The village of Andenes is situated in the Vesterålen district, on the island of AndØya. Located 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Andenes is a great place to see the Northern Lights, and offers fantastic whale watching in winter, where sperm, killer, fin and humpback whales can be seen.
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Where: Vesterålen
Ideal for viewing: sperm whale, orca, humpback whale, fin whale, white-tailed eagle
The harbourside town of Batsfjord in Arctic Norway is an excellent place for seeing the Aurora Borealis (you can't get much further north in Europe than this), as well as king, Steller’s and common eiders, all in breeding plumage in winter and offering superb opportunities for photographers.
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Where: Scandinavia
Ideal for viewing: Steller’s eider, king eider, long-tailed duck, purple sandpiper, black guillemot
Blessed with an incredible natural backdrop of rugged mountains and enchanting fjords, Skjervøy certainly has a wonderful situation. In addition to this, during the winter months, this small island in northern Norway is an excellent location for whale watching and observing the Northern Lights.
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Where: North Norway
Ideal for viewing: orca, humpback whale, white-tailed eagle, fin whale, elk
High above the Arctic Circle lies the remarkable archipelago known in Norwegian as Svalbard. Spitsbergen, the main island, means 'jagged peaks' and befits this remarkable land with its spectacular coastline, littered with glaciers flowing into the sea, and high cliffs with endless opportunities for viewing wildlife.
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Discover the untouched beauty of Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago home to dramatic glaciers, deep fjords, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Among spectacular landscapes, steep cliffs teem with an abundance of bird life, walrus bask in the sun, and polar bears roam the shores.
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Tromso lies nearly 70 degrees north and is northern Norway’s largest city, located between the craggy peaks of the Lyngen Alps. There is a vibrant city centre, surrounded by spectacular fjords and majestic mountains, and one of the best places in Europe to see the northern lights is in Tromso.
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The shelter offered by Varangerfjord, in combination with its Arctic location, make this a fabulous place for sea-ducks. Mixed rafts of common, king and Steller's eiders can be found almost anywhere, while the further east we go the more likely we are to see the magnificent white-billed diver.
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Where: Arctic north-east
Ideal for viewing: Steller’s eider, king eider, gyrfalcon, white-billed diver, white-tailed eagle
Considered to be one of the most beautiful countries on earth due to its rugged coastline, glaciers, mountains and coastal fjords, Norway is known for its stunning displays of northern lights, excellent whale watching opportunities, and its largest mainland animal - the elusive elk.
13 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Our popular Northern Lights and wildlife trips go in search of many sought-after Siberian specialities as well as other exciting species, at a time of year when there is plenty of daylight, but the nights are still long enough for a good chance of seeing the spectacular Northern Lights.
Find out more about Northern Lights & Lapland Birds
Join us on this specialist photography voyage, navigating the remarkable fjords of northern Norway, in search of orcas, humpbacks and the magical northern lights. This Arctic expedition provides a unique opportunity to discover these cetaceans from a small ship, led by a professional wildlife photographer.
Find out more about Fjords, Orcas & Aurora Photography Expedition
Discover Norway’s Arctic fjords on an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Watch orca and humpback whales as they navigate icy waters and take the plunge and swim alongside them! With breathtaking scenery and the chance to witness the northern lights, this expedition is truly extraordinary.
Find out more about Swimming with Whales in Norway
Explore the remarkable Svalbard archipelago on this 7-night voyage. Travelling in spring provides a unique opportunity to witness this pristine, untouched landscape with icy coastlines, snow-peaked mountains and spectacular glaciers. Wildlife opportunities include polar bears, Arctic fox and walrus.
Find out more about Svalbard Wildlife Expedition
This one week voyage provides an intoxicating mix of astonishing landscapes, stunning coastline and spectacular wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and huge colonies of seabirds. The long daylight hours offer maximum time to appreciate this breath-taking land of ice to the full.
Find out more about North Spitsbergen
During July and August, Svalbard bursts into life. Seabird colonies thrive, cliffs echo with the cries of thousands of nesting birds, and Arctic fox cubs emerge on the tundra. Walrus haul out on ice floes and beluga glide through the fjords. Experience this and more aboard Explorer, an intimate luxury yacht.
Find out more about Birds, Wildlife & Wilderness of Svalbard
Sail through a wonderland of mountain and glacial scenery and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters in this polar bear and birding paradise. Highlights include an exhilarating ride along the spectacular 14th of July Glacier, where large numbers of kittiwakes and Brunnichs guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs.
