Swim with Orcas in Norway | Arctic Expedition

The Expedition

Between October and January, Norway's Arctic fjords become home to one of the ocean's most intelligent predators. Orcas arrive by the hundreds to hunt herring in these deep, dark waters — and you'll be in there with them.This isn't a whale-watching cruise.

You'll slip into 3°C water in a drysuit, hold your breath, and drift face-to-face with hunting orca pods. Humpback whales show up too, sometimes so close you can hear them sing underwater. The fjords go quiet except for the sound of your heartbeat and whale blows echoing off the mountains.

Days are short this far north. You'll chase whales in whatever daylight you get, then spend long evenings around the fire with seven strangers who won't stay strangers for long. Northern lights overhead. Salt still in your hair. Stories you'll be telling for years.

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Itinerary

Day 1 — Welcome to the Arctic

Land in Tromsø, catch three ferries north through the fjords to Seglvik — a tiny fishing village at the edge of the world. Meet your group, settle into your cabin, gather in the Lavvu tent for dinner and a proper welcome.

Day 2 — First Day on the Water

Safety briefing. Gear up in drysuits. Mandatory dive training in the harbor — we need to know you're comfortable before we put you in with apex predators. Then: boats out. Eyes scanning for blows and fins. When we find them, you go in. Cold water, clear minds, orcas gliding past like shadows.

Days 3–6 — Hunt, Swim, Repeat

Early breakfast. Daily boat excursions hunting for whales. Light lunch onboard when conditions allow. Back before dark. Hot showers, warm waffles, sauna time. Evening talks on orca behavior and marine biology. Dinner together in the Lavvu. Northern lights check. Repeat until your soul feels full.

Day 7 — One Last Dive

Morning boat trip, then back to pack and say goodbye. Tea in the whale house while you wait for the ferry. Three ferries back to Tromsø, carrying memories that feel impossible to explain to anyone who wasn't there.

Testimonial

Lars

Copenhagen

I've done liveaboards, safari, Antarctica. This topped everything. Not because of the orcas (though, my god, the orcas) — but because of who I spent those seven days with. We're already planning the MAUI next trip together.

Orca Expedition -

Review

Sophie

Paris

"The application made sense once I met the group. Everyone was genuinely present. No one hiding behind a camera the whole time. We actually talked. Actual conversations. In 2026. Wild."

Orca Expedition -

Review

Things to know

What’s included?

✓ 7 days / 6 nights in Seglvik basecamp. Shared cabin basis. Private cabin upgrade available.

✓ Daily boat expeditions to find and swim with orcas. Weather dependent — some days you stay on land.

✓ Full drysuit, snorkel gear, and thermal equipment. We have boots and gloves available for purchase if needed.

✓ All meals — breakfast, lunch onboard, dinner in the Lavvu tent. Plus afternoon waffles because it's freezing and you need them.

✓ Round-trip ferry transfers from Tromsø to Seglvik and back. Three ferries each way — it's part of the adventure.

✓ Sauna, hot tub, and whale house lounge access. You'll need the sauna. Trust us.

✓ Mandatory dive training and safety briefings. We need to know you're safe in the water before we put you in with apex predators.

✓ Evening marine biology talks. Learn about orca hunting behavior, whale communication, and Arctic ecosystems from experts.

What’s not included?

✗ Flights to/from Tromsø
✗ Travel and cancellation insurance (required)
✗ Airport taxis in Tromsø✗ Alcohol — bar opens at 6:30pm daily, drinks on your tab
✗ Underwater camera or GoPro rental

What’s the best way to get there?

Fly into Tromsø (TOS). Direct flights from Oslo, Amsterdam, London. You'll catch ferries from Tromsø to Seglvik on Day 1 — we'll send detailed timing closer to departure.

Why is there an application or selection process?

Seven days in the Arctic with the same small group. We pick people carefully so everyone actually wants to be around each other. It works.

How experienced do I need to be?

Strong swimmer. Comfortable in cold water. Freediving experience helps but isn't required — we'll train you. If you're not safe in the water after training, we reserve the right to keep you on the boat.

What about weather?

It's the Arctic in winter. Weather changes fast. Some days you'll get 4 hours of daylight and perfect conditions. Some days you won't leave the harbor. We adapt. The whales don't care about your schedule.