The Orca and Humpback Whale Camp in Norway

The northern fjords of Norway are among the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild. Every November, vast shoals of herring migrate into the fjords – and the orcas follow. Together with humpback and fin whales, they gather here in large numbers, creating an extraordinary natural spectacle rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

For more than 25 years, we have been taking our guests to the places where these remarkable encounters are possible – in the right place at the right time. In Norway, our experienced crew works with local skippers and licensed vessels. A strict whale-watching code of conduct and a respectful approach help ensure that the animals’ natural behaviour is disturbed as little as possible.

With only three to five hours of daylight in the Arctic North, every minute on the water is precious. The remarkable number of orcas and whales found in this region makes it truly special. The BBC also chose this area as a filming location for Blue Planet II.

In small groups, you’ll experience the world of orcas from the boat and, depending on the trip, even while snorkelling. And as the Arctic twilight gives way to night, another spectacle may be waiting: the Northern Lights dancing above the fjords.

Come and experience the majesty of this extraordinary Arctic landscape for yourself.

Best time to visit the Orca & Humpback Whale Camp

The best time to see orcas in their natural habitat in northern Norway is during the winter months, when vast shoals of herring move into the fjords and attract orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife.

For our Orca & Humpback Whale Camp, we focus on November, when the seasonal conditions offer excellent opportunities for whale watching. This is also the time when our tours take place, allowing you to experience the whales against the dramatic backdrop of Norway’s Arctic fjords.

Choose Your Experience: Two Ways to Meet the Orcas

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in the Far North

Upon arrival at Sørkjosen Airport or bus station, we will be there to welcome you. From there, you will continue by ferry to your chosen accommodation.

In the evening, you’ll meet our team and receive a detailed briefing on the programme for the days ahead. We’ll also provide you with a thermal protective suit for the boat trips. Snorkellers will receive the lead weights requested in advance.

[image gallery urls= “https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen_7.jpg, https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen_2.jpg, https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen.jpg” titles=”Orca on the hunt, male orca, orca off Skjervøy”]

Days 2–7 – Orcas, whales and Arctic fjords

Over the following days, we set out into the fjords at around 09:00 in search of orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat.

Depending on the time of year, we have around three to five hours of Arctic daylight each day – and we make the most of every moment. Our boats are skippered by experienced Norwegian skippers who know the fjords, currents and the whales’ usual feeding grounds extremely well.

Nature sets the pace. Some days, we may encounter the first orcas within minutes; on others, the search can take longer. Once we find the whales, we observe their behaviour and follow them at a respectful distance. Photographers have exceptional opportunities to capture hunting behaviour and unforgettable encounters against the dramatic backdrop of the Arctic landscape.

If the whales do not make an appearance, there is still plenty to experience. Eagle watching, fishing and the spectacular fjord scenery around the Lyngen Alps offer memorable alternatives.

In the afternoon, we return to our accommodation to warm up and relax.

Northern Lights in the Evening

As darkness falls, the next adventure may begin. If the skies are clear, there is a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing above the Arctic landscape.

You’ll receive an introduction to Northern Lights photography, and throughout the trip we’ll be on hand to help with camera settings, exposure times and shooting techniques. Each evening, we check the weather and aurora forecast before deciding where the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are.

[image gallery urls=”https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen_1.jpg, https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen_Nordlichter.jpg, https://insidertrip.de//wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Orca-Buckelwal-Camp_Norwegen_6-scaled.jpg” titles=”Humpback whale, Northern Lights, orca surfacing”]

Travel dates and prices Orca & Humpback Whale Camp

25 October–1 November 2026

Whale watching

Hamneided Orca Camp
Double room €2,890 per person
Availability: Sold out

Reisafjord Hotel
Double room €2,990 per person
Single room: €3,690 per person
Availability: Sold out

1 November–8 November 2026

Whale watching

Hamneided Orca Camp
Double room €2,890 per person
Availability: Sold out

Reisafjord Hotel
Double room €2,990 per person
Single room: €3,690 per person
Availability: Sold out

 

