Whales and Northern Lights in Northern Norway

Experience the magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the amazing groups of orca and whales that gather in search of the great herring shoals in Norway.


Auroras in Norway
© Emma Nilsson

Duration: 7 days
Starts: Tromsø, Norway
Ends: Tromsø, Norway
Language: English Speaking Voyage

* 5 nights onboard


Included


Join us on an exciting voyage in true expedition style aboard the 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm, a ship rich in history and character! We’ll venture into the fjords outside Alta to explore a magnificent natural wonderland, with the hope of witnessing the majestic Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In recent years, family groups of orca and humpback whales have gathered here in search of the large herring shoals that overwinter in the region. If we’re lucky, this expedition will offer truly immersive and unforgettable encounters with these remarkable animals!

• Good chances of seeing orcas and humpback whales
• Good chances of seeing the Northern Lights
• True expedition cruising
• Experience magnificent sceneries and fjord landscapes
• 12 passengers only
• The charming settlement of Alta

Itinerary

© PQS
© Henrik Haaning Nielsen
© Lillemor Framberg

Day 1: Alta, Norway
Arrive independently in the Norwegian city of Alta, located about 380 km north of the Arctic Circle. Check into a centrally located hotel, close to famous sights such as the Northern Lights Cathedral.

Day 2: Alta
Explore Alta on your own. In the afternoon, meet your guides, board the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm, and settle in. The expedition cruise has begun!

Day 3-6: Expedition
We are now on an expedition cruise and the itinerary for the following days is flexible due to weather and wildlife. In the beginning of November, the polar night hasn’t settled over Alta yet, and there are still some hours of daylight. The polar night lasts from the end of November to the middle of January. During this period, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, but there is not constant darkness. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy enchanting twilight periods in the middle of the day, which can resemble colorful dusks and dawns. For those who are interested in capturing the beauty of nature, the light at this time of year can be captivating. Imagine taking a photo of a group of orcas in front of pink-colored skies and dramatic, snow-covered mountains!

In clear weather, we have good chances to see the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance in the sky. Alta is known to be one of the best destinations to visit if you dream of watching this fascinating phenomenon.

Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords in Northern Norway, which has attracted many orcas and humpbacks. As with any wild animals, it is hard to predict if and where to they will return, but with some luck we will experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible mammals. The area is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles. They can be seen soaring above us with their impressive wingspans.

During the trip, we hope to be fortunate to see both Northern Lights and whales, and when the opportunity arises, we head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and refreshing hikes to explore the dramatic landscapes. Øksfjorden, Stjernøya and Loppa are examples of places we hope to explore. Perhaps the first snow has fallen and settled over the high mountain peaks, offering marvellous sceneries together with the small, picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords.

On board, we listen to inspiring lectures, enjoy delicious meals, and keep a lookout for wildlife and Northern Lights out on deck. For those who are interested in fishing, there will be opportunities to try your luck from the ship.

Day 7: Alta
In the morning, we disembark from our ship and begin the journey home.

The exact route will depend on weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters. The Captain and Expedition Leader will do everything possible to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is key to a successful expedition!

Please note: The exact route will depend on weather and possible wildlife encounters. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will do everything to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Itinerary

Day 1: Alta, Norway
Arrive independently in the Norwegian city of Alta, located about 380 km north of the Arctic Circle. Check into a centrally located hotel, close to famous sights such as the Northern Lights Cathedral.

Day 2: Alta
Explore Alta on your own. In the afternoon, meet your guides, board the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm, and settle in. The expedition cruise has begun!

Day 3-6: Expedition
We are now on an expedition cruise and the itinerary for the following days is flexible due to weather and wildlife. In the beginning of November, the polar night hasn’t settled over Alta yet, and there are still some hours of daylight. The polar night lasts from the end of November to the middle of January. During this period, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, but there is not constant darkness. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy enchanting twilight periods in the middle of the day, which can resemble colorful dusks and dawns. For those who are interested in capturing the beauty of nature, the light at this time of year can be captivating. Imagine taking a photo of a group of orcas in front of pink-colored skies and dramatic, snow-covered mountains!

In clear weather, we have good chances to see the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance in the sky. Alta is known to be one of the best destinations to visit if you dream of watching this fascinating phenomenon.

Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords in Northern Norway, which has attracted many orcas and humpbacks. As with any wild animals, it is hard to predict if and where to they will return, but with some luck we will experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible mammals. The area is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles. They can be seen soaring above us with their impressive wingspans.

During the trip, we hope to be fortunate to see both Northern Lights and whales, and when the opportunity arises, we head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and refreshing hikes to explore the dramatic landscapes. Øksfjorden, Stjernøya and Loppa are examples of places we hope to explore. Perhaps the first snow has fallen and settled over the high mountain peaks, offering marvellous sceneries together with the small, picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords.

On board, we listen to inspiring lectures, enjoy delicious meals, and keep a lookout for wildlife and Northern Lights out on deck. For those who are interested in fishing, there will be opportunities to try your luck from the ship.

Day 7: Alta
In the morning, we disembark from our ship and begin the journey home.

The exact route will depend on weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters. The Captain and Expedition Leader will do everything possible to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is key to a successful expedition!

Please note: The exact route will depend on weather and possible wildlife encounters. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will do everything to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!


© PQS
© Henrik Haaning Nielsen
© Lillemor Framberg


INCLUSIONS

• 1 night in hotel in Alta
• 5 nights on board the M/S Stockholm
• All meals on board
• All beverages
• 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
• Guiding ashore and talks on board
• All excursions and activities

EXCLUSIONS

• Flight to and from Alta
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Gratuity to the ship’s crew


Dates & Rates


Ship: MS Stockholm | Date: 19 Nov 2024 - 25 Nov 2024 (2985)
Twin Cabin
$4,790
Twin Cabin for Single use
$9,090
Ship: MS Stockholm | Date: 24 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 (2986)
Twin Cabin
$4,790
Twin Cabin for Single use
$9,090
Ship: MS Stockholm | Date: 29 Nov 2024 - 05 Dec 2024 (2987)
Twin Cabin
$4,790
Twin Cabin for Single use
$9,090

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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