Snorkeling with wild orcas in Norway starts with choosing the right expedition. Through Whale Watching Tromsø, you can enquire about 3-day and 6-day orca snorkeling expeditions departing from Alta in Northern Norway for the 2026/2027 winter season.
Although your journey starts in Alta, the fjords around Skjervøy have been a key winter feeding area for orcas since around 2018. They follow the herring, so their exact location can change throughout the season.
Your expedition vessel is your home on the water, with smaller boats taking you out to look for orcas and whales. When conditions allow, you can slip into the water with a mask, snorkel and cold-water equipment for a chance to watch them beneath the surface. Every encounter is different, and sightings and snorkeling opportunities are never guaranteed.
Explore the vessels, dates and prices below, and get in touch if you’d like help choosing your adventure.
Choose Your Orca Snorkeling Expedition
Choose between a 3-day or 6-day orca snorkeling expedition aboard one of three expedition vessels: MS Sula, MS Bergsund and MS Sjøveien. Find the boat that suits your travel style and budget, with departure dates, availability, prices and equipment costs listed below for each option.
All expeditions listed for the 2026/2027 season depart from Alta in Northern Norway. Routes remain flexible, following the location of the orcas and whales while taking weather and sea conditions into account.
Dates and prices for 2026 and January 2027
MS-Sula: 3-Day Orca Snorkeling Expeditions
October 2026
24.10 – 27.10.26 / Fully booked
27.10 – 30.10.26 / Fully booked
November 2026
24.11 – 27.11.26 / Fully booked
28.11 – 01.12.26 / Fully booked
December 2026
01.12 – 04.12.26 / Fully booked
05.12 – 08.12.26 / 2 spots available
08.12 – 11.12.26 / Fully booked
12.12 – 15.12.26 / Fully booked
15.12 – 18.12.26 / Fully booked
19.12 – 22.12.26 /Fully booked
22.12 – 25.12.26 / 6 places available
26.12 – 29.12.26 / 6 places available
29.12 – 01.01.27 / Fully booked
January 2027
02.01 – 05.01.27 / 1 spot available
05.01 – 08.01.27 / Fully booked
09.01 – 12.01.27 / 12 places available
12.01 – 15.01.27 /7 places available
16.01 – 19.01.27 /10 places available
3-day expedition: From NOK 42,000 per person Equipment rental: NOK 2,000 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
MS-Sula: 6-Day Orca Snorkeling Expeditions
October 2026
31.10 – 06.11.26 / Fully booked
November 2026
07.11 – 13.11.26 / 2 spots available
Expedition price: From NOK 74,000 per person Equipment rental: NOK 3,500 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
Expedition: From NOK 42,000 per person, including USEA lectures. Equipment rental: NOK 2,000 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
MS-Bergsund: 6-Day Orca Snorkeling Expeditions
October 2026
31.10 – 06.11.26 / Fully booked
Course Program : Classification, size, coloration, morphology, swimming, anatomy, reproduction, habitat, distribution, movements, social behavior, predatory strategies, diet, relationships with humans.
07.11. – 13.11.26 / Fully booked
21.11 – 27.11.26 /Fully booked
28.11 – 04.12.26 / 1 spot left
05.12. -11.12.26 / Fully booked!
Expedition price: From NOK 74,000 per person Equipment rental: NOK 3,500 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
Expedition price: From NOK 52,500 per person, including USEA lectures. Equipment rental: NOK 2,000 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat. Private rooms available: Yes
MS-Sjøveien: 6-Day Orca Snorkeling Expeditions
November 2026
07.11 – 13.11.26 / Fully booked
28.11 – 04.12.26 / Fully booked
Expedition price: From NOK 90,000 per person. Equipment rental: NOK 3,500 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat. Private rooms available: Yes
Found a trip you love? Just share your favorite vessel, preferred date, and guest count in the form below. We’ll reach out with:
Our detailed brochure that answers all your questions
Availability
Booking information
Payment details.
