Luxury Arctic experiences in Tromsø and Northern Norway, including private whale watching from tromsø, orca snorkeling in Tromsø, yacht charters, exclusive stays and bespoke DMC services in Norway.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?

You should be a confident swimmer and comfortable with a snorkel, but you do not need extensive snorkeling experience. Your guide will brief you and stay with you in the water.

How cold is the water?

Water temperatures in winter range from about 4°C to 8°C. We provide high-quality dry suits that keep you warm and dry. With proper base layers, most guests are comfortable.

Can you guarantee we will swim with orcas?

No. We cannot guarantee any wildlife encounter. Orcas and humpback whales are wild animals, and in-water sessions depend on their presence and behaviour, as well as sea conditions. We are honest about this before you book.

What if we cannot go in the water?

If sea conditions or whale behaviour do not allow in-water sessions, your day continues as a private whale-watching journey. We will discuss this possibility before you book.

Our guides are experienced professionals who manage every encounter. We follow strict guidelines and only enter the water when conditions are appropriate. However, any activity in open water carries inherent risks.

How many people go in the water at once?

We keep in-water groups small - typically 2 to 4 guests per guide. This ensures safety and a calmer experience for both you and the whales.

What equipment is provided?

We provide a dry suit, hood, gloves, mask and snorkel. You bring your own warm base layers (merino wool recommended) and warm clothing for the boat.

Can children participate?

In-water orca snorkeling is generally suitable for teenagers who are confident swimmers. Please discuss your children's ages and swimming ability with us before booking.

Private Orca Snorkeling

Enter the water with a private guide to observe orcas and humpback whales in their natural environment.

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Introduction

A private journey, shaped around you

There are few experiences in the world that compare to being in the water while an orca swims past. Every winter, orcas and humpback whales follow the herring into the fjords of Northern Norway, and with the right conditions, it is possible to enter the water and observe them in their natural environment. This is not a thrill ride. It is a calm, deliberate and guided experience. Our in-water guides are experienced professionals who understand whale behaviour, water safety and the specific dynamics of each encounter. We enter the water only when conditions allow, and we always let the whales decide the distance. Your group is private. You will not share the vessel or the water with other guests. This means your guide can focus entirely on your group - assessing comfort, explaining what is happening in the water, and making decisions based on your experience level and the behaviour of the animals.

Gallery

From the water

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 1 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 2 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 3 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 4 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 5 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private Orca Snorkeling — photo 6 from Tromsø / Skjervøy, Northern Norway

Private group - no other snorkelers in the water with you

Experienced in-water guides who understand whale behaviour and water safety

Flexible itinerary that adapts to conditions and wildlife behaviour

Local captain who knows the fjords and reads the water daily

Full dry suit and snorkeling equipment provided

Honest expectations - we never guarantee in-water encounters

What You Can Expect

An authentic day on the water

Weather, wildlife and local conditions may change the final plan.

Morning briefing and equipment fitting

We meet at the harbour, fit your dry suit and snorkeling equipment, and discuss the plan for the day. Your guide explains safety procedures and how to behave in the water around whales.

Departure

We head to the fjords where whales have been reported. The route depends on the latest information and conditions.

Finding whales

Our captain and guide scan the water and communicate with other vessels. When we locate whales, we assess the situation before deciding whether an in-water encounter is appropriate.

In-water observation

If conditions allow, your guide leads a small group into the water. We enter calmly, stay together, and observe the whales from a respectful distance. The guide manages the encounter at all times.

Hot lunch and rest

After the in-water session, we serve a hot meal onboard. You can warm up, change and share the experience with your group.

Additional sessions

Depending on conditions and whale activity, there may be opportunities for additional in-water sessions during the day.

Return to harbour

We head back in the afternoon or early evening. Timing is flexible and depends on the day.

