Covid-19 and how it currently affects Whales Underwater guests
While we face difficult times around the world, our beautiful Humpback friends will continue their journeys over the coming months. In these testing times, our thoughts are with everyone, wherever you might be across the planet.
For Guests already booked on Norway 2020 Season tours: We are constantly assessing travel restrictions and operations in Norway in order to determine the viability of 2020 season tours. All new enquiries for tour availability are being responded to as they are received.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the kind and supportive messages we have received from so many customers, and very much appreciate the patience being shown at this time. The whole team would like to thank you for supporting Whales Underwater.
Yours faithfully from us all,
Darren, Jasmine and Jackie, and the Whales Underwater Team
WINTER SEASON November 2020
We are currently finalising details for our 2020 Orcas of Norway season. Our 2020 ship-based tours will be similar in make-up to our 2019 tours, which you can find detailed below.
Tour schedule for 2020
WUWN20A Early-November 2020 Secure your spot now
WUWN20B Mid-November 2020 Secure your spot now
WUWN20C Late- November 2020 Secure your spot now
If you want to be sure of a place on a 2020 departure, choose your preferred tour date, download and complete the WHALES UNDERWATER BOOKING FORM and return it with a pre-release holding deposit of AUD$500 to Jackie at [email protected]
The pre-release holding deposit (AUD$500) guarantees you an offer of a place on a given tour once final details of tours are released. Once the final tour details are released, you will have 14 days to pay the balance (AUD$1000) of the full deposit (Making a total deposit of AUD$1500). Should the offer not meet your expectations, you have 14 days from the release date in which to decline the spot and have your $500 refunded.
See the Whales Underwater Booking Form for Booking Terms and Conditions.
WINTER SEASON November 2019
Swim with orcas and feeding humpbacks in the majestic fjords of Norway
Join us for an amazing winter expedition high above the Arctic Circle where you will swim with pods of orca (and feeding humpbacks) that follow the massive herring schools into the Norwegian fjords.
Without a doubt, swimming with (and photographing) orcas underwater above the Arctic Circle in the winter is challenging. It’s a physical activity; you’re in cumbersome equipment; the days are short and cold; the weather can be extreme and; the light levels are very low.
But the mountains, land and seascapes are spectacular, the light is truly mesmerising and the orcas are magical – the rewards for effort is immeasurable.
Tour Dates for 2019
WUWN19B 6-14 November 2019
WUWN19C 14-22 November 2019
WUWN19D 22-30 November 2019
TO SECURE A PLACE: Choose your preferred tour date, simply download and complete the WHALES UNDERWATER BOOKING FORM and return it with your deposit of AUD$1500 to Jackie at [email protected]
See the Whales Underwater Booking Form for Booking Terms and Conditions.
Swim with Orcas
Every year, millions of herring over-winter in the fjords of Norway, making the most of the seas warmed by the Gulf Stream. Families of orca feast on these massive schools and they’re joined by pods of non-breeding humpbacks that have stayed north rather then travelling to winter in the tropics. This spectacular seasonal concentration of marine life is just waiting to be experienced by you and your camera.
Your Days on the Water
We’re offering options for snorkelers who want in-water encounters as well as for those wanting to stay on the boat and topside watch only. Our Zodiacs will be out for around 3-4 hours per day, during Winter’s short daylight hours. Our floating basecamp the small ship Ostsee Star will also be a great platform from which to shoot topside images of the whale activity.
Your Arctic Days
Each day you’ll have time on the water with the whales, time to explore the area, process your images, maybe shoot some landscape if logistics permit, and shoot (or just relax) under the Northern Lights when conditions are right.
Northern Lights
The orca season matches the Northern Lights season too, so when conditions are right we’ll be able to capture this incredible spectacle. One of the planet’s must-see phenomenon, not to be missed.
Your Hosts
Darren and Jasmine will be once again joined by a great local team in Norway. Assisting Darren and Jasmine will be zodiac skipper Norbi, who has years of commercial experience in northern waters, and has been an orca watch skipper for 6 years. Your local guide Krisztina has studied orcas in Canada and has been working for 4 years as an orca swim guide. (that’s Norbi and Krisztina pictured looking for orca on the left)
Our Location
The herring find their way into the spectacular Norwegian fjords, with thousand-metre-high, snow-covered mountains rising all around. When you’re not on the water we plan to explore the surrounds and capture the evening arctic scenery ’til your memory cards are full!
Our Vessel
Our vessel, MV Togo, will be your home away from home in the fjords, taking you right into the heart of orca territory and providing a flexible and comfortable floating base-camp from which to launch our zodiacs and explore the wonders of the Arctic.
Gear
We have included quality dry-suit and fin use in your tour price, so you’ll only need to bring mask, snorkel, undergarments, wetsuit hood & gloves. You’ll also be provided with an exposure suit for use on the boat.. For general living, if you’ve travelled to the ski fields or to the Arctic or Antarctica before, you will have all you need. A full gear list will be forwarded to you as the tour approaches.
The Experience
Sit back an enjoy this 10minute film filmed during Phil Thurston’s one-week trip with us at the end of November 2018.
Tour Inclusions:
- Transfers to and from our ship from downtown Tromso, Norway
- Ship-board accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- 7 days of on-water RIB operations
- You will be one of only 4 guests per RIB
- 3-4 hours of boat time per day (depending on conditions)
- Services of Skipper, Guides and Hosts
- Dry Suit, Heated Vest and Fins loan
- Photography Tuition & Post-processing sessions
- Informative and educational presentations by our resident orca expert
2019 Tour Dates
WUWN19B 6-14 November 2019 Limited availability
WUWN19C 14-22 November 2019 Enquire for availability
WUWN19D 22-30 November 2019 Enquire for availability
2019 Tour Pricing
AUD $9250 per person (Twin Share Cabin)
TO SECURE A PLACE: Choose your preferred tour date, simply download and complete the WHALES UNDERWATER BOOKING FORM and return it with your deposit of AUD$1500 to Jackie at [email protected]
See the Whales Underwater Booking Form for Booking Terms and Conditions.
Typical Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1 Group pick-up at from Tromsø Visitor Centre at 6:00am. Transfer to ship. Settle-in and welcome briefing with ships crew and expedition staff. (Dinner)
Day 2 Orca swim/RIB operation briefing. Drysuit fitting. Equipment preparation. First RIB operation day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3- 8 After breakfast and as daylight begins, you’ll board the RIBs in search of whales. As darkness descends you’ll be back on board the ship for lunch and time to download and process your photos and videos. Each day we’ll have a short presentation on orca behaviour and biology from our expedition’s naturalist. If conditions and our location allow, after dinner we may hunt for Northern Lights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Today we’ll say our farewells and you’ll be transferred to the Tromsø Visitor Centre by 6:00pm. Tour concludes. (Breakfast)
Why not extend your stay in Norway? Talk to Jackie in reservations about the many options!