2022 NORWAY ORCA TRiP

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. If you're traveling solo, we can pair you up with another person to cabin-share with. 

Why Join this trip?

• The most reliable place to find orcas in their natural habitat
• Excellent chances to swim with orcas, see different species of whales, and view the Northern Lights
• With more than 30 years in the business, our operator pioneered orca freediving in Skjervøy. They are the first and the best!
• Nightly USEA lectures with Orca Expert Pierre Robert de Latour

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TRIP OVERVIEW

Every winter the largest gathering of killer whales takes place in the Troms region in the far north of Norway. Pods of up to 60 orcas and humpback whales have been observed, following the massive schools of herring. Most places in the world have regulations prohibiting snorkeling with them and/or sightings there are far too unreliable. Norway is a rare exception, with a near perfect track record of in-water encounters in December. All orca activity is snorkeling/free diving only, making this a great trip for non-divers. Humpback whales are incredibly common at this time of year, and there is a chance to see other whale species such as minke, fin, and pilot whales. There is also the opportunity to do scuba diving in the evening, for those undeterred by the chilly water temps. As an added bonus, the Northern Lights are likely to be active in December.  

INCLUSIONS

• 6 nights accommodations onboard MS Bergsund
• Full board meals onboard Bergsund (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), tea, coffee, water
• All guiding and transport to the field for orca snorkeling encounters
• Round trip transfers via Tromso at set times
• Nightly USEA lectures (approx 1 hour/evening)
• One evening with hydrophone for listening to the sound of orcas and humpbacks (if good conditions)
• Wireless internet onboard
• Linens and towels
• Hot tub and sauna
• Fuel surcharges
• Harbor fees

Exclusions

• Full drysuit/gear equipment rental ($220, more info below)
• Alcoholic beverages (you can bring your own, and we can suggest places in Tromso to buy beer, wine, and/or liquor)
• Hotel stays in Tromso the night before and the night after the trip
• Travel Insurance: click here to learn more about our preferred plan

TRIP TYPE

• This trip is a GROUP TRIP. It will be led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected!

  What to expect from our Group Trips

  • Meet like-minded travelers - Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
  • Problems solved - Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

   

  Enjoy stress-free travel with like-minded adventurers and the support of your trip leader.

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• TRIP ITINERARY

• Day 1 (December 3): It is highly recommended to arrive and stay in Tromso the night before the trip (December 2 - 3). The host hotel is the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromso and pickup is 12:00pm/noon on December 3. We will be transported to Skjervøy, which is approximately 3.5 hours from Tromso, and will board the ship in the early evening.
  
  Day 2 - 5 (December 4 - 8): Breakfast in the morning. Bergusnd leaves the harbor at about 9:00am and we go out looking for orcas. Sometimes this is quick, other times it takes a few hours. When we find the orcas we move to the dinghys and get ready for action. Normally we're in the dinghy for 2 - 3 hours and then we head back to the main ship for hot soup and lunch. When it gets dark we head back to the harbor. Dinner is onboard around 6:00pm, and there are nightly USEA lectures.
  
  Day 6 (December 9): This will be our last day orca snorkeling. After the morning on the water we'll head back to the harbor and disembark between 2:00pm - 4:00pm, then head back to Tromso. The approximate arrival time into Tromso is 8:00pm - 8:30pm. Due to the late arrival, guests will need to stay overnight (Dec. 9 - 10) and can fly out any time on December 10.
  

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About the MS Bergsund

MS Bergsund accommodates 12 passengers in 6 double occupancy staterooms. There are 5 toilets and 5 showers onboard. Other features include a hot tub, sauna, and a lounge with 20 seats for lessons and lectures.

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ABOUT THE TRIP LEADER

Katie Yonker is the Director of Operations for Bluewater Travel. Her interest in scuba diving started many years ago while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands. Though not yet certified, she was mesmerized by the marine life below the surface. As soon as she returned to Los Angeles, she swapped her mask and snorkel for a regulator and BCD (and a mountain of other dive equipment) and hasn't looked back since! 

Katie is no stranger to the Southern California waters, but prefers to travel around the world and experience new cultures, food, and marine environments. Her most memorable dive moment was swimming 20 feet from humpback whales off the coast of Moorea.  Learn more about Katie here. 

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,000
• Payment 2: $2,000, Due August 1, 2022
• Balance: September 15, 2022

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Photo Gallery 

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