Find out more about Around Spitsbergen
A dedicated photo expedition, this voyage explores spectacular Svalbard early in the season. Making the most of the magical snow-laden landscapes, search for the region’s iconic wildlife, including beluga whale, Arctic fox, reindeer and polar bear. This is the ultimate wildlife photography voyage in the Arctic.
Find out more about Svalbard Photo Expedition
Sailing amid awe-inspiring scenery of fjords and glaciers, this comprehensive itinerary starts in Spitsbergen, home to the world's highest population of polar bears. Continuing across the Greenland Sea, orcas and dolphins follow in your wake, and there are chances to see walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox.
Find out more about Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland
On this small-ship exploration of Svalbard, you can enjoy the best of this magical region and discover iconic Arctic wildlife. Travel at a slower pace, linger longer in quiet bays and enjoy wildlife encounters with a variety of species, including pinnipeds, cetaceans, numerous seabirds and the magnificent polar bear.
Find out more about Svalbard in Depth
Traverse the Norwegian coastline, explore the remote island of Jan Mayen, and witness Greenland's vast fjords on this epic Arctic voyage. Along the way, encounter dramatic shores, fascinating Arctic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and with luck the mesmerising glow of the aurora borealis.
Find out more about Northern Lights & Wildlife Odyssey
This exciting 6-night small group tour to Skjervøy focuses on witnessing the incredible spectacle of orcas and humpback whales feeding on herring in the coastal waters of northern Norway. There could also be opportunities to watch one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Northern Lights.
Find out more about Z) Skjervoy’s Whales & Northern Lights
Norway is a year round destination, depending on the focus of your visit. In winter, highlights are the spectacular Northern Lights combined with impressive whale watching, while in the summer, colourful skies from the midnight sun provide excellent photographic opportunities, sperm whales are still present off the coast of Andenes, and many bird species arrive to breed.
Seasons
Summer
Jun to Aug: Long summer days, where the sun never sets.
Autumn
Sep to Nov: Days start to shorten and northern lights dance in the sky. The puffins leave for the winter.
Winter
Dec to Feb: Low temperatures, snow and arctic light Nov & Jan. Herring migrate into Andfjorden, followed by humpback and killer whales.
Spring
Mar to May: The puffins return, temperatures rise and the days begin to lengthen.
Wildlife events
May to May:
Midnight sun
Jun to Aug: Seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, common and black guillemot migrate to Bleiksøya for breeding.
Jun to Sep: Gannets arrive on Forrøya to breed.
Jun to Jul: Midnight sun
Apr to May:
Seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, common and black guillemot migrate to Bleiksøya for breeding.
Apr to May:
Gannets arrive on Forrøya to breed.
Sep to Apr:
Aurora borealis visible
Nov to Mar:
Sperm, killer, fin, humpback and minke whales can be seen, as well as white-sided dolphins.
Wildlife cruise vessels
11 recommended wildlife cruise vessels.Please contact us for further suggestions.
The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach.
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With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between.
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MS Sjøveien is the perfect polar cruise vessel for exploring the Arctic wilderness in the summer months. With a fantastic level of comfort in its varied cabins and even a hot tub, there is no better way to enjoy a polar expedition in some of the world’s remotest corners.
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The MS Stockholm is often considered to be one of the finest examples of small, ice-strengthened expedition vessels. It is the perfect platform for small groups to enjoy the wildest corners of the Arctic, escaping the crowds and allowing for intimate encounters with the region’s wildlife.
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The Ocean Adventurer is an ice-strengthened ship and is one of the most comfortable expedition vessels to navigate the polar seas. An aspect of this ship which sets it apart from other expedition ships is the substantial outdoor space – spread over four decks - for observing wildlife.
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The Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant, and purpose-built for polar exploration. It features spacious and luxurious cabins, ample outdoor viewing areas, and the latest sustainability technology. The ship offers a luxurious and comfortable sailing experience, allowing you to intimately connect with the polar wilderness.
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The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities.
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The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife.
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The Rembrandt van Rijn is a three-masted passenger sailing schooner, well suited for expedition cruising among small islands in the Arctic. She has an experienced crew of 12 with two Zodiac inflatables used for shore landings and wildlife viewing in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
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Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels.
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This small expedition ship offers comfort, style, and an intimate onboard experience. With dedicated single cabins and inviting communal spaces, she’s perfect for adventurous travellers. Her nimble design allows close encounters with nature, while modern amenities ensure a relaxed and memorable journey.
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