Swim with Orcas and Northern Lights Expedition: 10/31-11/08 2025

Overview

Length - 7 days/7 nights

DAY 1 (FRIDAY)

We will arrive at Tromso airport where we will head to the ferry terminal(10 minute taxi away). We will then take the fast Liner North at 4 P.M. to Skjervoy. After 3 hours on the ferry we will then take another short ferry to our final destination where we will be greeted by the boat crew!

We will then all meet in their large tent to have dinner and an expedition debrief!

DAY 2 (SATURDAY)

7:30 am wake up and finally see our surroundings! Our day will start with a hearty breakfast at the “whale house” where we will have a detailed security briefing before our first day at sea. This will include safety at sea, proper boat etiquette and behavior to respect our environment and wildlife. This is also when we will each receive our equipment, including our wetsuit and thermal overalls(dry robes).

Once we’re all geared up we will head down to the Harbor! Before we head out to sea we will practice with our gear in the harbor. This will help us all get comfortable in 10 mm wetsuits and also learn how to get on and off the boats safely with and without a dive ladder.

As soon as we leave the harbor we are all on whale spotting duty!! The best way to spot them is to look for their blows!! This is the water vapor that creates that famous spout which can be seen from miles away. We also look for bird activity, fins, splashing and any indication there may be activity beneath the waves. Once we spot the whales our captain will approach slowly and determine based on their behavior and weather conditions if its a good time for us to enter the water.

On board we will have Hot soup to keep us warm, a sandwich along with some other snacks and tea!

As the sun goes down we will make our way back into harbor and after a warm shower will rinse and hang our gear to prepare for the days ahead. Snacks will be served in the whale house and we can enjoy our free time either in the sauna, jacuzzi or playing games!

Before dinner, we will have a conference call with friends of Norwegian Orca Survey to learn more about the Orca and Humpback whale populations in Norway.

At 6 PM the bar will open and dinner will be served at 7:30 in the Lavvu(big tent)

Northern lights forecast will be checked before it’s time to go to bed and rest up for the day ahead!!

***I know we are all worried about being COLD but DON’T WORRY because there are jacuzzis and Saunas back at our houses where we stay and a warm cozy dining hall 🔥

DAY 3 (SUNDAY) TO DAY 7 (THURSDAY)

7:30 am Breakfast

9:00 am Meet at Boat

3:00 pm Back to Harbor

4:00 pm Snack time

7:30 pm Dinner

Special events will take place during our trip but we will have to wait and find out!!😃

DAY 8 (FRIDAY)

7:30 am Breakfast

9:00 am Meet at boat - we will swim with orcas this day but will be heading back to harbor before 3 to get ready for check out

Check out: we will check out by 2 pm and have our luggage outside for pickup.

Tea time and wait for the ferry in whale house while we share stories and memories of our incredible week!

6:15 pm Ferry departure to Skjervoy

7:05 pm Skjervoy ferry to Tromso

9:15 pm arrive in Tromso and head to hotel (included in price of trip)

Price - $6,450 - the price displayed on this does not include cc fee. Zelle, Venmo or wire transfer are all available and payment plans are possible for whatever needs.

Deposit required to reserve spot - this will be $2,000 (can be sent through Venmo or Zelle, or CC with appropriate fees). The remaining balance will be due in 2 separate payments half by July 31st and the remaining by September 31st.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment

  • Transportation(ferries) to and from the island

  • All accommodations including one night hotel stay in Tromso at end of the trip (due to late arrival back from island)

  • All gear needed to swim with orcas

    • Mask/fins/snorkel

    • 10 mm immersion suit

    • Booties

    • Fins

    • Hood

    • Dry parka to travel warmly on boat

  • All Meals

  • All Boat excursions

What’s not included

• Alcohol

• Airfare to and from Norway’s Tromso airport

• Yoga classes you may like to take while on island

• Travel insurance (required)

*image from Valhalla Expeditions