Swimming with Orcas in Norway

Today, we are heading to Tromsø, a little town in Northern Norway known as one of the best places on Earth to swim alongside a creature at the top of many adventure travelers’ bucket lists: the orca.

Contrary to their nickname, Killer Whales, wild orcas are quite friendly and curious creatures.

When approached with the respect these apex predators deserve, sharing the water with them can be done safely and responsibly.

Norway is among the few places in the world where it’s legal to experience this incredible encounter.

Is this an adventure you’ve always dreamed of? Keep reading—we’ll tell you all you need to know to make it a reality.

 

Swimming with Orcas in Norway

Imagine This:

A pod of orcas is swimming straight toward you.

Your heart races.

Their whistles and clicks echo through your body.

You can’t help but wonder, What have I gotten myself into?

Then, one orca separates from the group, rolling onto its side to get a closer look at you.

Your eyes meet, and in that moment, all your fear melts away, replaced by pure exhilaration.

Coming face-to-face with these legendary ocean predators is often described as a life-changing experience.

Every year, starting around late October, the Tromso region sees the largest gathering of orcas. They come to feast on herring in the fjords outside Skjervöy, Reisafjord, and Kvaenangsfjord.

Tour ships set out early in the morning to search for orcas through the frozen fjords.

Some days they show up early, but other times, it may take a couple of hours.

Once a pod is spotted, snorkelers race to put on dry suits and shuffle into dinghies.

When the captain says it’s time, the divers plunge into freezing water, and see if they can come face-to-face with the orcas.

Why Tromsø, Norway?

• It’s the most reliable destination on Earth for swimming with orcas. If you go, you’re almost guaranteed an encounter.

• Crystal clear water, perfect for underwater photography.

• And the best part? There’s an abundance of orcas—you could find yourself swimming alongside 10 to 20 of these magnificent creatures at once.

How to Swim with Orcas in Tromsø, Norway

The orca season runs from late October to January.

While you can take a day trip for a chance to swim with orcas, a truly magical experience is only possible by going on a liveaboard trip.

Day trips typically cater to tourists, staying closer to shore and sharing the waters (and the orcas) with a ton of other boats.

Another downside to these quick excursions is that the weather in this region is unpredictable and a trip could be canceled on short notice. So, if you’re only booked for a single day, you risk missing out entirely on this incredible encounter.

In contrast, multi-day liveaboard trips are designed for photographers, freedivers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts. They venture far from the crowded areas into remote waters where no other boats are in sight.

These liveaboard journeys are true sea safaris, taking you deep into Norway’s wild fjords, surrounded by icy waters and majestic glaciers.

Each operator explores different fjords, so it’s common to spend your entire trip without seeing another boat.

Explore More

If you would like to learn more, here are some links to check out for more information about snorkeling with orcas.

• A Complete Guide to Swimming with Orcas in Northern Norway (article)

• Swimming with Wild Orcas in Norway (video)

• Is it ethical to swim with orcas (article)

4 Day / 3 Night Orca Liveaboard Expedition Trip on board MS Sula

For those seeking an unforgettable multi-day liveaboard trip to swim with orcas, the 4 Day / 3 Night Trips offered by MS Sula is a fantastic option.

With just six cabins, this intimate setting ensures a more personal and exclusive experience with these majestic creatures.

The only catch? Cabins on the MS Sula tend to book up quickly, so it’s wise to secure your spot well in advance.

In fact, their November trips are already sold out, but there are still some spots left for December & January.