Whales and Northern Lights in Northern Norway 2024

Day 1: Alta, Norway

Arrive independently in the Norwegian city of Alta, located about 380 km north of the Arctic Circle. Check into a centrally located hotel, close to famous sights such as the Northern Lights Cathedral.

Day 2: Alta

Explore Alta on your own. In the afternoon, meet your guides, board the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm, and settle in. The expedition cruise has begun!

Day 3-6: Expedition

You are now on an expedition cruise and the itinerary for the following days is flexible due to wildlife and weather conditions. In early  November, the polar night hasn’t yet settled over Alta, and there are still some hours of daylight. The polar night lasts from the end of November to the middle of January. During this period, the sun doesn't rise above the horizon, but there isn’t constant darkness. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy enchanting twilight periods in the middle of the day, resembling colourful dusks and dawns. For those interested in capturing the beauty of nature, the light at this time of year can be captivating. Imagine photographing a group of orcas against pink-colored skies and dramatic, snow-covered mountains!

In clear weather, we have a good chance of seeing the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance in the sky. Alta is known to be one of the best destinations to visit if you dream of watching this fascinating phenomenon.

Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords in Northern Norway, which has attracted many orcas and humpbacks. As with any wild animals, it is hard to predict if and where they will appear, but with some luck, we will experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible mammals. The area is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles, often seen soaring above us with their impressive wingspans.

During the trip, we hope to be fortunate enough to see both the Northern Lights and whales, and when the opportunity arises, we'll head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and refreshing hikes to explore the dramatic landscapes. Øksfjorden, Stjernøya and Loppa are examples of places we hope to explore. Perhaps the first snow will have fallen, settling over the high mountain peaks, offering marvellous scenery together with the small, picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords.

On board, we'll listen to inspiring lectures, enjoy delicious meals, and keep a lookout for wildlife and the Northern Lights from the deck. For those interested in fishing, there will be opportunities to try your luck from the ship.

Day 7: Alta

In the morning, we disembark from our ship and begin the journey home.

The exact route will depend on weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters. The Captain and Expedition Leader will do everything possible to maximise our experience. Please remember that flexibility is key to a successful expedition!