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Norway for Orcas
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© Ian Mitchelhill/Nature Portfolio  Orcas |
Join us in an adventure north of the Arctic Circle, where, amidst the spectacular fjords of Norway, Orcas gather in early winter to feed on the herring shoals. Orcas, White-tailed Eagles and Northern Lights... irresistible!
Each winter, some 200km north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, an amazing wildlife spectacle occurs. Orcas come close to shore to prey upon enormous shoals of herring which shelter in the deep fjords at this time of year. White-tailed Eagles are also present and it is not at all unusual to see them collecting herring 'left-overs' from the Orcas.
On shore there is a good chance of encountering Elk in the forests and, if we are really lucky, Wolverine, too. In addition Gyr Falcons and Hawk Owls live in the area and there is always the possibility of seeing Lemmings. The region is incredibly beautiful with ancient, deeply glaciated rocks providing the backbone for some outstanding fjord and mountain scenery. We shall stay at a tourist class hotel near Storjord and join two of the whale-watching safaris that run at this time of year. Each whale-watching trip takes around four hours and we have a strong likelihood of encountering the Orcas at close quarters. We shall also use one of the days to travel by road around the Tysfjord and surrounding areas in the hope of seeing Elk and other mammals, as well as the winter birds of the area. The region is also home to an indigenous Sami culture and we shall visit a Sami village. We also stand a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. The tour has been designed and organised for us by our good friend from Iceland, Andy Jones. Itinerary Day 1 We travel from London to Tysfjord via Oslo and Bodø, arriving there in the early evening. If it is a clear night we have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights en route. Introductory briefing and dinner. Overnight Tysfjord Day 2 We take a whale watching boat trip in search of the Orcas. The trip lasts around four hours and we travel to wherever we are most likely to encounter the animals. There is a probability of seeing White-tailed Eagles as well. Later we'll take a short walk as night falls looking for Elk in a nearby forest. At this time of year we have around five hours of daylight. Usually, the fjord is fairly sheltered and calm. Overnight Tysfjord Day 3 Our second whale watching trip. In the evening we have a lecture and film about Orcas and whale research. Overnight Tysfjord Day 4 We shall travel by minibus around the southern shores of Tysfjord. We'll encounter White-tailed Eagles and search for Gyr Falcon on some nearby crags. There's also a chance of encountering Hawk Owl in the area. Additionally, Wolverine occurs in the region. We shall visit a Sami settlement and cultural centre and learn something of their way of life. The geology of the region is complex and ancient, but the scenery it produces is spectacular and memorable. If the evening looks clear we'll take a trip to a good vantage point to try and see the Northern Lights. Overnight Tysfjord Day 5 We take a morning drive to Bodø before catching a flight to London via Oslo or Bergen. Accommodation On this trip we stay in a comfortable tourist class hotel situated on the shores of the fjord, with several delightful walks nearby. At this time of year, wildlife enthusiasts from all over Europe converge to see the Orcas, and the evening atmosphere in the hotel in the hotel is distinctly 'whaley'! All rooms are en suite. |
| Principal Leader: | Andy Jones |
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| Numbers: |
Max. 14 clients |
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| Price: | £ | 1,495 | ||
| Single supp.: | £ | 145 | ||
| Deposit: | £ | 300 | per person | |
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The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of scheduled return economy-class flights London - Bodø, airport taxes, accommodation, all meals, minibus transport, incidental tips, and the services of the leaders.
The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses. |
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