Winter Whales of Norway | MV Explorer | IExpedition

MV Explorer Winter Whales of Norway

  • Overview

    This trip is a unique opportunity for everybody interested in orcas, humpback whales, white-tailed eagles, Arctic winter, Northern Lights and breathtaking landscapes.

    For only a few short weeks, starting from the end of October until mid-January, Northern Norway is the place of the largest gathering of whales in the world. They follow the enormous amount of spring-spawning herring that can be found in the fjords. This unique spectacle of nature offers us the opportunity to snorkel with wild orcas and watch their behaviour under water.

    Duration: 7 days
    Passengers: 12 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Tromsø
    Disembarkation Point: Tromsø
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Arrival and boarding

      Our adventure starts in Tromsø, a small city in Arctic Norway. We recommend you arrive at least one day prior to embarkation, just in case you're flight might be delayed. This also gives you the opportunity to explore the town's museums and cozy city centre or to go on a husky safari or snowmobile ride.
      A transfer from Tromsø centre to the harbor is included. You will board the ship in the afternoon of the first day. Once on board you'll have plenty of time to get settled in your cabin and explore the ship. In the evening, the ship will leave Tromsø towards a location where we expect to find whales. Meanwhile you can enjoy dinner and have some time to meet the other guests.

      Be prepared for cold but rewarding days out at sea with spectacular sightings of a unique display of mother nature. Bring a good portion of adventurous spirit. We deal with true wildlife encounters and unpredictable weather conditions.

    • Day 2/6 - In search of Whales and Orcas

      For five full days we will follow the schools of herring and pods of orcas and humpbacks in the protected surroundings of the beautiful Norwegian fjords. Our ships all have spacious decks so you can take in the amazing scenery. The bridge of the ship is a great place to look for whales and enjoy the beautiful light and views of the Norwegian fjords. We have an open bridge policiy so you are welcome at almost any time.
      Two expert guides will accompany you on your whale watching adventure. They will share their knowledge with you and will do their utmost to offer you the best experience. Our guides and crew are constantly on the look-out for whales and orcas. Whenever the conditions are right, we will take the zodiacs and go out on the water.

    • Day 7 - Disembarkation

      Our ships usually arrive back in Tromsø the night before disembarkation. After breakfast and saying farewell to the crew, it is unfortunately time to disembark. Our guides can arrange a transfer to the airport or to your hotel if you choose to extend your stay in Norway.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Snorkelling

    During our trips it is our goal to go snorkeling as often as possible. Being on a small ship gives us the advantage to be on location when daylight starts and we can easily travel around in the fjords to find the whales.
    To offer the best possible experience, we only take a maximum of 8 snorkelers per zodiac.

    The snorkeling activity is intended for persons in reasonably good health. You need to have a certain level of fitness and strength in order to participate. Actively swimming and getting in and out of the zodiac can be challenging. If you are unable to go snorkeling, you are still more than welcome to join the zodiac for topside whale watching.

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - All service taxes and port fees
    - Lectures by the experienced guides
    - Use of sauna & hot tub on board Polarfront & Explorer
    - Warm zodiac suits for non-snorkelers
    - Snorkeling activity & snorkeling gear
    - Coffee, tea & water throughout the day
    - Breakfast, lunch & dinner (Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day)

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel
    - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, meals ashore and telephone charges
    - Flights & transfers
    - Rental thermal overalls (€ 80 p.p. at time of booking)
    - Gratuities
  • Map
    Map norway
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    The polar yacht Explorer was originally built in 1994 as an oceanographic research vessel. It has recently been renovated to reduce its impact on the environment and to completely redesign the interior. The spacious, refurbished polar yacht now offers the most comfortable and refined small ship cruising experience in the Arctic. MV Explorer is served by a crew of 8 people, among them a hotel manager and 2 experienced expeditions guides. With only 12 guests on board it will feel like you are on a private expedition!

    Inside, there's a spacious panoramic lounge area with comfortable seating where you can relax and attend our guides' lectures. A gym room, sauna, and jacuzzi are also available for you to unwind after your exciting polar outings.
    With an outside lounge-bar on the aft deck and a large observation deck, you will have plenty of opportunites to photograph the incredible scenery while on the ship. Or you can choose to spend some time on the bridge where there is plenty of room for you to scan the horizon looking for wildlife. The ship's 2 zodiacs will bring you ashore for on land exploration at the most remote locations.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 12
    Crew #: 8
    Ice Class: A1
    Speed:
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 46m
    Width: 10
    Draft:
    Tonnage:
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
All available dates
Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Superior Suite

28 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024
Comfortable cabins Double bed or twin beds Luxury private bathroom with walk-in shower Porthole windows Desk and chair Situated on the lower deck
USD$ 6,608pp
USD$ 6,608pp

Single Cabin

28 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024
Comfortable suites Single bed Private bathroom with shower Seating area Picture windows Situated on the upper deck
USD$ 6,608pp
USD$ 6,608pp

Single Deluxe Suite

28 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024
Comfortable cabins for single travellers Double or twin beds Luxury private bathroom with walk-in shower Porthole window Desk and chair Situated on the lower deck
USD$ 6,832pp
USD$ 6,832pp

Executive Suite

28 Oct 2024 - 03 Nov 2024
Large spacious suites Double bed Luxury private bathroom with walk-in shower Seating area Floor to ceiling windows Situated on the upper deck
USD$ 7,056pp
USD$ 7,056pp