Hundreds of orcas gather in the Kvænangen fjord northeast of Tromsø each winter to feed on the massive herring migration, often alongside humpback whales. Known for their 'carousel feeding' technique where they swirl under schools of herring. Snorkeling with orcas is tightly regulated and usually only possible in November under special permit.

Best Months

Discover where and when to observe Orca (Orcinus orca) in the wild. 8 observation spots worldwide: Skjervøy / Kvænangen (Tromsø, Norway), Salish Sea — San Juan Islands & Vancouver Island (USA / Canada), Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Grundarfjörður (Iceland), Antarctic Peninsula, Valdés Peninsula / Punta Norte (Patagonia, Argentina). Interactive migration map and travel tips.

November: 95%
December: 95%
January: 90%
June: 90%
July: 90%
August: 90%

8 Observation Spots Worldwide

Skjervøy / Kvænangen (Tromsø, Norway) - 95% (Nov, Dec, Jan)
Salish Sea — San Juan Islands & Vancouver Island (USA / Canada) - 90% (Jun, Jul, Aug)
Snæfellsnes Peninsula / Grundarfjörður (Iceland) - 85% (Feb, Mar, Jan)
Antarctic Peninsula - 85% (Jan, Feb, Dec)
Valdés Peninsula / Punta Norte (Patagonia, Argentina) - 75% (Mar, Apr, Sep)
Bay of Plenty / Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand) - 75% (Oct, Nov, Dec)
Shetland Islands / Hebrides (Scotland, UK) - 70% (Jun, Jul, Aug)
False Bay / Cape Town (South Africa) - 60% (Jun, Jul, Mar)