By day discover northern Norway's spectacular fjords, home to orca pods and humpback whales, and by night watch the aurora borealis dancing in the Arctic night-sky, accompanied by professional wildlife photographer, Sean Weekly.
This voyage has been designed to maximise our chances of witnessing orca and humpback whales, which are usually seen in the Arctic water sof northern Norway, from late October to the end of November. With an exclusive charter of the 12-berth MS Stockholm, we can operate a flexible itinerary and focus our efforts on photographing the Arctic wildlife and magnificent scenery.
With luck, we can encounter pods of orcas, the largest of all dolphin species, easily recognisable due to their distinctive black and white colouring. We also hope to watch humpback whale pods as they feed in the herring-rich waters of the fjords. White-tailed eagles frequently circle the mountain peaks, and giant rafts of eiders swirl on the surface of the water in their hundreds.
Travelling in November means we can enjoy the start of Norway’s incredibly magical Polar Night season, but still also benefit from some precious daylight hours. We can enjoy the first light at dawn and the slanting rays of the sun setting, providing an enchanting scene for our photography. Alta is known as one of the best destinations to see the spectacular northern lights and its colourful display of light. If the weather is clear, we hope to witness these swirling rivers of green and blue light moving and dancing unpredictably across the starry Arctic sky.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Embarkation
This afternoon board the MS Stockholm, your expedition vessel and home for the next 5-nights.
Accommodation: MS Stockholm, 5-nights
Days2-5: Cruise the fjords of northern Norway
Over the next few days, we explore the best of northern Norway's fjords. During our voyage we hope to be fortunate to spot orcas, humpback whales and the magical northern lights. When the opportunity arises, we head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and refreshing hikes to explore Tromso’s dramatic islands.
Kvænangen, Loppa and Vannoya are examples of places we hope to explore, but our itinerary is open to allow for the unexpected. At this time of year we may be lucky and see the first snow fall settling over the high mountain peaks, offering marvellous sceneries together with the small picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords. On board, we can listen to inspiring lectures, conduct informal photography workshops, enjoy delicious food and keep a lookout for wildlife and northern lights out on deck.
Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords of northern Norway, which has attracted many orca and humpback whales. As with any cetacean, it is hard to predict if they will return every year, but with some luck we can experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible mammals. This region is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles, often seen soaring above with their impressive wingspan.
Day6: Disembark
After breakfast on board, disembark and continue your journey home.
Please note: Exact itinerary will depend on local sea and weather conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 6 daysfrom £4,995 pp
Multi award-winner and full time photographer, Sean's work is regularly featured across a range of national and international publications.
After a career as a Royal Marine, Sean moved to the diverse habitats of Singapore where long-tailed macaques, snakes, lizards and tropical birds were just a stones throw away from his home.
Travelling through South East Asia and Australia with his camera was what ignited his love of the natural world and now he ventures across the globe to expand his wildlife photography. Sean has led numerous workshops in the UK and further afield in Europe at locations including Skomer, Greece, Finland, Spain and Scotland.
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
Excellent for: Whale watching
This itinerary is available on the following
cruise vessel:
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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