MS Sjöveien

Join Orca Norway & Strmsholmen Seasportcenter's 3 or 6 day orca expeditions. An upgraded version of the MS Sula and the MS Bergsund, the MS Sjöveien offers one of the highest standards from the Orca Norway fleet. The vessel is 40.7m long and comfortably accommodate up to 12 passengers.

The trips embark from Troms. Guests will need to fly in to Troms Airport (TOS).

Dive Overview

The main focus of the trip is to observe and swim with killer whales, also known as orcas. In Norwegian waters, there are an estimated 1,500 orcas, with hundreds of them migrating to the fjords in northern Norway between late October and early February to follow the herring.

The orcas found in Norway belong to the "North Atlantic Type 1" ecotype and live in closely related pods. At times, they can be observed in aggregations of several hundred. These intelligent creatures use a feeding technique known as "carousel feeding," where they round up herring into tight balls, then stun the fish by slapping them with their tails before consuming them one by one. Humpback whales also visit these fjords in large numbers, using the lunge feeding technique to prey on the herring. Witnessing this behavior from above is truly a spectacle to behold.

Interested in learning about Norway? Read about our latest trip here.

Accommodation Overview

The MS Sjöveien offers comfortable accommodations designed to suit a range of preferences. On the main deck, guests can choose between two twin cabins and a spacious suite with a double bed, all featuring windows for natural light. The upper deck boasts an additional suite with a double bed and scenic views. Below deck, four cozy twin cabins with porthole windows provide a serene retreat. Each cabin is thoughtfully appointed to ensure a relaxing stay.

• Main deck : 2 x 2 men cabins with window
• Main deck : 1 suite with double bed with window
• Upper deck : 1 suite with double bed with window
• Cabins under deck : 4 x 2 men cabins with port hole windows

Dive Information

Embark on the MS Sjöveien for unforgettable journeys through Norway’s stunning fjords and Arctic waters. 

Orca Trips

3 days and 6 days orca expedition trips. Every year from the end of October to beginnng of February, the probably largest gathering of killing whales in the world take place in Troms region, far north of Norway, due to enormous amounts of herring. Sometimes as many as 50-60 orcas and humpback whales can be observed at the same time. We follow the orcas closely to watch them play and feed. When possible, we enter the water and swim with them. To be with these magnificent animals in their own habitat is an experience for life.

Water temperature in October - January is about 4 - 6C (39 - 42F) and air temperature ranges from -7 to +10C (20 - 50F).

A Typical Day Onboard

• Wake up at 07:30 am
• Breakfast at 08:00-08:30 am
• Boat leaves the harbour about 09:00 am.
• We go out to the fjord for seeking orcas.
• Sometimes we see the animals immediately and can start the operation soon.
• Other days we need hours to find the orcas. When we find the orcas we move to the less boat (dinghy equipped with dry-suit and keep the camera ready for photo action.
• Normally we are in the dinghy two to three hours and then back to the main ship for eating hot soup, coffee break and lunch.
• When the darkness is coming we go to the closest bay or harbor to stay the night over.
• Dinner onboard at 18:00 hrs.

USEA

USEA is the network for those who care about the respect of the comfort and the wild nature of marine mammals. Approved by scientists working in the field of marine mammals, USEA interactions are much better than enforced encounters for both diver and marine mammal.

On board the boat during ORCA EXPEDITION, guided by the best specialists you will learn with USEA techniques how to come close and interact in the best conditions with orcas and large whales.

Successful USEA interaction allows you to be USEA Diver, registered in the network with an unique number. You will have your own Certification.

Interested in swimming with marine mammals such as whales? Check out this article.