1. The largest species in the dolphin family

The orca is a toothed whale and the largest member of the Delphinidae family, which also includes the species we commonly refer to as dolphins.

2. Social creatures

Orcas are highly social animals that live in pods – complex and well-organized groups. These groups can consist of up to 40 individuals.

3. Educating each other

Orcas educate each other, passing down knowledge and behaviors necessary for survival in the ocean from generation to generation. They have a very stable social structure, and an individual often remains in the same pod for their entire life.

4. Different dialects

Each orca family has its own unique dialect, allowing them to distinguish themselves from others and communicate effectively during hunting and social interactions.

5. High intelligence

Orcas are known for their high intelligence and problem-solving abilities, which they utilize when hunting in groups. In fact, they have the second-largest brain of all marine animals when comparing brain mass to body size.

6. Long lifespan

The average lifespan of female orcas is around 50 years, but there are examples of them reaching up to 90 years of age. Males live up to 40 years.

7. Reproduction

A female orca becomes sexually mature between 8-10 years of age, but she does not have her first calf until she is around 14 years old. Males reach sexual maturity later, sometimes not until they are 16 years old. An adult female can have a calf every three years, but the average is one calf every eight years.

8. Uses echolocation

Orcas use echolocation to locate and identify objects around them in the water by emitting sound waves that bounce back. This helps them navigate and hunt in dark or murky waters.

9. Apex predators

Orcas are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural enemies.

10. Cosmopolitan animals

Orcas are found in all the world's oceans, from the Arctic and Antarctic waters to tropical seas. Approximately 1,500 orcas are found off the coast of Norway, but the total number in the world's oceans is unknown.

Would you also like the chance to see orcas?

Join us on an exciting journey on board the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm. We will explore the deep fjords of northern Norway outside Alta, where groups of humpback whales and orcas typically gather in search of the large herring shoals. At the same time, we hope to experience the majestic Northern Lights.

Read more about the trip:

Whales and Northern Lights in Northern Norway 2024

Sources: WWF, National Geographic, Science Magazine, Whale and Dolphin Conservation

The buildings were also used again by scientists during the International Polar Year of 2007/2008. The research focused on the glaciology of the local ice caps, Vestfonna and Austfonna, as well as local environmental pollution, the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem, and other topics.

For each activity, guests can choose which walk or activity they want to join. The duration or distance of the walk often remains a mystery until it's over, as the group will need to adjust to the pace of the slowest member. This is why there are typically 3 to 4 walking options available on land. The 'long walk,' also known as the 'attack group,' focuses more on the hike itself than on photography. The 'medium hike' group may visit the same places as the long walk but takes more time, allowing for more photography along the way. Lastly, the 'short hike,' often called the 'poetry group,' takes a slower pace, spending time at a hut, exploring plants, or strolling along the beach, with the terrain being relatively easy to walk.

With the group that chose the long walk, we set off across the well-formed elevated beaches and along ridges filled with Svalbard's oldest fossils, including Stromatolites. We continued to the top of Kinnberget, which stands at 128 meters high, offering a stunning view over Murchinsonfjorden and Oddneset. We took our time to rest and soak in the beautiful scenery.

On the way back, we made a small loop and took the time to stop and explore the buildings of Kinnvika. In addition to large barracks with multiple sleeping quarters, we found an observatory for northern lights research and a full workshop with a garage. There was even a sauna (unfortunately closed for viewing)—after all, they are Swedes and Finns! We also came across an old amphibious vehicle, which caught the interest of several men in the group.

Overall, we spent about 3 hours on land, enjoying both the walk and the rich history. It's great to know that this landing site will remain open in the future, allowing more people to experience this unique and historic location.al place

We had lunch while at anchor and started getting ready for the afternoon excursion. We got into the suits and off we went towards Skrikholmane where there were at least 50 odd walrus hauled out on the low lying islets.

After cruising in the slow swell we arrived at the islands. The animals were of every size and age, seemingly a female group. There were young of varying ages without any tusks. The light was beautiful and made the walrus glow in the sunlight. The mothers were lying at the water ’ s edge with their young and as elegant as only a walrus can be they went in and out of the water.

Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.

My view to the west was once occupied by Eric the red. A Viking of note. As history has recorded, the first to settle here, and to name this green land.

Of those who travelled with him, not many men and women survived the journey. A few of their animals did. Animals to provide food – meat and milk. Wool for clothing. The origins of a herd that would last four centuries until their masters returned to the land from which they came.

A small ship brought me here – along with a dozen or so friendly souls. A ship not much larger than which Eric sailed in. Our ship, however, has the benefit of a modern engine, a steel hull that can withstand ice and a crew to care for us.

Our morning smells of garlic and steamed rice. Philippine scents. We fish, catch cod for lunch and pass by rich farmland full of sheep and dairy where, in the north, we saw only tundra and fireweed. Evidence of reindeer and musk ox. Little more. Of the people that were here before the Norsemen came, more later. To be brief about the first settlers would be disrespectful. Their lives demand libraries, not blogs. And yet, I will write of them in time. Their world – centuries of adapting to a world where ice is the norm.

Their ocean gives evidence of life in abundance. Fins in their hundreds. Blowing in the soft late evening light as gulls and skua abound. Their world, changing more rapidly than we can imagine, only serves to alarm us to our presence and our effects.

We are witness to this change, and as such, we are fortunate indeed to be in this place – a place to which we will return and to which we will bring others to tell the story of this green land.

Strolling through the tundra on shore at Gjertsenodden we compared it to a national forest, the ground was covered with Mountain Avens, Moss Campion, mosses and lichens. And Reindeerscat. We didn’t have to look long before we spotted the offenders...As we stood quietly watching and taking photographs, the small group of reindeers came closer and closer. With next to no enemy, they are very relaxed and sometimes curious.It was wonderful to watch them graze every Moss Campion clean of their pink flowers, like lawn movers, as they peacefully walked past us.

Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.