Swimming with orcas and humpback whales, a unique and immersive experience
Between October and February, in the remote Norwegian county of Troms, inside the Arctic Circle, one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the planet takes place.
The fjord waters, warmer than the open ocean, promote the proliferation of zooplankton. Rising to the surface, the zooplankton becomes easy prey for herrings, which find here an ideal environment to feed and prepare for their long migration. The massive presence of herrings attracts much larger predators: the orca and the humpback whale.
Prepare for four days of searching, observing, and snorkeling in the company of the ocean’s most fearsome predator, the orca, and the gentle giant, the humpback whale.
Every morning we will meet at an agreed point, where equipment will be provided and a briefing will be held before the dive.
The experience is open to photographers and nature observers alike.
Duration of the activity: 3–4 hours per day
Expedition objective: orcas, humpback whales, marine cetaceans
Period: November
Recommended photography equipment:
• Telephoto lens with a focal length between 200 mm and 400 mm
• Underwater camera housing or waterproof phone case
• GoPro or action camera
Clothing: Given average temperatures between -4 and -10 °C and the fact that we’ll be diving with a drysuit over our clothes, it’s important to dress in layers to stay warm at all times:
• Tights
• Thermal socks
• Mountain hiking boots
• Thermal clothing (sweater and hoodie)
• Fleece and windbreaker
Please note: it is not mandatory to use the dry suit provided by the tour operator. If you have your own equipment (wetsuit, gloves, fins, mask, snorkel, and weights), you may participate with that. A wetsuit thickness of 7 mm or more is recommended.
Diving into the water is not mandatory: those who do not feel ready can stay on the boat. Orcas do not attack humans, but it is important to remember that we are in an extreme environment with wild animals.
Difficulty: medium – swimming skills are required to participate in the water activities.
The experience is not recommended for: people with joint or back problems, those prone to seasickness, pregnant women, and children under 16 years old.
Physical condition: good health is required.
Duration
6 Days
Dates
November 16 to 21, 2026
Number of participants
6/7 participants
Difficulty
🟠 Medium
Photographic difficulty
🟠 Medium – orcas and humpback whales are extremely dynamic subjects. Sessions take place from a moving
inflatable boat, with variable sea and constantly changing environmental conditions. Reactivity, adaptability, and the ability to read the scene in real time are essential.
Cost: € 2,512
Payment method:
At the time of booking: Deposit: 1.000 €
Second installment: 1.512 €
Day 1
Arrival in Tromsø
The next 4 days
Early morning wake-up, breakfast, meeting with the local team, an introduction to orca behavior and safety guidelines; after putting on the wetsuits provided by the team, we’ll head to the boat and set out in search of orcas and humpback whales.
The activity will last 3–4 hours, with a return scheduled before sunset (expected at 1:30 p.m.).
November 20
After lunch, departure for the return trip to Tromsø; overnight stay at a hotel.
November 21
Return to Italy.