8–15 November 2026

Whale watching

Hamneided Orca Camp
Double room €2,890 per person
Availability: Sold out

Reisafjord Hotel
Double room €2,990 per person
Single room: €3,690 per person
Availability: 3 places

15–22 November 2026

Whale watching

Hamneided Orca Camp
Double room €2,890 per person
Availability: 10 places

Reisafjord Hotel
Double room €2,990 per person
Single room: €3,690 per person
Availability: 20 places

22 November–29 November 2026

Whale watching

Hamneided Orca Camp
Double room €2,890 per person
Availability: 10 places

Reisafjord Hotel
Double room €2,990 per person
Single room: €3,690 per person
Availability: 20 places

Option: Snorkelling tour with orcas, plus €600.00 per person (you must bring your own equipment)
Please note: this activity is weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.

Please contact us for a personalised quote!

Services included

• Transfer to and from Sørkjosen Airport or Sørkjosen coach station
• 7 nights’ accommodation at the property selected at the time of booking (Hamneided Orca Camp or Reisafjord Hotel)
• Daily assessment of the chances of seeing the Northern Lights and guided trips to selected spots for Northern Lights photography – just a few minutes’ drive from the camp
• Daily briefing by a tour guide
• Up to 6 whale-watching boat trips, subject to weather conditions
• Thermal suit or wetsuit for the boat trips (not a diving suit)

For snorkellers

The necessary weights will be provided. Please bring your own snorkelling equipment: belt, fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit.

Not included in the tour price

• Meals at the camp
• Lunch and dinner at the hotel
• Insurance
• Flights
• Personal expenses
• Tips

Your accommodation

Hamneided Orca Camp

There are two apartments available for your stay, accommodating a total of 8 to 12 guests. The boats are moored just 30 metres from the apartments, allowing you to head straight out on your excursions in the morning. Excellent spots for Northern Lights photography can also be reached within just a few minutes.

The whales are often only a few minutes away from the harbour – and sometimes even right outside the bay. On the way back to camp, we usually stop for a spot of fishing. Your freshly caught fish will be cleaned and filleted for you, and if time allows, the skipper may even prepare the catch for you back at camp.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation.

[image gallery urls=”https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180227_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_25.jpg,https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180225_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_10-1.jpg, https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180227_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_23.jpg,https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180227_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_22.jpg, https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180227_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_20.jpg,https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20180225_Wildlife_Observations_Worldwide_Hamneided_Orca_Camp_17.jpg” titles=”Bedroom, Bedroom, Living room, Dining room, Kitchen, Bathroom”]

Reisafjord Hotel

The Reisafjord Hotel offers a comfortable base for our Arctic adventures. Located directly on the picturesque Reisafjord, it is ideally placed for our whale-watching excursions. Its position within the Aurora Oval also offers excellent opportunities to see the Northern Lights, either from the hotel itself or during our evening outings.

Sørkjosen is also a great place to discover the culture of the region. A visit to Kronebutikken, together with stories shared by its owner, Hilde, offers guests an insight into Norwegian, Sámi and Kven traditions.

After a day of Arctic adventures, the hotel provides a warm and welcoming retreat. A fireplace, regionally inspired cuisine and comfortable lounge areas create a relaxing atmosphere in which to unwind.

Our guests are accommodated in a higher room category.

The hotel has 54 rooms, as well as a restaurant, gym, lounge and licensed bar. All rooms feature a private bathroom with shower and toilet, as well as a television.

[image gallery urls=”https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WildlifeObservationsWorldwide_Norway_Reisefjord_Hotel_03-533×800-1.jpeg,https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WildlifeObservationsWorldwide_Norway_Reisefjord_Hotel_02-533×800-1-1.jpeg,https://www.insidertrip.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WildlifeObservationsWorldwide_Norway_Reisefjord_Hotel_01-533×800-2.jpeg” titles=”Double room, Single room, Double room”]

Important information about the Orca & Humpback Whale Camp

Note:

Nature is unpredictable. We cannot therefore guarantee that the programme will go ahead. We do our very best and are in the best location at the best time of year. No refunds will be given for programmes that cannot take place due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.