reconnaissance expedition

Norway: Herring Run

Experience the awe-inspiring Arctic herring run, where millions of herring attract orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales in a breathtaking Arctic spectacle under the shimmering aurora.

2025 EXPEDITION DATES

JANUARY SESSIONS

January 12-18 (4 spots remaining)
January 17-23, 2025 (sold out)

Apply for 2025 Sessions

The Herring Run

Every winter from mid November to late January, the fjords of northern Norway transform into a bustling underwater metropolis with the arrival of the herring run. Millions of herring create a shimmering spectacle, attracting orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales.

Orcas arrive in sleek pods, showcasing their intelligence and teamwork as they herd and hunt the herring with precision. Humpback whales join the feast, lunging through schools of herring with their enormous mouths agape, filtering thousands of fish in a single gulp. Amidst this feeding frenzy, elusive fin whales, the second-largest animals on Earth, glide through the water, their streamlined bodies slicing through the frigid depths as they gorge on the abundant herring. This convergence of marine giants is a wildlife spectacle like no other.

Join us in the cold, dark depths of the Arctic Ocean to witness one of Earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles—the herring run. Millions of herring converge in the northern fjords to spawn, drawing orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales to feast on the nutrient-rich, egg-filled fish. This awe-inspiring event unfolds beneath the shimmering aurora, amidst charming Norwegian fishing villages north of the Arctic Circle.

This land-based trip includes 4-5 hours of boat time per day over five days on the water. Expect water temperatures of 3-6 degrees Celsius. It's cold, but it’s the most amazing ocean wildlife experience one can jump into. We suffer and celebrate together and believe us, it’s worth every second of it. Prepare your 8mm freediving suit for an adventure that combines the exhilarating arctic chill, with incredible wildlife viewing up close and personal, and pure adrenaline.

BASICS

Guests: Maximum 6 participants per session, plus staff.

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights.

Location: Skjervoy, Troms, Norway (above the Arctic Circle).

Activities: 5 days of snorkeling with orcas and whales plus 1 land excursion.

Experience Level: Perfect for all experience levels but requires good physical fitness— snorkelers looking to get their feet wet, free divers, and photographers. No scuba qualification is required. All participants should feel comfortable swimming at least 150 meters unaided in open water. This is a cold water program, expect water temperatures of around 4C; you will need a 7~9mm open cell freediving suit. Full rentals are available.

Admission: By invitation or application only. Apply to join here.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Tromso, transfer to the tiny fishing village of Skjervoy in the northern Fjords of Troms county, just above the Arctic Circle. Meet the crew and enjoy a dinner together.

Day 2~6: Breakfast daily at 8 am, departure for the dock at 9 am to gear up and head out. We spend every morning on water until around 2 pm but keep it flexible based on weather and interactions. There is no true sunlight being this far up, so we have to take advantage of light conditions between 9 am and 2:30 pm every day to be on the water. In the afternoons, we bond, relax, participate in workshops, and go aurora hunting.

Day 7: Departures from Tromso; one group transfer to the airport is included after breakfast at 9 am, arriving at the airport around 1 pm. For those catching an earlier flight, there is a 5 am bus arriving at the airport at 9 am.

Pier Nirandara

Pier Nirandara is an award-winning author, travel writer, film producer, and underwater photographer. A PADI AmbassaDiver™ and TEDx speaker, she founded Hollywood Sharks, the first diving club in the industry. An advocate for solo female travel, Pier has visited over 100 countries across 7 continents. Her work is featured in BBC, AFAR, Lonely Planet, Oceanographic Magazine, Adventure.com, and more.
Matt Reichel

Matt, from Vancouver, Canada, is a nature enthusiast, geopolitics nerd, and documentary photographer. A Brown University graduate in International Relations, he leads oceanic programs and geopolitical trips, documenting wildlife and humanity since 2017. His work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Al Jazeea, VICE, Reuters and more.

Tuition: $5,150 (USD)

Due at the time of booking: $2,000 deposit.
Balances are due 4 months before departure.
See Terms and Conditions for more info.

INCLUDED

6 nights accommodation (shared, single supplement upgrades available on a first-come first-serve basis).
Self-serve breakfasts.
Professional whale guide and trip leader.
5 days on-water in a covered dive boat.
Full boat crew.
Airport transport on the trip start/end date (one group transfer only, otherwise bus and ferry options are available if you miss it).
Dive weights

EXCLUDED