WHALE ZONE IS A TRAVEL AGENCY SPECIALISED IN WHALE WATCHING HOLIDAYS www.whalezone.com NORTHERN NORWAY EXPEDITION 2015 From 16 th to 23 rd January 2015 TOUR FOCUS: Orcas and Humpback whales feeding on herring
FOCUS: Whale Watching and snorkeling with Orcas and Humpback whales WHERE: Northern Norway. We will be based in the town of Andenes. WHEN: 16 th to 23 rd January 2015 GROUP SIZE: 8 participants maximum HIGHLIGHTS High abundance of Orcas and Humpback whales. Fantastic photo opportunities from very stable platform. Great underwater photo opportunities. You can snorkel with Orcas and Humpbacks. Stunning landscapes of the Vesterålen area. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Sightings of other animals possible: Sei whales, Fin whales, Minke whales, Common eiders, King eiders, Fulmars, Cormorants, Gannets, Sea eagles, Kittiwakes and more. Full exploitation of limited daylight (about 5 hours per day) at sea and in close proximity to the action without disturbing the animals.
INTRODUCTION If you are reading this, you are just seconds away from finding out why some of best known photographers and film crews went to Norway in January 2014 and why they plan to do it again in 2015. It is exactly for this reason that we decided to expand our portfolio and give you the chance to be among the first to unveil the secrets of a destination located at much higher latitudes than our beloved Azores: the plentiful seas of northern Norway. Norway has some of Europe's most beautiful coastal line and still features real wilderness. In mid-winter the snow covered landscape forms the backdrop to many natural wonders including the famous Northern lights as well as this exceptional gathering of cetaceans. The reason for this miracle is a small fish called Herring. Large shoals of Herring are the staple diet of several marine predators including cetaceans such as the Humpback whale and Orca (we do not like to call them 'Killer whales' since they are no more 'killers' than other carnivores and they are actually large dolphins, not whales). The specific area we are focusing on is Vesterålen, which in the last 4 years has had highest abundance of Herring in the world! Hundreds of Orcas, dozens of Humpbacks as well as other whales are attracted by the abundant prey. The herring often form huge aggregations. Sometimes spectacular bait balls form and both Humpbacks and Orcas can be watched feeding together, often on the same shoal of herring. While the whales gorge themselves on many fish at once, taking huge mouthfuls and filtering the water through their baleen plates, the Orcas stun their prey with a slap from their caudal fin and consume each fish one by one. Seabirds and predatory fish often join the feeding frenzy too. The whole spectacle will leave you speechless. Here's the deal - this phenomenon only happens when the herring are most plentiful and this only occurs in mid-winter. For this reason we want you to understand that this excursion is therefore best suited for real enthusiasts, dedicated whale watchers and wildlife photographers. It is not a luxury cruise. You will experience some extreme temperatures and challenging light conditions. The sea may not be calm. You will also need some preparation and suitable equipment. If you want to enter the water, a good experience snorkeling will be essential and you will have to have your own drysuit. In mid-winter, daylight lasts about 5 hours at these latitudes. Our plan will be to head out to sea each day before dawn to fully exploit all the available light. We will then spend the long evenings returning to port and once back ashore you can spend time reviewing your day, joining one of our presentations or slide shows and, if the opportunity arises, photographing or just watching the amazing Aurora borealis or 'Northern lights'.
THE BOAT We will head out to sea each day on the MS Siøblomsten, which features a small galley (kitchen), a head (toilet), a heated lounge with free WLAN and a hot shower. The vessel is also equipped with a ladder for divers and can deploy a small semi-rigid inflatable boat. Photographers will be able to charge batteries during the excursions. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are offered on board. SIZE OF GROUP In order to provide the best opportunities for watching, photographing and filming the animals the Northern Norway Expedition is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. FINE-TUNE YOUR SPIRIT FOR THE EXPEDITION This is an exploratory expedition to witness some incredible cetacean behaviour few people have seen yet it. It will be an exciting opportunity and a real chance to discover something new. However, to be part of it you will need to prepare yourself for the North sea in mid-winter. If you are looking for luxury, extreme comfort, warmth and sunshine, our Northern Norway Expedition is definitely not for you. WHAT IS INCLUDED 7-night accommodation at Hotel Marena (double room occupancy, private bathroom, breakfast). 6-day expedition at sea on privately chartered boat. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (hot and cold) on board. Constant guidance and assistance. Use of small semi-rigid inflatable boat deployed from mother ship when needed. Opportunity to snorkel with Orcas and Humpback whales. Transfers from/to Andøya airport (Andenes) WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Flights Alcoholic drinks Dinners PRICE The price of our Northern Norway Expedition is 2850 Euro/person in a double occupied by two guests. Single room supplement is 30 Euro/night.
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD We will be based in the town of Andenes and stay at Hotel Marena, which is a nice and cozy hotel located close to the harbour. Lunch will be provided on board in the form of snacks and it is included in the package. We will have dinner in local restaurants and dinner is not included in the package. RECOMMENDED CLOTHING Thanks to the effect of the Gulf Stream, winter in Norway is not as cold as one may think. Wind represents the main chilling factor. We advise warm layers of winter clothing and waterproof shoes with good grip for use on the boat. Water temperature will be about 2-4 C and air temperature may fall below 0 C. You will have to have a drysuit if you plan to get in the water (see travel check list below for details). TRAVEL CHECK LIST Warm, weatherproof clothes Gloves, scarf, cap/bonnet Waterproof, warm shoes Dry bag and backpack Camera and underwater camera gear, memory supports Tripod for Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Batteries and chargers (230V, European standard) Snorkeling gear: drysuit, hood, gloves, mask, snorkel, fins Passport Credit cards Anti seasickness agents
AIRPORTS & OTHER TRAVEL INFO Please find below the suggested flight plans. 1) Your origin -> Tromsø -> Andøya airport, Andenes or, as an alternative: 2) Your origin -> Oslo -> Bodø -> Andøya airport, Andenes Depending on flight schedule you may need to stay overnight in either Tromsø or Bodø. PHOTO EQUIPMENT We suggest light, fast lenses up to 300mm. Fast camera operated at high ISO is necessary because of low light conditions and action. For landscape photography and capturing the Northern Lights, we recommend fast lenses and a maximum of F2.8, along with a good tripod.
SA DAY 1 (16 th January 2015) PROGRAM OF THE EXPEDITION - Arrival to northern Norway. - Transfer to the Hotel and visit to the ship. - Preparation of camera gear and planning of following days. - Dinner (not included in price). DAY 2 TO 7 (From 17 th to 22 nd January 2015) Daily boat trips out to the fjords where whales and orcas are hunting the herring. Each day is different and you immediately realise that there is a lot you can capture with your camera. We start before first daylight and head to the area where highest whale activity was observed. Our goal is to observe and snorkel with Orcas and Humpback whales, but it is possible to also see Fin whales, Sei whales and Minke whales. We stay out at sea as long as possible so that we will not miss a second of action. In the evenings there is a good chance to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis). Trips may be cancelled due to adverse weather/sea conditions, in which case we provide alternative daily activities. Snorkeling with Orcas and Humpbacks can be done whenever weather/sea conditions allow. DAY 8 (23 rd January 2015) Transfer to the airport and departure. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@whalezone.com or visit www.whalezone.com for any questions or doubts. We are always delighted to assist! THE WHALE ZONE TEAM