Weather & clothing
Winter in the Arctic is changeable and alive.
Learn here about what to bring and what to wear.
Physical requirements
“This activity may involve specific physical requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.”
Question and answers
The prime season to observe orcas and humpback whales in Northern Norway is late October to mid-January. During these weeks, large herring schools move deep into the fjords, attracting entire families of whales. With our daily departures, decades of local knowledge, and careful wildlife approach, sightings are highly likely – yet we always act responsibly and without disturbing the animals.
Winter in the Arctic is breathtaking – and unpredictable. Expect temperatures between –5°C and –20°C, winds, snowfall, and crystal-clear nights with the Northern Lights. We only depart when conditions are safe, and the program may be adjusted according to the weather. We provide high-quality gear and daily guidance to ensure you stay warm, comfortable, and safe.
Depending on the season, our expeditions operate from:
- Burfjord / Kvænangen – calm fjords with excellent whale activity
- Skjervøy / Nordreisa – a well-known hotspot during the herring season
Exact embarkation details are sent prior to departure.
Snorkeling is completely optional. Many guests choose to watch from the boat, which can be equally impressive and emotional. Whale encounters from the surface are breathtaking and suitable for all comfort levels.
No exceptional fitness level is required. You should be reasonably comfortable in the water, able to follow instructions, and capable of getting in and out of the Zodiac. We snorkel calmly and safely, without long swims. No diving license is needed. Our guides support you every step of the way. To ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure, all participants must have basic swimming ability.
Guests who cannot swim will not be allowed to participate in water-based activities
Our expeditions include activities on both water and land that may be physically demanding, especially in Arctic conditions. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
For safety reasons—for both you and our staff—we reserve the right to deny participation if fitness or mobility concerns pose a risk. If you have any questions about your suitability, please feel free to contact us.
We provide all equipment required for Arctic snorkeling:
- Professional snorkeling drysuit
- Gloves and hood
- Mask and snorkel
- Optional thermal layers (you may bring your own)
Only your personal base layers are needed.
For maximum comfort and warmth, we recommend:
- Woolen base layers
- Thin or medium fleece layers
- No cotton (it becomes cold when wet)
Our team will advise you daily based on temperatures and conditions.
Our skipper and crew focus entirely on providing a safe and meaningful whale experience and therefore do not generally take photos.
Guests often share their photos with one another, and you are welcome to bring your own camera or phone (preferably stored in a dry bag) to capture your own images or videos.
For safety reasons, snorkeling is only permitted for guests aged 16 and above.
Younger children may stay on board after individual evaluation, but we generally recommend participation only if they:
- tolerate cold well
- understand and follow safety instructions
- feel comfortable in Arctic environments
Safety is our highest priority.
We plan special Kidsweek with Kids higher then 120cm.
Form: Withdrawal only in writing (email sufficient). Receipt by the Organizer is decisive.
Scale (of total price)
• from booking: 30%
• up to and including 90 days before arrival: 50%
• from 89 days before arrival: 95%
• no-show/non-arrival: 100%
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Frequently Asked Questions
A day with us follows the rhythm of nature:
07:30 – Breakfast
Around 08:30 – Departure to the fjord
We stay out as long as weather, daylight, and group comfort allow – usually until 13:00–16:00.
We do not promise fixed times on the sea.
12:00–15:00 – Lunch (served flexibly depending on return time, warm & regional)
After arriving the Base – Free time Sauna, hot shower, relaxing, social time, photo editing.
19:30 – Dinner A 3-course dinner with a choice of fish/meat or vegetarian (must be specified at booking).
Allergies and dietary restrictions must be communicated upon booking – later adjustments cannot be guaranteed.
Our expeditions are primarily sea-based.
We go ashore when:
- weather conditions prevent safe boating
- cultural or educational programs are planned
- the group requests land-based activities
However, the focus of the trip is the daily time on the fjords in search of whales.
For 7 day tours are 5 times inclusive
For 4 day tours are 3 times inclusive
Should we decide that we go more, it is free of charge and a gift for the guests.
Yes. The main House provides Wi-Fi, although the signal may vary in remote fjords.
There is no Wi-Fi on the Zodiac boats.
Drone use is only allowed outside whale-observation zones and must always be confirmed by the crew. Flying drones near or above whales is strictly prohibited to comply with Norwegian wildlife regulations and to ensure no disturbance to the animals.
For safety and wildlife protection reasons, drones are not permitted on our tours.
- Small groups for an intimate, personal experience
- Highly trained guides and strict safety standards
- Responsible, wildlife-friendly interaction
- Regional, seasonal cuisine and authentic northern culture
- A non-mass-tourism approach: real nature, real respect, real encounters
At this time, we focus exclusively on multi-day expeditions, as they offer safer conditions, better flexibility with weather, and a more respectful approach to wildlife. Snorkeling day tours are not offered because:
- Weather windows can be unpredictable
- Whale locations may require travel time
- Safety standards are better maintained during longer programs
Our multi-day format ensures that guests experience the fjords in their full beauty and with the highest chance of successful whale encounters.
When conducted responsibly, whale watching has minimal impact on whale behaviour.
We follow strict guidelines to ensure:
- No chasing
- No sudden changes of speed
- No positioning in the path of the whales
- No noise disturbance
- Maximum distance when whales rest or feed
Our approach is built on respect and scientific understanding. We observe whales quietly and patiently, allowing natural behaviour without interference.
The Arctic provides extraordinary photographic opportunities. To capture the best images, we recommend:
- Use fast lenses (f/2.8 – f/4) for low light
- Bring spare batteries (cold drains them quickly)
- Use burst mode for action shots
- Keep lenses dry with microfiber cloths
- Shoot both wide-angle scenery and close-ups of wildlife
- For Northern Lights: manual mode, ISO 1600–3200, tripod if available
Our guides are also experienced photographers and happy to help you with camera settings and positioning.
The Arctic winter brings a magical type of daylight known as the blue hour. Even during the polar night, the sky often glows in shades of deep blue, purple, and soft pink.
You may experience:
- Long, soft twilight
- Low sun angles creating dramatic light
- Clear nights with Northern Lights dancing across the sky
The light conditions are extraordinary for photography and create a peaceful, dreamlike atmosphere that many guests describe as life-changing.
Daylight is limited in Northern Norway during winter, but we operate our tours during the brightest hours of the day.
Even in late November, when the sun no longer rises, there is still sufficient polar twilight to see the whales both above and below the surface.
Please note that light conditions vary daily, depending on weather, clouds, and snowfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide waterproof overalls with a hood that you can wear over your regular outdoor clothing, including your jacket.
We recommend bringing:
- Waterproof shoes or boots (we have)
- Thick wool gloves
- A warm hat
You should be prepared for rain, snow, and sea spray, depending on the conditions at sea.
Yes, absolutely.
We recommend using a small waterproof dry bag to protect any electronics that are not water-resistant, as you may encounter rain, snow, or sea spray.
Please avoid using lights or flashes on cameras, as this can disturb the animals and is not in their best interest.
We provide a dry storage compartment on board for personal items such as glasses.
Please note that glasses cannot be worn under a snorkeling mask, as this will cause leakage. We recommend using contact lenses or bringing your own mask that fits properly with prescription inserts.