Experience Matters

Experience Matters in Arctic Waters

Snorkeling with orcas is an extraordinary experience, but it takes place in a powerful and constantly changing Arctic environment. Cold water, shifting weather, wildlife movements and conditions at sea all require experience, preparation and sound judgement. That is why the crew behind the experience matters. Our team combines extensive knowledge of Arctic waters with professional seamanship, wildlife expertise and years of experience guiding guests in demanding conditions. Before entering the water, every guest receives a thorough briefing and personal assistance with the equipment. Throughout the experience, our crew carefully evaluates the weather, sea conditions and behaviour of the animals. We never enter the water simply because orcas are nearby. The final decision is always based on whether the situation is safe, respectful and suitable for our guests and the wildlife. With a small private group, our crew can provide close guidance and adapt the experience to each guest's swimming ability, confidence and previous experience. From your first preparation on board until you are safely back inside, you will be supported by people who understand both the excitement and the responsibility involved. For us, an exceptional orca encounter is not only about getting close. It is about creating the right encounter, at the right moment, with the right people beside you.

The Vessel

Your vessel

Archipelago

Expedition Motor Catamaran

Archipelago is the flagship of Northern Yachting AS, an expedition motor catamaran built for extended private journeys through the fjords and islands of Northern Norway. The catamaran hull gives exceptional stability and generous deck space, making her an ideal platform for whale watching, northern lights cruises and photography.

Inside, a warm and fully insulated interior, a heated saloon with panoramic windows and comfortable overnight cabins let guests stay out for several days and wake up in a different fjord each morning. She is the mobile base for our most exclusive journeys, including whale adventures from Lodge Havnnes and sea to summit ski touring to remote peaks.

Onboard dining is prepared by the crew, including Pelle, our marine biologist and chef. Operated from Tromsø with captain, guide and chef on every journey.

Request this journey

Enquire about Private Orca Snorkeling

We offer only private journeys. Every tour is exclusive to your group, with no shared departures. Demand for our experiences is high, and because each journey is fully bespoke and of a very exclusive nature, our tours are correspondingly priced.

We tailor every journey around your group, around your dates, your interests and the conditions on the day. From the vessel and crew to the itinerary, dining and accommodation, every detail is shaped around what you want from your time in Northern Norway.

Share your dates and what you're hoping for, and our team at Tromsø Pure will be in touch soon with availability and the next step.

Contact

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Preferred date for this trip

Nights in Northern Norway

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An indicative budget for this journey — helps us tailor the proposal to what you have in mind.

Interested in other experiences while here?

Select any you'd like to combine with this one.

Message

I understand that all Tromsø Pure journeys are private, and I have read about what this experience includes.I understand this is a private, fully tailored journey — one of the most exclusive experiences offered in Tromsø, and not a budget tour.

Guest Stories

Words from our guests

Cody Townsend — guest at Lodge Havnnes — Cody Townsend

Nikolai Schirmer — guest at Lodge Havnnes — Nikolai Schirmer

Elyse Townsend — guest at Lodge Havnnes — Elyse Townsend

Swimming ability

You must be a confident swimmer and comfortable in open water. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be at ease in the sea with a dry suit and snorkel.

Clothing

Bring warm base layers - merino wool is ideal - to wear under the dry suit. Also bring warm outer clothing, hat, gloves and boots for time on deck.

Weather and conditions

In-water encounters depend on safe sea conditions and the presence of whales. If conditions do not allow in-water sessions, the day continues as a whale-watching journey.

Seasickness

If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before departure. Being in the water can actually help, but the boat ride can be challenging for some.

Physical requirements

You should be in reasonable physical condition. Entering and exiting the water from a boat requires some mobility, and cold water adds physical demands even with a dry suit.

Wildlife encounters

We never guarantee that you will see or be in the water with whales. Some days the whales are present and conditions allow. Other days they are not. We are completely honest about this.

The vessel

This journey is operated aboard Archipelago, our primary vessel. For larger groups or specific needs, we can also provide Marell M12 on request.

Not included

Transport to and from the harbour
Personal base layers and warm clothing
Travel insurance
Accommodation

Ready to experience Northern Norway privately?

Send us your preferred travel dates and we will put together a journey around your group.