Norway Cruise - Killer Whale Safari - The
Lofoten Islands
There can be few sights more stirring than that
of the Killer Whale in its natural environment. On this trip
to the beautiful Lofoten Islands we will join a safari in
search of orca in Norwegian waters. A short voyage along the
coast from Tromsø to the Lofoten archipelago will also
introduce us to this stunning part of Norway.
Read a blog
about one of our Whale Safari trips.
| Orca
- Killer Whale |
The Orcinus Orca is the largest
member of the dolphin family and easily recognisable
with their black and white underside. They are between
5 and 8 metres in length and an adult male can weigh
up to 10 tonnes. The Killer Whale was given its
name by sailors who witnessed them hunting seals
off the coast of Iceland and Greenland many years
ago. Despite their foreboding title, there is to
date no record of an orca ever attacking a human
being.
These highly sociable mammals live in groups or
pods and since 1986 they have come to feed on the
large population of spring herring that spend the
winter in Tysfjord. |
|
Arriving in the Arctic capital of Tromsø,
we have time to explore this interesting town before our voyage
begins. Sailing through the spectacular Vesterålen and
Lofoten Islands, we call at picturesque settlements and pass
through Raftsundet, the narrow channel that links the two
island groups that have inspired myths and legends over time.
Reaching Svolvær, we disembark and transfer to our Rorbu
– comfortable, traditional wooden fishermen’s
cabins. These renovated or newly built chalets are based on
original designs to a cosy, comfortable standard and each
has private facilities. The traditional restaurant where we
enjoy our evening meals is famous for its outstanding cuisine
and atmospheric setting.
The following morning we sail from Svolvær quay to Tysfjord,
a long narrow fjord where over 600 killer whales come to feed
on herring each winter, and our guide will introduce us to the
lives of fascinating mammals. Keeping our eyes peeled, eager
to sight these impressive creatures, we learn about the family
pods and how orca rely on team-work to hunt the large population
of herring that spend the winter here. With luck, we will be
able to observe the playful behaviour of the younger members
of the pod for ourselves and perhaps even experience their unique
hunting methods first hand. We return to Svolvær later
this afternoon for another night at your Rorbu before departing
the next day for our international flights.
Please note that while most groups do see killer whales, they
are wild animals living in their natural environment –
as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
| Norwegian
Whale Safari Itinerary
5 days/4 nights half board |
|
| DAY 1 |
Fly to Tromsø, embark
ship after dinner at around midnight. (D) |
| DAY 2 |
Spend the day on board sailing
through the Vesterålen and Lofoten islands, arrival
at Svolvær early evening, transfer to Svinøya
Rorbuer, dinner and overnight. (B, D) |
| DAY 3 |
Whale safari, including light lunch. Overnight in Rorbu. (B, L, D) |
| DAY 4 |
Day at leisure in Svolvær, opportunity for optional excursions, board ship in the evening. (B) |
| DAY 5 |
Morning on board, disembark in Tromsø and transfer to the airport for return flights to the UK. (B) |
 Back
to Norway Winter Adventures
Index
|
Back
to Norway Winter Adventures
Index
| Departure
Dates and Prices
for 2007 |
Dep
dates |
Twin |
Single
Supp |
Nov 1
Nov 28
|
895 |
75 |
| Prices
are in £s per person based on 2 people travelling
together sharing a twin cabin/room.
Outside Cabin Supplement: £40 per person |
|
| The
cruise price includes |
| • |
Return economy flights
from London Heathrow incl.applicable taxes and
charges |
| • |
Voyage from Tromsø
to Svolvær in twin cabin with facilities |
| • |
2 nights at Svinoya Rorbuer |
| • |
Whale watching tour |
| • |
Half board throughout |
| • |
Transfers as appropriate |
| • |
Tour Manager |
| Not included:
Travel insurance; luggage handling; optional carbon
balancing fee (£5 per person) |
|
|
Extra
Features |
Zodiac safari
You have the option to board a sturdy inflatable boat allowing a much closer encounter with orca, should a pod appear. Thermal overclothing is provided.
Numbers are limited.
£85 per person, pre-bookable
Snorkel with Killer Whales
A unique experience for anyone who is confident to snorkel with killer whales. You will be supplied with a dry suit and travel by Zodiac in search of orca. With luck, you will have the rare opportunity to join them in the water and observe their behaviour below the surface.
£180 per person, must be pre-booked for day 4
Viking Banquet
On certain departures, experience a traditional evening at the Viking Museum in Lofoten. Reconstructed on the site of an ancient Viking Long House, we get a glimpse of what life may have been like when Nordic tribes ruled the seas. Our visit culminates with the opportunity to dine at the tables of the banqueting hall.
£95 per person, pre-bookable
Dog Sledging – Tromsø
Experience a real taste of Arctic Norway, across the plains of Tromsø. Huskies are harnessed to our sledge and together we speed across the frozen landscape. A warm meal in a Lavvo (Sami tent) is included. Participants on this excursion will be collected from their hotel, and taken directly to the airport after the trip.
£125 per person, pre-bookable |
|
Extend
your stay |
Orca sightings, while very common,
can never be guaranteed. The Whale Safari can be
extended by staying one extra night thus doubling
your chance to sight these beautiful mammals.
From £85 per person, pre-bookable |
|
Flight Details:
Flights with SAS and Widerøe from London Heathrow:
(via Oslo and/or Bodø).
Regional Departures:
Please call our advisors for availability and supplements.
|
