October 16 -22, 2027 | Starting at $9695Orca Adventure, Norway
What to Expect:
What’s Included :
Join me on the adventure of a lifetime in northern Norway, where we venture north of the Polar Circle to swim with majestic orcas, enormous humpback whales, and fin whales.
Included7 days / 6 nights on liveaboard5 ocean days searching for whales2 Scandinavian expedition leaders fluent in English2 Zodiacs, each with 1 in-water guide and 1 skipperAll mealsWater, tea, and coffeeHot tub and sauna*Weights and weightbeltThermal oversuit for scouting on ship and land tours
Not IncludedFlightsCancellation and travel insuranceNon specified meals and beveragesTransfers in NorwayOptional equipment rentalOptional tips for crewLaws/regulations/geopolitics causing extra taxes/costs beyond HeyOrca's control.
The Trip
Orcas
Orcas are the biggest dolphins and among the most powerful predators on earth. Also known as killer whales (or "spekkhugger" in Norwegian), they grow up to 10 meters and 9 tons and are intelligent and curious animals living in families of up to 40 members. The characteristic black and white patterns and the male’s 2-meter dorsal fin make the orca one of the most beautiful and dramatic creatures in our oceans.
Orcas in Norway hunt herring into large baitballs and then use "carousel feeding," taking turns in stunning the fish with powerful tail slaps before eating them one by one. This is truly awesome to witness!
Humpbacks & Fin Whales
Humpbacks are up to 19 meters and 40 tons. Fin Whales are even bigger - as the second largest whale in the world - up to 27 meters and 70 tonnes! Both are baleen whales living on krill, plankton and smaller fish.
Both whales feed on herring baitballs in Norway, which they typically "steal" from the orcas. When the whales shoot straight up from below, the surface begins to boil with herring trying to escape their fate, seconds before enormous open mouths of the whales break the surface and swallow as many fish as possible. A close encounter with any of these giants of the ocean is a breathtaking experience. And if you are lucky enough to witness a lunge feeding it will be a breathtaking sight that you will never forget!
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis are present throughout the orca season; we just need clear skies to see it.
During the week, we will guide evening walks into the fjell (Norwegian for mountain) for you to get away from light pollution and take the best photos with stunning landscapes.
The Ship:
M/S Freya
M/S Freya is a heavy-duty expedition ship built in 1981 to Lloyd’s Ice Class 1A. Being 45 meters long and 10 meters wide, she is a big ship with lots of space to move around.
Freya was named after the Norse goddess of love and beauty. She was refurbished in 2024 and comfortably accommodates 12 guests in an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Our 9 experienced and friendly crew on board Freya will make you feel right at home.
Guest Cabins
Freya offers 9 spacious guest cabins as deluxe twins, deluxe singles and a deluxe suite. All are located on the main deck and upper deck and have a private bathroom, plenty of space for storage and a minimum of 1 window.
The single cabins are similar in size to the twins, and the main difference is that they are used for single occupancy rather than double.
The deluxe suite is larger with a seating area, 2 windows and a choice of single beds or a king-size bed.
Restaurant and Lounge Area
Delicious meals are served in the restaurant area on the main deck. You will also find our well-stocked bar in the restaurant.
The cozy sofa lounge is great for hanging out and relaxing. Perhaps have a coffee or go through your photos on the large screen.
Panoramic Hottub & Sauna
There is no better way to end the day than in the hot tub located on the top deck. Here you have impressive panoramic views of the fjords and the arctic sky with northern lights.
Or go for an arctic dip and the indoor sauna to get really heated up.
