Skip to content
Expedition

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale in the fjords of Northern Norway © Babang Deshommes, Oct 2025

Join us on a unique whale watching expedition, where you can see hundreds of orcas and humpback whales up close in their natural habitat. During the winter months in northern Norway, we observe the animals’ feeding and hunting behaviour in a responsible manner while snorkeling.

Snorkeling with Orcas and Humpback Whales in Norway

During five full days, our expedition takes you into the majestic fjords of Northern Norway, in search of pods of orcas and humpback whales. Our two expert guides will inform you about the behaviour of the orcas and whales, and how to snorkel with them in a responsible way. When the weather conditions and the whales allow, you will get a chance to go into the water for a look into their world. On board, we provide specially designed Waterproof® snorkeling drysuits and snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling is not mandatory and whale watching from the ship, and up-close in the zodiac, is equally fascinating!

Image

Highlights of our expedition

  • Responsible whale watching
  • Snorkeling package included
  • Small groups
  • Luxury expedition ships
  • Experienced wildlife guides

The combination of wildlife encounters, the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian fjords and the amazing Northern Lights, makes our Winter Whales of Norway expedition a one of a kind experience. From many years of experience, we know the best time of the year for spectacular wildlife encounters is from the end of October to mid-January, when the balance between light and presence of the whales is at it’s best.

Sample itinerary

The success of our Winter Whales of Norway Expeditions very much depends on the whales and weather conditions. Two things which are beyond our control. Our itineraries are flexible and will be altered according to weather, wildlife behaviour, daylight, and other elements which may vary from day to day. We count on your realistic expectations and personal flexibility.

DAY 1 | Arrival & boarding - Tromsø

Your expedition starts in Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle in Norway. We recommend arriving at least one day prior to embarkation, just in case your flight or luggage is delayed. Boarding takes place late in the afternoon on the first day and the ship departs during dinner time.

Be prepared for cold but rewarding days out at sea with good chances for seeing whales, orcas and northern lights. Bring a good portion of adventurous spirit. You never know what the day will bring!

DAY 2-6 | In search of Whales and Orcas

Whale Watching & Snorkeling with Orcas

For the next five days, we will search for orcas, humpbacks and other whales in the protected surroundings of the Norwegian fjords. Make sure to spend lots of time out on deck and on the bridge, so you can take in the amazing scenery and watch for whales.
Two expert wildlife guides will accompany you on your orca snorkeling expedition. They are constantly on the look-out for whales and orcas. Whenever the conditions are right, they will give the sign to put on your drysuit while they lower the zodiacs in the water. These small boats will bring you within a safe distance of the whales. Approaching whales will always be done cautiously, at a low speed towards the side of the pod. Our guides are specialists in whale behaviour and have experience in zodiac driving around orcas. They will assess their behaviour in order not to disturb them or make them deviate their course.

In order to experience a few precious moments in the water, you will likely spend hours in the zodiac, waiting for the right circumstances. When your guide gives you a ‘go’, gently slide into the water and look for the orcas and whales. You may need to climb in and out of the zodiac several times before finally getting a good look at them under water. It’s sometimes hard work, but you will enjoy every moment of it!
Of course, you can also choose not to go snorkeling and watch the animals from the surface instead. Seeing them spy-hopping and feeding at close range is equally beautiful and special!

Enjoying the darker hours

During the darker hours, we usually stay at anchor in a quiet bay where you can enjoy the warm comfort and facilities of the expedition ship. Our guides offer educational lectures about whale behaviour, wildlife conservation, research and other interesting topics. Since we are in a remote region out in the fjords, don’t expect nightlife or shopping possibilities, but we may go ashore one or two evenings.

Northern Lights in Norway

You’ll have good chances of seeing the amazing Northern Lights. If the ship is docked in a harbour, the guides may take you out for a hike to find a good spot to photograph the aurora. Northern Lights watching from the ship can be equally spectacular!

DAY 7 | Disembarkation - Tromsø

The ship will arrive back in Tromsø the night before disembarkation. Farewell is after breakfast, but if you have an early plane to catch, you can disembark at an early hour if you prefer.

