Orcas in Norway: How to See Orcas on Your Next Visit
When you think of whale watching and trying to spot orcas in the wild, chances are, Norway isn’t the first destination that comes to mind. But believe it or not, Norway is one of the most unique places in the world to view orcas.
Not only can you view them from shore and on boat expeditions, you can actually swim with the orcas in their native waters. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Norwegian orca population—and maybe even getting in the water for an up-close look!
Orca Populations in Norway
The orca population in Norway also presents a bit of a challenge for the country. Norway is one of two countries in the world that still allows for commercial whaling (Japan being the second). This choice clearly threatens the orca population, but at the same time, Norway’s tourism around orca viewing experiences provides a different lens and serves as motivation to protect the creatures.
These two facts seem to be at odds with each other, but hopefully, over time, officials will understand the beautiful role that orcas play in the marine ecosystem and the country’s appeal as a marine wildlife destination.
As you explore tourism options in Norway, make sure to double-check that your whale watching company supports the well-being of the local whale population, and make sure to avoid supporting the whaling industry by abstaining from purchases of whale meat or other whale byproducts. The orcas appreciate your support!
Norway Whale Watching Tours
Norway’s whale watching season runs from October through mid-January, so if you’re hoping to see a variety of whales and wildlife on your tour, that time of year may be your best bet. If you’re just coming for the orcas, you may be able to stretch that period to include the late summer months, from May onward.
One especially beautiful feature of Norway’s whale watching tours is that from October through January, the Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) are visible for nighttime cruises. If you’d like to see whales and the Northern Lights in one trip, make sure your whale watching trip includes some time on the water after about 8 pm.
There are tons of options for specific whale watching tours in Norway, including everything from an hours-long boat trip to a multi-week wildlife exhibition tour. And if you know you want to swim with the orcas, check out the next section for more info on Norway’s most immersive whale watching option.
How to Swim with Orcas in Norway
For decades, tourism companies have been offering the chance to swim with Norway’s orca population in the waters off the coast. The first company to offer orca dives is Orca Norway, which was established as a diving center in 1981 and has been offering orca swims since 1992.
Tour operators will communicate with other boats on the water to try to track down the orcas’ whereabouts, then allow visitors in the water in full diving equipment. In many cases, the water is actually warmer than the air during whale watching months, so it’s not quite as extreme a swim as some people assume.
If you’d like to swim with the Norwegian orcas, make sure to talk to your tour guide to understand how to have a safe and satisfying experience with the best exposure to these beautiful creatures.
