Winter Whales of Norway | MS Virgo | IExpedition

MS Virgo 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

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

    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

    MS Virgo is an ideal ship for intimate small group expeditions to the Arctic and Northern Norway, offering bright and spacious inside areas and large deck spaces outside. She was originally built as a Swedish buoy laying vessel and has been completely refurbished in 2021 to prepare her for new adventures as a leisure expedition ship. The ships' warm atmosphere and friendly crew will make you feel right at home.
    MS Virgo can take up to 12 guests in 9 cabins. All cabins have a fresh new Scandinavian interior and private bathroom. Located on the upper deck, are 2 spacious Superior Suites and one Twin Cabin. On the lower deck you'll find another Twin Cabins located and 6 comfortable Single Cabins. 
    A great feature of MS Virgo is the spacious lounge on deck 2, with direct access to the front deck. The large windows of the lounge offer good viewing opportunities and plenty of space for photo editing, listening to lectures or just having a drink with fellow travelers. Food will be served at designated times in the dining area, however we intend to be flexible should any wildlife suddenly appear. The chef has a varied and tasty menu that can be adapted to special dietary needs.

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
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    Guests #: 12
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Check Voyage Dates, Pricing and Availability
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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.

Twin Cabin

10 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
Located on the upper deck Twin beds Private bahtroom Ample storage space A desk with chair Porthole window
USD$ 5,376pp
USD$ 5,376pp

Superior Suite

10 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
Located on the upper deck Twin beds Private bahtroom Seating area Ample storage space A desk with chair Two porthole windows
USD$ 5,712pp
USD$ 5,712pp

Single Cabin

10 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024
Mostly located on the lower deck (one single cabin on upper deck) Single beds Private bahtroom Storage space A desk with chair Porthole window
USD$ 5,824pp
USD$ 5,824pp