Swim with Orca
Alongside expert marine guides, swim and freedive with pods of orca.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/10/25 | 07/11/25 | 8 days | £8,089 pp | £1,360 | Local Guides | 12 Max | FULL | |
| 07/11/25 | 14/11/25 | 8 days | £7,559 pp | £1,659 | Local Guides | 12 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
| 21/11/25 | 28/11/25 | 8 days | £8,089 pp | £1,360 | Local Guides | 12 Max | FULL |
Dive into the world of orca, observing pods of up to 60 whales hunting and feeding on shoals of herring that migrate through the fjords of Northern Norway between October and January each year.
Beginning in Alta, live aboard the 12-passenger MS Sjøveien or MS Balto spending five full days freediving and snorkelling with these highly intelligent mammals. Marine guides prioritize safe interactions and offer expert insights into their hunting behaviour and complex social structures, delivering an unforgettable wildlife experience. Other than the ability to swim, no previous snorkelling experience is needed to join this extraordinary small group expedition.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Arctic Circle
Each night, dock in a new harbour to explore the charming local towns.
Classic Vessels
Join 11 other clients onboard MS Sjøveien or MS Balto, both with spacious ensuite cabins.
Northern Lights
Departing in winter, there’s a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
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Day 1
Alta
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Day 2
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Days 3-7
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Day 8
Day 1
Alta
Arrive into Alta and transfer 10 minutes to your hotel in the centre of Alta.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning exploring Alta, located at 70° North. Visit the iconic Northern Lights Cathedral, designed to mimic the swirling patterns of the aurora, or get a taste of Arctic delicacies at a local restaurant. Late afternoon, transfer to the dock to board MS Sjøveien or MS Balto.
Days 3-7
The next few days will be focused on searching for and swimming with orca pods in the fjords. Alongside a marine guide, the group will enter the water from a dinghy, spending two to three hours in and out of the boats. In the evening, the vessel docks in the harbour for dinner and there are informal talks about orca behaviour before free time to explore the local town.
Day 8
Spend the final morning searching and swimming with the whales before a farewell lunch on the boat. Transfer back to Alta airport for onward travel.
What to Expect
Swimming with Orca
Days typically begin with breakfast between eight and half past eight, before heading into the fjords in search of orca pods. Dry suits, hoods, masks, snorkels, fins, gloves, a weight belt and aquafloats are provided. Whales are approached slowly; the boats never chase the pods. Often, the orca will approach the dinghies, providing the opportunity to enter the water with the whales and marine guides for up to 90 minutes at a time. Observe these magnificent animals feeding on herring and communicating through whistles and clicks. Usually two to three hours are spent in and out of the dinghies before returning to the boat for hot soup and coffee.
Small ship expedition
Timeless Vessels
Built in 1964 for the Norwegian government, MS Sjøveien is a classic vessel that was restored into a passenger boat in 2017. She has eight ensuite cabins, a central lounge area, a wood-fired hot tub on the upper deck and an open bridge policy, keeping the atmosphere friendly and relaxed. In a similar style, MS Balto has seven spacious cabins and a small sauna on the guest deck. Onboard chefs prepare Arctic dishes using ingredients specific to the region, including king crab, Arctic cod and reindeer stew.
Guiding at its best
Marine Guides
Marine guides will join you in the water, offering tips on the best position for seeing the pods herding the herring and creating bait balls. The guides will always be on hand if you signal for assistance. Evening talks are hosted by a renowned orca expert, giving insights into whale behaviour, habitats and safety techniques when swimming with the orca to ensure a peaceful interaction throughout the expedition.
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- One night accommodation in Alta the day before the expedition
- Six nights onboard MS Sjøveien or MS Balto, including all meals
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Evening lectures with orca expert
- Accompanied by marine guides throughout
- Equipment and snorkelling gear
- Harbour fees
What is excluded
- International flights to and from Alta
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31/10/25 | 07/11/25 | 8 days | £8,089 pp | Local Guides | 12 Max | FULL | |
| 07/11/25 | 14/11/25 | 8 days | £7,559 pp | Local Guides | 12 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
| 21/11/25 | 28/11/25 | 8 days | £8,089 pp | Local Guides | 12 Max | FULL | |
| 27/11/26 | 04/12/26 | 8 days | £7,995 pp | Local Guides | 12 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
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