The journey of orcas | Orca Norway
The journey of orcas

The journey of orcas

For over 30 years, our company has been dedicated to organizing expeditions along the breathtaking Norwegian coast, providing adventurers and nature enthusiasts with unforgettable experiences in one of the most pristine marine environments on Earth. Our journey began in 1991, inspired by the passion and vision of our founder, Olav Magne Strømsholm, who led a successful test season in Tysfjord, Lofoten. This initial endeavor laid the foundation for our ongoing commitment to exploring the beauty and mystery of the Norwegian fjords.

The success of that first season set the stage for what would become a series of expeditions in the Tysfjord and Vestfjorden areas of Lofoten, lasting until the year 2000. During this time, our company honed its expertise in navigating the unique challenges of the Norwegian coastal waters, building a reputation for excellence and a deep respect for the natural world. Our expeditions not only focused on showcasing the stunning landscapes and rich marine life of the region but also emphasized the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

Orca Norway

By the year 2000, we began to notice significant shifts in orca behavior, which prompted us to expand our explorations throughout the entire Lofoten region. This change in strategy allowed us to continue offering unparalleled wildlife viewing experiences while adapting to the evolving patterns of the orcas. From 2000 to 2008, we explored new areas and adapted our expeditions to follow the movements of these magnificent creatures, ensuring that our guests could witness their grace and power in their natural habitat.

The period from 2009 to 2012 presented new challenges as the orcas no longer confined themselves to a restricted area during their feeding process. In response, we embraced this dynamic environment by tracing the orcas' movement from Bodø in northern Norway to Ålesund in the western part of the country. This required our team to develop new strategies and logistical solutions, demonstrating our commitment to providing authentic and immersive experiences for our guests.

In recent years, the orcas have migrated even further north, reflecting broader environmental changes that we continue to study and understand. From 2013 to 2017, our expeditions were based in Kaldfjord, northern Norway, where we adapted our itineraries to follow the orcas' northward migration. This period was marked by close collaboration with scientists and researchers, enhancing our understanding of the orcas' behavior and the factors driving their movements.

Orca Norway

Since 2018, the orcas have settled around Skjervøy, and our expeditions have adjusted accordingly to offer our guests the chance to experience this new hotspot of orca activity. Our collaboration with scientists and accumulated experience has highlighted the orcas' trend of migrating northward, providing valuable insights into their behavior and the health of the marine ecosystem.

As we look to the future, we are excited to announce that starting in 2024, our expeditions will depart from Alta, positioning us at the forefront of orca exploration and conservation in northern Norway. This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to adapting to the ever-changing environment and ensuring that our guests continue to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty and wonder of the Norwegian coast. With a rich history of adventure, discovery, and environmental stewardship, our company remains dedicated to providing exceptional expeditions that inspire and educate, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.


Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter AS © 2024. All rights reserved
Photo credit: Ivan Breslauer, Sebastian Hubertus and Olav Magne Strømsholm.