Join killer whales in the waters of Norway

Swimming with killer whales would have to rate as one of the world’s most sensational travel experiences.

Scandinavian retail travel specialist MyPlanet Australia can arrange this amazing encounter for you at beautiful Tysfjord in northern Norway.  Tysfjord is known for the great concentration of orcas (killer whales) coming to the fjord every autumn to feed on spawning herring.

The orca safari season runs from 21 October to 22 January. You can choose between simply observing the orcas from a whale watching boat or rubber zodiacs, while the really adventurous can don a wetsuit, mask and snorkel and join them in the water.

Teresia Fors, editor of MyPlanet Magazine, chose to brave the elements on a snorkelling safari last January. 

“The fjord water is cold, very cold, but that is soon forgotten when we started spotting fins.  When the orcas are about 10 metres away, as quietly as you can, you slide into the water,” says Teresia.  “You float on the surface and it’s just breathtaking when they swim underneath you.  Imagine having a seven metre long orca just two metres from your belly button.”

Tysfjord’s environment is also spectacular with high mountains rising steeply all around. This is the narrowest part of Norway – it’s only 6km to the Swedish border.

Located about 200km north of the Arctic Circle, Tysfjord is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. They can be seen nearly every clear night. The skies are also home to 80% of the world’s sea eagles, which you are bound to spot on a safari.

Tysfjord is accessible by air into Bodo or Evenes, with train, bus or ferry connection from Oslo. MyPlanet Australia offers airfares with partner airline Scandinavian Airlines from Australia to Bodo or Oslo in Norway. Prices start at $1999, excluding taxes*. 

Tours take three hours and begin with an interpretative slide show and lecture about the killer whales and are priced from AUD$ 330.00

For more information phone 02 9020 5800 or visit www.myplanetaustralia.com