Group photo on board Polarfront Jan. 2025 © Evolumina

Activities

Snorkeling with Orcas and Whales

Our main goal during our Winter Whales of Norway expeditions is to go snorkeling with orcas and whales as often as possible. We provide high-end snorkeling drysuits, specially designed by our partner Waterproof International in Sweden. You don’t have to be a diver to participate, but you should have basic snorkeling skills and feel confident swimming in open water that may sometimes get choppy. The water is cold and the use of a drysuit might be a new experience for you. Putting on your snorkeling gear, swimming in deep water and repeatedly lifting yourself in and out of the zodiac are both physically and mentally challenging. Passengers who are not fit for such an activity for any reason that could entail a risk to your safety or the enjoyment of other passengers on board, will not be allowed to join the snorkeling activities. Snorkeling is not mandatory during our expeditions, if you are unable to go snorkeling you can still join the zodiac for exceptional top-side whale watching. Learn more about the snorkeling package here!

Image

Waterproof®  Snorkeling Package – included

  • Snorkeling Drysuit
  • Thermal Overalls
  • High Visibility Hood
  • Marine Boots & Mittens
  • Fins, Snorkel and Mask

Photography and Whale Watching in Norway

Our expedition 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 in their natural habitat. If you choose not to go snorkeling, the zodiac excursions offer great opportunities for topside whale watching and photography.

Quote Image

Supporting Happy Whale

Waterproof Expeditions is a proud partner of Happy Whale. By contributing photos and data for whale identification, we aim to further connect our guests with the natural world. The ability to learn the story behind the whales you see on the water makes every sighting more personal and more powerful.

Read more

Ship

The advantages of travelling on board our comfortable small expedition ships are numerous. Most importantly, we don’t have to return to port each night, allowing us to maximise our time looking for whales. The ship is our platform at sea from where we provide the best possible snorkeling experience. With two zodiacs and two guides, we can operate with only 6-8 guests in each zodiac. The warm comfort and facilities onboard are a welcome treat during the evening hours.

Impression

Dates & Rates

All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.

Winter Whales Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
19 Oct - 25 Oct 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
22 Oct - 28 Oct 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
23 Oct - 29 Oct 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
25 Oct - 31 Oct 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
26 Oct - 01 Nov 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
28 Oct - 03 Nov 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
29 Oct - 04 Nov 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
31 Oct - 06 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
01 Nov - 07 Nov 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
03 Nov - 09 Nov 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
04 Nov - 10 Nov 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
06 Nov - 12 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
07 Nov - 13 Nov 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
09 Nov - 15 Nov 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
10 Nov - 16 Nov 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info
with Photographer Evolumina

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
12 Nov - 18 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
13 Nov - 19 Nov 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
15 Nov - 21 Nov 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
16 Nov - 22 Nov 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
18 Nov - 24 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
19 Nov - 25 Nov 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
21 Nov - 27 Nov 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
22 Nov - 28 Nov 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
24 Nov - 30 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
25 Nov - 01 Dec 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
27 Nov - 03 Dec 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
28 Nov - 04 Dec 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
30 Nov - 06 Dec 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
01 Dec - 07 Dec 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
03 Dec - 09 Dec 2026 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
04 Dec - 10 Dec 2026 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5190 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
06 Dec - 12 Dec 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 5990 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
07 Dec - 13 Dec 2026 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
05 Jan - 11 Jan 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
11 Jan - 17 Jan 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
17 Jan - 23 Jan 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5290 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
17 Oct - 23 Oct 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
19 Oct - 25 Oct 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
20 Oct - 26 Oct 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
22 Oct - 28 Oct 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
25 Oct - 31 Oct 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
26 Oct - 01 Nov 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
28 Oct - 03 Nov 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
29 Oct - 04 Nov 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
31 Oct - 06 Nov 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
01 Nov - 07 Nov 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
03 Nov - 09 Nov 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
04 Nov - 10 Nov 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
06 Nov - 12 Nov 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
07 Nov - 13 Nov 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
09 Nov - 15 Nov 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
10 Nov - 16 Nov 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
12 Nov - 18 Nov 2026 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
13 Nov - 19 Nov 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
15 Nov - 21 Nov 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
16 Nov - 22 Nov 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
18 Nov - 24 Nov 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
19 Nov - 25 Nov 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
21 Nov - 27 Nov 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
22 Nov - 28 Nov 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
24 Nov - 30 Nov 2027 7 days
Vikingfjord 12 passengers

From € 6300 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
25 Nov - 01 Dec 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
27 Nov - 03 Dec 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
28 Nov - 04 Dec 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
01 Dec - 07 Dec 2027 7 days
Explorer 12 passengers

From € 6500 per person
More info
Waiting list

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
03 Dec - 09 Dec 2027 7 days
Virgo 12 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info

Winter Whales of Norway

Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
Dates and duration
04 Dec - 10 Dec 2027 7 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 5950 per person
More info