Not sure which journey fits best? Tell us what you’re after. We’d love to help you choose! 🙂
Dates and prices for 2027
MS-SULA: 3-DAY ORCA SNORKELING EXPEDITIONS
November 2027
20.11 – 23.11.27 / Fully booked
23.11 – 26.11.27 / 6 places available
27.11 – 30.11.27 / 12 places available
30.11 – 03.12.27 / 10 places available
December 2027
04.12 – 07.12.27 / 12 places available
07.12 – 10.12.27 / 11 places available
11.12 – 14.12.27 / 12 places available
14.12 – 17.12.27 / 12 places available
18.12 – 21.12.27 / 12 places available
21.12 – 24.12.27 / 12 places available
25.12 – 28.12.27 / 12 places available
28.12 – 31.12.27 / 9 places available
Expedition price: From NOK 44,000 per person, including USEA lectures. Equipment rental: NOK 2,000 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
MS-SULA: 6-DAY ORCA SNORKELING EXPEDITIONS
October 2027
23.10 – 29.10.27 / 12 places available
30.10 – 05.11.27 / 12 places available
November 2027
06.11 – 12.11.27 / 12 places available
13.11 – 19.11.27 / 12 places available
Expedition price: From NOK 78,000 per person, including USEA lectures. Equipment rental: NOK 3,500 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat.
For further information (and the terms and conditions) on bookings and payments for the 2027 expeditions, we recommend submitting your contact details below, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Expedition price: From NOK 55,000 per person. Equipment rental: NOK 2,000 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat. Private rooms available: Yes
Cabin prices per person
Twin cabin with porthole windows: NOK 55,000
Twin cabin with windows: NOK 59,000
Suite with double bed: NOK 62,000
Single cabin: NOK 73,500
MS-SJØVEIEN: 6-DAY ORCA SNORKELING EXPEDITIONS
October 2027
23.10 – 29.10.27 / 6 places available
30.10 – 05.11.27 / 12 places available
November 2027
06.11 – 12.11.27 / 10 places available
13.11 – 19.11.27 / 9 places available
Expedition price: From NOK 94,500 per person. Equipment rental: NOK 3,500 per person, including a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat. Private rooms available: Yes
Planning an adventure with friends, family or colleagues? Charter an entire expedition vessel for a 3-day or 6-day trip with up to 12 guests, with the boat and crew exclusively for your group.
Enjoy life aboard with a dedicated crew and personal chef, and head out to snorkel with wild orcas when conditions allow.
Yes, with most orca expedition tours being held during peak season,swimming with orcas in Norwayis allowed. From exploring mysterious fjords and enjoying the coastal waters, you can do it all with family groups of orcas. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some humpbacks, too!
Although diving qualifications are not required, you must possess swimming skills. It will help to have strong endurance and stamina too.
You must also note that a typical orca expedition tour involves long hours on a boat. So, if you’re someone who is prone to getting seasick, this activity may not be suitable for you.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Swimming With Killer Whales?
For the 2026 departures, a 3-day orca snorkeling expedition starts at NOK 42,000 per person, plus NOK 2,000 for equipment rental. That brings the starting price to NOK 44,000 per person with rental equipment.
A 6-day expedition starts at NOK 74,000 per person, plus NOK 3,500 for equipment rental, a total starting price of NOK 77,500 per person.
Prices vary by vessel. On MS Sjøveien, where private rooms are available, expedition prices start at NOK 52,500 for 3 days or NOK 90,000 for 6 days, excluding equipment rental.
Equipment rental includes a drysuit, thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, gloves, fins, weight belt and Aquafloat. See the expedition listings above for departure dates and prices.
What Does Your Trip Look Like?
In winter, orcas gather in the fjords of Northern Norway to feed on herring. Your crew searches for them each day, but sightings and snorkeling sessions are never guaranteed. The weather, sea conditions and the animals’ behaviour decide what is possible.
Snorkeling with Orcas
When the crew finds orcas and conditions are suitable, you board a smaller boat with a driver and guide. You wear a drysuit and use a mask and snorkel to watch from the surface.
Some days may offer several chances to enter the water. On other days, you may watch from the boat instead. You can also choose to stay dry and enjoy the views, there is plenty to see above the surface!
Life on Board
The expedition vessel is your home during the trip, with accommodation and meals prepared by an onboard chef. Between outings, you can warm up, relax and share stories with the other guests.
