Norway's Orca Season in Brief

Every November through January, the fjords of Northern Norway — around Tromsø, Skjervøy, and Alta — host one of the most concentrated orca populations on Earth. The animals follow vast schools of Norwegian Spring Spawning Herring into shallow water, creating feeding frenzies that can involve hundreds of orcas and humpback whales simultaneously. The Northern Lights are frequently visible overhead. It's a genuinely extraordinary place to be.

But not all orca tours are created equal. Here are the criteria that separate the best operators from the rest.

1. In-Water Access

Some operators offer zodiac boat viewing only. Others give you the option to enter the water alongside the orcas in a drysuit. This distinction changes the experience entirely. The best operators — including Maui, Arctic Freediving, and Waterproof Expeditions — provide guided in-water snorkeling when conditions and whale behaviour allow.

Ask directly: is in-water access included, or is it a paid add-on? How many guests are in the water at once?

2. Group Size

Most orca tours operate with 8–18 guests. Smaller groups mean more flexibility, more time in the water per person, and a more intimate atmosphere overall. Maui caps groups at 8. Waterproof Expeditions and PolarQuest run up to 12. Some operators run 18+. Group size matters more than people realise — both for the wildlife encounter and for the experience of the trip itself.

3. Group Curation

This is the factor almost no operator addresses. Most orca tours are booked on a first-come basis, which means you could be spending 5–6 days in close quarters with people you have nothing in common with. Maui is one of the only operators that curates groups through an application process, ensuring compatible, like-minded travellers share the experience.

4. Wildlife Ethics

Responsible operators approach whale pods from the side at low speed, assess whale behaviour before entering the water, and don't chase or harass animals for a photo opportunity. Ask operators directly: what is your code of conduct around whale and orca encounters? The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and Norway's leading operators have published their standards — any reputable operator should be happy to share theirs.

5. What's Included

Drysuit? Included or extra? Accommodation? Meals? Guide fees? Some operators list a competitive base price that excludes most of what actually makes the trip. The best expeditions — Maui included — are genuinely all-inclusive: accommodation, all meals, equipment, guides, and ground transfers are covered. You arrive and focus entirely on the experience.

6. Repeat Guest Rate

The strongest signal of a great operator is how many guests come back. Ask directly. Operators with strong community and genuine experiences tend to have high return rates. Maui measures success by the friendships formed and the guests who re-apply season after season.

The Bottom Line

Any Norwegian orca expedition is likely to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. The best operators know this — and design every detail around making it even better.