Our five day small group trip visits the picturesque village of Andenes in Northern Norway to observe some wonderful winter wildlife and to see the spectacular Northern Lights at night.
During our 4-night stay in Andenes, we will explore the coast and scan the mountain sides for potentially very rewarding sightings of the region’s winter wildlife. Particular highlights from previous tours have included European elk, otter and white-tailed eagle, with these sightings being supplemented by an array of other birds and mammals including common eider, golden eagle, harbour seal, black guillemots and red-breasted mergansers.
However, the wildlife is not just confined to the limits of the land. Out to sea is an intriguing variety of marine mammals to be observed. Historically from November to March, herring can pass by Andfjorden and the coast of Andøya, which can in turn attract orca and humpback whales. However, it must be said that the movements of herring can fluctuate significantly year on year. These waters are also home to resident sperm whales and these are the most regularly sighted cetacean species here; they are reliably seen during most whale watching excursions. We will endeavour to head out on whale watching boat trips every morning if the weather conditions allow.
During daylight hours we focus on the region's wildlife, but as night falls we look to the sky. These months are right in the middle of the Aurora Borealis season, and Northern Norway is known for its spectacular sightings of the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.
Fly from London to Andenes Airport, via Oslo and Tromso. On arrival, we transfer the short distance to our accommodation in the town of Andenes.
Accommodation: Hotel Marena, 4-nights
This morning, we walk to the harbour for our first whale watching excursion by RIB (rigid-inflatable boat), which allows us to get closer to the surface and closer to the whales, providing a unique view of these cetaceans. During the winter, we can encounter sperm, humpback, and killer whales. The trip lasts approximately three hours, maximising the chance of whale sightings. Once back on shore, a bowl of hot soup is served.
In the afternoon, we head out in our minibus to explore the island of Andøya to observe some of the region's wildlife and also admire the spectacular winter scenery. Some of the species that we may encounter whilst we make our way along the coast are otter, harbour seal, common eider, black guillemot, white-tailed eagle and European elk.
The afternoon is at your leisure, and there are a diverse range of activities available, including the fascinating Whale Centre Museum or a guided lighthouse visit.
In the evening, depending on the weather, we head out on an evening outing to see the Northern Lights.
For the next couple of days, the itinerary will follow the same routine as before. After breakfast, we board our whale watching vessel once again for morning excursions out on the water in search of more cetaceans.
Following our return to shore, the afternoon is spent exploring more of Andøya and looking for wildlife. However, you may wish to take an optional excursion to visit Inga Sami Siida reindeer farm – a small Sami family business located on Hinnoya Island where you can experience joik (the traditional song of the Sami people) and feed reindeer.
Once again, if the weather conditions are suitable and the aurora forecast looks promising, we head out in the evenings in search of the Northern Lights.
After breakfast, transfer to Andenes airport for flight connections back to the UK, arriving later the same day.
Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and boat trips and Northern Lights excursions are inevitably subject to weather conditions. The whale-watching during the itinerary will be conducted from a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), enabling us to get closer to the whales themselves. However, the use of a RIB does require a greater level of fitness as they can be tricky to get into. Every precaution will be taken to make boarding the RIB as easy and as safe as possible.
Best known for his wildlife journalism, contributing to BBC Wildlife, Birdwatch, Birdwatching and Nature’s Home, Ed also has a strong background in wildlife conservation.
He has previously worked for the RSPB at Symonds Yat Rock in Gloucestershire and surveyed nightingales for the British Trust for Ornithology. Ed has a passion for all birdlife with a particular interest in raptors and bird vocalisation, and takes pleasure in committing new ones to memory.
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. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in the centre of the small town of Andenes, and within walking distance of the whale centre and harbour, is the charming Hotel Marena. The hotel’s modern interior has been designed to incorporate the surrounding nature, reflected in each of the 29 en suite rooms. Find Out More about Hotel Marena
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