Quick Facts

Route: Northern Norway Fjords
Dates: 15th - 21st November 2027
Type of trip: Women’s Arctic Orca Expedition
Duration: 6 nights
Fly in/out: Tromsø, Norway (TOS)
Experience level: No Scuba diving experience necessary however a good level of swimming and fitness is required

Get ready for one of the most wild and unforgettable Girls that Scuba trips we’ve ever hosted…

Next November, we’re heading above the Arctic Circle for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, living onboard a small expedition vessel in search of orcas, humpback whales and other incredible marine life in the remote fjords of Northern Norway. Oh, and of course the mighty Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights.

This is a completely different kind of adventure to our tropical trips. Think snow-covered landscapes, dramatic fjords, northern lights overhead and raw, powerful wildlife encounters all shared with an incredible group of like-minded women.

With just 12 guests onboard, and led by Girls that Scuba founder Sarah, this is an intimate, small-group experience designed to maximise your time in the water and create truly meaningful encounters.

Join us for one of the most intense wildlife encounters on the planet! Everything is centred around creating the best possible in-water encounters, in a way that is safe, respectful, and truly unforgettable.

The boat operates with two zodiacs, each carrying just 6 guests, alongside a dedicated skipper and in-water guide. Keeping the groups small means less noise, less disruption, and a much more intimate experience when it matters most.

When whales are spotted, the team moves quickly, positioning carefully before guests slip into the water in small, guided groups. Encounters are always on the whales’ terms.

Orcas are curious, intelligent animals and are not considered dangerous to humans in the wild. There has never been a documented fatal attack, and over years of operating these trips, no aggressive behaviour has been observed. That said, this is still a wild environment — and it is treated with the respect it deserves.

Before every in-water session, guests are fully briefed on:

• how to approach the animals

• how to behave in the water

• and how to safely enter and exit the zodiacs

This ensures that every interaction is as safe as possible — for both guests and the wildlife.

While orcas are the main focus, they’re not the only species encountered.

The same herring that attract the orcas also bring in:

• Humpback whales

• Fin whales - the second largest animal on the planet

• And occasionally even sperm whales

If the opportunity arises, the team will aim to enter the water with these species too, each encounter completely different, and just as unforgettable.

This is wild, seasonal wildlife, and while sightings are highly likely, they can never be guaranteed.

For this expedition, we’ll be living onboard a small, purpose-built expedition vessel, designed specifically for these cold conditions. Think cosy cabins, incredible food, panoramic fjord views and a crew who do this season in, season out. The ship had a deck extension in 2026 adding a panoramic hottub (!!) and a covered area for hanging out.

• Max 12 guests onboard

• Spacious social areas + observation decks

• Heated gear room (yes, your wetsuit will be warm 👏)

• Easy zodiac access just above the waterline

• Comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms

The boat is built for flexibility allowing us to move with the wildlife and stay right where the action is, rather than being stuck on land.

3 Delicious meals a day are served in the restaurant area on the main deck PLUS on our expedition soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are included in your trip - yes, drinks in the hot tub will be happening daily!

Connecting to the restaurant is the comfy game lounge filled with games for you to have fun with. On the upper deck you can relax in the large survey lounge with panoramic windows, giving you the opportunity to enjoy Norways beautiful nature from inside the ship.The cozy sofa lounge is great to hang out and relax.

You do not need to be a certified scuba diver or freediver to join this trip HOWEVER to get the most out of the inwater encounters, we highly recommend that you:

• Have snorkelling and open water experience

• Feel comfortable being in the ocean (often in cold, Arctic conditions)

• Have a good swimming fitness level

• Are confident getting in and out of zodiacs with assistance

We’ve chosen this partner for our Norway expeditions because of their strong commitment to responsible, wildlife-first practices. Their approach prioritises the wellbeing of orcas and humpbacks at every stage, from careful boat handling and respectful distances to limiting time in the water and only entering when conditions are appropriate. Encounters are always on the animals’ terms, never chased or forced, with a clear focus on minimising disturbance, particularly during feeding. Their experienced guides provide thorough briefings to ensure guests understand how to behave respectfully around wildlife, helping create meaningful experiences without compromising the natural behaviour of these incredible animals. This alignment with our own values is why we trust this team to deliver an experience that is both unforgettable and as ethical as possible.

