Norway Orcas and Humpback Whale Trip Report 2025
Skjervoy, Norway
November 11 - 17, 2025
Wildlife and Photography Goals This Trip:
Orcas - X - (Day 1.)
Humpback Whales - X - (Day 1).
Finback Whales
Orcas feeding on herring baitballs
Humpback feeding on baitballs
Finbacks underwater
Orcas spy hopping
Breaching orcas
Humpback Fluke Shots
Northern Lights
November 12, 2025
Day One. We made it to Skjervøy!
Well, I made it, my friends had no issues getting here.
After the long push from Churchill and a few stressful days of flight delays and Arctic weather, I was honestly worried I wouldn’t get here on time… But the stars aligned, and I’m feeling grateful.
This morning we gathered in the changing room at the hotel, waiting for our safety briefing to begin.
It was great seeing familiar faces from past seasons, the same crew that makes these trips feel like family.
We set out for our first day on the water. It’s cold today, and the sea has a bit of swell.
The crew warned us it would be a wet ride, not exactly how you want to start a trip in the Arctic, but that’s part of the adventure.
The sky stayed gray and heavy with clouds all day.
Unfortunately, the forecast said 100% cloud cover tonight, a tough blow because the aurora index was reading an 8–9, meaning the sky would have been exploding with color.
Just not for us, sadly.
We motored about 45 minutes into the fjord, through choppy seas and occasional spray.
Not too bad, thankfully, it was damp but manageable.
Then, excitement erupted on deck… Orcas!
Cheers filled the boat as the first dorsal fins broke the surface.
That surge of shared energy, that moment when everyone realizes they’re seeing something extraordinary, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
Especially watching our friends from Jordan, who flew halfway across the planet for this moment.
The pod was huge, at least 30 - 40 orcas. Our local guide told us that likely two families traveling together.
The water was a bit soupy, so we didn’t try to get in right away.
Instead, our captain took us farther north to a more protected area with calmer seas. And it paid off, more orcas, humpback whales, and a sky full of seabirds, even a couple of eagles overhead.
The orcas were hunting hard, slapping the surface, deep diving, and corralling the herring into bait balls.
We could see the activity everywhere, though most of it was deep. We tried a few drops, caught some close passes, but never hit a perfect bait ball underwater.
It was also too dark for underwater photos, so I didn’t even try.
Still, the topside action was incredible, orcas working together in tight formations while humpbacks lunged nearby, blowing spray into the cold air.
Light was fading fast, and the clouds made it even darker, but the show didn’t stop.
On the way back to port, we came across another group of orcas feeding, with a few humpbacks lunge feeding in it.
This bait ball was tighter, and the activity much closer to the surface. I wanted to jump back in, but it was too dark, visibility would’ve been poor, and we were already out of time.
We turned toward Skjervøy as the cold crept in and the sky dimmed to slate.
What a start to the trip, long travel, rough weather, and unforgettable wildlife.
Tomorrow… I can’t wait for tomorrow!
🎥 Watch the Wild Minute to feel it unfold in real time.