Norway
Swimming with the ultimate Apex Predator in the dark waters of Northern Norway
Join us to the absolute epi-centre of orcas swimming - the fjords of Norway. The best place in the world to observe and swim with Orca, the actual king of the ocean.
We will be going on a 7 day trip with 5 days in the water. Aboard the Norwegian expedition vessel M/V Freya we will be searching for the best Orca feeding grounds. Only when Orcas are actually found will we be going on the Zodiacs to get close to the action and swim with them. This is the most comfortable way to experience Orcas in their natural habitat!
Our track record is 100% of our groups have seen herring bait balls with Orcas - none of our guests have ever left without seeing orca underwater.
ETHICAL ENCOUNTERS
We at Insider Divers follow a strict animal‑led approach. We avoid forced or intrusive interactions, focusing instead on encounters that are tolerated or even welcomed by the animals. This ensures a positive experience for guests while protecting the animals’ natural behaviours.
Overview
What you will see
Accommodation
M/V FREYA
The M/V Freya is a classic expedition ship. The ships' interior and exterior is designed for premium expedition feel. Her sturdy, ice-strengthened 1A hull makes her perfect for exploring the Nordic waters. With room on board for 18 passengers but only 12 guests the ship has an intimate atmosphere, and her large size gives lots of room for comfort.
M/V FREYA
SUPERIOR DOUBLE
The largest room on the ship has the comfort of a double bed and a sitting area as well as two windows. Private bathroom and individual AC. We have only one room like this
CLASSIC TWIN
Large sized room for two occupants. Comfortable bedding, reading light and a window to look out. Private bathroom and individual AC and heater.
CLASSIC SINGLE
Same as the twin rooms but in single occupancy.
Activities
Orca Swims
Orca Swims
We will bring you close to Orcas - above and below the water.
Our mission will always be responsible, ethical encounters. When the whales give us the impression that they do not mind our presence in the water we will gently approach their space.
We will aim to see various behaviours but especially we will aim to see the hunting of the herring.
Humpback Swims
Humpback Swims
We will bring you close to Orcas - above and below the water.
Our mission will always be responsible, ethical encounters. When the whales give us the impression that they do not mind our presence in the water we will gently approach their space.
We will aim to see various behaviours but especially we will aim to see the hunting of the herring.
Whale watching
Whale watching
You will be out on the water with the whales all day - closer and more intimate than anywhere else in the world. The Orcas and Humpback whales will pass the boats in touching distance. You will hear their blows, smell their breath and feel the awe of their enormous size.
We will be observing the behaviours all day, finding the right time to swim with them. We do this in a respectable way, not interfering in their behaviour, keeping the distance when they begin to form bait balls of herring
Land tours
Land tours
Most nights we will be in a local port, giving guests the opportunity to explore Norwegian fishing towns and local pubs.
If the sky is clear and we can observe Northern Lights your guide will show you on how to take striking photos of the Polar lights.
On off-days when the weather is not good enough to go on the sea, there might be options for dog sledding and other expeditions at extra costs.
Trip leader
Grant Thomas
Grant Thomas is an international award-winning photographer, videographer, travel guide and writer who has spent over 10 years travelling the globe capturing some of nature's finest moments. Originally from the UK, he moved to Asia to work as a scuba diving instructor and now leads tours and workshops focused on wildlife encounters and underwater photography.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings and wildlife presentations
- Logistics and organisation
- Guiding wildlife encounters
- Creating and sharing professional photography
Ines Goovaerts
Ines Goovaerts is a freelance, award-winning nature photographer and tour leader with a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants. Her work reflects a particular fascination with cetaceans and other marine megafauna.With broad experience in marine tourism, she has guided many travelers through meaningful underwater and wildlife encounters, helping people connect more deeply with the natural world.Combining a strong visual eye with a desire to tell the ocean’s story through imagery, Ines creates photographs that aim to inspire and educate. As part of the Insider Divers team, she leads trips to remarkable ocean destinations around the world.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings and wildlife presentations
- Logistics and organisation
- Guiding wildlife encounters
- Creating and sharing professional photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- 6 nights onboard expedition vessel
- Professional guides & marine experts
- Daily whale swim sessions
- Whale presentations & photo training
- All meals onboard
- Professional photography
- Group transfers
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- Rental arctic freediving outfit package
- Flights
- Visa
- Extra trips on off days
- Tips
Reviews
An unforgettable Norway adventure — smooth planning, a warm M/V Freya, great meals, magical humpback and orca encounters.
Perfect weather, cosy wetsuits, a bait ball under a rainbow, and even the Northern Lights
I joined the Insider Divers Trip to Norway this winter, which was definitely a once-in-a- lifetime experience.
You can't predict nature, and you can never be 100 percent sure that you will have wildlife encounters - however, Simons's wise planning made sure that our prospects were super good. We saw hundreds of Orcas, groups of humpback whales, and fin whales.
Aside from unbelievable encounters I will never forget, it was an amazing journey with fun, like-minded people. Thank you, Simon!
Trip itself was full of WoW and OMG expressions.
Insider Guides were working very hard to ensure we will get the experience we all were looking for-The Bait Ball. And we Did it! Swimming with Orcas is addictive 😅 that's for sure.
Equipment was professional as well as the team. Everyone was respectful towards the animals comfort space.
Norwegian fjords are stunning and we also managed to see the northern lights. If you are concern about water temperature- don't be. Its warmer than the air. Plus excitment and adrenaline rush keeps you warm. Professional photographer, Tobias and Evan managed to capture memories of a lifetime.
My dreams came true. Thank you!
videos
FAQ
What's included in the trip price?
Trip pricing covers your accommodation (land-based or liveaboard), all meals and non-alcoholic drinks during the trip, your diving and in-water activities, whale swimming and your professional Insider Divers guiding which includes briefings, whale talks and professional photography. International flights, travel insurance, personal rental gear beyond what's specified, gratuities, and optional extras are usually not included.
What experience level do I need?
You know need to be able to snorkel and swim. But, it would be recommended to have some experience with open water snorkeling. Freediving experience is optional but not needed. However, doing a freediving certification will help you swim, fin and snorkel more efficiently even if you do not plan on duck diving.
How cold is it really?
It's arctic winter, no nice-talking about the cold. But, the good news - everyone can handle it thanks to the great equipment that you can rent from our operator. We have never had a bar experience since starting our trips here in 2022.
The water will be 4-6 degrees and the air temperature will range from -5 to +5 but can also be colder or warmer. This can be a physically demanding trip. If the action is good, you will be doing numerous "jumps" per day, getting in and out of the boat. Boat rides can get very bumpy as we race across the water.
When is the best time to swim with orcas in Norway?
The Norwegian orca and humpback season runs From October to February. The day light is limited in this season which is why October / November is the sweet spot with 6-8h of daylight and lots of action. It is the beginning of arctic winter, but not yet at it's coldest.
What marine life can I see in Norway?
The main focus is orcas and humpback whales feeding on herring in large cooperative hunts, often joined by seabirds and occasionally white-tailed eagles overhead. Sometimes fin and minke whales can also be encountered.
How do I get to Tromsø?
Fly into Tromsø Airport (TOS), typically connecting through Oslo (OSL) or another Scandinavian hub. The M/V Freya boards in Tromsø. Because this is a winter trip at Arctic latitudes, we strongly recommend booking flights with 24h buffer time for weather delays.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.