Board the exclusive expedition ship Ocean Sherpa and experience an unforgettable journey through the impressive fjords of northern Norway. In fall and winter the majestic orcas and whales forage there in their natural habitat, following the annual herring migration. Tromsø, the capital of Arctic Norway, is our departure and arrival port.
On board, you will experience moments you will never forget: from taking breathtaking photos from the masthead to admiring the northern lights or learning about marine life from our experienced guide. Together with a small group of like-minded adventurers, you will experience nature’s rugged beauty like never before.
‘The ocean calls not only to whales, but also to adventurers. In the silence of the fjords, you will discover the magic of nature, the wonder of the unknown, and the sense of freedom in the northern wilderness.’
Meet the whales and the northern lights
The ship and its crew carry ten guests and a guide to places you can only reach by boat. On this multi-day trip, we can maximise our time looking for whales. Our fast and sturdy expedition Zodiacs follow the whales, but we will do so in a respectful and ethical way to not disturb them: we need to respect these impressive kings of the sea!
Back on board, enjoy a warm, private shower, relax and sample delicious dishes in good company. As we sail far from city lights, stargazing is not disturbed by light pollution. This also gives us a great opportunity to admire the northern lights, the Aurora Borealis.
You embark on a quest to find animals in the wild: this means we cannot guarantee successful sightings. We can’t influence the weather, nor the orcas and whales. But we go by the advice of expert guides, and we can guarantee your trip through Norway’s fjords will create a lasting memory.
Dag 1: Welkom aan boord
Your journey begins in Tromsø, where you will board the elegant Ocean Sherpa in the afternoon (17:00 local time). After settling into your cosy cabin, equipped with a private sink and shower, you will meet the crew and your guide, who will introduce you to the week’s programme.
As daylight slowly fades, enjoy a welcome dinner prepared by the chef in the lounge. With panoramic views of the city lights around you, this is the perfect start to your adventure.
Day 2-6: Discover, experience, enjoy!
Once on board, the pace of life slows down and we follow the rhythm of nature. Each day is different, shaped by the weather, the animals we encounter and the adventurous spirit of the group. We have no fixed itinerary and aim to capture the essence of exploration, where no two days feel the same.
- Mornings are spent enjoying a delicious breakfast in the saloon, sharing stories with fellow guests, or snapping breathtaking photos from the crow’s nest or deck. Sometimes, you might join the crew to help set the sails and experience the magic of wind-powered travel. The guide will share insights into marine life and the unique foraging behaviors observed in the fjords, and in the assorted books you will find many secrets of the Arctic.
- Afternoons are dedicated to enjoying the scenery in the soft daylight. Once we are close to a pod of whales, you can join the zodiac to admire orcas and whales up close as they glide through the fjords. You may encounter humpback whales, fin whales and sometimes even sperm whales. With expert guidance, you will learn to anticipate their movements and better understand their world. We plan to you give you the opportunity to go ashore for a guided hike and a good opportunity to photograph Aurora Borealis.
- Evenings are made extra special by the magic of the northern lights. The limited daylight in winter adds a serene atmosphere to the landscape, while the starry night sky and dancing northern lights create unforgettable moments. Whether you enjoy a story from the captain or simply admire the aurora from the deck, these memories will stay with you forever.
Day 8: The last morning: goodbye
On arrival in Tromsø, we will enjoy a final breakfast together to energise you for your departure. We hope you have experienced that it’s not just about seeing whales, but also about connecting with nature, embracing the spirit of adventure and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
