🐋 Orca Expedition Guide
Swimming with Orcas in Norway
Valhalla Expedition - Seglvik, Norway
🎯 Critical Points - Don't Miss These!
1. Ferry Timing: Ferry departs at 17:00 → Arrive in Tromsø BEFORE 15:30
2. Return Flight: You arrive back at 21:15 → DO NOT book a flight the same evening. Book a hotel in Tromsø for Saturday night.
3. Book your ferry tickets NOW via Svipper app (€100 round trip per person)
✈️ Arrival & Transportation
Friday Arrival Schedule:
- Flight arrival: Before 15:00 (recommended 13:00-14:00)
- Taxi to ferry terminal: 10 minutes from Tromsø airport
- Ferry departure: 17:00 from Prostneset Hurtigbåtkai
- Change ferries in Skjervøy (same quay)
- Arrival in Seglvik: evening
⚠️ Important: You need to change ferries in Skjervøy. The Seglvik ferry leaves from the same quay. Don't waste time - the connection can be tight!
🎟️ Ferry Tickets (Ferry #3):
- Cost: ~€100 per person (round trip)
- Download Svipper app before departure
- Buy tickets 2 hours before or onboard
- Schedule: Check Svipper.no regularly
🏨 Return Journey:
- Return to Tromsø: 21:15
- Book a hotel in Tromsø for Saturday night
- Departure flight: Sunday or Monday (safer)
- Tromsø is small - ferry station is central
📋 Urgent To-Do List
Fill out preference form (ASAP - first come, first served)
Download Svipper app and buy ferry tickets
Book hotel in Tromsø for return (Saturday night)
Purchase travel insurance (highly recommended for Arctic weather)
Buy seasickness medication (e.g., Dramamine)
Check weather on yr.no a few days before
Download offline maps (limited network in some areas)
🎒 Packing List
🏊 Swimming Essentials
- Fitted swimsuit (crucial under wetsuit)
- Swim cap (if long hair)
- Small towel for boat
- Earplugs (optional)
🧥 Warm Clothing
- Snow pants
- Fleece jacket
- Merino base layer (1 set)
- Thermal socks (2-3 pairs)
- Warm beanie
- Gloves (+ spare pair)
👢 Footwear & Accessories
- Warm boots
- Ice crampons
- Ski goggles
- Hand warmers
- Sunscreen (high protection)
📱 Electronics & Misc
- Waterproof bag for camera
- Extra batteries
- Power adapter (Type F, 230V)
- Powerbank
- Headlamp
- Insulated water bottle
🍫 Food & Medicine
- Energy bars / snacks
- Personal medications
- Seasickness pills
- No shops in Seglvik!
💡 Expert Tips
1. Test your cold weather gear at home before departure. Wear it around to make sure everything fits and is comfortable.
2. Bring a small waterproof backpack for the boat (not a large suitcase).
3. Batteries drain fast in cold weather - bring extras and keep them warm in inside pockets.
4. Sun reflection on snow and water is intense - high SPF sunscreen is essential.
5. November in Arctic = very long nights - a headlamp is very useful.
6. Pack light - you'll wear the same outfit each evening. Limited infrastructure means simple living.
🛟 What Valhalla Provides
On the boat, you'll receive:
- Wetsuit, gloves, booties
- Snorkel, mask, fins
- Visibility cap, net, belt, weights
- Dryrobe (sizes S to XXXL)
- First aid essentials
⚠️ NOT provided: Medications (including seasickness remedies)
📱 Communication
WhatsApp Group: Created the day before your expedition with all participants and staff.
Network: Limited in some areas - download offline maps beforehand.
📞 Emergency Contact
Julie: +33 6 98 10 28 03
Address: Valhalla Expedition
Seglvikveien, 9182 Seglvik, Norway
SEA U SOON! 🐋