Expedition with orca and humpback whale watching under the Northern Lights*

from/to Alta, Northern Norway

7 days, 5 nights on board

Maximum 12 people

MS Stockholm
Experience Northern Norway at its most impressive: an expedition that takes you to the spectacular fjords and icy waters around Alta.
Aboard the small, charmingly rustic expedition ship MS Stockholm, you will set out in search of orcas and humpback whales, which come to this region every year in search of herring. With a little luck, you will be able to experience these fascinating marine mammals up close.
The long nights of the north offer the best chance to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights. The green and purple ribbons dance across the sky, transforming the landscape into a unique backdrop. During the trip, you will explore remote fjords, snow-capped mountains, and small islands – often by Zodiac, to get as close to nature as possible.
This expedition is an exclusive experience for a small group of guests, perfect for anyone who wants to discover the far north intensively and in an authentic atmosphere.
Best time to visit: between November and January
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
Entry requirements: German citizens only need an identity card to enter Norway. Further information on entry requirements and the latest security advice can be found at the U.S. Department of State website.
Insurance: Proof of international health insurance covering medical repatriationmust be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
Highlights
- Only 12 passengers on board
- Sightings of large families of orcas and humpback whales between November and January
- Best prospects for seeing the Northern Lights
- Travel on a small ship with a genuine expedition character
- Magnificent fjord landscapes
itinerary
Day 1: Alta
Individual arrival in Alta, approximately 380 km north of the Arctic Circle. Check into a centrally located hotel near several famous attractions, such as the Northern Lights Cathedral.
Day 2: Alta
Discover Alta at your own pace. In the afternoon, meet your guides, board the small expedition ship M/S Stockholm, and settle in. Your expedition is about to begin!
Days 3–6: Expedition voyage on the MS Stockholm
The route for the coming days remains flexible, depending on weather conditions and wildlife sightings.
At the end of October and beginning of November, the polar night has not yet completely fallen over Alta. There are still a few hours of daylight. The actual polar night lasts from the end of November to mid-January.
During this time, the sun does not rise above the horizon, but that does not mean complete darkness. Even when the sun remains hidden, a fascinating twilight bathes the landscape at midday in colorful dusk and dawn tones. Photographers have a unique opportunity here: imagine photographing a group of orcas against a pink sky and snow-capped mountains!
When the sky is clear, there is a good chance of witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Alta is one of the best places in the world to observe this natural wonder.
Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have been migrating to the fjords of northern Norway in winter. This attracts many orcas and humpback whales. As with all wild animals, it is difficult to predict exactly when and where they will appear. But with a little luck, you will have unforgettable encounters with these impressive marine mammals. White-tailed eagles, with their impressive wingspans, are also frequently seen above the fjords.
With a little luck, you will see both whales and the Northern Lights. As soon as the opportunity arises, go on a discovery tour in Zodiacs or hike through the spectacular winter landscape. Places such as Øksfjord, Stjernøya, and Loppa are on the list of possible destinations to explore. Perhaps the first snow has already fallen, covering the high mountain peaks and creating an enchanting scene together with the picturesque houses and deep fjords.
On board, you can enjoy inspiring lectures, delicious meals, and observe wildlife and the sky from the deck. For those interested, there is also the opportunity to fish from the ship.
Day 7: Alta
In the morning, you will leave your ship and begin your journey home.
Please note: The exact route depends on the weather and possible encounters with wildlife. The captain and expedition leader will do everything possible to maximize our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
October 18, 2026 – October 24, 2026
from €5,408 per person
7 days/6 nights
MS Stockholm (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Alta Alta
October 28, 2026 – November 3, 2026
from €5,408 per person
7 days/6 nights
MS Stockholm (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Alta Alta
November 2, 2026 – November 8, 2026
from $0 per person
7 days/6 nights
MS Stockholm (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Alta Alta
November 7, 2026 – November 13, 2026
from €5,408 per person
7 days/6 nights
MS Stockholm (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Alta Alta
November 12, 2026 – November 18, 2026
from €5,408 per person
7 days/6 nights
MS Stockholm (Maximum occupancy: 12)
Alta Alta
Selected date
October 18, 2026 – October 24, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
MS Stockholm | Orcas, Northern Lights & Norwegian Fjords

twin cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
October 28, 2026 – November 3, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
MS Stockholm | Orcas, Northern Lights & Norwegian Fjords

twin cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 2, 2026 – November 8, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
MS Stockholm | Orcas, Northern Lights & Norwegian Fjords

twin cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 7, 2026 – November 13, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
MS Stockholm | Orcas, Northern Lights & Norwegian Fjords

twin cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
November 12, 2026 – November 18, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)
MS Stockholm | Orcas, Northern Lights & Norwegian Fjords

twin cabin
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Services
Included services:
- 1 night in a hotel in Alta
- 5 nights aboard the M/S Stockholm
- All meals on board
- All beverages
- 1 expedition leader and 1 guide
- Guided tours on land and lectures on board
- All excursions and activities
Not included in the price:
- Flights to and from Alta
- Travel and travel cancellation insurance
- Tips for the ship's crew
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- English-speaking expedition team
- Currencies accepted on board: Norwegian krone, US dollar, euro, and major credit cards
- Filling out a medical questionnaire is mandatory.
- The route and final itinerary during the voyage will be decided on site by the expedition leader and captain based on ice and weather conditions, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. The itinerary described here is for illustrative purposes only.
- *Northern lights are a natural phenomenon. We cannot guarantee that they will appear.
- Proof of international health insurance with medical repatriation must be provided.
- Individual travelers: Shared cabins can be booked.
- The trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Your ship during the voyage
Norwegian fjords, northern lights, whales, distant view, MS Stockholm ©Elke Lindner
Distant view | ©Elke Lindner
Norwegian fjords, northern lights, whales, MS Stockholm with fin, ©Polar Quest
Orca off the MS Stockholm | © Polar Quest
Norwegian fjords, northern lights, orca in the fjord ©Christian Engelke
Orca in the fjord | ©Christian Engelke
Norwegian fjords, northern lights, whales_Northern lights_©christian-engelke
Northern Lights | © Christian Engelke
Norwegian Fjords Northern Lights Orca Photo Tour_©Christian-Engelke
Orca Photo Tour | ©Christian Engelke
Sounds interesting?
You can book your trip here
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