A few days ago, M/S Quest also started the 2025 season. Together with the guests, we will cross from Northern Norway to Bjørnøya and eventually Svalbard.
After arriving in Bodø, the first stop is planned for the next morning. Early in the morning, we are still cruising through dense fog, but slowly the visibility improves, and we see the beautiful mountain landscape of the Lofoten Islands. At 8:00 o’clock, we arrive at the narrow entrance to the famous Trollfjorden.
On board M/S Quest, we enter Trollfjorden very slowly, and together with all the guests out on deck, we enjoy the stunning narrow passage and the steep rock walls rising high above us. We also see the first sea eagles flying by, but as soon as they land, they become almost invisible against the cliffs.
After this beautiful cruise, we get ready to board the Zodiacs for a Zodiac cruise, in search of more wildlife.
In the afternoon, after lunch, it is still a bit snowy, but soon the sun breaks through. And it is time to stretch our legs on land for those who need it. But what happened next we could not have dreamed of – ORCAS!
I myself (Debbie) stayed on board with the remaining guests. From the lounge, I look through the binoculars and in the distance, I see a group of orcas moving in the direction of our ship. Quickly, we get up with all the guests from the lounge and head outside to see these beautiful animals pass by from the ship.
A small pod of orcas consisting of about nine animals, with at least two juvenile orcas. The Zodiacs have also been informed in the meantime and still have the chance to see the orcas from the water. What an experience!
The next morning, the well-known village of Reine is on the program. Famous for its beautiful viewpoint photos and the red and yellow houses that stand out strikingly against the steep, snow-capped mountain peaks. But just before we sail into the harbor of Reine, we see orcas again – at least two males approaching at great speed, their enormous dorsal fins cutting through the high waves as they pass us. What luck!
A small group is determined to hike to one of the snow-covered peaks with the famous viewpoint, but unfortunately, it turns completely white at the top, and there is no view – just thick fog.
But in the village, it’s wonderful to wander among the colorful houses. There are plenty of beautiful spots to capture the charm of this place – and to visit the national park’s visitor center.
After this morning in Reine, it’s finally time to set sail towards Bjørnøya. We decide to take the route that passes between the islands, allowing us to enjoy stunning views of mountain peaks throughout the afternoon and evening. This also offers great opportunities to spot various bird species.
During the calm night, we continue sailing between the islands. But after breakfast, it’s time to truly leave Northern Norway behind and prepare for the journey to Bjørnøya.
It’s a beautiful day at sea with many chances to observe different birds – including puffins, pomarine skuas, and of course, gannets and northern fulmars. But we were also rewarded with a few fin whales, making their way north, just like us.
This is only the beginning of our journey, but nature already knows how to amaze us in many ways with its beauty. We look forward to what else awaits us.
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© Johnny van Vliet -
© Johnny van Vliet -
© Johnny van Vliet -
© Johnny van Vliet -
© Johnny van Vliet -
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.
