Embark on the Orcas and Northern Lights Expedition in Alta, where two of nature's greatest spectacles converge. Witness the majestic orcas from the comfort of a small boat, offering an intimate wildlife experience. As day turns to night, marvel at the dazzling display of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky. This unique adventure allows for close encounters with orcas and the breathtaking auroras, creating unforgettable memories in the pristine Arctic wilderness.
- 1 night before embarkation at a hotel in Alta on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis
- Transfer from Alta hotel to the port for embarkation
- 7 nights aboard the M/S Stockholm in shared cabins
- Two Wild Eye expedition leaders
- Services of specialist guides on board the vessel for the duration of the experience
- All meals & drinks on board the vessel
- Daily activities
- In field photographic tuition
- Post processing tuition
- All international and domestic flights
- All VISA costs
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks at the hotel in Alta
- Transfers from the airport to the hotel in Alta
- Transfer from the port to the airport or your hotel, on the day of disembarkation
- A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking outside of our Early Bird promotions.
- Credit card payments are accepted via a secure link shared by our finance team.
- Direct deposits and EFT/wire payments qualify for a discounted rate.
This expedition cruise aboard the M/S Stockholm offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Arctic’s breathtaking beauty, with a special focus on the Northern Lights and whale encounters. The experienced crew, including naturalists, photographers, and wildlife experts, provide a wealth of knowledge throughout the journey, ensuring you make the most of every moment. The ship’s small size allows for intimate Zodiac cruises to explore the stunning fjords and islands around Tromsø, including Kvænangen, Loppa, and Vannøya, offering up-close views of snow-covered peaks, picturesque houses, and dramatic landscapes. In addition to expert guidance on wildlife and photography, you’ll also have opportunities for exciting hiking excursions. With captivating lectures, new photography techniques, and the chance to witness orcas, humpback whales, and white-tailed eagles, this tour combines adventure, wildlife, and the magic of the Arctic in a truly immersive experience.
Photographing the Northern Lights and shooting in cold environments can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can capture stunning images. It’s essential to use a tripod for stability during long exposures, set your camera to manual mode with a wide aperture, high ISO, and a shutter speed of 5 to 20 seconds, depending on the intensity of the lights. Focus your lens on infinity for sharpness, and consider including the surrounding landscape for depth and context. Dress warmly in layers, especially insulated gloves that allow for camera operation, and keep extra batteries warm, as cold temperatures drain them quickly. The key is to be patient and flexible, as the Northern Lights are unpredictable, so keep shooting and embrace the wait. Our detailed pre-departure pack will ensure you’re fully prepared for your journey, providing packing suggestions, equipment tips, and expert advice to help you capture the best possible images of the Northern Lights and Arctic landscapes.
Currently none for this safari
AVAILABLE DATES
10 Spaces Available
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive independently in the Norwegian city of Alta, located about 380 km north of the Arctic Circle. Check into a centrally located hotel, close to famous sights such as the Northern Lights Cathedral Overnight Scandic Alta.DAY 2 - 8
In the afternoon, we board our small expedition ship M/S Stockholm and settle into our comfortable cabins. The expedition cruise has started! Our exact day to day itinerary remains flexible and largely determined by weather and wildlife. We travel in November, just before the polar darkness settles over the region and when there are still enough hours of daylight. Even when the sun is below the horizon, we can enjoy enchanting dusks and dawns - the light at this time of the year is captivating. In clear weather we will see and photograph the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing in the sky. The region is known as one of the best destinations if you dream about watching this fascinating phenomenon. Since 2010, huge shoals of herring have overwintered in the fjords around Tromsø , which has attracted many orcas and humpbacks and we will experience unforgettable encounters with these incredible mammals. The area is also a popular haunt for white-tailed eagles. They can be seen soaring above us with their impressive wingspans. During the trip, the focus will be on the Northern Lights and whales, but when the opportunity arises, we will head out on exciting Zodiac cruises and refreshing hikes to explore Tromsø's dramatic islands up close. Kvænangen, Loppa and Vannøya are examples of places we hope to explore. Perhaps the first snow has fallen and settled over the high mountain peaks, offering marvelous sceneries together with the small picturesque houses and the beautiful fjords. On board, we will listen to inspiring lectures by Christian and Beau, learn new Lightroom and Photoshop techniques from Gerry and Johan, enjoy delicious food and drinks and keep a lookout for wildlife and Northern Lights out on deck. For those who are interested in fishing, there will be opportunities to try your luck from the ship.DAY 9
In the morning we disembark our ship and begin the journey home. Please note: as always the exact route will depend on weather and possible wildlife encounters. The captain and the expedition leader will do everything to maximize our experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition.
Norway - A country of dramatic weather, stunning coastlines, beautiful views and ocean life.
Oslo - The capital of Norway.
Alta - The official starting point of this photo tour. Spend one night here before boarding the M/S Stockholm.
YOUR SAFARI CO-ORDINATOR
Randy Moletsane
Randy oversees all of our Scheduled Photographic Safaris and works very closely with the guide allocated to host your trip. Rest assured Randy and the team have got you covered.
"At the heart of my motivation is the satisfaction of helping people achieve their travel aspirations & creating unforgettable memories for our guests. Witnessing the genuine joy on their faces and hearing about their experiences upon their return is the ultimate reward. Moreover, I have a profound fascination with the natural world, and a deep love for wildlife. Understanding the circle of life and how nature functions has always been a source of inspiration for me.
I believe this passion allows me to connect with our guests on a deeper level and create tailored experiences that are both authentic and meaningful."