Depending on your vessel and package, you may also have:
Wi-Fi access, although coverage can vary.
A hot tub.
A chance to listen to whale sounds through an underwater microphone called a hydrophone.
USEA talks and biology lessons about orcas and other marine life.
Check what is included in your chosen expedition before booking.
A Typical Day
The daily plan stays flexible so the crew can respond to the weather and the location of the whales. A typical day may look like this:
7:30–8:30 AM: Wake up and enjoy breakfast.
Around 9 AM: Leave the harbour to search for orcas.
During daylight hours: Watch whales and join guided snorkeling sessions when conditions allow. Finding the animals may take time.
After the outing: Return to the main vessel for lunch and a chance to warm up.
Late afternoon: Head to a sheltered harbour or bay for the night.
Around 6 PM: Enjoy dinner and relax after the day’s adventure.
Keep your camera ready, but remember to put it down sometimes. Seeing an orca with your own eyes is a memory worth bringing home, too.
What Does an Orca Expedition Boat Looks Like?
Bergsund
The Bergsund is a 27-meter-long boat that is 7 meters wide and has a depth of 3.5 meters. It is designed to accommodate guests with six 2-men cabins located below the deck. The boat also has five toilets and five showers to provide convenience and comfort to the guests.
The Bergsund also features a lounge area with seating for up to 20 people, which is ideal for hosting lessons or lectures during the trip. Additionally, the lounge area is equipped with a TV screen for entertainment purposes. One unique feature of the Bergsund is the hot tub, which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenic views during the trip.
Sula
The Sula is a spacious vessel measuring 27 meters in length and 6 meters in width, boasting a depth of 3.70 meters. It is capable of accommodating up to 16 guests comfortably with its seven cabins. The sleeping quarters consist of three 2-men cabins situated below the deck, three 2-men cabins situated above the deck, and one 2-men cabin located on the top deck.
The vessel boasts a lounge area with ample seating for up to 16 guests, making it ideal for hosting lessons or lectures during the journey. The lounge is also equipped with a TV screen for entertainment purposes. Additionally, guests can indulge in the hot tub on board while soaking up the stunning scenery. The Sula also features three toilets and two showers, providing guests with convenient amenities.
Sjøveien
The Sjøveien is a stunning boat that boasts impressive specifications and features. At 40.65 meters in length and 8.00 meters in width, this boat is spacious and comfortable. It can accommodate up to 20 guests with a total of eight cabins, including two 2-men cabins with windows on the main deck, one suite with a double bed and a window on the main deck, one suite with a double bed and a window on the upper deck, and four 2-men cabins with port hole windows below the deck. Private rooms for a single person are also available on this expedition
Each of the cabins on the Sjøveien comes equipped with a private bathroom, shower, and toilet. This ensures that guests can enjoy the privacy and comfort they need during their trip.
The boat also features a lounge area with seating for up to 24 people, which is perfect for hosting lessons or lectures during the trip. The lounge area is equipped with a TV screen for entertainment purposes.
What Is The Best Season To Swim With Orcas?
The best season to swim with the orcas in Norway is between October to January. But keep in mind that the number of orcas you witness may vary with the weather conditions, their behavior, herring track, etc.
How Close Do You Get To The Orcas? Can You Touch Them?
Close! While there is no defined distance that one must maintain from an orca, we do recommend swimming side by side and not coming in their path. It is also best not to touch or feed them as doing so may cause stress to the mammal.
Despite being known as “killer” whales, orcas follow a fixed menu of aquatic mammals, fish, and squid. So, the chances of orcas attacking humans are very slim, if not nil. However, for your peace of mind, we’ll add that there has been no instance of a verified fatal attack in the wild.
Will You Be Snorkeling Or Scuba Diving With The Orcas?
The orca expedition tours includes snorkeling with the orcas. You will be instructed on how to use the dry suit, and diving instructors will accompany you at all times. Also, while snorkeling, you won’t be allowed to use tanks with orcas in the vicinity. This is to prevent the formation of bubbles, as orcas usually get scared of them.
