Few places let travellers watch orcas hunting herring beneath a sky lit by the aurora borealis in the same week. Northern Norway’s fjords offer exactly that combination each winter, when orca pods follow the herring migration into sheltered waters and long Arctic nights create some of the best conditions anywhere for seeing the northern lights.
Majestic Whale Encounters runs a seven-day expedition through this stretch of coastline aboard the MS Freya, a small vessel carrying a maximum of 12 guests. The Orcas & Northern Lights expedition departs 3 to 9 December 2026, with daily boat outings searching for orca, weather permitting, and evenings free to watch for the aurora.
Into the fjords by day
Northern Norway’s orcas gather in the region’s fjords through winter, drawn by dense schools of herring that move into sheltered water this time of year. Guests join daily boat searches for the pods, with the operator describing its approach as small-group and whale-first, prioritising calm, low-impact encounters over guaranteed close contact.
As with any wild orca encounter, sightings depend on the animals’ movements and the weather. The expedition is built around the search itself, rather than a promise of any particular outcome, and guests should treat every encounter as a genuine wildlife sighting rather than a scheduled event.
Waiting for the lights above
Once the boat outings wrap up for the day, the same dark skies that make this region excellent for orca watching also make it a strong location for the aurora borealis. Sightings depend on solar activity and clear skies, so nights are kept open for guests to watch when conditions allow.
A small ship and an ethical approach
The expedition runs for six nights aboard the MS Freya, with meals and activities included throughout. Cabin capacity is limited to 12 guests, keeping outings small and giving guests more flexibility to observe wildlife without crowding. One private cabin with ensuite has become available on this otherwise sold-out December departure, following a late cancellation.
