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Snorkeling with Orcas

Lofoten Island, Norway

Special Expedition: Snorkeling with Orcas
Norway experience	22 years
where	Lofoten Island, Norway
max no. of guests	8 guests
expedition leader	Amos Nachoum, Amanda Cotton
departure	2015: November 12-21, 2016: January 7-16
duration	9 days
pricing	$9,800 per person, based on double occupancy
vessel	100’ M/V Sula
activities	Snorkeling and photography
temperature	Daytime 32-40°F. Water temperature 34-38°F

Orcas, more popularly known as Killer Whales, provide a thrill unlike any other

As the majestic Arctic coastline and stunning fjords come into view, we will become captivated by the warm, brief photographic sunlight rising and lowering over snow-covered peaks. Our Orca adventure begins as we board miss Sula, a 90-foot retro-fitted trawler that has spent years plying Norway’s fjords.

Once aboard, its quarters become part of the experience, one that creates a special bond with new friends sharing a totally unique wildlife experience. One where we will view massive schools of herring chased by orcas, as well as humpbacks that have modified their primary diet of krill to include herring. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

There is a lot of action to squeeze into a four hour day when the sun rises around 10am and darkness is upon us by 3pm. Light is limited at this time of year, but the frigid waters of the North Sea are exceedingy clear, boasting horizontal visibility up to 50 feet, and vertical visibility up to 100 feet.

We begin cruising through the majestic fjords early in the morning as the light is just starting to shine. As soon as we spot the Orca pods, which can sometimes take up to two hours, we split the team into two so that each Zodiac carries only four divers.

During Norway’s frigid winter, its majestic Arctic coastline and stunning fjords attract voluminous schools of herring, which in turn attract pods of Orcas. After determining the direction baitfish are being chased by resident Orcas, we will pursue these magnificent mammals until we can slip silently into the water for close up views and photographs of these magnificent mammals satiating their huge appetites.

The trip is greater enhanced by the pod’s social behavior. Not unlike the humpback whales unique “bubbling” feeding technique, Orcas display an activity called “carouseling.” Swimming under schools of herring, they exhale volumes of air bubbles to separate herring schools. Separated and carried helplessly towards the surface, smaller bait balls make easy pickings for hungry pods.

An activity witnessed by only a handful of snorkelers allows you the privilege to view the whale during its unique feeding behavior. Quietly, two of us at a time will slip into the water to observe the pod feeding. While we are snorkeling and free-diving, Orcas, curious by nature, will amaze us with very close encounters. You can count on my photographic experience to help make this nine-day trip one of a lifetime.

M/V Sula

M/V Sula offers a lounge, equipment and drying room. it is fully heated with five cabins (four doubles and one quad) equipped with washbasins, but we keep the ship feeling spacious by limiting the trip to 8 divers. The boat has shared toilets and a shower. it’s cozy, offering a unique charm to view incredible Norway sights. Six enthusiastic crew members are committed to assist us. A professional chef will see that we are well fed. All food and soft drinks are included in the trip.

General Itinerary

Day 1: This day is for travelers departing from the USA on a flight to Oslo. Arrives the next day.

This is a travel day for guests arriving from Europe. After clearing Oslo customs, we proceed to connecting flight to tromso where the vessel is waiting our boarding on the next day. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the Radisson Blu Hotel, were we all meet after 8 pm. more specific information will be included in your travel preparation information.

Day 2: Morning free, we meet again at 2pm. and make plan to board the vessel.

Day 3-8: At first light each day, we begin our search for Orcas. The following six days will be spent in cold, clear Norwegian winter water surrounded by a spectacular Arctic landscape, and the probability of seeing awesome displays of the Northern lights (Aurora Borealis.) We’ll cruise in the protection of the fjords as other whale watching vessels, fishermen, and ferries radio information to help our search for Orca pods.

Day 9: After a day at sea, we depart M/V Sula in the early evening around 6pm and spend our last night at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Return: The first morning flight to Oslo allows us to connect to our flights home.

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Tour price includes:

• 6 day and 6 nights on board the M/V Sula
• All meals on board
• All diving services, two zodiacs
• Only 8 guests – on 12 beds vessel
• fuel and taxes
• Amos & Amanda leadership and photo coaching

Not included in tour price:

• international and domestic airfare
• Overnight hotels when required schedules at Radisson Blu Hotel
• Additional transfers and meals
• Overweight or excess baggage
• Personal charges such as laundry, bar, and telecommunication charges
• insurance–it is mandatory you purchase travel, health, and diving insurance
• loss of gear and equipment
• Drysuit rental is available
• gratuities

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
(415) 444-5100
or
Request Info