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Skjervøy orcas & humpbacks

SnorkelingNo permitNo mooring buoys

Marine life · Also good for anchoring

Norway & SvalbardSkjervøy orcas & humpbacks
Best time
Nov–Jan
Water temp.
4 °C
Marine life
Coordinates70°01′34″ N, 20°59′28″ E

Orca and humpback whales following overwintering herring into the fjords, hunted in Arctic twilight with snow-covered mountains on both sides. Snorkelling in a drysuit in 4°C water while orca pods carousel-feed, and the aurora sometimes firing above the same water. The herring changed their wintering grounds in the early 2010s and the whales followed, creating this fishery-driven spectacle almost overnight. Norway restricts in-water time and boat approaches; regulations tighten regularly, so verify the current rules. Anchorage: Deep, sheltered fjord anchorages; Skjervøy harbour. Hazards: No site-specific hazards noted, brief normally.

Weather

°C°F

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