov - 22nd Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 20th Nov - 26th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

  • Vikingfjord Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 21st Nov - 27th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,700 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    5,500 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 21st Nov - 27th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 22nd Nov - 28th Nov 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

    -- WAITING LIST --

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 26th Nov - 2nd Dec 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

  • MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 27th Nov - 3rd Dec 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    6,300 EUR
    Single Deluxe Suite
    6,100 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,900 EUR
    Single Cabin
    5,900 EUR

  • MS Virgo Winter Whales of Norway

    © Ole J. Liodden
    Dates
    • 28th Nov - 4th Dec 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Single cabin
    5,200 EUR
    Superior Cabin
    5,100 EUR
    Twin cabin
    4,800 EUR

    -- WAITING LIST --

  • MS Polarfront Winter Whales of Norway

    Dates
    • 2nd Dec - 8th Dec 2024
    • Embark: Tromsø
    • Disembark: Tromsø
    Prices per person from
    Executive Suite
    5,600 EUR
    Superior Suite
    5,100 EUR
    Deluxe Suite
    4,900 EUR

Extensions

Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583

Download our Winter Whales of Norway 2024 brochure
Winter Whales of Norway Brochure

Supporting orca research and conservation by photo-identification

We are proud to partner with Norwegian Orca Survey to support the orca research in Northern Norway! Norwegian Orca Survey is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and monitoring orcas in Norway. Using ground-breaking research methods and photo identification, they gather much-needed data for orca conservation. Anyone with a camera can play a part and help save orcas worldwide. By providing high-res photographs of orca dorsal fins, along with information on where and when the photos were taken, you can contribute to the long-term Norwegian Orca ID project!

To support the orca research, we donate an amount to Norwegian Orca Survey for every passenger that travels to Northern Norway with us.

About Norwegian Orca Survey »

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  • MS Virgo

    © Ole J. Liodden

    MS Virgo - 12 pax

    The recently refurbished MS Virgo is an ideal ship for intimate small group expeditions to the Arctic and Northern Norway, offering spacious inside areas and large deck spaces outside.

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