This trip goes far beyond just orcas - though remember nothing is guranteed.

• Humpback whales feeding alongside orcas

• Northern Lights (Aurora's) dancing overhead

• Dramatic Arctic landscapes and snow-covered fjords

• Incredible photography opportunities above & below water

Between sessions, we return to the boat to warm up, refuel, and share the kind of moments that only happen on trips like this.

Seeing the Northern Lights from the boat is a truly special experience, and November gives you a strong chance of catching them,but it’s never guaranteed. Your chances depend mainly on clear skies and solar activity, and while Tromsø can be cloudy, being out on the water often means less light pollution and wide open views of the sky.

For this trip, a high-quality 7mm freediving wetsuit setup is recommended over a drysuit. It provides excellent thermal protection while allowing for easier movement in the water, meaning you’ll be more comfortable and get more out of each encounter. You'll also need 7–9mm neoprene socks, finger mitts or gloves as well as Mask, snorkel and fins.

All of these are available as a package to rent if you don't have your own; high quality arctic freedivesuit, thick neoprene socks, 3-finger mitts, mask, snorkel, fins, crocs & a windproof poncho for the zodiac available to rent for DKK 2.900

Weights and weight belts are included onboard.

We will send you an in-depth packing list with and gear guidance first hand recommendations on staying warm in this environment

Your host for this unforgettable expedition is the amazing Sarah, the founder of Girls That Scuba and the driving force behind the global community that has connected hundreds of thousands of women through a shared love of the ocean.

Sarah is a passionate diver, world traveller and experienced trip host who has led numerous Girls That Scuba adventures around the world, from tropical reefs to remote liveaboards.

After taking a short break from hosting to welcome her two children into the world, she is returning to trips in 2027 as a proud scuba mum, guiding you on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experience while ensuring the trip has that special Girls That Scuba magic that so many of our returning guests know and love.

This expedition is for adventurous ocean lovers who are excited by the idea of experiencing wildlife in its rawest form. Unlike our tropical trips, this is a true expedition environment, less about comfort and predictability, and more about nature, timing, and being ready when the moment happens.

Cold water is a key part of the experience. Air temperature averages 0°C with normal fluctuations between -5°C and 5 °C. Water temperature is between 4-7 °C. Weather in the arctic wintertime can change rapidly and windchill makes it feel colder.

You’ll be entering near-freezing water in a semi-dry suit, often multiple times a day when conditions allow. While each entry is short and guided, you need to feel comfortable being in cold, open water and getting in and out of zodiacs in full gear. This is not about long, relaxed swims, it’s about being present, prepared, and ready.

You’ll be living onboard for 6 nights, sharing a cabin with one other female. Life onboard is cosy, social, and a huge part of the experience. Group trips are supportive, fun, and full of like-minded women, and this one tends to attract a particularly adventurous crowd. If you are new to our group trips, read our reviews here to get more of an idea of what to expect.

If you’re looking for warm water, guaranteed sightings and a fixed schedule, this probably isn’t the trip for you. But if you’re drawn to wild places, powerful wildlife encounters, and experiences that stay with you long after you return home…then this trip is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

New to Girls that Scuba trips? Find out more about our trips and the respect and openness we ask for on these experiences as well as any requirements.

All bookings are subject to our cancellation policy. Deposits are non-refundable under any circumstance, and cancellation timelines apply to any additional payments made. If you need to cancel, we will always do our best to assist in reselling your space where possible, in line with the policy terms.

Please read the full cancellation policy and ensure you are familiar with the terms before booking. By signing up for this trip, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Girls That Scuba Trips cancellation policy.