Are Orcas Friendly To Humans, And Is It Safe To Swim With Them?
Yes, orcas are highly intelligent mammals and can sense similar intelligence from humans. Hence, they are usually friendly to humans or may be indifferent, but they won’t harm you unless you do something to stress them out.
However, whenever you encounter cetaceans, you should never approach them head-on. Let them “scan” you and swim alongside you. Maintain a calm and slow speed within their visual/sonar field. But stay away from their fins/flukes.
Also, make sure you never approach a calf. Mother orcas are very protective and will do anything to save their young ones from danger. In fact, J35 (Tahlequah), a Southern resident killer whale (SRKW), is known for carrying her dead calf for more than two weeks. Her unusually long period of mourning her calf’s demise attracted an outpour of sympathy all over the world.
What About The Organization That Is Providing This Orcas Expedition Trip?
Whale Watching Tromsø is one of the top organizations in the country that reviews affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly wildlife tours. I have been in the industry for about 17 years, during which I have worked as a wildlife manager and marine mammal specialist. Throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, I have worked towards creating awareness of the importance of aquatic wildlife conservation.
Over the years, I realized I was drawn to aquatic wildlife the most. Dolphins, whales, manatees, and seals have always been my favorites, so I wanted to devote my life to protecting these species.
Later in 2017, during my trip to Norway, I fell in love with the beauty of Norwegian fjords and landscapes. And that’s when I decided to combine my old passion for wildlife conservation and my new-found love for the country, resulting in Whale Watching Tromsø.
Is Swimming With Wild Orcas An Animal-Friendly Activity?
Albeit illegal in most parts of the world, swimming with wild orcas in Norway is allowed. However, you must ensure that you opt for a tour package that indulges in responsible and sustainable whale interactions. The guides and divers should be able to keep you safe while causing no harm and stress to the animal.
What Is Included In The Expedition?
The orca expedition in Norway includes comfortable accommodation in a liveaboard boat equipped with a hot tub, uninterrupted WiFi, and a Hydrophone. You’ll also be provided with bedclothes, towels, snorkeling gear (on rent), and more.
Other than that, the expedition includes a professional chef onboard to serve you delicious meals and tidbits. And for whale watching, you will get dinghies with a driver and guide each.
Not to forget, if you opt for USEA certification, you will be able to attend the insightful lectures onboard.
What Is Not Included?
The tour does not include flights or other transportation services to/from Alta pick up point. For more details please request the latest brochure above to the latest and accurate information
Additionally, we recommend carrying warm, comfortable clothes like jeans, sweaters, jackets, winter shoes, gloves, and hats. While using dry suits on rent, you will be provided with a thinsulate, but you should be carrying your own undergarments for regular use. Alternatively, you can carry your own drysuit and other snorkeling/diving equipment.
Try packing woolen clothes over cotton and fleece, as wool is the best conductor of heat, so it’ll keep you warm during the chilly tour. Slippers are also recommended for more comfort in the boat.
Also, keep in mind that you won’t be provided any video/photography equipment, so it is best to carry your own camera (or a GoPro camera if you own one). Other than that, always keep cash or credit cards, your flight tickets and passport, and travel insurance handy.
What Is The Best Video And Photography Equipment To Capture Your Swim With The Orcas?
With more and more travelers willing to explore the mystical underwater world, there is no dearth of video and photography equipment for underwater use. However, choosing the best from the lot usually takes some experience. Hence, we’ll make the task a tad bit easier by suggesting some of the best video/photography equipment for underwater use.
Right off the bat, the Panasonic Lumix S1H is a power-packed mirrorless full-frame camera with 6K video recording. Equipped with a 24MP, full-frame sensor, this sturdy camera works well in low visibility and low light conditions, making it ideal for underwater photography. Not to forget, the 5 Axis Image stabilization with Dual IS 2 technology offers it an edge over other video cameras on the market.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III and Nikon Z6 are also great options for capturing stable photographs and videos of a happy bunch of whales!
In case you are using any other cameras, we recommend investing in a zoom lens for the best results. You could opt for one with a focal length range of 55-200 MM or even a 200-500 MM lens if your budget allows.
